A heart-wrenching, evocative and intimate debut novel from a hugely talented voice in children's fiction, with a refreshed cover look.

Winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari is an incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death – but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture, and life.

'Heart-healing, deeply enriching and utterly chaotic . . . Be ready to have this one stay with you.' - Onjali Q Raúf author of The Boy at the Back of the Class

Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it’s not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own.

She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers – like those of an artichoke – around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her.

"These particular artichoke hearts have been marinated in some powerful ingredients" - Guardian

"Brimming with emotional honesty, the voices of all the characters have an authenticity that allows the painful situations to be lightened by gentle humour . . . This is a brave and ambitious book that succeeds on every level. A wonderful debut from a new talent" - Daily Mail

"Young readers who have experienced bereavement will find this novel touches them on many levels, while for others it may help them reflect on a subject many find hard to think about, let alone discuss, and feel less afraid" - Books for Keeps

"A welter of emotions engulf Mira in this touching pre-teen story about secrets and how to keep them and share them. Mira tells her story with appealing directness" - LoveReading.co.uk

"Artichoke hearts is a novel about many things: love, loss, acceptance, family, friendship . . . [it] draws on real life in a way that makes you think it could be talking about your friends or relatives. It really is a special book, and it's one that will stay with me for a very long time" - Wondrous Reads