A very poignant novel for our times, this is the story of a boy left behind with his mum in a tower-block when all around him escape to avoid the deadly ‘Bluchers’: plants that release poisonous spores into the air in his city. Cut off and alone before he discovers some other residents have stayed behind, Ade is a vulnerable but gentle and loveable character, and with issues of isolation, mental health (his mum’s agoraphobia), bravery and resilience all addressed or faced as the book proceeds, it makes this the perfect post-lockdown text to use if these are issues you want to address. A great read, the author was previously a teacher, and knows just the right length and way to end a chapter to keep readers/listeners coming back for more!