Many Rivers to Cross

Erroll Lloyd is best known for his optimistic, multicultural picture books. In this full length novel, he has told the unflinchingly realistic story of an adolescent travelling from Jamaica to rejoin her parents in England in 1966. The rivers of the title are the ordeals that Sandra has to endure: the loss of her granny and the secure, bucolic life that she epitomised; the physical challenges of growing up; the disjointed relationship with her parents; the dismal streets and climate of England; the racism of her new compatriots. All this could create a thoroughly bleak book, but Sandra's strength and determination carry her triumphantly through the gloom and heartbreak. This is a warm and meticulously well observed book, richly detailing through perceptions and memories and letters the complexities of contrasting lifestyles on both sides of the Atlantic. It's a pity about the unusually small print of this edition, but please don't let this discourage you from sharing this book with children.