The Year of Big Dreams

Flo lives with her mum in Marigold Parade, a tight-knit urban community in the less glamorous part of town and when Flo’s mum, Queenie, is persuaded to enter the ‘Big Dreams’ national TV talent contest with her amazing style and singing, it seems certain she will win. However, things don’t turn out quite as expected and the year that follows is full of ups and downs. This novel, narrated loosely in diary format, is packed full of genuinely portrayed characters: from Flo’s loyal friends Freddie and Zee to her fearsome but actually deeply loving grandmother they help to draw the reader into Flo’s world. The deep warmth and love of a small community who pull together to support Flo and Queenie as they deal with the ups and downs of a very challenging year is heartening. Readers will sympathise with Flo, who is down to earth, struggling with the mixed emotions of seeing her life with her mum begin to change and having to take more responsibility than she feels ready for. A heart-warming story for girls aged 10+.