My Soul, A Shining Tree

Jamila Gavin author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:14th Aug '25

Should be back in stock very soon

My Soul, A Shining Tree cover

An epic First World War historical story of courage and friendship, new for 2025 and perfect for kids aged 9-12

A stunning and heartbreaking new novel from Jamila Gavin, the bestselling and award-winning author of Coram Boy and The Wheel of Surya. “Flawless” — Telegraph “A must-read” — The Times “Exceptional” — The Bookseller Children’s Book of the MonthA stunning and heartbreaking new novel from Jamila Gavin, the bestselling and award-winning author of Coram Boy and The Wheel of Surya. “Flawless” — Telegraph “A must-read” — The Times “Exceptional” — The Bookseller Children’s Book of the Month

Based on the true story of Indian WWI gunner and recipient of the Victoria Cross, Khudadad Khan. The story is told from four perspectives: Lotte, a Belgian farmgirl whose village is the flashpoint for a battle; Ernst, a German teenage cavalry soldier whose grandiose dreams of war lie in tatters; Khudadad Khan, the gunner fighting with the British Army; and the walnut tree that shelters them all.

"This is a lyrical, flawless work of writing, in which Gavin seamlessly weaves together her haunting confluence of narratives, creating an epic of less than 150 pages… Whether you are nine or 90, I cannot recommend this book more highly” — Emily Bearn, Telegraph

“A superbly poignant and evocative historical novel from a much-loved author”Imogen Russell-Williams, Guardian

“A quietly powerful novel that is a must-read for anyone interested in the lives behind the history. Superb” — Lucy Bannerman, The Times

“A sweeping war epic about love and courage … My Soul, a Shining Tree is a truly exceptional novel” — Charlotte Eyre, The Bookseller

Jamila Gavin is one of our greatest writers” – S.F. Said

Readers are bowled over by this timeless book:

“This is an excellent historical fiction book about the world war. I have never read anything by this author but this book is spectacular.” — Suleman, aged 14, Toppsta review

“An essential addition to any secondary school collection of war stories"

“A book that will stay with me and is certainly worthy of countless award nominations”

“Beautiful, heartbreaking and courageous, this is such powerful storytelling!”

“An essential and timely book to add to primary and secondary school library and classroom collections”

“Such a powerful and emotive book is a must-read"

Praise for Never Forget You:

“If there are any prizes left for children’s books by the end of the year … then this thoughtful, engrossing new novel from Jamila Gavin should clean up … Gavin draws her characters with such care and detail that we root with all our might for each one as they use their free will to choose their own futures. Never Forget You is a novel to remember” – The Times

“We never lose our sense of engagement with the many characters and events, and quotations add to the rich debate about whether war is justified. An exceptionally well-told and compelling account of friendship, courage and love” – The Sunday Times

ISBN: 9780008617189

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 10mm

Weight: 120g

160 pages