Hayley discovers the importance of giving people a chance in this thought-provoking tale from critically acclaimed author Lesley Parr. Hayley is annoyed that her beloved cat keeps sneaking off to the garden of the eccentric old lady across the street. Lillian, or Boo as Hayley calls her, lives in the last house in the row after the rest were knocked down years ago.

Lillian hasn’t stepped outside her front door since. But thanks to an unexpected act of kindness, a surprising friendship develops between them, and Hayley learns the real reason behind the old lady’s reluctance to move. So when a misunderstanding threatens their friendship, can Hayley repair what has been damaged and help Lillian find her way out into the world again? Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

• Format: Paperback
• Dimensions: 198 × 129 × 12 mm approx.
• Age range: Interest age 9+; reading age 8.
• ISBN: 978‑0‑00‑868070‑1
• Publisher: Barrington Stoke (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)
• Style: Dyslexia‑friendly layout and typeface—ideal for readers with literacy differences.

FAQs

Q1. Is this book suitable for readers with dyslexia or reading difficulties?

Yes — it is published by Barrington Stoke, a publisher well known for accessible layouts and dyslexia‑friendly design, and clearly described as “particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8”.

Q2. What age group is this book aimed at?

The interest age is 9+ (upper primary / early secondary), while the reading age is approximately 8 years — ideal for children who read below their chronological age.

Q3. What is the story about?

It recounts the childhood of Grace Darling, daughter of a lighthouse keeper on the Northumberland coast, her life in remote lighthouse locations, her fear of the sea, and her courageous involvement in the 1838 Forfarshire shipwreck rescue.

Q4. Can it be used in schools for classroom libraries or reading‑intervention groups?

Absolutely. With a historically important figure, strong cross‑curriculum links (History, Local Study, Women’s History), accessible format and manageable length, it is an excellent addition to classroom libraries, reading‑for‑pleasure zones and inclusive reading programmes.

Q5. Will the story feel too “easy” for older readers?

No — while the reading age is lower, the story’s setting, themes and characters are age‑appropriate for 9+ years. It meets older children at their interest age, while supporting their reading confidence.