Child poverty is a big problem in the UK, though one that a lot of people probably don't like to acknowledge exists. I'm sure there will be some people who would say that this is too harsh for a children's book, that kids want to be wowed by adventure and happy stories rather than being faced with these kinds of topics; but I have to disagree with that sentiment. But there's a thief in town, and the shelves of the food bank are getting emptier each day, leaving people hungrier than ever.

The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Raúf The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Raúf

The kid's favorite day of the month is the day they go to the food bank and get to withdraw things to eat. The great illustrations throughout make the book more accessible and give the text added life, published by Barrington Stoke this is a brilliantly accessible story not only for dyslexics, reluctant readers but for everyone. Now the UK being a developed country, it hardly seems possible that there would be people struggling to get a decent meal three times a day, but apparently it is a reality that many prefer to ignore.I also wish that Onjali can keep writing these meaningful books to raise awareness for all kinds of problems and inequality we face in the UK or even around the globe every day.

The Great (Food) Bank Heist | Book reviews | RGfE The Great (Food) Bank Heist | Book reviews | RGfE

The intriguing mystery is underpinned by a wealth of information about food poverty, expressed in a straightforward manner which is easy for children to understand. It's easy to pretend that it isn't happening around us, that it's something far removed, something that we can't change. As a teacher reading it out to my class though, I’m not sure I’d be comfortable about making it clear why children went to Breakfast Club - I’d be concerned for their privacy. The most impressive thing is the creation of a group of characters who were believable, funny and also moving at times. We share his hunger, his pride, and his hopes as part of a family struggling to survive in the current climate.They are shown to be caring and thoughtful people and it broke my heart to read how Nelson felt he had to keep the fact he had breakfast at breakfast club, from them as he was ashamed. The plot of this book is so very Raúf - having read The Boy at the Back of the Class a little while ago, I can hear the same adventurous, child-friendly, conversational voice that I enjoyed. It is dyslexia-friendly, with a specially-designed typeface and clear layout on thick paper to avoid confusing the eye, while engaging black-and-white illustrations add detail to the story. Nelson's friends Krish and Harriet make for interesting characters and bring a lot of diversity into the book. I liked Nelson’s character from the start and how he tries to distract his sister with games when she’s asking for food.

The Great (Food) Bank Heist - Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD) Literary The Great (Food) Bank Heist - Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD)

Focuses on a very serious issue within the UK (and other countries) which children should be educated about. They get to go to the breakfast club before school, where they get a good meal, and they get school lunches too. It tells the story of a single parent who works as much as she can, who loves her children and who will go hungry to ensure they are fed. It shines a light on a real issue, one that is affecting so many, and it makes that reality hit home.I enjoyed reading the way Nelson is so responsible and caring, and how determined he is to solve the thief problem. At the food bank, Nelson’s family usually get four and five bags of food but this time, they only give him two.

The Great (Food) Bank Heist (Paperback) - Waterstones The Great (Food) Bank Heist (Paperback) - Waterstones

These moments not only help to break up the text for younger readers, but really put you into the story too.Her first novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, has sold over 100,000 copies and won multiple awards.