Mission: Find Mum by Jo Somerset
Longlisted for the Children’s Book Festivals Book Award 2025.
Described by Jackie Kay as “Such a brilliant read”, this is a powerful story for 10-13-year olds of climate activism, protest, betrayal and family complexity. Published by Stairwell Books.
12-year old Isla’s Mum has disappeared. With little brother Lac, Isla traces her to a Scottish island 500 miles away. Fighting hostile weather, wild elements and suspicious adults, they find Mum and discover a secret about their missing Dad. Completing the mission, hearing-impaired Isla learns to deal with uncomfortable truths.
About the author:
Jo Somerset is based in Manchester, and Mission: Find Mum is her first published book. She is an author and poet, founder of Chorlton Writers’ Café, and a trustee of Manchester Literature Festival. After completing a MA in Creative Writing at the University of Salford, she received the Leanne Bridgewater Award for Innovation and Experiment. Like Isla, Jo grew up in Birmingham with an unspoken Celtic heritage.
Tickets are £5 per person.
Some reviews:
“Isla and her brother suffer any child's worst nightmare: the disappearance of their main caregiver. But inspired by fictional heroes, and helped along by the kindness of strangers, they overcome obstacles to uncover family secrets. A heartwarming story of resilience, tenacity and love.” - Jane Houng, children’s author
“By the end of this touching and unpredictable coming-of-age story, the title, Mission: find Mum has gathered layers of meaning. Through the warmly engaging voice of twelve-year-old Isla, Jo Somerset has created an ever-deepening mystery and adventure. Just when it looks like Isla and her little brother, Lac, have accomplished one mission, another challenge begins – for Mum this time – and the plot thickens. This is a unique, sensitively told tale with a vivid setting, dynamic characters and so much to offer to readers aged 10+.” - Jennifer Burkinshaw, children’s author
“I couldn’t put it down! The use of Brummie and Scottish dialect was fun! It addressed the issues of mental health in parents, a child with a disability, the effect that stress and anxiety and have on a child, and stranger danger.” - Sarah Wimperis, Primary School Principal
Lily (age 11): “Amazing, flabbergasting, mindbogglingly wonderful and a great storyline”
