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The Memory Cage

Suitable for 9 – 11 years

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This item has 5 stars of a maximum 5

Rated 5/5 from 1 rating

2 reviews (Add a review)

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Product description

“Grandad’s getting worse. Last night he could have killed us all…”

Alex’s beloved grandfather is sick. His memory is failing, and Alex’s adoptive parents want to put him in a home. Alex has promised Grandad that he won’t let that happen. But Alex has broken promises before. When he was growing up in the Bosnian War, he swore that he would protect his little brother. It was a promise he failed to keep… Now, as Alex struggles to look after his grandfather, he uncovers secrets that his new family and their village have kept hidden for two generations. Unravelling them will cause grief and pain – but might also save his grandfather, and help Alex come to terms with his own private war.

A powerfully moving inter-generational tale of war, memory, love and loyalty, written in the vein of Michael Morpurgo and Michelle Magorian.

“Beautifully written and carefully conceived, The Memory Cage is an exceptional first novel and has so much to offer for children aged 10 and over.” Lancashire Evening Post

“It’s a thoughtful story about confronting fears and one which gives us an insight into a way of life that would be very difficult at the best of times.” Books 4 Teens

Product Details

Format

Paperback

ISBN

9781407120522

Publisher

Scholastic

Date published

January 3rd, 2011

Accelerated Reader

AR book level: 4.1; Middle years plus; 7.0 points

Other details

  • 240 pages

Condition

New

UK edition

Activities & resources

Reviews

  1. Robert
    on 20 January 2011

    The Memory Cage

    Exciting from start to finish.
    Thought provoking for weeks afterwards.
    Incredibly moving.
    This a wonderful, wonderful book and far too good for kids!

  2. Mim Waller
    on 19 January 2011

    Read this today!

    Ruth Eastham creates an inspiring story that is so believable, it hurts! You can feel Alex's despair and frustration as he struggles to fit in to his adoptive family whilst trying to help his ailing grandfather. Alex's search for the truth was always going to be painful, but the story is full of optimism and strength of character. I was totally gripped from start to finish, and read it in super-quick time, which is sad because I didn't want it to end! More please!

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What kids think

  1. AngelofDeath
    on 9 March 2014

    It was a good book but a bit said. I felt pity for Alex after so many things he had gone through but on the whole it was good

  2. kittykrista106
    on 26 October 2011

    I like this book.I am sad for alex because of all of those things what happend to alex.I wa sreading this book in school with my english teacher.It’s sad book littel bit.I don’t won’t to have brother like Lenoerd and i don’t won’t live with not my real family.

    In school we have to write a dairy what happend to alex.We were the Alex.

    Those people who like books like that read this book. :) :) :) :) :)

      
        By Kristina 
From Year 7
    4 out of 5

  3. jmpc
    on 3 March 2011

    If only Grandad’s memory was better, if only he didn’t keep doing dangerous stuff. These are the thoughts of Alex, the adopted child of the Smith family. In desperation to improve his Grandad’s memory and prevent him being sent to care home, he comes up with the idea of making a scrapbook of his Grandad’s life. He’s got a week to change his parents mind. The pace of the story turns up a notch in the latter half of the book. And as it became more intriguing I found it difficult to put down. With lots of help, Alex uncovers family secrets from his Grandad’s past during World War Two and at the same time facing up to his own. Alex, the hero of the story, as a special relationship with his Grandad and some of the conversations they have are very touching to read. With themes of mental illness, family secrets, grief and the terrible things it does to people, this book will appeal to a wide audience of children and adults alike.

    5 out of 5

  4. libby070401
    on 8 February 2011

    I really like this book. Great story and very intresting !!