I Am Reading: Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari
Bringing Back Kay-Kay by Dev Kothari 👉
| Publisher: | Walker Books |
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| Publish date: | 4th April 2024 |
In this middlegrade book for 9-12, Lena hunts for her lost brother, learning things about him she never expected. Lena has lived in the shadow of her brother's success for years, but doesn't resent him – in fact, she adores him as the one person who she could always rely on. With the police not seeming to take the case seriously, and her parents struggling to cope, it's Lena who now has to be there for her brother.
The book is told in an unusual style, second-person, as Lena talks to Kay-Kay while trying to find him. This creates an interesting atmosphere, especially as Lena discovers more about Kay-Kay and the secrets he is holding.
Set in India, Kothari has a light touch in detail – enough to make you see the differences but not be overwhelmed or feel it's all about the 'otherness'. And Lena herself is a wonderful character, often overlooked but resourceful and determined.
The book doesn't shy away from the horror that parents would feel with a missing child. In fact, as a parent, I found some scenes almost hard to read. But Kothari walks the line well, and the book grabs you right from the start, with a great pay-off at the end. I loved it!