Mr Romanov’s Garden in the Sky

Known around the commission flats as ‘The Creeper’, Lexie has always stayed well out of Mr Romanov’s way. That is until a disturbing incident in which the old man is targeted and Lexie finds herself drawn to the elderly fellow. But living in such a place isn’t easy and before long Mr Romanov, Lexie and her friend, Davey, decide to jump in the old man’s car, leaving behind their messed up lives to follow a dream that Lexie has had since her dad was still alive.

Robert Newton has created a beautiful character in Mr Romanov. He helps Lexie to realise that you should never judge a book by its cover and that dealing with loss is a part of life that can be made easier when you surround yourself with people who love you. For ages 11 and up.

Katherine Dretzke is a friend of Readings.