Hidden Written by Miriam Halahmy. Reviewed by Kate, Age 13

The title Hidden is a reference to the hidden struggles of all characters: Mohammed has to be kept hidden because society views him as being here illegally; Samir hides himself from the violent bullies, and Allix is hiding her true self. We may not have experienced the events in the novel, but the way it’s written helps us to open our hearts to these central characters. The writer, Miriam Halahmy, has married into an Iraqi family and I’m sure her experience brings the reality of the situation to life.

The story follows an unlikely friendship when Alix and Samir help to hide a refugee who has washed up on the local beach from the authorities. A strong theme of Hidden is overcoming tough challenges, such as racism, through the strength of kindness and hope

This novel is not an easy read. There are offensive insults in the first few pages and descriptions of pretty extreme violence. The writer doesn’t shy away from these difficult events, and the novel is even more powerful as a result. However, it is the central friendship that stays with the reader after reading the novel, and because of this I would recommend this heartfelt novel to anyone who needs to be reminded that there is still kindness in the world.