The Doughnut Club
By Kristina Rahim
Ideal for 8-15 year olds, ‘The Doughnut Club’ is a fresh take on family and what it means to fit in. Filled with heart, this book is for every reader who needs help being true to themselves. Perfect for fans of Sarah Hagger-Holt and Benjamin Dean.
Donor conceived Quinn loves her family, but she often feels the odd one out. Not only because she’s the only one with red hair and green eyes, but because she would rather be quietly drawing than surfing or rock-climbing or whatever mad activity her mums and brother Olly might like to do on holiday.
But when Quinn’s mums tell her and Olly they have sixteen donor siblings, Quinn is really excited. Maybe one of them will be more like her! The only problem is her parents want them to wait until they are older to contact anyone.
As she tries to secretly find out more, Quinn starts to lose sight of what’s really important – especially when she starts to believe her worst enemy could be one of her siblings! Can she find a way back to her family, whilst finding a way to tell them how she really feels?
‘Rahim weaves those complex matters into a mystery with an absorbing plot, driven by its plucky, warm-hearted heroine. “It’s annoying sometimes, having to explain the two-mum thing to new people, but apart from that, our family is our family,” says Quinn – and that’s all we need to understand.’
Emily Bearn, The Telegraph
Archie Nolan: Family Detective
A funny, illustrated story for 8-12yr olds. By Beverly Ward.
Science geek Archie Nolan tries to keep a low profile, but when his class are told to research their family tree, he is terrified twin sister and school swot Jemima is going to reveal that they are donor conceived. Archie’s in turmoil. He doesn’t want to have to talk about all that embarrassing stuff. The only person who understands is his donor conceived friend Cameron, but he seems to have unearthed a village vampire…..and Archie’s far more interested in investigating that!
Open Archie’s secret diary and join him and his friends on an action-packed adventure to find out what family really means.
IMPORTANT NOTES
The story is set in the UK, but the characters, storyline and topics covered make it relevant to other countries.
For younger children 8-10yrs we recommend that parents read the book first themselves so they are aware of the content, but that would probably be a good idea for all parents whatever your child’s age. The book is a conversation starter, and includes some topics that might need more exploration with parents (see the topics listed below).
Because the subject matter is quite deep the book can also be given to teenagers who might find it really interesting, even though the format is a little young for them and the main characters are 11 years old. You might want to explain your reasons for buying it for them, so that is clear.
The main characters are in a heterosexual couple family and a solo mum family. The book contains characters in a variety of families (heterosexual couples, single women, same sex couples) conceived by different donation types (including sperm, egg, double and embryo donation).
The book is a good read for all children, not just donor conceived children, and explores themes of difference, friendship, connection and family. As well as a murder mystery involving a vampire (of course!).
The story includes the following topics: genetic half siblings, known donors, anonymous donors, donors who are not known but will be identifiable at some point in the child’s life.
The story does not include sex education, although it does cover how babies are made in terms of reproduction and some very basic information about genetics.
