The Great Food Bank Heist by Onjali Q. Raúf

Illustrated by Elisa Paganelli  Barrington Stoke ISBN 9781781129623  £6.99

This book is important because it highlights a key issue – food poverty. The story is told with empathy and sympathy. We share a child’s perspective on what is like to be dependent on a food bank and a breakfast club. We feel for mum who tries to provide for her children. There are heroes too, such as Mrs Bell the teacher who spends her own money buying children treats. In “The Real Hunger Games” we are shown some of the games the family plays to keep their spirits up. There is also a fun element. The children set out to find the Food Bank Thieves. The stake-out is tense and the final chapters are very exciting.

At the back of the book Raúf explains that Marcus Rashford was her inspiration, and praises other adults who promote the cause along with the “hidden army of amazing hearts working in food banks and breakfast clubs every single day to help keep our little ones going.”  Rauf explains what food banks and breakfast clubs are and why people need them. The book concludes with three ways the reader can help. A percentage of royalties from the sale of this book will be given to Trussell Trust Food Banks, the Greggs Foundation Breakfast Club Programme and selected grassroots food bank charities. This book should be in every school so that children can understand food poverty and play their part to helping to end it. Age 8+

Brenda Marshall