Greek Children’s Book Circle Award

Charoula is like her Greek name connotes:  cheerful, charming, kind-hearted.  An 11^th grade student in her native Thessaloniki, she suddenly finds herself in Laconia, hosted at the home of family friends.  Her seafaring father, Chief Engineer on the oil tanker Seabird, her mother, her brother and the vessel’s crew were captured by Somali pirates.  And so, the young lady moves to the home of her father’s good friend, a captain, and father to Eirini, a girl the same age as Charoula.  There was an oath the two men had once made to one another: in time of need one family would support the other.  Faithful to his promise, Captain John, brought Charoula into his home and settled her in.

At their side, Charoula begins to smile again and to hope.  But, she also worries as there is no news about her family. Nonetheless, her host family supports and encourages her.  Her friendship with Eirini is particularly heartwarming and soothing for her soul.

This is a book about hope, love and solidarity.  And it is also about respecting nature and mother Earth.

(source: the book’s back cover)

Charoula in Seventh HeavenAuthor: Eleni SarantitiPublisher: PatakisPublication date: 2013Pages: 156For 5^th-6^th grade students

[date of posting: 4/24/2015]