The Suitcase Kid

Story

Ten year old Andy’s parents have just divorced. Andy spends one week at her mum’s and then one week at her dad’s, constantly dragging her suitcase around with her. Andy just wants her parents to get back together, but it seems like nothing she does works, and both her parents and their new families are leaving her behind.

Why we chose it

A story about a child coming to terms with her parent’s divorce.

Jacqueline Wilson writes about very real contemporary children and contemporary issues. The Suitcase Kid tells a story that will be recognised by many readers negotiating divorce and building relationships with step families.

Where it came from

Jacqueline Wilson (1945-) has written many famous children’s books, focusing on difficult topics, like divorce, mental health and adoption. Nick Sharratt’s (1962-) illustrated not only The Suitcase Kid, but nearly all of Wilson’s work. Wilson always loved books, and was first published when she was just 17, writing a piece for a magazine about school discos.

Where it went next

Wilson has won numerous awards for her contributions to children’s fiction, including the Smarties Prize and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. The Suitcase Kid has been adapted into a play, by Vicky Ireland, which was performed at the Orange Tree Theatre, Richmond and then toured throughout the UK.

Associated stories

Jacqueline Wilson has written many famous children’s books, like The Story of Tracy Beaker, Double Act, The Illustrated Mum, Dustbin Baby, Lola Rose, The Mum Minder, The Bed and Breakfast Star, The Lottie Project, Vicky Angel, The Diamond Girls and The Butterfly Club.

She has also written historical novels, Hetty Feather about a Victorian foundling, Dancing the Charleston set in the 1920s and Wave Me Goodbye about a second World War evacuee.

Many of these have also been adapted into successful television series, and television movies.