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Broken Soup
Broken Soup (Valentine novel).jpg
First edition
Author Jenny Valentine
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Genre Children's
Publisher HarperCollins Children's Books
Publication date
7 January 2009
Pages 256 pp
ISBN 978-0-00-722965-9
OCLC 173238587

Broken Soup is an exciting children's novel by Jenny Valentine. It came out in 2008. This book was recognized for its great story. It was shortlisted for the 2008 Waterstones Children's Book Prize. It also made the shortlist for the 2008 Costa Book Children's Book Award. The book was longlisted for the 2008 Booktrust Teenage Prize. In 2009, it was longlisted for the Manchester Book Award. It was also nominated for the 2009 Carnegie Medal.

Many people enjoyed Broken Soup. The Daily Telegraph called it "a gripping, humorous story." The Times gave it two good reviews. Nicolette Jones said it was "a life-affirming, witty, romantic read." Amanda Craig praised Rowan, the main character. She said Rowan is "a heroine you warm to." Eleanor Updale from The Guardian called it "one of this year's unmissable reads." She also said the writing was very lively.

Story of Broken Soup

The story of Broken Soup follows a girl named Rowan. She is dealing with a very tough time. Her older brother has passed away. Her father is no longer around. Her mother is also having a difficult time. Because of this, Rowan, who is 15, takes on many responsibilities. She has to care for her younger sister, Stroma. She also looks after their home.

Through all this sadness and stress, Rowan starts to make new friends. She becomes closer to a classmate named Harper. Their friendship begins when Harper gives Rowan a photo negative. He says she dropped it. Rowan knows it's not hers, but she takes it anyway. She is too busy with her home life to think much about it. Little does she know, this photo will lead her on a new path.

Rowan also meets a girl named Bee. Bee saw Harper give Rowan the photo negative. Bee asks Rowan about it. Rowan and Bee's friendship grows as they try to figure out the mystery of the photo. They work together to develop the negative. As they solve the mystery, Rowan learns more about her late brother, Jack. She discovers things she never knew about him. Rowan starts to rely on Bee and Harper. They help her deal with her challenging home life. The main idea of the book is about "developing." It shows how Rowan grows. She develops new relationships and finds a new kind of family.

Main Characters

The characters in Broken Soup are very important to the story.

Rowan

Rowan is the main character of the book. She is presented as being very mature for her age. Because she is dealing with so much sadness, Rowan has to grow up quickly. She acts older than a typical 15-year-old. Her maturity is clear in the story. The book is told through her thoughts and feelings.

Stroma

Stroma is Rowan's little sister. She is full of energy. Stroma depends on Rowan a lot. She looks up to Rowan as a mother figure. This is because their real mother is struggling.

Jack

Jack is Rowan's older brother. He has passed away before the story begins. We learn about Jack through the memories of other characters. They often talk about him.

Harper

Harper is a mysterious but interesting character. He becomes friends with Rowan. He supports her through all her difficulties. He acts as her boyfriend during this tough time.

Bee

Bee is another girl whom Rowan quickly befriends. She is a lot like Rowan. Bee is mature and has a strong sense of curiosity. She helps Rowan solve the mystery of the photo negative.

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