Finding Violet Park facts for kids
First edition cover
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| Author | Jenny Valentine |
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| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young adult novel |
| Publisher | HarperCollins |
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Publication date
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3 January 2007 |
| Media type | Print (paperback) |
| Pages | 208 pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-00-721445-7 |
| OCLC | 71346653 |
Finding Violet Park, also known as Me, the Missing, and the Dead in the U.S., is an exciting young adult novel written by Jenny Valentine. It was first published in 2007. The story follows a teenage boy named Lucas Swain. He is looking for his missing father. Lucas finds an urn with the ashes of a woman named Violet Park. The urn was left behind in a taxi office. Lucas decides he must find out who Violet was and give her a proper resting place. This journey also helps him search for clues about his own dad.
The book won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2007. This is a special award judged by British children's writers. The novel was also highly praised for the Branford Boase Award. It was also considered for the 2008 Manchester Book Award. Jenny Valentine has written other popular books too. These include Broken Soup, The Ant Colony, and The Double Life of Cassiel Roadnight.
Contents
What is Finding Violet Park About?
The story begins when Lucas Swain, who is almost 16, finds an urn. This urn contains the ashes of a woman named Violet Park. He finds it in a minicab office. Lucas feels a strong need to find out about Violet. He wants to understand her life and give her a proper burial.
As Lucas investigates Violet's past, he discovers surprising connections. These connections lead him closer to the mystery of his own father. His father, Pete, disappeared five years ago. Lucas believes Violet might hold the key to finding him. The book is a journey of discovery. It explores family secrets, loss, and the search for truth.
Main Characters
The book features a group of interesting characters. They help Lucas on his journey.
Lucas Swain
Lucas is the main character of the story. He is a teenager who feels lost. His father disappeared five years ago. Finding Violet's ashes starts a big adventure for him. He is determined to solve the mystery of both Violet and his dad.
Violet Park
Violet is the mysterious woman whose ashes Lucas finds. She was a famous pianist. It seems she had a secret connection to Lucas's missing father. Her story slowly unfolds through Lucas's discoveries.
Pete Swain
Pete is Lucas's father. He went missing five years before the story begins. His disappearance is a big mystery for the family. Lucas's search for Violet also becomes a search for Pete.
Martha Hooper
Martha is Lucas's girlfriend. She is very supportive of Lucas. She also happens to be a big fan of Violet Park's music.
Nicky Swain
Nicky is Lucas's mother. She tries to be strong for her children. She still misses her husband, Pete, very much. She works as a classroom assistant. She enjoys many hobbies like walking, swimming, reading, and knitting.
Pansy Swain
Pansy is Lucas's grandmother. She has a unique belief in spirits. She thinks Violet might be trying to communicate with Lucas from beyond the grave.
Norman Swain
Norman is Lucas's adoptive grandfather. He is a war veteran. He raised Pete as his own son. He has a special bond with Lucas's younger brother, Jed.
Bob Cutforth
Bob is a family friend. He was also an old friend of Pete's. He has been close to the family since Pete disappeared.
Jed Swain
Jed is Lucas's younger brother. He is very close to Norman. Norman often shares stories and secrets with Jed.
Mercy Swain
Mercy is Lucas's sister. She is a strong and independent person. She struggled a lot when her father disappeared.
