Scarlett (Cassidy novel) facts for kids
Scarlett is a popular book written by Cathy Cassidy in 2006. It won the 2007 Royal Mail Award for Scottish Children's Books. This award was for books in the 7–11 age group. The book was also very popular, reaching number 8 on the Ottakars sales chart for children's books in June 2006. The story is about a 12-year-old girl named Scarlett. She is going through a tough time because her parents have separated. After causing a big food fight at school, Scarlett is sent from London to live with her dad in Ireland.
Contents
What is Scarlett About?
Scarlett is a 12-year-old girl who is having a lot of trouble. She has been to five different schools in just two years! Her life was great until she was 10. That's when her dad moved to Ireland. He went to live with his new partner, Clare, and her daughter, Holly. This change made Scarlett very upset. Her mom even encouraged her to be angry at her dad. Scarlett would rip up birthday cards and gifts he sent her.
Scarlett's Troubles Begin
Scarlett often acted out at school. After being suspended three times from Greenhall Academy, she was finally kicked out. This happened because she caused a big mess in the school cafeteria. She insulted the lunch staff and threw food around. This was partly because she was a vegetarian. Her mom was very disappointed. She told Scarlett that she had no choice but to go live with her dad. Scarlett protested loudly and threw things. But her mom stood firm and sent her away.
Scarlett decided she would be as difficult as possible when she arrived. She wanted to scare them and show her dad how much his leaving had hurt her. Her mom asked her not to tell her dad about her new tongue piercing. But Scarlett planned to show it off right away.
A New Life in Ireland
Her dad picked her up from Ireland West Airport Knock. Scarlett was determined not to speak to him. But she accidentally broke the silence in the car. Her dad kept trying to talk to her. He was friendly and apologized for everything. However, Scarlett would not accept anything he said.
When they arrived at the cottage, Scarlett found something very surprising. Clare, her stepmom, was expecting a baby! Clare's daughter, Holly, was Scarlett's stepsister. Holly was a very cheerful and friendly nine-year-old. She chatted a lot with Scarlett, even though Scarlett didn't respond much.
Unexpected Discoveries
The next day, Scarlett tried to skip school. She pretended she forgot her pencil case. She also purposely missed the bus she was supposed to take with Holly. But her dad caught her in the house. He was very disappointed and drove her to school himself. Scarlett got upset while doing an Irish worksheet about "Mo Chlann" (which means My Family). She climbed out of the window and walked for miles. After getting a phone call from her mom, she threw her mobile phone into the lough (a lake). She became very angry in the forest. Eventually, Kian, a Romany boy about 13 or 14, rescued her. He was on a black horse named Midnight.
Scarlett's dad told her she would be homeschooled for a while. She enjoyed this. She got to study by the lough and talk to Kian. She drew different plants and learned their names in other languages. She was doing well and starting to settle in with her new family.
Learning and Growing
Kian's father and uncle came looking for him. But Scarlett told them she didn't know Kian. She later apologized to Kian, and he accepted. However, he said he had to go back. He had run away after his mother died of cancer. They planned to say goodbye at the lough.
The summer holidays began. Holly asked Scarlett to pierce her nose. Scarlett refused at first. But Holly blackmailed her, so Scarlett agreed. At the last moment, Holly jumped. The pin they were using slipped, accidentally piercing a hole in Holly's lip.
Family Bonds and New Beginnings
Holly was taken to the hospital and needed stitches. The adults were very disappointed in Scarlett. But for once, Scarlett apologized for what she had done. The next day, Holly and Scarlett's dad went to Galway. Holly had a dentist's appointment. Her dad also delivered handmade soap that Clare makes for a living. Scarlett helped Clare with her soap while Holly and her dad were gone. Then Scarlett offered to add something to Clare's quilt. Clare was making it for the new baby. Everyone in the family put a piece of their own clothing into the quilt. They went up to the attic. There, Scarlett found that her dad had kept all her old dresses and toys. He was supposed to throw them away.
Meanwhile, a lightning storm started. Loud thunder made them go back downstairs. On the way down the ladder, the power went out. Clare screamed and fell down. After Scarlett helped her wake up, she realized Clare was in labor. Scarlett ran to the lough for Kian's help. It was almost the time they had set to say goodbye. Kian was not there. But on her way back to the cottage, she found two American tourists. They drove them to the hospital. They also let Scarlett use their phone to call her dad. She told him what had happened. Clare had a long labor. The baby girl was born early, so she was put in an incubator to be safe.
Scarlett kissed Kian. She decided that she should go back home to London. She was finally happy there.
