Boom Boom
Jude Idada
★★★★★
Review
Boom Boom by Juda Idada is an outstanding story of love, family and magic. I absolutely adore this book and wish more people were talking about it. This story opened a door into a world that I had never experienced before, highlighting the resilience, bravery and sheer determination of people diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. As well as a charming, heart-warming storyline, this book contains heaps of information about the genetics and biology behind SCA, presented in a child-friendly way.
The protagonist, Osaik, is an extremely likeable character and tells his story beautifully from the very first page. I loved learning about his relationship with his little sister, Eghe (Boom Boom) who suffers from sickle cell anemia, and is awaiting a bone marrow transplant. Osaik demonstrates exactly what a big brother should be and stands by Eghe's side through the ups and downs of her journey to health.
As well as the scientific facts, this book is overflowing with a sweet magic, with Osaik's ability to speak to their dog, Kompa, and Eghe's ability to hear their late mother's voice from the stars above. Entwined with this magic is the pure magic of the love between a family and their determination to see the positives in life and overcome any obstacles as a team.
I cannot recommend this book enough and hope it reaches lots of science-loving readers!
Key information
Author: Jude Idada
Illustrator: Thy Bui
Release Date: 21st September 2023
Book type: Chapter, 213 pages, paperback
Reader level: Confident reader (9+)
Overview
Osaik is faced with the realities of losing those he loves to Sickle Cell anaemia and must do whatever he can to protect his little sister, Eghe (Boom Boom) from the same fate as his mother.
When Osaik hears about the possibility of a bone marrow transplant to save his sister, he sets his goal to fundraise as much money as possible to cover the costs. However, a donor match seems near impossible and the family begin to lose hope. One night, Osaik and his talking dog Kompa have a spark of hope as Kompa senses a donor match nearby. Putting every ounce of faith into his beloved dog, Osaik and his family rush across the city to see if their prayers have been answered.
Should I read this book?
You should read this book if you...
love learning about science
Are interested in the human body
Enjoy stories with magic
Reader level: Confident
Content: 9+
Help me to read
- Red blood cell: A cell that moves through blood cells to deliver oxygen around the body. They are usually round and flexible.
- Sickle cell anemia: An inherited (from your parents) disease where red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.
- Crisis: A severe pain that can last for days or weeks
- Bone marrow: A spongy kind of jelly inside your bones. This is where lots of cells are made, including red blood cells
- Transplant: Taking cells from one person and giving them to another
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