Blossom by Tamsin Janu

Scholastic Australia, 2017. ISBN 9781742991641
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Author Tamsin Janu has hit the jackpot again. After the success of Figgy in the world and Figgy and the President, we get to meet the extremely determined Lottie. Lottie was sent to live with her Uncle Bobby at the age of eight, following her mother's death. After being in and out of numerous foster homes while her mother was alive, Lottie craved for attention and love. Uncle Bobby did not have much and struggled with the challenges presented to him with the arrival of Lottie.
One morning a very excited Lottie awoke to find a lost little girl, Blossom, on Uncle Bobby's doorstep. With only her uncle for company, Lottie is extremely happy to now have found a new little sister. She proudly takes her to school and introduces her as her long-lost sister, much to the surprise of her friends. Blossom displays a few interesting characteristics including not being able to communicate with Lottie and being obsessed with a lonely flower that she refuses to part with. Things begin to fall apart when Blossom becomes sick and is taken away. A determined Lottie and a group of friends do everything in their power to rescue her.
An entertaining story for children nine and up that tackles isolation, family breakdown, a yearning for love and acceptance and determination.
Kathryn Schumacher