52 Mondays by Anna Ciddor

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Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760523480.
(Age: 8-12) Recommended. It's 1960's Australia and Anna is a young girl with a strong wish. She desires a doll similar to Hitty, the doll in her favourite story.
Anna's family try to help her find the doll of her dreams and they decide that the best place to find the perfect doll is at the weekly Monday auctions, hence the title 52 Mondays, the number of weeks of patient searching it takes to fulfil Anna's wish.
During the years search, we get to see everyday life in Anna's home, a loving caring household where simple everyday events such as birthday parties, fixing broken china and playing in the backyard are gently told.
There are insights into Anna's Jewish background and her visits to her grandparents give an understanding into the family's recent history.
This novel is based upon the author's own childhood and I enjoyed the picture she painted of a simpler post war Australia. There are many 1960's insights into everyday life, playing with paper dolls, delivery of milk by a milkman and having photos developed to be picked up later.
Throughout the novel there is a strong sense of family love and understanding.
I recommend this book to 8 to 12 year olds.
Jane Moore

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