Jamila is happy in her new home in Australia, though she still misses her old life in Iraq. She and her new best friend Eva sing side-by-side in the choir at school and have picnics together on the weekends.

One day, Jamila gets some exciting news: Mina, her oldest friend from Iraq, is coming to Australia. Jamila can’t wait to see her and introduce her to Eva. But when Mina arrives, things do not go as planned.

Jamila feels torn between her two friends, and sad that Mina isn’t the same person she remembers. Can Jamila be a true friend to Mina, and help her feel safe and happy in her new home?

Ingrid Laguna is a writer, teacher and musician. She lives in Melbourne and has taught English to children and adults from all over the world, many of whom have refugee backgrounds. Sunflower is her third book.

‘Sunflower is brave, moving and very real. Everyone growing up in Australia should read this book.’ Carly Nugent

‘A beautifully observed story of identity, friendship and belonging.’ Nova Weetman