Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms ✩✩✩✩

In this imaginative middle-grade novel, Wilhelmina Silver has lived an idyllic life with her father on a remote farm in Zimbabwe. Her outlook on life is as sunny as the hot climate of Africa. But when tragedy strikes, "Will" is shipped off to a boarding school in chilly, damp England.

How will this young girl who has lived wild among lions and monkeys adjust to the life of the prim and proper? Award-winning author Katherine Rundell's maxim is to spend part of everyday upside down. If reading about life in Zimbabwe sparks interest for more about that country, try the Young Precious Ramotswe mystery series by Alexander McCall Smith. Also, try Katherine Rundell's award-winning book, Rooftoppers.