Lily Alone
Cover Page
Name: G.Rao
Title of Book: Lily Alone
Author: Jacqueline Wilson
Date: November 2025
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Publisher: Corgi Yearling
Copyright Year: 2011
Number of pages: 336
Ages: 8 - 13
Rating: * * * * *
About The Author
Jacqueline Wilson is a prolific author who has written over 115 books! That took her more than a couple of decades, she definitely has a lot of drive! She lives in Sussex, England and her favorite food is Pani puri. That is one of the most delicious Indian foods ever made and one of my favorites too. She loves cats and dogs and she implies in a couple of books that her favorite colors are purple and blood red. She has won over 13 awards, such as the Smarties Prize, Children's Laureate 2005, and the Blue Peter People's Choice Award.
She is 79, and has suffered kidney disease and heart failure. Did you know that she wrote her 100th book with her right hand connected to the dialysis machine, and her left hand typing away like nothing happened? She works hard to make sure that children around the world read her books. She is my number one favorite author, and she will always be.
Book Summary
Lily Alone is set in modern times. It follows a girl named Lily, and her siblings Baxter, Bliss and Pixie. Lily’s mum (Kate) is upset because her husband Paul died. To console her, Lily suggests that she go to the local pub, and have a couple of drinks then go right back home. Kate meets a “charming lad” named Gordon at the pub. Kate also buys a credit card off one of her old friends. Because of the credit card, Kate wanted to go to the mall to buy clothes for a date with Gordon. Lily is worried each time they buy something that the card will get refused. Kate is a mother and as most other mothers do, she wants her child to be happy. She tries and tries to get Lily to buy something, but she doesn't want to.
During the date, Gordon invites Kate on a trip to Spain, and Lily was shocked that her mum agreed to go on it! Kate says that it will be fine, and calls her ex-husband Mikey to come over and babysit. Mikey never shows up, so it’s up to Lily to take care of her siblings. Money and food run out, so the kids are forced to beg for their supper. Lily and her siblings eat quite a bit, so when people are picky eaters, they pounce and gulp the food down. So many changes have happened to the Green children when their mother left. Will all of them survive this?
My Analysis
My favorite character is Lily. She is a brave, young, and intelligent girl. She is the oldest, so she has the most responsibility. She is constantly thinking “Is there enough food? Will I need to go to Sainsbury’s?” She is angry at her mother for leaving all of the worries on her, while Kate is getting a suntan in Spain! I guess we should all be grateful to our parents, because they are the ones with all the responsibility! Lily is a great big sister to Baxter, Bliss and Pixie. I also didn’t know that Lily had it in her to steal 2 bags of succulent food that was in a house she saw! When I read that part, I held my breath until I knew Lily was safe.
The scariest moment in the book is when something dreadful happens to Bliss. I was shocked when I read that Bliss- wait! I almost spoiled this part for you! Read on to find out what happens next.
This book is similar to Lola Rose, also by Jacqueline Wilson. Jacqueline Wilson writes about children with a truckload of responsibility. In Lola Rose, her mum gets cancer, and Lola has to take care of her mum almost by herself! Similarly, in Lily Alone, Lily has to feed and nourish the kids. I have read both books a number of times, and I Love them with a capital L!
You know how most of us go to Trader Joe’s or Acme? Well, in this book, they go to Sainsbury’s. Lily’s life in England differs from the daily lives of us, Americans. And we mustn't forget the Ferris Wheels! In Jacqueline Wilson’s books, the little kids love going on the rides the mall offers.
My Conclusion
This incredible story fit for 8-13 year olds tells us about the bonding of a family. When times are hard, everyone tries to comfort each other. This is an incredible book, and I can’t tell you how much I like it. Santosh Nirapure from India said “A great book to read! This book is amazing.” Thank you for sharing your review of the book Santosh Nirapure!
