MEDIAPRINT AH, IF I COULD STAY!

Ilona is 13 years old. She and her family left their hometown for Sweden because it was too dangerous to stay there. She goes to school, plays and hangs out with her best friend Stella, like any other child her age. Ilona and Stella have been close friends since elementary school. But unlike her schoolmates, she lives with her family in a monastery, hiding, awaiting an expulsion order from where she lives. The children go to school, but the parents can never leave the monastery because they risk being caught by the police. A threatening cloud hangs over their heads as they try to create a daily life in their new place. What's it like to live in a place where you're not actually allowed to live? Always fearing that something will happen to the family. What is it like to live with the whole family in a small room year after year? And what is it like to be the best friend who can stay and plan for the future? Should you feel guilty about having all the options? The book has very skillfully reflected sensitivity, friendship and compassion. Regardless of the topic, the author has made the book entertaining. The author Kajsa Gordan was a teacher, which helped her to get to know children who live in emigration waiting for a residence permit, to know the life and difficulties they go through.