The Doughnut Club
Quinn has two mums and a younger brother, Olly. Both children share a donor- not a dad- but have different mums. Although surrounded by a loving, supportive family, Quinn always feels like the odd one out, not fitting in with the outdoorsy, adventurous rest. When their mums announce that Quinn and Olly have other donor siblings- diblings as some call them- around the world, Quinn is determined to find out about them and see whether she can find a family member more like herself.
‘Family’ means different things to different people and I found ‘The Doughnut Club’ a really thought-provoking and informative read, sure to spark questions and conversations. As far as I am aware, I have never taught a donor-conceived child, but according to the author’s note at the end of the book, predictions show that by 2023 there will be ‘an average of one to two…in every English state primary school’. This story will make an excellent addition to libraries and bookshelves to sensitively and thoughtfully support understanding.
Quinn is absolutely happy with having two mums- her family may be different to some peoples, but it is what it is and she sees no reason why anyone should question this or make comments about it. I love the portrayal of this family unit: even though Quinn feels she is the odd one out in terms of looks and the ways she likes to spend her time, there is a really tender depiction of the family group and their bond. Written from her perspective, readers are really able to understand her curiosity about her other donor siblings and trying to discover her place in the world as they watch her go behind her parents’ backs, jump to conclusions and fret over possible ‘diblings’.
Ultimately, she realises that she has exactly the family she needs and opens up to them about her love of different things, bringing the family even closer together. In coming to this realisation, she is partly helped by the very lovely Fred, an extremely kind and understanding older man who is holidaying in the same place, who explains to Quinn how he and his wife share different interests and being happy to do their own thing, have become happier as a couple since sharing this fact with each other. I love how this gentle wisdom is shared and the sweet friendship which develops between Quinn and Fred.
The story is both heart-felt and heart-warming, often humorous and, above all, thoroughly enjoyable.
The Doughnut Club
Kristina Rahim
Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1805133667