In 1930s Birmingham, in the impoverished district of Nechells, a young girl bravely endeavours to hold her family together in trying times. A Hopscotch Summer is an emotional journey of determination and resilience from Annie Murray.

Read by Penelope Freeman (My Daughter, My Mother)

Emma Brown is a young girl whose usual cheerful spirit is challenged when her household welcomes a new baby. Her mother, Cynthia, is losing herself. Her father, Bob, takes solace in alcohol.

Experiencing the hard slap of reality early in life, Emma tries to maintain the household and keep everyone's spirits up. But soon it seems that the only thing to do is for Cynthia to go and stay with her tyrannical older sister across the city.

Life gets even tougher for Emma with her mother away, so Emma travels across town to bring back her mother – all on her own. However, the mother she finds is barely recognizable . . .

A Hopscotch Summer explores life's harsh realities, the spirit of survival, and the hope for better days. An engaging listen that explores triumph over adversity and will stir your heart.

The series continues in Soldier Girl and All the Days of Our Lives.

Listeners love Annie Murray . . .

'I loved this book . . . I did shed a few tears'

'Being a Brummie myself it was a pleasure to hear my own accent'

'Easy to listen to. Didn't want it to end'