This delightfully funny story has a lot of heart and emotional depth. A contemporary look at life in south-east London told through a 13-year-old and This delightfully funny story has a lot of heart and emotional depth. A contemporary look at life in south-east London told through a 13-year-old and includes issues of poverty, anxiety, eviction and children caring for parents.
Shaun is a wonderful character, his energy, wordplay and humour are fantastic, yet it was his loyalty and caring nature that won me over. Shaun's misinterpretations were hilarious and I chuckled throughout.
As a school librarian, we need more books about male friendships. Luke Palmer has written a very real and relatable story, powerful, honest, funny andAs a school librarian, we need more books about male friendships. Luke Palmer has written a very real and relatable story, powerful, honest, funny and heart-wrenching.
Highly recommended for all secondary school libraries. Order his first book, 'Grow,' at the same time. You won't be disappointed. Plus the covers are magnificent....more
A compelling story told in verse with great rhythm and style. There are even words arranged as shapes.
After the death of Erik’s father, Erik feels likA compelling story told in verse with great rhythm and style. There are even words arranged as shapes.
After the death of Erik’s father, Erik feels like his family is falling apart and he gets mixed up running drugs. The lies he tells, and the situations he finds himself in get increasingly twisted and dangerous.
What happens to broken boys who grow up without love? How do they cope as young men attempting to forge friendships and fall in love? Being brave. BeingWhat happens to broken boys who grow up without love? How do they cope as young men attempting to forge friendships and fall in love? Being brave. Being vulnerable. Being worthy.
A truly beautiful story that explores the impact of trauma on our youth. I laughed and cried. And adored Banjo's accent....more
How did I not know of this book? I'm bereft that I have missed years of not having this incredible story catalogued under "Best Books Ever" in my braiHow did I not know of this book? I'm bereft that I have missed years of not having this incredible story catalogued under "Best Books Ever" in my brain. Those are the stories that I will read again, savouring with incredulity its masterful prose, and share widely with passion and enthusiasm.
It is absolutely superb, 5+ stars all the way....more
There is a whole generation of students who haven't heard of The Hunger Games or know of Jurassic Park. I'm picking this will be popular at our schoolThere is a whole generation of students who haven't heard of The Hunger Games or know of Jurassic Park. I'm picking this will be popular at our school....more
This was such a good book. I was delighted at the depth of this South African story, it deals with family, friends, identity, Poverty and wealth, raciThis was such a good book. I was delighted at the depth of this South African story, it deals with family, friends, identity, Poverty and wealth, racism and colourism, sexism and feminism. And it did a great job of all these issues.
Amandla was a fabulous character. I particularly loved the dynamic between her and her mother. And the relationship she has with her friends is superb. ...more
Maybe I got this wrong, but this story implied that if you are poor and black the only way to get ahead is by winning the jackpot or befriending someoMaybe I got this wrong, but this story implied that if you are poor and black the only way to get ahead is by winning the jackpot or befriending someone who has. Even if the cost of that weekly ticket deprives children of food. I'm sorry, that is not the message of hope I believe in.
Neither of the main characters had depth: Rico, pretty, poor and black; Zan, handsome rich and white. I understand this was a story of privilege, teenage inequality and poor parenting but it was a little hard to get past Rico's constant poverty woes to enjoy the romance.
Ruta Sepetys' historical novels are always a treat. She explores events that have bypassed general knowledge and tenderly crafts a story of these histRuta Sepetys' historical novels are always a treat. She explores events that have bypassed general knowledge and tenderly crafts a story of these historical chapters. Her research is thorough, her writing beautiful.
Studies estimate that over three hundred thousand children in Spain were stolen at birth during the Spanish Civil War and the ensuing thirty-six-year dictatorship of Francisco Franco. This treasure of a story is of that time....more