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Recommended by Jennifer Webb @FunkyPedagogy
Author: Patrice Lawrence
Form: Prose Novel
Length: 152 pages
Brief synopsis: A realistic novel about a teenager living in challenging circumstances – his mother is sent back to prison and he is convinced that his neighbour is responsible. This is one of the OUP Rollercoaster Reads which is written specifically for teenagers who are less confident readers.
Age rating and trigger warning: This is appropriate for Y7 upwards. It covers some sensitive areas: parent in prison, child in foster care, social services, child poverty, child neglect, light references to drugs and addiction.
Notable reasons for recommending this book: It is short and simple, but has Lawrence’s classic literary style – it is very well written and an excellent choice for a quick intervention group read or for an independent reading book.