Recommended by the author
Form and Genre: Young Adult novel with elements of mystery, adventure/detective, overtones of gothic and political writing.
Length: 363 pages.
Summary: A group of school friends accidentally disturbs an ancient skull, which unleashes deep-seated fears and prejudices in a seaside town on the edge of society. With a backdrop of a local by-election and racial tension bubbling in the school, will they be able to solve what is going on in their town?
Age recommendation and challenging content: KS3
some violence, including suicide
some racist language and swearing
mild horror
Notable reasons for recommending this book:
Written specifically for study at KS3.
Each chapter has embedded literary methods for discussion
Fits with PHSE topics around society, identity, and belonging
Written by a teacher for teachers
