*This website is supported by our users. We sometimes earn a small commission when you click through affiliate links. Please read more in our disclaimer
Recommended by: Lesley Watts
Contact: @LJWattsWales
Author: Richard Lambert
Form: Prose novel – coming of age thriller
Length: 347 pages
Brief synopsis: A powerful exploration of a boy’s grief after his parents are killed in a car crash and he has to live with his grandmother in the wilds of the Lake District. Lucas believes a wolf stepped into the road, caused the fatal crash and continues to menace him.
Age recommendation and challenging content: Death of parents in a car crash, some swearing and violence. Recommended for older teenagers – Year 10 upwards.
Notable reasons for recommending: Compellingly raw writing. There is nothing cosy about this book. Lucas is angry and grieving and rejects offers of help. He gets involved with some bullies at school, one of whom is manipulative and chilling. The depiction of the wild, natural world that surrounds Lucas is beautifully done as is the mix of gritty everyday life with the supernatural.
One of those books where high-quality writing combines with a page-turning plot.
Other useful information: Will appeal particularly to students who enjoy gritty, unsentimental reads.