Fiction 13+ Reading Age 8+:TopicalBooks

Playing against the Odds~

Playing against the Odds
Ashley, Bernard
76 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-69-4
£4.99

~First Page
Christopher Sinclair Foreman. Christopher S. Foreman. Chris Foreman. C. S. Foreman. Sinclair Foreman. C. Sinclair Foreman. CSF. The names, they're all OK, I reckon. I suppose it's a sort of gift, to like the sound of your own name ...
Reviews
Writing a short novel with teenage interest but a low reading age is a challenge. Bernard Ashley's satisfying story of school romance, Playing Against the Odds, shows how well it can be done.
' (Times Educational Supplement, July 6th, 2001)
...a compelling narrative, accessible without being patronising...Fast paced and present(s) complex issues which will engage their readers. Highly recommended.
' (School Librarian Journal, Vol. 48, no. 4, Winter 2000)
A poignant story of first love.
' (Times Educational Supplement, September 9th, 2000)
Playing against the Odds
Ashley, Bernard
76 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-69-4
£4.99

Chris's world is turned upside down by the arrival of Fiona in his class. His loyalties are torn in two as more and more thefts take place at school.~Playing against the Odds|ISBN%3A1902260694|~4677~4771~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Harpies~

Harpies
Belbin, David
91 pages
ISBN: 1-84299031-4
£4.99

~First Page
That August, the Greek Islands were incredibly hot. It was so hot on Crete that when tourists tried to make the short walk into the city, many collapsed before they'd got halfway. The Cooper family were staying on the edge of Heraklion. The city was an ugly, sprawling, modern mass. Cassie Cooper wished that they were staying some place else.
Reviews
'It is an excellent book, a good cliffhanger and if you write books this good you will do well.'Chris Oldham, 13, Surrey
'It was the most coolest book I ever read. I give this book 10 out of 10 - it was great.' Jason Davies, 13, Birkenhead
Harpies
Belbin, David
91 pages
ISBN: 1-84299031-4
£4.99

Cassie should be having a great time on holiday but her brother's romance makes her uneasy. A supernatural thriller.~Harpies|ISBN%3A1842990314|~4677~4772~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Prisoner in Alcatraz~

Prisoner in Alcatraz
Breslin, Theresa
84 pages
ISBN: 1842991507
£4.99

~First Page
Rule Number Five
It is your right to have:
Food, clothing, shelter and medical attention.
Anything else you get is a privilege.
Alcatraz.
The Island.
The Rock.
Reviews
Another gripping story from Carnegie Medal winning author Theresa Breslin
Prisoner in Alcatraz
Breslin, Theresa
84 pages
ISBN: 1842991507
£4.99
It is your right to have: Food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege.

No-one gets out of Alcatraz. And now, by a terrible twist of fate, Marty has ended up there. Inside the harshest prison in America. Marty's there for life. Or is he? Some of his fellow inmates have an escape plan. Will it work? Can they manage to break out of Alcatraz?~Prisoner in Alcatraz|ISBN%3A1842991507|~4677~4773~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Bloodline~

Bloodline
Brooks, Kevin
128 pages
ISBN: 1842992023
£4.99

~First Page
I don’t know about you, but when I read a story I like to know what’s going on right from the start. I don’t need to know everything. I don’t want to know about stuff that doesn’t come into the story. But I need to know what’s going on right from the first page. I want facts. I want to know who’s who and what’s what ...
And then I just want to get on with it.
Reviews
"Brooks, best known for Martyn Pig and Lucas, provides a cracking good read for those teens and young adults even, who cope best with simple vocabulary and unfussy stories with an age-appropriate storyline. ...the novel twists and turns and is peppered with pithy black humour and sensitive observation, for which Brooks has gained something of a reputation." Publishing News, May 2004
Bloodline
Brooks, Kevin
128 pages
ISBN: 1842992023
£4.99
“There’s no summer in here. All we’ve got is horseracing on the TV, a roomful of stale air and three living corpses – Dad, Grandad and Grag – who, apart from the occasional sly fart, haven’t made a sound in the last half hour.”
It’s the last Saturday of the month again and Gilmore Black is spending the day at his dad’s. There’s no reason to think that this monthly visit will be any less boring than usual, but when a crazy girl bursts into the house, with a gun and a bag full of cash, Gilmore’s day is suddenly turned upside down.
Who is this beautiful stranger?
What does she want?
What has she done?
And how can she possibly get away with it?

Welcome to the Black family: four generations of plotters and liars and cheaters and losers, with barely a whisker of trust between them. ~Bloodline|ISBN%3A1842992023|~4677~4774~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Firebug~

Firebug
Brown, Eric
91 pages
ISBN:1842991035

~First Page
One match...
That was all it took. One match changed my life.
It all started on that Saturday afternoon. There was nothing on TV and I was bored with my computer games. I decided to go out.
Dad was in the kitchen, cooking one of his big dinners. "We're having some friends round tonight, Danny. I'll fix you something that you can eat in your room, OK?"
I just shrugged and went out.
Reviews
"...British writing with a deft, understated touch: wonderful"
The New Scientist

Firebug
Brown, Eric
91 pages
ISBN: 1-84299-103-5
~Firebug|ISBN%3A1842991035|~4677~4775~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Twocking~

Twocking
Brown, Eric
72 pages
ISBN: 1-84299042-X
£4.99

~First Page
It was Emma's fault. If it wasn't for Emma, none of this would have happened. The deaths, the tragedy ... maybe even Emma would still be alive. But it's easy to blame other people. I mean, though Emma was responsible, I could have done something to stop
Reviews
'It's fast, it's furious and it's deadly ... you won't be able to put it down.' - Melvin Burgess
'British writing with a deft, understated touch: wonderful' - The New Scientist
Twocking
Brown, Eric
72 pages
ISBN: 1-84299042-X
£4.99

All of Joey's evenings were pretty much the same - hanging out and pretending to be drunk. But then Emma introduces him to twocking - taking without owner's consent. Thrilling, dangerous, like nothing he's ever done before. Just how far will Joey go?~Twocking|ISBN%3A184299042X|~4677~4776~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Text Game~

Text Game
Cann, Kate
75 pages
ISBN: 1842991485
£4.99

~First Page
My friend Lisa's glaring at me. I've just told her I'm going to a party next Friday with Ben, my new boyfriend. And she's reminded me it's our old mate Ryan's birthday that day. And I'm thinking, Sod it!
"Look," she says, "look, Mel, you can't miss Ryan's birthday."
"Oh, come on," I squawk, "he hasn't arranged anything."
Text Game
Cann, Kate
75 pages
ISBN: 1842991485
£4.99
"...it's like I'm frozen, my mind's somewhere else...that voice in my head is telling me to ask him about the texts, but I can't. I'm so scared. Scared he'll lie, scared of the truth."

Everything's going great in Mel's life. And the best bit's Ben. He's gorgeous, he's fun and great to be with - she can't believe he's going out with her. Then she starts getting nasty text messages. They say Ben's playing with her. They say he's going to dump her. They say he's seeing someone else. Are they just from some jealous nutcase, like her friend Lisa says? Or are they telling the truth?~Text Game|ISBN%3A1842991485|~4677~4777~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

All We Know of Heaven~

All We Know of Heaven
Crowther, Peter
104 pages
ISBN: 1-84299032-2
£4.99

~First Page
The week leading up to Christmas was going to be a turning point in Adam Best's life. But, of course, he didn't know this yet. In fact, right now, all Adam knew was that the weather was cold and wet. And his father had told him that the chap on the TV had said it was going to be even colder and wetter by the time it got to Christmas Day.
Reviews
'The 10-year old main characterÉ is younger than the target readership, but this is the most substantial and involving of the storiesÉ Limits of vocabulary and syntax do not have to restrict imagination, as Peter Crowther amply demonstrates here.' (Times Educational Supplement, 5 October 2001)

All We Know of Heaven
Crowther, Peter
104 pages
ISBN: 1-84299032-2
£4.99
Adam's Mum is in intensive care - the victim of a horrific car accident. Adam and his father prepare for a sad and lonely Christmas. But as the first winter snow falls, Adam's father sinks further and further into deep depression. Adam has to find the strength to make the most difficult decision of his life.~All We Know of Heaven|ISBN%3A1842990322|~4677~4778~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Falling Awake~

Falling Awake
French, Vivian
80 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-54-6
£4.99

~First Page
I was lying on the ground. It was hard and cold. I'd been asleep but I didn't know for how long. I couldn't remember where I was. My head hurt. My eyes felt as if they were glued shut. I groaned, opened my eyes and saw a bird. A huge bird. A vulture ...
Reviews
Vivian French, author of such acclaimed children books as Falling Awake.' (The Scotsman: Education, July 4th, 2001)In Viv French's atmospheric tale, Falling Awake ... the book's illustrations, by Herald artist Roy Petrie, echo the story's surrealism and sense of menace' (Herald, August, 2000)
Falling Awake
French, Vivian
80 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-54-6
£4.99

~Falling Awake|ISBN%3A1902260546|~4677~4779~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Cold Heart of Summer~Cold Heart of Summer
Gibbons, Alan
pages
ISBN: 1-842990-80-2
£4.99~First Page
Nobody is born evil, that's what people say.
'But what about houses?' Debbie spoke the thought aloud.
'Did you say something?' asked Dad.
No,' said Debbie.
But I should say something, she thought. I should say something now, before he takes...
Reviews
'A rising star in children's fiction' Manchester Evening New
'Alan Gibbons is a terrific writer' Lindsay Fraser in The Guradian
Cold Heart of Summer
Gibbons, Alan
pages
ISBN: 1-842990-80-2
£4.99

'... the face was screaming. It was an awful, silent scream.' Debbie knows the stories about Old Man Sexton who haunts the Grange, the big, old house on the hill. But a house can't be evil, can it? When her father starts working at the Grange, Debbie's feelings tell a different story. Outside the house it is summer, but inside it is bitter, cold winter. Can Debbie make her father listen before it is too late?~Cold Heart of Summer|ISBN%3A1842990802|~4677~4780~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

The Night Hunger~

The Night Hunger
Gibbons, Alan
59 pages
ISBN: 1842991493
£4.99

~First Page
It's hard for me to explain what the night hunger is. It comes during the evening when the sun starts to go down and the dusk deepens from grey to black.
If there are people in the house I do my best to pretend I'm OK. It isn't easy, I can tell you. My whole body screams for it. But there's only so much you can stuff down you before your parents start to worry and ask questions.
Reviews
"A great book"
Teen Titles on The Cold Heart of Summer
The Night Hunger
Gibbons, Alan
59 pages
ISBN: 1842991493
£4.99

~The Night Hunger|ISBN%3A1842991493|~4677~4781~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Before Night Falls~

Before Night Falls
Gray, Keith
74 pages
ISBN: 1842991248
£4.99

~First Page
The cold wind bullied the two small tents pitched on the dark hillside. They stood apart from each other. They had been hastily pegged out, and the ropes threatened to pull loose every time the harsh wind blew.
One tent was silent, looking like just another shadow in among the rocks and tall bushes. There were whispered voices from the other and a jittering point of light could be seen through the canvas side of the tent.
Reviews
"Thriller about four teenagers on a camping trip which goes disastrously wrong." Bookseller Children's Buyer's Guide, 11 July 2003Keith Gray has been shortlisted for the Guardian Fiction Award.
Before Night Falls
Gray, Keith
74 pages
ISBN: 1842991248
£4.99

~Before Night Falls|ISBN%3A1842991248|~4677~4782~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Partners in Crime~

Partners in Crime
Hinton, Nigel
97 pages
ISBN: 1-84299-102-7
£4.99

~First Page
DRUG GANG KILLINGS was the headline news in the Evening Star.
The TV and newspaper reporters, the police, the public - everybody believed that the deaths were caused by a war between drug dealers.
They got it all wrong.
Only one person knows the truth. Me - Perry Grant.
Reviews
' The dynamic of a three-way friendship amongst boys, covering their teenage years and early 20s is the thrust for this powerful and dramatic story. The narrator insists the denouement is a crime of passion, but the build-up - a drug related story - is less romantic, and chillingly convincing.' Lindsay Fraser, The Guardian
Partners in Crime
Hinton, Nigel
97 pages
ISBN: 1-84299-102-7
£4.99

~Partners in Crime|ISBN%3A1842991027|~4677~4783~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

The New Girl~The New Girl
Hooper, Mary
67 pages
ISBN: 1-84299-101-9
£4.99~First Page
As we walked out of school, Bethan and I were arguing about where we were going to meet that evening. I suggested my house.
"Oh, that's just like you, Kirsty" she said to me as we went through the school gates.
"What d'you mean?" I asked.
Reviews
"Mary Hooper makes a telling contribution to the world of children's books"
Publishing News
The New Girl
Hooper, Mary
67 pages
ISBN: 1-84299-101-9
£4.99

~The New Girl|ISBN%3A1842991019|~4677~4784~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Runaway Teacher~

Runaway Teacher
Johnson, Pete
94 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-59-7
£4.99

~First Page
It was the English lesson and we were waiting for our next victim. He was late. "He's bottled out already," said my mate Martin Pepper, "because we're so frightening." I laughed. No-one wanted to teach our English class ...
Reviews
Last year one of our teachers and two students graced the cover of Pete Johnson's Runaway Teacher, which gave all three instant celebrity status, and the book has been mega-popular with everyone!' (Inform, June 3rd 2001)
...a compelling narrative, accessible without being patronising...Fast paced and present(s) complex issues which will engage their readers. Highly recommended.' (School Librarian, Vol. 48, no. 4, winter 2000)
Runaway Teacher
Johnson, Pete
94 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-59-7
£4.99

~Runaway Teacher|ISBN%3A1902260597|~4677~4785~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

The House of Lazarus~

The House of Lazarus
Lovegrove, James
82 pages
ISBN: 1842991256
£4.99

~First Page
You were welcome at the House of Lazarus at any time. But it was cheaper to get an off-peak rate. Also, the building was less busy then. During the day it was full of people, and noisy. At night you could have a bit more peace and privacy with your loved one.
The receptionist in the entrance hall thought it was odd that Joey came in wearing sunglasses. It was dark outside, and just a short while ago it had been raining.
Reviews
"A chilling tale of a future where, if you have the money, the House of Lazarus can keep your loved ones alive forever." Bookseller Children's Buyer's Guide, 11 July 2003
The House of Lazarus
Lovegrove, James
82 pages
ISBN: 1842991256
£4.99

"There comes a time when each of us must say goodbye to someone we love...for many of us it is the most painful thing they will ever have to do...but what if you could be spared that pain? What if you were able to stay in touch with your loved ones even after they had been taken from you?" Joey's mum didn't want to die. So she made Joey promise to rent her a place at the House of Lazarus, where they say they can keep people alive for ever. It cost a lot to keep her there and Joey finds it hard to pay the rent. Then he has a strange dream and begins to wonder if he has done the right thing. Can the House of Lazarus really give people the gift of eternal life? ~The House of Lazarus|ISBN%3A1842991256|~4677~4786~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Turnaround~

Turnaround
Prince, Alison
72 pages
ISBN: 1-84299044-6
£4.99

~First Page
It's Saturday morning, half past nine. I'm changing the sheets in the holiday cottage we let to visitors. It's a yucky job. I hate the scrunched up Kleenex under the pillows and those vile little bits of cotton wool covered with make-up in the bathroom.
Reviews
'A deft and light touch' - The Guardian
Turnaround
Prince, Alison
72 pages
ISBN: 1-84299044-6
£4.99

~Turnaround|ISBN%3A1842990446|~4677~4787~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

What's Your Problem?~

What's Your Problem?
Rai, Bali
95 pages
ISBN: 1842991264
£4.99

~First Page
My dad scrubbed the window of our newsagent's shop with a mixture of hot water and bleach. The graffiti sprayed on it began to drip down the glass and the letters mingled into each other. The words became unreadable.
The words said: Paki Scum Go Home!
We'd been in this village near Nottingham for two months by then. Moved there from our nice house and our nice lives in good old Leicester. Moved away from our friends.
Reviews
Bali Rai has won the Angus, Stockport and Leicester book awards.
What's Your Problem?
Rai, Bali
95 pages
ISBN: 1842991264
£4.99

"...you get used to the everyday abuse once it's been happening for long enough. It becomes part of your life. Your routine. It's like getting up in the morning, cleaning your teeth, catching the bus...when it's as everyday as your favourite soap opera, it becomes normal..." Jaspal is a city boy and life in a village just isn't for him. Moreover, he's the only Asian teenager around. When the insults begin, Jaspal's dad tells him that things will be OK - but the racism just gets worse. Soon it becomes clear that things will never get better. Jaspal's life will never be the same again...~What%27s Your Problem?|ISBN%3A184299126|~4677~4788~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Wrong Number~

Wrong Number
Rayban, Chloe
92 pages
ISBN: 1842992007
£4.99

~First Page
It was one of those Saturday nights that will go down in history for nothing at all.
Here I was, 15 years old, long legs, shiny hair, straight teeth (thanks to years of agony from wearing a brace).
Here I was, sad to admit, installed on the sofa at home.
Wrong Number
Rayban, Chloe
92 pages
ISBN: 1842992007
£4.99
"Here I was, 15 years old, long legs, shiny hair, straight teeth … and, sad to admit, installed on the sofa at home."
It’s Saturday night.
Marie SHOULD be out on a hot date.
OR on the town with the girls.
But NOT stuck in front of the telly.
FED UP? That’s an understatement.
But then … AT LAST

… the phone rings And it’s a CUTE boy calling.
Could this be her lucky WRONG NUMBER? ~Wrong Number|ISBN%3A1842992007|~4677~4789~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

All Change~

All Change
Rushton, Rosie
112 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-75-9
£4.99

~First Page
Have you ever had one of those days when your whole life changes because of one tiny, little thing? If I hadn't had a blazing row with my Mum that Thursday, I might still be the same old boring Jemma Jarvis. I might never have got a life. But that was the afternon that Mum told me the news ...
Reviews
A romance for all teenagers! I thought this book was really good as among the teenagers romance which everyone loves, there were moral values as well, such as being yourself. I loved the scene where she first clapped eyes on him. It was a typical story which made you laugh, cry and go all mushy inside! A definite read!' ***(3 stars)
All Change
Rushton, Rosie
112 pages
ISBN: 1-902260-75-9
£4.99

~All Change|ISBN%3A1902260759|~4677~4790~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Fall Out~

Fall Out
Rushton, Rosie
pages
ISBN: 1-842990-74-8
£4.99

~First Page
I'm supposed to be ready to leave for the party now, but I'm not. I'm just standing in my bra and pants in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection.
It's not that I'm vain. It's not even that I'm all that bothered about whether I look cool or not. I used to worry about things like that - but that's another story.
Reviews
'She juggles the humour and heartache... with an easy balance of wit and sympathy'
The Guardian
Fall Out
Rushton, Rosie
pages
ISBN: 1-842990-74-8
£4.99

~Fall Out|ISBN%3A1842990748|~4677~4791~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~

Double VisionDouble Vision~

Double Vision
Silver, Norman
64 pages
ISBN: 1-84299-100-0

~First Page
In my last year at school I had a Saturday morning job at Valhalla Furniture Store. I worked mainly in the lighting department, demonstrating various lamps and light fittings for customers.
My head was so filled with details of watts and volts, I'm sure it would have shone in the dark like strobe lights.
Naturally, I didn't do this job out of choice - I had better things to do on a Saturday morning...
Reviews
"Sharp, funny and perceptive - brilliant"
The Guardian
Double Vision
Silver, Norman
64 pages
ISBN: 1-84299-100-0

~Double Vision Double Vision|ISBN%3A1842991000|~4677~4792~ISBN%3A1902260694,ISBN%3A1842990314,ISBN%3A1842991507,ISBN%3A1842992023,ISBN%3A1842991035,ISBN%3A184299042X,ISBN%3A1842991485,ISBN%3A1842990322,ISBN%3A1902260546,ISBN%3A1842990802,ISBN%3A1842991493,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991248,ISBN%3A1842991027,ISBN%3A1842991019,ISBN%3A1902260597,ISBN%3A1842991256,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A1842990446,ISBN%3A184299126,ISBN%3A1842992007,ISBN%3A1902260759,ISBN%3A1842990748,ISBN%3A1842991000,~