Simon's Challenge

This latest Kelpie continues a tradition of high-quality books with - thank heavens! - well-designed covers. Simon's father has been made redundant and has left home to search for work leaving his wife to cope with a baby and Simon to yearn for the computer he knows he will never get. He unwittingly passes his favourite computer shop as a burglary is taking place but fails to realise this until police investigations begin and he is. unexpectedly. able to help. It is the skilful characterisation and the sharpness of observation (details like the trivia of boys' conversations and the affectionate insularity of family life) which elevate this above the conventional 'cops-and-robbers' yarn. Tailor-made for boys: top juniors or 1st/2nd year secondary pupils with an ear for wit and a fast-moving read!