The Silk and the Skin

Guy's brother, Simon, is backward for his age and when he first attends school Guy and his friend Rosalind try to protect him from the jeers of Ralph's gang. But Simon becomes important to the gang because he can raise the dead Tristram Bendelow's familiar - a bat, constructed from black silk and rabbit skin.

This is a first-rate adventure story, tinged with the supernatural and cleverly providing interest for both sexes. The book examines cruelty, bullying and the nature of power. Characters are clearly delineated and the community in which the story is set immediately comes alive. This will be a popular and worthwhile read for 1st and 2nd year secondary pupils.