Big Words

My proof copy comes with an endorsement from Keith Gray, which suggests that Big Words belongs on Barrington Stoke’s growing library of tough stories for troubled teenage boys, in which we share the growing pains of young men learning to deal with difficult situations and relationships. In this case, Shaun must accept his responsibility for instigating a reckless game on the local waste ground, sledging on the broken bonnet of a wrecked car, which results in serious injury to two of his friends. The story is told from Shaun’s perspective and in his own words. The author, who is a secondary school teacher, provides a convincing portrayal of the horror of the accident, Shaun’s troubles at home and school, and his gradual move from aggressive self-justification to acceptance, apology, reconciliation and a new realisation of the value of his friendships. As ever with Barrington Stoke, this is an example of how much can be achieved by a skilled writer using a limited vocabulary and in just twenty-five punchy, dyslexia-friendly, chapters.