For the Record

When Luke’s home and the cemetery where his father are buried are both threatened by a waste incinerator plant, he feels it is time to take action. However time is limited and he has to get the Jersey village of Port Bren into the limelight to stand a chance of saving much of it from demolition. So how does a ten-year-old, somewhat geeky child go about achieving his goal?

This is a really funny and heart-warming book. It might be politically incorrect, with no signs of planning committees, consultation etc, but the determination that Luke shows will have many readers cheering. The book has its full share of quirky characters: the necessary villain (hiss, boo) and a huge list of world records waiting to be broken. It is about overcoming almost insurmountable odds, having faith in others and not letting bullies get their way. The story will attract both boys and girls and especially those who spend hours poring over the Guinness book of records. With all the depressing story plots about, it is good to see one where the ridiculous is still possible.