Advantages: Giving a better understanding of homeless people and their situations Disadvantages: Dual-Narrative-often confusing, lack of direction.
The book, Stone Cold, written by RobertSwindells, evolves around a teenage boy nicknamed Link, who is having an extremely difficult time dealing with family life, due to his mothers relationship with her rude, arrogant boyfriend Vince. The book follows the 16 year old throughout his journey, showing both the advantages and disadvantages of freedom.
It is clear from the start of the book that Link feels uncomfortable in his home. He does not appear to have a close bond with his mother, although, it seemed that Link had a good relationship with his sister, Karen. Her boyfriend, on the other hand, stood in the way of their relationship and they therefore grew apart.
The short introduction at the beginning of the book gives a good impression as to what his life is like. One quote from the first page which is extremely touching is as ...
Advantages: excellent story for young fluent readers Disadvantages: none
I was looking for some books which I could get for my young nephews and an author who's name kept cropping up was RobertSwindells. He has been writing books for children for a number of years and many of his books have received prestigious awards such as the Carnegie Medal. Ice Palace, which is a very popular book, was written in 1977 so it has been around for quite a while now. That does not matter though as it is a timeless tale, set in a mystical place, which is never likely to date.
The blurb on the back cover makes the book seem very exciting and mysterious. The first words that you read on this blurb are:
'Starjik! Whisper his name and it was winter in your heart!'
This really does seem to draw the reader in and my eight year old nephew could not wait to get going with it. Straight away he was wondering who Starjik was and why ...
Advantages: Interesting, descriptive and action packed story. Disadvantages: Shorter than some books...but that's the only disadvantage.
might just end up there!
Book details:
Title: Blitzed
Author(s): RobertSwindells
ISBN: 044086397X
Currently available in paperback from Amazon.co.uk for £4.99. You can also get it as an offer with Last Bus (also by Swindells) for £8.98. ...
Product Information for "Daz 4 Zoe - Robert Swindells" »
Product details
EAN
9780582434486
Type
Fiction
Genre
Children's
Publisher
Pearson Education Limited
Title
Daz 4 Zoe
Author
Robert Swindells
ISBN
0582434483
Manufacturer's product description
Them and us. Us and them. Create division within a society and before you know it those on one side of the line start hating those on the other. Set on a not-so-distant future society Daz 4 Zoe is a story about two teenagers from different parts of the city and their struggle to be together. Hardback 216pp"
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