February 2023 Literature Review

Glitter Boy by Ian Eagleton (Scholastic, 2nd February 2023)

We were thrilled to receive an advance copy of Polari Prize-winner Ian Eagleton’s new novel, Glitter Boy. James’ teacher is marrying his boyfriend and some of the children – James included – are, as a surprise, invited to sing at the wedding. Told through James’ eyes and through the deeply evocative poetry he writes (which creates almost an anthology’s worth through the text) this is a story of self-realisation and identification as well as managing the perceived expectations of others. And James not only has the challenges that he faces at the hands of homophobic bullies and his father’s disapproval but also feelings of abandonment and bereavement, due to not only his mother’s absence but also his nan’s death. His nan always accepted James exactly as he is, spending time together singing and dancing to Mariah Carey (a prominent feature: you might be hearing song lyrics swirling in your ears for a while after reading this!) and sharing such a special bond. But there’s also Jake: accepting, self-assured and gentle, and he sees James; really sees him. It is this perceptiveness and acceptance that proves to be the biggest gift James could be given. At times uplifting and at others, sorrowful, this is one of those books where children will connect with the characters and be given the opportunity to explore the complexities of growing up queer, whether that is their own lived experience or an insight into what their peers may be experiencing. 
 
Eagleton is playing an extraordinary part in lifting up and representing members of the LGBTQ+ community through the power of his stories. This is his first novel and we were thrilled to watch his recent ITV news interview on the crafting of this book, some of the struggles he faced as a child and the devastating impact that living under the cloud of Section 28 had on several generations. Thank goodness this damaging piece of legislation is no more but there is still work to be done around representation, making this a must-buy for school and class libraries and a must-recommend for children in key stage 2.

The Rescue of Ravenwood by Natasha Farrant (Faber, 23rd February 2023)

Sometimes the beauty of the world can take your breath away. This line from The Children of Castle Rock, also by Natasha Farrant and published in 2018, opens  Costa Award Winner Natasha Farrant’s new novel and sets the tone perfectly. An unlikely group of children become part of a blended family all living together in the remote, ramshackle Ravenwood House. Raffy and Bea have known each other since babyhood – thrown together by circumstance, their parents falling for each other soon after. So one summer when Noa – an imposter in Bea’s eyes – arrives to stay, it looks as if three may prove to be a crowd. But then Bea – having been left to be brought up by her uncle so her parents can continue to live as free-spirits is invited to spend two weeks on holiday with them. Gentle, nature-loving Raffy is devastated to be separated from his chosen sister, even if it is just for a two week holiday. Then suddenly, as these things are wont to do, a thought pops into Raffy’s mind: he knows nothing of his family, except his mother Martha. Why did she bring him here all those years ago? What could she have been running from? And is running to something always the best idea when what you hold dear is already in front of you? Raffy and Martha set off on their own journey of discovery, leaving Noa alone once again. There is a sadness to her past: an invisible loner, feeling that creatures understand her more so than humans. But she’s not naïve, rather shrewd, and it isn’t long before she realises that visitors Jack and Ant are visiting under false pretences. A devastating fire; a house sale and the children unanchored yet bound to Ravenwood must fight to rescue their home: the home that rescued each of them.
 
A truth-filled mystery adventure story with important representation of family paradigms that can so often be misconstrued or negatively portrayed. Explores themes of identity, rejection and grief as well as carrying a strong ecological message and a call to take courage. Perfect for children in upper key stage 2. 

The Wildstorm Curse by Eve Wersocki Morris (Hodder Children’s Books,19th January 2023)

Kallie is determined to become a playwright, despite the challenge that her dyslexia poses when it comes to writing. When she spots a flyer for a summer theatre camp, she is desperate to go. But it’s expensive and she knows her mum won’t be able to fund it…unless she enters, and wins, the play-writing competition that’s also advertised on the flyer. However, when Kallie’s winning entry secures her a place at  Wildstorm Theatre Camp, and she arrives late at night after a journey with several cancellations and mishaps, one can’t help but think that winning a place at camp may be a poisoned chalice. Wildstorm has a slightly sinister air, yet Kallie seems taken by the history surrounding the old theatre, now restored by the formidable camp director, Jackie. The local Historical Society, however, aren’t best pleased that the theatre has reopened. But why? Could there be any truth in the witch-legend of Elisabet Gilbert, perpetuated by the locals through their mutterings and also the sale of merch in the form of Elisabet the Witch tea-towels and socks? Once we come to realise, just a few chapters in that Kallie’s nightly vivid dreams are a form of premonition, we know that she is deep in mystery. But what’s gone before? Why does it feel as if Emilia – the owner’s daughter and new friend to Kallie – knows more than she’s letting on. And who or what is the sinister presence lurking in the grounds, with fleeting memories of a past and an urgent need to feed upon something? It seems the children are in great danger but could Kallie’s prize-winning play, The Unlikely Hero be something of a premonition in itself?
 
A brilliantly woven, thrilling novel by acclaimed children’s author Wersocki Morris who was herself diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and once given the dubious accolade of ‘worst speller in the class’, there is a sense of an author writing herself into the story, just as in Eagleton’s Glitter Boy. And in a similar vein to some of the themes in Glitter Boy there is that self-assured friend who accepts others: like Jake, Emilia proves to be a huge source of encouragement to Kallie, Writing isn’t about being the best speller! It’s about the best ideas – the best stories! Who cares about spelling when you’re taking people on an adventure. Word! Perfect for children in upper key stage 2, especially for supporting the transition to secondary school.