Author & Illustrators
Robert Swindells’ Brother in the Land is a much-loved story of survival, first published in 1984, with a post-apocalyptic setting.
This powerful story plunges the reader into a world shattered by nuclear war, tapping into public fears that are still as prevalent today as they were when it was first published during the Cold War. The story follows Danny Lodge and his younger brother as he navigates the grim aftermath of a nuclear bomb, his hometown now a scene of devastation and emptiness.
Without the comforts and safety of civilised society, Danny contends with a landscape where danger abounds – including the impact of radiation and the inevitability of human selfishness. Meanwhile, his efforts to protect his sibling are admirable as he strives not to give up hope. The narrative is an unflinching look at human responses to the fight for survival.
Brother in the Land is a stark and highly memorable adventure, recommended for Year 9.
Stone Cold was originally published in 1993 and is a teen story of hope, friendship and homelessness. The key protagonist is Link, homeless at age 16 and alone on the streets. He meets another youngster, Ginger, who provides much-needed friendship and support, but who then goes missing. Link tries to find out what happened to him.
It is most definitely a young adult book, best suitable for readers aged 13 and above, due to some graphic written descriptions and language use. However it is an extremely powerful portrayal of young people having to live on the streets when they become homeless, and the issues and dangers they face. The author, Robert Swindells, originally wrote it in response to seeing so many youngsters homeless on visits to London and hoped that it might provoke a public (and government) response to alter their perceptions of homelessness, which is rarely a matter of choice. With little having changed for the better since then for homeless teens, this is just as important a read now as it was when first published.
Powerful and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to think for themselves about what it is to be human and how to care about others.
When Ivan’s little brother is stolen away by the terrifying Starjik, Ivan sets out into a cold, inhospitable world to bring him back. Ivan’s chances in this frozen world seem slim, and Starjik has a wild, cruel magic on his side. And yet as his adventure continues, it becomes clear that Ivan may have a friend – and a little magic – on his side too. When I was younger I read this book endlessly. It’s one of those stories you experience with your heart in your mouth, right through to the very end.
Robert Swindell’s Room 13 is a spooky thriller story in which the main character is greeted with peculiar recurring nightmares whilst on a school trip to Whitby. The story follows Fliss, who along with her classmates, faces unusual red bite marks, a bout of sleepwalking, strange old women and Dracula himself.
Room 13 has Upper KS2 classes on the edge of their seats and not wanting to put it down. We would recommend this gripping book for children aged 9+ who enjoy a bit of suspense.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments