Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Mikey’s dad has died, and his best friend is trying to help him. But Mikey doesn’t want to be helped; instead, he has pressed the self-destruct button and is drinking and getting into fights. Is there any way he can be helped back from the brink? This story explores a friendship that might be at breaking point and a violent side of society.

Barrington Stoke might be a simpler read, but they still produce books that hit hard and deal with complex issues. This is a study of grief set in a poverty-stricken neighbourhood, where even the adults do not have the capacity to help the grieving child. I knew Phil Earle would write something special as I’ve loved his books, but this is much grittier and more aimed at KS3 children. The boys do not have the emotional literacy or language to deal with the grief, and have nowhere to turn, which makes it quite a desperate tale. It seems like a story that would work well on screen as many children would understand Mikey’s grief, not only that his dad died, but that before then, he had left the family, and Mikey did not see him much. Earle creates the impression that the father was a real loser but loved nonetheless.

The cover by David Wardle is a clever take on the London Underground Tube map and whilst completely relevant, does not give anything away about the plot. The combination of Phil Earle and Barrington Stoke makes this a book for KS3 and beyond to remember.