Author:Robert Swindells
A powerful, disturbing thriller reissued in The Originals series of classic teenage fiction.
Martha is twelve - and very different from other kids, because of her parents. Strict members of a religious group - the Brethren - their rules dominate Martha's life. And one rule is the most important of all: she must never ever invite anyone home. If she does, their shameful secret - Abomination - could be revealed. But as Martha makes her first real friend in Scott, a new boy at school, she begins to wonder. Is she doing the right thing by helping to keep Abomination a secret? And just how far will her parents go to prevent the truth from being known?
The Originals are the pioneers of fiction for young adults. From political awakening, war and unrequited love to addiction, teenage pregnancy and nuclear holocaust, The Originals confront big issues and articulate difficult truths
We're suckers for it!
—— Entertainment WeeklyAn obvious pick for the literary lover of all things bloodsucking
—— Hollywood Crush, MTV.comGrips the reader from the opening chapter
—— Sunday TimesDowd transforms disability into a gift
—— The TimesA wonderfully written mystery. It is funny, nerve-wracking and tender by turns, with plenty of pace and excitement as well as some moments for serious reflection
—— School LibrarianEverything about this book - the perky tone, the subtlety of characterisation and the cleverness of the plotting - is absolutely right
—— Irish TimesIt's full of hilarious tiny details, which our sharp-eyed hero - and clever parents and children - can spot to solve the mysteries.
—— The Oxford TimesThis is picture book storytelling at its best. Text and illustration perfectly integrated so that the eye moves easily across the page and the attention is held. Every page is carefully designed allowing different perspectives, creating excitement and movement through the juxtaposition of whole page and split page spreads as well as techniques adopted from graphic novel or film. There are not enough picture books that can reach older children. This is one - and it is a delight.
—— Books for KeepsThis is an utterly delightful book, packed with quirky text and illustrations and reall unusual.
—— Parents in TouchHow can you not want to read this book over and over again? How can you not want to share it with everyone you meet?
—— Xena's Mom , Librarian's QuestMini Grey is as skilful as ever as she unravels a complex, tragic and very funny story through action-packed illustrations, captions and speech bubbles.
—— Guardian ReviewA gentle, entertaining story.
—— Daily MailA Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year—and it's an "Outstanding Merit" title!
—— Bank Street College of Education , The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2015 Edition