The Humiliations of Welton Blake

An intriguing title with a bright cover that immediately grabs your attention. A good humoured, light-hearted story that will immediately appeal to an array of teenagers.

The Humiliations of Welton Blake tells the story of Welton, a typical teenage boy who has a run of bad luck. Welton has his eye on the best looking girl in the school and finally sums up the courage to ask her out. But as he does so, his phone breaks, his mum asks her boyfriend to move in with his four year old son and Welton's dad becomes depressed. The narrative of Welton is relatable for teenagers as he appeals to have a lot going on, both at home and at school. Amidst bullying, crushes, peer pressure and lack of money, Welton strives to get through his day. As the story progresses, you can't help but feel sorry for Welton and wish to see everything work out for him.

The beauty of this story is the complexity of Welton's narrative combined with the light humour. For teen readers, it will be light and enjoyable to read, whilst also absorbing how Welton deals with the complex issues around him. Many teenagers will be able to associate the issues to themselves but enjoy the humorous ways that Welton manages his situation. Teenagers who can sympathise with Welton and can relate to him as he goes through a mixture of emotions during the novel, but it is all brought to rights in the end as he finally stands up to the bullies and fights for what he knows is right.

The shorter length of this story makes it feel 'readable' for your more reluctant readers, whilst also reading a text of some substance both in the content and it's ideas. The character is appealing and his use of language reinforces his typical teenager attitude. I can see this book becoming very popular with young teenage readers.

176 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Joanna Hewish, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 11+

An intriguing title with a bright cover that immediately grabs your attention. A good humoured, light-hearted story that will immediately appeal to an array of teenagers.

The Humiliations of Welton Blake tells the story of Welton, a typical teenage boy who has a run of bad luck. Welton has his eye on the best looking girl in the school and finally sums up the courage to ask her out. But as he does so, his phone breaks, his mum asks her boyfriend to move in with his four year old son and Welton's dad becomes depressed. The narrative of Welton is relatable for teenagers as he appeals to have a lot going on, both at home and at school. Amidst bullying, crushes, peer pressure and lack of money, Welton strives to get through his day. As the story progresses, you can't help but feel sorry for Welton and wish to see everything work out for him.

The beauty of this story is the complexity of Welton's narrative combined with the light humour. For teen readers, it will be light and enjoyable to read, whilst also absorbing how Welton deals with the complex issues around him. Many teenagers will be able to associate the issues to themselves but enjoy the humorous ways that Welton manages his situation. Teenagers who can sympathise with Welton and can relate to him as he goes through a mixture of emotions during the novel, but it is all brought to rights in the end as he finally stands up to the bullies and fights for what he knows is right.

The shorter length of this story makes it feel 'readable' for your more reluctant readers, whilst also reading a text of some substance both in the content and it's ideas. The character is appealing and his use of language reinforces his typical teenager attitude. I can see this book becoming very popular with young teenage readers.

176 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Joanna Hewish, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 11+