Fallout

By Author / Illustrator

Lesley Parr

Genre

Historical Fiction

Age range(s)

Publisher

Bloomsbury Children's Books

ISBN

9781526648013

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

18-07-2024

Synopsis

Is Marcus's fate decided by his family? Or can he stand up for himself to become the person he really wants to be? A totally gripping read for readers of 10 and over, from the winner of the Wales Children's Book of the Year Award 2023.

Marcus has one brother in a youth offender centre and the other is working with their dad on plans for their next theft. Everyone assumes Marcus will follow in their footsteps, but he has other ideas, different hopes. When a mysterious accident lands a man in hospital, it confirms what everyone in their community expects and Marcus gets the blame. He feels trapped. Only new girl Emma - with her peace protest banners and political badges - questions this story. Can they work together to clear his name - and help Marcus become the person he really wants to be?

An exciting and moving story about questioning your loyalties, from the acclaimed author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. Perfect for readers of 10+ who love Phil Earle, Frank Cottrell-Boyce or Brian Conaghan. 'An exceptional story from one of our finest writers' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse.

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Reviews

Beverley

Marcus Pritchard does not have an easy life; his family are notorious for being on the wrong side of the law. With one brother already in borstal and another heading the same way, everyone expects Marcus to go down the wrong path, too. However, Marcus hates being labelled 'a Pritchard' and has totally different ideas as to what he wants to do with his life. When a shocking incident at the town's carnival leaves a man badly injured, people are quick to pin the blame on Marcus. Only his new friend, Emma, believes in him, and they decide to work together to prove his innocence.

Set in the summer of 1980, Fallout is a brilliant novel. There is so much scope for classroom use, with its themes of the Cold War, CND, the nuclear arms race, friendship and family. It would make the perfect class reader.

The characters are beautifully and sympathetically written; Marcus is so endearing; he puts on a tough exterior to hide the difficult life he has at home with a bullying brother and a cold and uncaring mother. I also loved Emma, she is as much an outsider as Marcus and the two become close friends and help each other through difficult times. Emma never judges Marcus and knows that he is nothing like his horrible brother, Gavin. She helps Marcus realise that he can be whatever he wants to be, despite what others may think.

The reader is drawn in right from the start and we are taken on a journey through Marcus's world, as the story gathers pace and comes to a thrilling and satisfying climax. The ending of the novel is so beautifully written with hope for Marcus's future.

The bold cover, quirky chapter headings and accompanying line drawings by David Dean complement the book perfectly. Lesley Parr is such a gifted writer whose books never disappoint. She has that rare gift of writing about real life in a way that is both interesting and inspiring. She really gets under the skin of her characters and I was totally captivated by Marcus's story.

I have loved every one of Lesley’s books, and this is her best yet. I cannot praise it highly enough - beg, borrow or buy a copy!

Reviewed by Beverley Somerset. school librarian