Game Changer

Game Changer

By Author / Illustrator

Tim Bowler

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

11+

Publisher

Oxford University Press

ISBN

9780192794154

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-03-2015

Synopsis

Life is hard for Mikey. He's frightened of open spaces and would much rather curl up in his room and avoid the world outside. So going to a noisy, public place is a big deal - but with his sister Meggie by his side, it should be safe. And Mikey is determined to overcome his fear. But things go badly wrong when he encounters a gang and witnesses something terrible. To make matters worse, they know where he lives, and now they want to see him . . . This time, there's no hiding place for Mikey . . .

Reviews

Caroline

Life is hard for Mikey. He's frightened of open spaces and would much rather curl up in his room with a book, avoiding the reality of life outside his four walls. So going to a noisy, public place is a big deal, but with his sister Meggie by his side he feels the time is right to try - it should be safe. But things go badly wrong when he encounters a gang and witnesses something terrible. To make matters worse, they know where he lives, and now they have his phone number and address. Game Changer is a very good place to start if you are unsure about trying the thriller genre for the first time. Tim Bowler has written young characters who are easy to identify with and has also tackled the sensitive subject of anxiety, agoraphobia and its potential effects on a family. The story is easy to follow and really plays on the idea of feeling safe in your own space and what can happen when this is no longer the case. Advanced readers may not find this enough of a challenge but the tension builds nicely and the end is not only satisfying but moving as well. I would definitely recommend this as a holiday read and think parents may benefit from the insight into teenage minds that it offers as well! 192 pages / Ages 12+ / Reviewed by Caroline Mitchell, teacher.

Suggested Reading Age 11+

 

Other titles