Raz Beri

By Author / Illustrator

Matt Stephens

Genre

Personal Growth

Age range(s)

Publisher

Firefly Press

ISBN

9781915444615

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

11-07-2024

Synopsis

Billy has had enough of his classmates treating him differently. But then Mia arrives and announces a school visit from her uncle: a famous footballer. Maybe being a star footballer in front of his classmates will help Billy prove to his class that he can be just like them. But when even the famous footballer turns out to be just as bad as the school bullies, Billy begins to realise that perhaps he doesn't need to prove anything to anyone but himself.

Reviews

Billy Turpin has cerebral palsy and is finding life at secondary school challenging. Dealing with bullies, thoughtless teachers and an over-helpful helper, he just wishes everyone would stop treating him differently. Mia, also a wheelchair user, has recently started his school and constantly challenges him to stand up for himself. When it is announced that Mia's uncle is a famous footballer and is going to visit the school, Billy is thrilled and hopes that this might be his chance to prove he is just like everyone else. However, when the footballers act disgracefully, Billy realises he needs to take matters into his own hands.

Raz Beri is not a comfortable read, but it is completely absorbing and packs a very powerful punch. Told from Billy's perspective, the story exposes the thoughtlessness, casual cruelty and hideous bullying that make up Billy's daily experiences, creating real empathy. There is nothing self-pitying about his narrative, even in the face of some incredibly cruel name-calling, which he calmly explains whilst making it clear how hurtful this is.

Billy's relationship with Mia adds a new perspective as she is fiercely independent. Whereas Billy is happy to let Mrs Welbeck, the helper who has transitioned with him from primary school, continue to help him with things he is now able to do for himself because he doesn't want to hurt her feelings, Mia insists that he should be more independent and challenge people when they patronise or hurt him. She is an amazing character!

The book also challenges the education system in its meaningful provision for children with additional needs where purposeful planning in lessons like PE would have positive outcomes rather than just occupying students during a lesson. Mr Marsh very much represents the stereotypical games teacher whose lessons are torture for anyone not a keen athlete and who I had very much hoped we had consigned to the last century.

There is much food for thought for teachers here, too. In places, Raz Beri is a painful, challenging read, yet it is ultimately up-lifting, powerful and poignant. A must read for everyone.

192 pages / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher