Reek

Reek is a cli-fi (climate fiction) story about the planet following the release of deadly toxic pollution. The survivors live in airlocked safety where survival outside depends, ironically, on the use of oxygen tanks to pay for tank refills.

Sparrow, the central character of this adventure, works hard to make time-sensitive deliveries for Zephyr to pay them for safe clean air to breathe via the ever-present face mask. The only winner in this poison-filled environment is Axel Brodie, who controls the sole air-purifying plant and as a result, has grown extremely rich and powerful. When Sparrow's friend, inventor Miriam, discovers new technology which can compete with Axel Brodie, the world becomes an even more dangerous place and Sparrow is at the centre of a mystery.

Alastair Chisholm has imagined a future where the action is fast-paced and the tension is high. This exciting, seat-of-the pants, middle grade novel will keep readers turning pages as Sparrow faces her most dangerous race against time to identify who does not want Miriam's life saving invention to become available to the survivors.

Reek offers readers a sadly entirely plausible (albeit horrifying) vision of the future and, in dyslexia-friendly format, with dynamic illustrations and an eye catching cover by illustrator George Caltsoudas, it is an accessible addition to the library or bedroom bookcase from the excellent publishers, Barrington Stoke.

Highly recommended middle grade novel for older primary school and younger secondary school students.

152 pages / Reviewed by Ruth Cornish, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 9+