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‘Gripping – a joy of a story’ Robin Stevens
Shortlisted for the Shrewsbury Book Award and the Warwickshire Book Award
When ten-year-old Liam moves house to be closer to his dementia-suffering grandma, he’s thrown into an unfamiliar place with a family that seems to be falling apart. Liam doesn’t remember what his grandma was like before she became ill. He only knows the witch-like old woman who snaps and snarls and eats her birthday cards. He wants to fix it, but he can’t.
Walking his dog one day, Liam discovers an old stone gargoyle in a rundown church, and his life changes in impossible ways. The gargoyle is alive. It moves unseen in the night, acting out Liam’s stories. And stories can be dangerous things…
Seeking revenge against the bullies at his new school, Liam tells a story about the gargoyle attacking them. When one of them ends up in hospital, a regretful Liam vows never to go near the gargoyle again.
But his grandma’s illness is getting worse, his mum isn’t coping, and his sister is skipping school… What if the gargoyle is the only thing that can save Liam’s family?
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Reviews
I loved this and read it in one sitting ... It's a really special debut, full of heart, hope and the power of storytelling
This is a very important novel for young people to read
This novel is nothing short of magical and had me in tears - several times.
This book is a perfect introduction to reading for a primary audience, especially for young boys who will be able to identify with Liam and learn both from him and with him.
It is a beautiful, delicate story about a boy who is just trying to do the right thing for everyone, and it will provoke much thought and discussion.
A heartbreakingly good debut. Fresh and beautifully written, this is something very special