The complexities of making choices in a world rich in different values, expectations and beliefs is cleverly explored in this hugely topical story. After the death of his father in a random violent attack, Hamish sheds the tolerant views he had been brought up with and slips into being alienated and negative, adopting the prejudiced and racist views he has previously despised. But Hamish changes again when he has to help Ali, the sole survivor among a group of North African refugees whose boat founders on the French coast. Powerfully written and thought provoking, this is a powerful read.
Hamish is sensible, conscientious, and respectable, friends with the good boys, stays away from the bad ones. When his father is murdered in an act of random violence, Hamish's world turns upside down. Angry and alienated, Hamish begins to lose his tolerant beliefs and is drawn towards racist reactions.
As well as journalism, Rachel still occasionally contributes to various journals and TV programmes. Rachel Anderson is an established Oxford author. Her special gift is to write powerfully about disability or alienation.
Rachel won the Guardian Children's Fiction Award for Paper Faces.
Rachel enjoys reading, drawing and walking. She is married and lives mainly in Cromer, Norfolk. She has four children.
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