Like many boys in year 7, Daniel mostly likes life at big school, but he’s still finding his way, especially when it comes to working out who to have as friends. His home life is challenging too. He’s responsible for looking after his little sisters when his mum’s chronic fatigue syndrome is bad; money is tight, and dad is often worried.
Things come to a head when he’s offered the part of the Cowardly Lion in the school’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Daniel loves being on stage but is desperate to keep it from his new friends. Fortunately, even if his so-called mates don’t get it, others do.
The second in this new series from Lisa Williamson covers big themes and emotions, and every bit of it feels true to life, Daniel’s troubles and eventual triumph described with warmth, insight and sensitivity. These big-hearted contemporary stories have a very broad appeal.
It would be easy to assume that nothing much bothers Daniel Littleton. Since starting at the Henry Bigg Academy a few months earlier, he’s made friends with a big group of lads, enjoys playing on his Xbox and seems to like nothing better than teasing his desk neighbour, Lola.
But behind closed doors is another story – with a chronically ill mother and a dad who has to work all the hours he can, Dan is often in charge of his troublesome twin sisters, Nia and Nelly. From picking them up from school, to minding them when his dad is at work and his mum is too poorly, Dan feels constantly torn between his school life and being needed at home.
When he wins a coveted part in the school’s performance of The Wizard of Oz, Dan is ecstatic. Finally he’s found a subject he really loves and seems to be really good at – but whilst he’s treading the boards, everything else is unravelling behind the scenes…
Double Drama is the second book in the critically acclaimed Bigg School series, by Lisa Williamson, which follows the lives of children as they navigate the highs and lows of starting secondary school. Daniel’s story will resonate with many, as he is forced by circumstances to help care for a poorly parent and support his family when he’s still working out his own place in the world. Tender-hearted and funny, with a gentle handling of issues, these are the perfect books for any child aged 8 and up.
Watch author Lisa Williamson introduce the latest title in her Bigg School series, Double Drama!
'Funny, touching and wise. As good as Jacqueline Wilson at her best.' - The Bookseller
'Sweet and touching' – The Guardian
'Relatable, empathetic book' – School Reading List
Author
About Lisa Williamson
Lisa Williamson was born in Nottingham in 1980. She spent most of her childhood drawing, daydreaming and making up stories in her head (but never getting round to writing them down). As a teenager she was bitten by the acting bug and at 19 moved to London to study drama at university.
Following graduation, Lisa adopted the stage name of Lisa Cassidy and spent several happy and chaotic years occasionally getting paid to pretend to be other people. Between acting roles she worked as an office temp and started making up stories all over again, only this time she had a go at writing them down.
Her debut novel for young adults The Art of Being Normal was a best-seller and won the 2016 Waterstones Children's Book Prize for best older fiction.
Lisa lives in London with her partner, step-kids and a blue whippet called Nelson.
This book is great for children who want to relate to the story, as the main character is a regular child.
Double Drama is a fun and engaging book about an ordinary boy, called Daniel. His family are not helpful, and he does not have all the gadgets that his friends do. However, things start going out of control when he gets the lead role in the play. His friends will tease him for life if they find out, so he must keep secrets and tell lies if he wants things to stay as they are.
This book made me smile many times and had an amazing array of characters. The plot kept me reading and the pictures were cute and full of personality. I am really enjoying the series, and I cannot wait for the third book. This book is great for children who want to relate to the story, as the main character is a regular child.... Read Full Review