There is real depth to Michelle Magorian’s story of a young boy taking part in a sponsored swim at his local pool. Ben is set to swim 100 lengths, then his mates Jack and Harry will finish the relay doing 50 lengths each. He’s a bit disdainful of the other swimmers, the loudly enthusiastic group of teenagers determined to complete it in record time, and Betty the old lady – ‘wrinkly’ as Harry and Jack would say – in the next lane. But he revises his opinion after he finishes his laps and there’s still no sign of his so-called friends. With Betty’s encouragement he complete all 200 laps himself. It gives him a sense of achievement that changes the way he thinks about himself. An insightful book from an author who really understands human nature. ~ Andrea Reece
Ben knows he's taking on a lot, offering to do the first hundred lengths of the swimathon himself, but he's desperate to impress Jack and Harry. But as he swims - and swims - Jack realises that his 'friends' aren't going to show. Now he either has to forfeit or swim another hundred lengths! But support and encouragement come from an unlikely quarter and Ben pushes his way to victory. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 7+
Michelle Magorian is undoubtedly one of the pre-eminent children’s writers of historical family drama and of books set around the Second World War. She may not be a household name but that’s purely because she doesn’t write as frequently as those more obvious bestselling novelists. Just Henry is her seventh novel. Unlike some authors Magorian writes when the time is right having first undertaken considerable research, followed by a lot of thinking time before actually putting pen to paper and then there’s always the very important rewrites to polish the story. Magorian loves the research and the writing in equal measure but particularly loves writing dialogue.
Interestingly, Magorian’s first love when she was younger was to be an actress but she also loved writing and day dreaming – the perfect combination for a successful novelist. Here at Lovereading4kids we urge parents and children to try out the wonderful writing, experience the roller-coaster of emotions you’ll get from reading a Michelle Magorian novel. We’re confident you’ll be swept up into a time and place that should never be forgotten.
Click here to read a Q&A with the author from top children's publisher Egmont.
