Alan Gibbons - Author

An Act of Love

Award-winning Alan Gibbons pulls no punches in this moving contemporary story of lives torn apart by the divisions within our society. As boys, Chris and Imran are best friends and even blood brothers. Their love of football, family, friends and even school unites them; together they stand against all comers. As teenagers, they are sworn enemies; with Chris in the army and Imran newly politicised as a Muslim radical prepared to die for the cause. Told in different voices, their two stories are brilliantly interwoven creating a gripping, disturbing and thought provoking story of our time.

They Saw Too Much

Two teenagers witness a murder - and now they're the next targets. An action-packed, edge-of-your-seat YA thriller from bestselling author, Alan Gibbons. Gripping and gritty, perfect for fans of Kevin Brooks, Patrice Lawrence and Malorie Blackman. Sixteen-year-old John has moved away from the tough inner-city neighbourhood he grew up in and started afresh. Ceri James is the guarded girl from the children's home who has captivated his attention. But when their lives are thrown together, it's not in the way John had hoped. They witness a man die. Not only are they eye-witnesses of the fatal shooting, but John caught the whole thing on camera - and the culprits know it. Now, John and Ceri must run for their lives in a deadly, heart-stopping chase that leads them in dark and ever more dangerous directions. So why does John refuse to call the police? As secrets are revealed and loyalties doubted, John and Ceri's world hinges on one question - when it's a matter of life or death, who can you really trust?

The Trap terrorism, heroism and everything in between

Terrorism, heroism and everything in between... THE TRAP is a teen thriller about espionage, a missing brother and the ever-raging war on terror by million-copy-selling author, Alan Gibbons. MI5 agent, Kate, receives a tip-off about an asset, who seems too good to be true. Amir and Nasima are trying to make friends at their new school but struggling to keep a terrible secret. A group of jihadists are planning something. And behind it all stands Majid. Brother. Son. Hero. Terrorist. Spanning Iraq, Syria and England, THE TRAP grapples with one of the greatest challenges of our time.

The Winter's Tale Band 17/Diamond

Alan Gibbons movingly retells the ultimate story of jealousy. When King Leontes banishes his whole family, after suspecting his wife's infidelity, he destroys everything that matters to him. But, even utter devastation can be healed with the gift of time and a little love. Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view. Text type: Fiction from our literary heritage Curriculum links: English: fiction from the literary heritage

Early Reader: Weirdibeasts: Weird Snowy Day Book 4

A full colour blue Early Reader story from million-copy-selling author Alan Gibbons writing with his daughters, Megan and Rachel. Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books perfect for building confidence in new readers and reluctant readers. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. Katie Cat saw it first. It was a single white flake drifting down from the sky. It's a snowy day, and that means snowball fights and playing outside with friends. Even the littlest animals can have fun in the snow. A delightful new Weirdibeasts story from million-copy-selling author Alan Gibbons writing with his daughters, Megan and Rachel, and illustrated by Jane Porter.

Project X Origins Graphic Texts: Dark Red+ Book Band, Oxford Level 19: Antarctic Ambush

Project X Origins Graphic Texts can help children to reach higher standards in comprehension. This action-packed, fiction story told in graphic form signals the start of a brand new time-travelling adventure for the popular Project X characters, Max, Cat, Ant and Tiger. The micro-friends find themselves on board Captain Cook's Antarctic ship as they try to protect his sea clock. Can they convince the captain they're not stowaways? Where has Cat gone? And who is aboard the identical ship headed in their direction? This book also contains notes on the inside front and back covers with advice on supporting older children with their reading, ideas for follow-up activities and higher-level comprehension questions.

Early Reader: Weirdibeasts: Weird Spooky Day Book 3

Join the Weirdibeasts for Halloween in this brand-new full colour blue Early Reader story from million-copy-selling author Alan Gibbons writing with his daughters, Megan and Rachel. Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books perfect for building confidence in new readers and reluctant readers. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. It's the weirdest Halloween ever. Mrs Creature is having a Halloween party, with food, games and a special prize for the best fancy dress. The Weirdibeasts can't wait to try on their scary costumes and dress up. A fun Halloween-inspired story from Alan Gibbons, writing with his daughters, Megan and Rachel, and illustrated by Jane Porter.

End Game

A real-life thriller about memory loss, arms dealing, and fathers and sons from million copy selling, prize-winning author, Alan Gibbons. 'He was here again last night, the man with the dead eyes. He was in my room and in my head.' There are not many things Nick Mallory knows for sure. He knows there was a car crash. He knows he is in hospital. And he knows he feels furious with his father. What he doesn't know is why. As his memories start to return, Nick finds himself caught in a net of secrets and lies - where truth and perception collide and heroes and villains are not easy to tell apart.

Early Reader: Weirdibeasts: Weird Sports Day Book 2

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. It's Katie Cat's Sports Day. She and her friends must race faster than cheetahs, bounce better than kangaroos and climb higher than monkeys! A delightful story from million copy selling author Alan Gibbons writing with his daughters, Megan and Rachel.

Project X Alien Adventures: Dark Red + Book Band, Oxford Level 20: The Scorpion Legion

Project X Alien Adventures takes you on an incredible reading journey with this fantastic story featuring the popular Project X characters Max, Cat, Ant and Tiger. When Max, Cat and Ant lose track of Tiger during a turbulent rip-jump, they must set off across the hot desert to try and find him. But when they are captured by the Scorpion Legion, they realize that this new dimension could be one of the deadliest yet. Can they escape the Legion, find Tiger and locate the prism of light that will help them in their fight against Vilana? Carefully levelled and highly motivating, this book is ideal for independent reading. This book also contains notes on the inside front and back covers with advice on supporting older children with their reading, questions for readers, and a follow-up activity.

Project X Alien Adventures: Dark Red Book Band, Oxford Level 17: The Shadow Dimension

Project X Alien Adventures takes you on an incredible reading journey with this fantastic story featuring the popular Project X characters Max, Cat, Ant and Tiger. On the trail of the next thought vial, Max, Cat, Ant and Tiger rip-jump to a barren landscape shrouded in mist. But when they meet the twilighters, the micro-friends realize that there is more to this dimension than they first thought. What is lurking in the mist? How can they escape from their own shadows? Carefully levelled and highly motivating, this book is ideal for independent reading. This book also contains notes on the inside front and back covers with advice on supporting older children with their reading, questions for readers, and a follow-up activity.

End Game

'He was here again last night, the man with the dead eyes. He was in my room and in my head.' There are not many things Nick Mallory knows for sure. He knows there was a car crash. He knows he is in hospital. And he knows he feels furious with his father. What he doesn't know is why. As his memories start to return, Nick finds himself caught in a net of secrets and lies - where truth and perception collide and heroes and villains are not easy to tell apart.

Hate

Eve's older sister, Rosie, was bright and alive and always loved being the centre of attention. Then one day, she is brutally murdered. Six months later, Eve meets Antony and discovers that he was there the night Rosie died and did nothing to help. Is there any way she can ever get past that? Inspired by the tragic murder of Sophie Lancaster, which saw Sophie and her partner Rob viciously attacked in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, Lancashire because of the way they dressed, this is a hard-hitting real-life thriller about friendship, courage, loss, forgiveness and about our society and communities.

Early Reader: Weirdibeasts: Weird School Day Book 1

Early Readers are stepping stones from picture books to reading books. A blue Early Reader is perfect for sharing and reading together. A red Early Reader is the next step on your reading journey. It's Katie Cat's first day of school ... but what has happened? She has feathers and fur and whiskers and wings. She's all mixed up! A delightful story about starting school from million-copy-selling author Alan Gibbons writing with his daughters, Megan and Rachel.

The Darkness of Dragons

Complete eBook Collection

An action packed complete collection of the eight book Total Football series from bestselling writer Alan Gibbons.This collection contains the following stories:1. Some You Win . . .2. Under Pressure3. Divided We Fall4. Injury Time5. Last Man Standing6. Power Play7. Twin Strikers8. Final Countdown

Hate

Eve's older sister, Rosie, was bright and alive and always loved being the centre of attention. Then one day, she is brutally murdered. Six months later, Eve meets Antony and discovers that he was there the night Rosie died and did nothing to help. Is there any way she can ever get past that? Inspired by the tragic murder of Sophie Lancaster, which saw Sophie and her partner Rob viciously attacked in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, Lancashire because of the way they dressed, this is a hard-hitting real-life thriller about friendship, courage, loss, forgiveness and about our society and communities.

Being Rooney

How did an ordinary schoolboy from Liverpool become one of England's top goal scorers? This biography tells the story of Wayne Rooney's life in football from his early days at Everton to being signed by Manchester United and his top moments in club and international football. Plus Wayne himself shares some of the secrets of his success. *Help Key Stage 3 students move from Level 3b to Level 3c in reading. *Support comprehension with the stunning photos of the best games and goals, as well as glimpses into Wayne's early life. *Encourage shared and guided reading using the ready-made tasks and discussion points on the activity pages at the back of the book. * Suitable for Key Stage 3 students with a reading age of 9 years.

Raining Fire

The gun is the coward's fist. The gun is power. Alex and Ethan are growing up on an estate where there are just two choices: sport or crime. Ethan is selected for a football training programme in the US, his chance to escape the gangs that terrorise his neighbourhood. But Alex is drawn into an explosive feud with a gun at its heart. In this gripping and absorbing real life thriller, Alan Gibbons explores the complex issue of gun crime, and the far reaching consequences it can have.

Wishing Well Will

The Cold Heart Of Summer

Fantastically creepy ghost story from a top author. When her dad begins restoring the old Sexton house, Debbie begins to wonder whether a house really can be evil. The stories of mystery and murder that haunt the house's past start to become a reality - can Debbie convince her dad that they're in danger before it's too late? Great new edition of a chilling horror story. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers of 12+

Raining Fire

Alex and Ethan are brothers, growing up on an estate where there are just two choices: sport or crime. Ethan is a promising footballer, and when he is selected to go on a training programme in the US, he feels sure that he has found his chance to escape the gangs that dominate his streets. But as life spirals out of control for his brother, Alex, and things unexpectedly take a turn for the worse for Ethan, he finds himself drawn into the midst of an explosive feud with the gun at its heart. The gun can make a weak man strong. The gun is the coward's fist. The gun is power. In this tense, gripping and absorbing real life thriller, Alan Gibbons explores the complex issue of gun crime, and the far-reaching consequences it can have.

Gladiator

Inside, the helmet was dark and stuffy. I couldn't see a thing. The sounds of the waves and the sea breeze had suddenly stopped. I got this weird feeling, like the air was bending around me. Like the ground was shifting under my feet. You find an old helmet on the beach. It's rusty and looks as if it's been there for years. You slip it over your head to see how it feels. When you take it off again, you're inside a dark tunnel. Someone hands you a sword. You're a gladiator. And the crowd outside is baying for your blood. *Help Key Stage 3 students move from Level 3b to Level 3a in reading. *Support comprehension with the exciting, age-appropriate illustrations. *Help readers explore the world of Roman gladiators and Roman soldiers using the lively non-fiction section. *Encourage shared and guided reading using the ready-made tasks and discussion points on the activity pages at the back of the book.

The Name is Kade

The name is Kade, Jack Kade. I take the jobs the cops can't do. I clear the skyways of the scum of the universe. I hunt down the gangsters, the kidnappers, every kind of low life. It's a dirty job, but somebody has to do it. A call from Earth brings Kade back from Saturn. His old enemy Zab Hecko is free and intent on destroying the human race. To make things harder, Hecko's had a face transplant. Can Kade find him before it is too late? Told in the style of a Raymond Chandler novel, this is a funny, action-packed sci-fi noir. *Help Key Stage 3 students move from Level 3c to Level 3b in reading. *Support comprehension with graphic novel-style illustrations. *Encourage shared and guided reading using the ready-made tasks and discussion points on the activity pages at the back of the book.

Witch Breed Book 4

When Paul journies back to 17th-century London, he expects to be thrown into a life or death struggle for the three gates that imprison the ancient King Lud. But the battle doesn't come. Instead, Paul roams alone, learning how to survive in a city where all the talk is of the savage civil war that rages beyond its ramparts. Somewhere underground, Lud is waiting in his crypt, preparing to rise again. War, fear and want are his tools. But Paul has his own weapons. Beyond the city, a witchhunt rages out of control. Only one woman possesses the power to help Paul in his quest.

The Three Heads of Cerberus

Hold On

When Annie returns from an extended stay in Canada, she discovers that her friend, John, has killed himself. Annie is devastated by his death and is determined to confront those she believes responsible - a group of boys from her school, who bullied John mercilessly in the months before he died. But Annie's parents and friends don't share her wish to bring the boys to justice. She finds herself treading a lonely path - and soon discovers that nothing is straightforward. She is helplessly attracted to one of the boys, and when she reads John's diary, it's clear that they weren't the only ones to cause him so much unhappiness... Alan tells John's story in an unsentimental and compassionate novel, but he also tells Annie's story which is as much about moving on and looking forward to the future, as about the tragic waste of a young life.

Lone Wolf

He saw it in flashes: a shadow of prickly fur, the gleam of teeth. The sight of it snatched the breath from Danny's lungs. He knew what the creature was. He thought they had died out in Britain hundreds of years ago, but there was no doubt about it. He was looking into the yellow eyes of a wolf. People have been going missing in the town. But Danny's got something else on his mind: how to avoid Carver and his gang. Running away from them into the dark woods beyond the estate, he meets something even more frightening... *Help Key Stage 3 students move from Level 3a to Level 4c in reading. *Support comprehension with the graphic novel style illustrations. *Encourage shared and guided reading using the ready-made tasks and discussion points on the activity pages at the back of the book.

An Act of Love

Childhood friends Chris and Imran celebrate the Millenium as inseparable blood brothers, they are both seven years old. But by 2011 their lives have taken very different paths. One has joined the Army and served in Afghanistan, the other is a potential jihad recruit. They are no longer friends, and there are bitter wounds between them which remain unhealed. Will their childhood bond be strong enough to overcome an extremist plot? In a highly-charged, honest and life affirming story, told in flashback from both Chris and Imran's viewpoint, Alan Gibbon's cleverly explores the very real issue of terrorism that affects everyone today.

Lifelines: Charles Darwin

Now available in paperback, this illustrated biography series combines non-fiction and fiction to introduce readers to famous historical characters. Each book begins with a diary, told from the point of view of a child who works for the famous person. At the end of each book there is an illustrated reference chapter.

An Act of Love

Award-winning Alan Gibbons pulls no punches in this moving contemporary story of lives torn apart by the divisions within our society. As boys, Chris and Imran are best friends and even blood brothers. Their love of football, family, friends and even school unites them; together they stand against all comers. As teenagers, they are sworn enemies; with Chris in the army and Imran newly politicised as a Muslim radical prepared to die for the cause. Told in different voices, their two stories are brilliantly interwoven creating a gripping, disturbing and thought provoking story of our time.

Rib Ticklers

The Dying Photo

Jamie's shopping with his parents in Liverpool when a photographer offers to take a picture. The camera flashes. Both Jamie's parents and the photographer have gone, and all that's left is a negative fluttering to the ground. On it - Jamie's parents. And they're screaming. Can Jamie discover what's happened? Taut ghost story based on a blurb by a Year 6 boy from a Liverpool primary school who won a city-wide competition.Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Witch Breed Book 4

When Paul arrives in 17th century London, he expects to be thrown into a life or death struggle for the three gates that imprison the ancient King Lud. But the battle doesn't come. Instead, Paul roams alone, learning how to survive in a city where all the talk is of the savage civil war that rages beyond its ramparts. Somewhere underground, Lud is waiting in his crypt, preparing to rise again. War, fear and want are his tools. But Paul too has his own weapons and is gaining strength and losing inhibitions about using it. Meanwhile, beyond the city, innocent women are being killed for it is so easy to claim that they are witches. One woman - whether innocent or guilty - possesses the only power available that can help Paul in his quest.

Injury Time

The Rough Diamonds are a close knit team. Kev McGovern, their captain, makes sure they work hard and play hard. Kev is stunned when he discovers that Dave has to cope with epilepsy. When he suffers a major attack, the victory the Rough Diamonds are so desperate to win, hangs in the balance.

Total Football: Power Play Book 6

The Rough Diamonds are a close knit team. Kev McGovern makes sure they work hard and play hard. Kev doesn't make any allowances. That goes for the new boy Chris Power who's just signed up with the Diamonds. Can he earn a place in their affections when he's living in achildren's home and trying to make sense of what's happened in his life...?

Total Football: Last Man Standing Book 5

The Rough Diamonds are a close knit team. Kev McGovern, their captain, makes sure they work hard and play hard. Right now, John O'Hara feels he's on the verge of losing everything. His family is about to break up. He's dumbstruck when he finds out that his Mum is seeing his teacher, and Dad...well the less said the better. John feels lonely and insecure; none of this is helping his street cred with the lads, and worse still his form on the pitch is really suffering.

Total Football: Divided We Fall Book 3

The Rough Diamonds are a close knit team. Kev McGovern, their captain, makes sure they work hard and play hard. When Kev's best mate, Jamie's world is wrecked by dirty play off the pitch, he's desperate to get everything back to normal.

Total Football: Final Countdown Book 8

The Rough Diamonds are a close knit team. Kev McGovern, their captain, makes sure they work hard and play hard. Kev has lived total football and worked the Rough Diamonds to the top - but will the ghosts from his past come back to haunt him, ruining all their chances and snatching victory from them?

Total Football: Twin Strikers Book 7

The Rough Diamonds are a close knit team. Kev McGovern, their captain, makes sure they work hard and play hard. The Rough Diamonds are struggling with injuries and loss of form. Talented twin brothers, and new team members, Liam and Conor Savage, should be the answer to all their problems - but could they turn out to be the biggest problem of all?

Julie and Me and Michael Owen makes Three

For Terry Payne, life is not much fun. His parents are splitting up, and he's fallen desperately in love with the gorgeous new girl at school, who doesn't even know he exists. To top it all off, his beloved football team - the mighty Man U - are on a losing streak. As Terry sees Man U lose to Liverpool, watches in horror as arch-rival and school golden boy showers the beautiful Julie with attention, and discovers the object of his affections is ... a Liverpool fan, he starts to think that things can't get much worse. After all, it's a close contest in Life versus Football - and there can only be one winner. Can't there? Hilarious and heart-warming, this is a touching story about the ups and downs of life, love, and more importantly, football, from award-winning author, Alan Gibbons.

Hell's Underground: Renegade Book 3

Paul has met his most audacious - and powerful - ancestor yet, Samuel Rector, who seemingly has the entire East End in thrall to him in the 1830s. His legion of 'rat boys' use terror and menace ordinarily, but with the demon seed inside them, their powers know no end. Their only match is Paul, the renegade, the one member of the Rector clan determined to strike each poisoned generation from the family history. But nobody is stronger than Lud, the King of London, struggling against imprisonment in his cell where the city's five gates meet.

Moving on

Should Minty follow a traditional Traveller life? Or can she find a new way? A truthful powerful look at Gypsies and Travelllers today. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Hell's Underground: The Demon Assassin Book 2

Having once risked everything precious to him to halt King Lud's progress from the ancient bowels of London to the city's modern streets, teenage Paul Rector knows his task is far from over. Paul also knows that, like his brother John and his great uncle Harry, he is both demon and man. Will it be fate that decides which side wins out? To find out, Paul takes Hell's Underground back to London of the Blitz in World War II and becomes involved in defeating Harry Rector's plot to assassinate Prime Minister Churchill. His main weapons are fire and fear. Along the way, he learns more about the Rector curse and once again endangers not only his own life, but that of the people he comes to regard as a second family.

The Number 7 Shirt

Jimmy dreams of becoming a pro footballer. Can he make it with the help of his heroes, all wearers of the number seven shirt? Fabulous football story, covering the stars from Best to Beckham Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Hell's Underground: Scared to Death

Late one night after a strange tube journey to Whitechapel in East London, Paul makes a new friend, John Redman - daring and enigmatic, just as Paul longs to be, away from his cloying mother (his only family - so he thinks). Redman charms Paul at once, but also a girl called Jude they meet on a night about town. A few days later, Paul learns that Jude has mysteriously died, and Redman has disappeared. Shortly after that, one of Paul's teacher dies suddenly - frightened to death - near where Jude's body was found. A link for sure. And Paul feels implicated, because both victims were known to him. He senses Redman, who comes and goes as it suits him, is involved as well. His new friend is dangerous. But so, we learn, is Paul. In uncovering the truth about Redman he learns shocking facts about himself. There's an evil curse loose in his family and Paul is the latest inheritor. The spree of death - camouflagued as copycat Jack the Ripper-style murders - will continue until Paul confronts the demon in himself head on.

Night Hunger

John doesn't know what's happening to him...and he's scared. Ever since strange, sexy Beth sank her teeth into him, John's been feeling...hungry. He craves meat...most of all at night. John knows his hunger's leading him to a dark place, and he's not sure if he'll be able to stop it...Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

Hell's Underground: Scared to Death

Late one night after a strange tube journey to Whitechapel in East London, Paul makes a new friend, John Reaper - daring and enigmatic, just as Paul longs to be, away from his cloying mother (his only family - so he thinks). Redman charms Paul at once, but also a girl called Jude they meet on a night about town. A few days later, Paul learns that Jude has mysteriously died, and Redman has disappeared. Shortly after that, one of Paul's teacher dies suddenly - frightened to death - near where Jude's body was found. A link for sure. And Paul feels implicated, because both victims were known to him. He senses Redman, who comes and goes as it suits him, is involved as well. His new friend is dangerous. But so, we learn, is Paul. In uncovering the truth about Redman he learns shocking facts about himself. There's an evil curse loose in his family and Paul is the latest inheritor. The spree of death - camouflagued as copycat Jack the Ripper-style murders - will continue until Paul confronts the demon in himself head on.

The Legendeer Trilogy

SHADOW OF THE MINOTAUR, VAMPYR LEGION and WARRIORS OF THE RAVEN are computer games that open the gateway between our own world and the realm of myth and legend, with heroes and monsters, daring deeds and narrow escapes, triumphs and tragedies. Over the course of three exhilarating novels, our hero Phoenix escapes the workaday ordeal of his own life in order to face the evil Gamesmaster - not once, but three times. Every time he goes back he risks all as the stakes become increasingly higher, and he learns the Gamesmaster's merciless power knows no bounds. As he approaches his final conflict, the journey becomes heartstopping. Our future depends on his ...

The Greatest

First-class, award-winning authors interweave a gripping narrative with stacks of fun facts. This work caters particularly for the tastes of reluctant readers who would rather read about topics they're interested in than fiction - especially suitable for boys. It features fun, top-quality illustrations on almost every page. It is tested by consultants at every stage of production. Chris is the best boxer in the county. He's been picking on Ali for ages. Now Ali has to stand up for himself - just like his hero, Muhammed Ali. It's time to go in...and win?

Setting of a Cruel Sun

The Helat rebels have broken the power of the demon lord and challenged the rule of their masters, the Sol-ket. But the Darkwing is merely in retreat, biding his time, and the Sol-ket will fight to their last breath to keep control of their golden cities. The power of the slaves is mounting as they rise to fulfil once-forbidden prophecies. When the Darkwing returns for his final onslaught, is anyone, soldier or slave, equipped to defeat him - especially as the cruel sun sets, beckoning a devastatingly relentless winter? A brilliant continuation of the journey begun in RISE OF THE BLOOD MOON, this novel also stands alone, with its own twists, turns and surprises for characters and readers alike. Be prepared for changes of allegiance, surprise new arrivals, and sudden deaths. Page-turning and unpredictable from start to finish.

Hold On

When Annie returns from an extended stay in Canada, she discovers that her friend, John, has killed himself. Annie is devastated by his death and is determined to confront those she believes responsible - a group of boys from her school, who bullied John mercilessly in the months before he died. But Annie's parents and friends don't share her wish to bring the boys to justice. She finds herself treading a lonely path - and soon discovers that nothing is straightforward. She is helplessly attracted to one of the boys, and when she reads John's diary, it's clear that they weren't the only ones to cause him so much unhappiness...Alan tells John's story in an unsentimental and compassionate novel, but he also tells Annie's story which is as much about moving on and looking forward to the future, as about the tragic waste of a young life.

Blood Pressure

Aidan has it all - a happy home in leafy suburbia with two cars parked on the drive, and all a boy could ask for in terms of designer labels and gadgets. He's top of the class, captain of the swimming team and has the gorgeous Emily hanging on his every word. So a trip up North with Mum to visit his dying Grandfather doesn't go down well. But it does teach Aidan a thing or two about real life - and friendships, trust, loyalty and survival. He's shattered to discover his real father is a gangland drugs dealer recently released from prison and out to regain his scrap of turf whatever it takes. He's surprised and confused to find he's falling in love with the intriguing Jade even though she's already pregnant after a fling with one of the bad lads who hangs out on the estate. He's humbled by his grandparents, how little they have, but how much wisdom and love they offer him. In a crackingly paced, hard-hitting, real life thriller that deals with drugs and crime, Alan Gibbons also describes the summer of one boy who must grow up super-fast - from hormonal to responsible - in one huge leap of faith.

The Defender

Guns, violence, mob rule or defending the cause? We all have choices. Or do we? Who would choose blood, sacrifice and exile? At the height of the Troubles in Northern Ireland Ian's dad did. He thought he was fighting for a cause, for his people. But the price was too high - after the murder of his sister's husband and his own wife's death, he's paying for trying to get out. Somewhere along the line the cause got blurred by organised crime and revenge, and all it's left is a bitter taste. He's still a target, still a victim. Now he faces a lifetime of running with nowhere to go and constantly putting at risk the son he loves. This page turner tackles a controversial topic head-on and makes powerful and memorable reading.

Shadow of the Minotaur

What's the hook? Fast pace and constant action keeps boys reading. What are the themes? Bullying, loneliness and the nature of heroism. Teaching points? Exciting exploration of the Greek myths to work on myths and legends. Vivid themes can bead to engaging oral and written work.

The Lost Boys' Appreciation Society

Gary was flicking beany gunge on my flawless new Ellesse top - I was yelling at him. What a pillock! Mum was dead, well - fatally injured - she died later in hospital. We just didn't know it at the time. Gary, John and Dad, too, are lost without Mum. Gary is only 14 and goes seriously off the rails, getting involved with local thugs and teetering on the brink of being on the wrong side of the law. John is wrestling with the GCSEs and his first romance - the gorgeous Olivia Bellman. But he's carrying the burden of trying to cope with Gary and Dad at the same time. And they're all living with the memories of someone they can never replace. Alan Gibbons has an extraordinary knack of knowing just what it's like to be a teenager. He writes here with compassion - and flashes of humour - about surviving against all the odds.

Night Hunger

A terrifying werewolf story for reluctant readers. Ever since the strange, sexy Beth sank her teeth into him at a disco, John's been feeling...hungry. He craves meat, especially at night. John knows his hunger's leading him to a dark place, and he's not sure if he'll be able to stop it.

The Dark Beneath

'Today I shot the girl I love'. GCSE's are over and sixteen-year-old Imogen is looking forward to a perfect, lazy English summer. But her world is turned upside down by three refugees, all hiding from life. Anthony is fourteen, already an outcast, bullied and shunned by his peers. Farid is an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, who has travelled across continents seeking peace. And Gordon Craig is a bitter, lonely man. She knows all of them, but she doesn't know how dangerous they are. Being part of their lives could cost Imogen her own. Supercharged with tension and drama, Alan Gibbon's novel is about what happens when the fabric of normality is ripped apart exposing the terrifying dark beneath.

Caught in the Crossfire

Set in a Northern town, where right-wingers are determined to stir up hatred and racial prejudice, CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE is about six teenagers whose lives are woven together by a series of shocking and tragic events. A British Muslim brother and sister, two Irish brothers who take different sides, and two lads out looking for trouble: all of them get caught in the crossfire. Inspired by the Oldham riots and the events of September 11th, this is a book that needed to be written. It is a chilling account of what is happening in Britain today, but as always Alan Gibbons writes with humour and understanding and is utterly on the wavelength of his many readers.

The Cold Heart of Summer

When Debbie's father starts renovating a house, Debbie is terrified by sightings of a girl killed there 50 years ago. This is a chilling ghost story. Barrington Stoke specialise in books for reluctant, struggling and dyslexic readers.

The Edge

Winner of the Angus Book Award, THE EDGE is crackly with tension. How will this mother and son escape their abuser and start a new life? We've got to go. Now. It's early morning and Danny's mother is at his bedside, urging him to get up. They're on the run from Chris, his mother's boyfriend, a violent man who beats them both up, and won't let them go. Chris pursues Danny and his mother from London to the north, where they take refuge with Danny's grandparents. But even there, nothing is safe. Danny is conspicuous as the only mixed-race boy in their small community, and with the ever-present threat of discovery, he has to learn how to live continually on the edge. A tense and chilling story with terrific drama, THE EDGE shows the depth of character and the understanding of the predicaments of children today that gives Alan Gibbons his special quality.

Julie and Me: Julie and Me . . . and Michael Owen Makes Three

Part One: Mad About the Girl, or Phil Neville's Lunge Part Two: Wanting the Girl, or Michael Owen's Hair Part Three: Getting the Girl, or David Beckham's Knee Part Four: Losing the Girl, or Theatre of Dreams The day Terry sees Julie in the gym for the first time is the day of the England vs Romania match - the latest of the Great English Disasters - and the day his father announces that he's going to walk out. Things couldn't be worse. Only they could. Gorgeous Julie is a Liverpool fan. Even if he could summon up the courage to speak to her, Terry has a problem. This is Terry's diary as he tries to cope simultaneously with first love, the unexpected break-up of his parents' marriage, and the traumas of the Beautiful Game. A lighthearted, fast-paced, bang-up-to-the-minute and totally credible account of a 15-year-old boy who worries that he looks like Chris Evans, it is Alan Gibbons at his best and most readable.

The Legendeer: Warriors of the Raven

The Legendeer opens the gateway between our world and the world of the myths, between triumph and tragedy. The Gamesmaster almost has us at his mercy. Twice before fourteen-year-old Phoenix has battled against him in Shadow of the Minotaur and Vampyr Legion, but Warriors of the Raven is the game at its most complex and deadly level. Set in the world of Norse myth, Phoenix enters the arena for the final conflict. Join him in Asgard to fight Loki, the Mischief-maker, the terrifying Valkyries, dragons and fire demons - and hope for victory. Our future depends on him. The Legendeer is more than just a game. Play it if you dare.

The Legendeer: Vampyr Legion

A gripping, virtual reality thriller - the second title in The Legendeer trilogy.What if there are places where our nightmares live and wait for us?Phoenix has found one and it's alive. Armies of bloodsucking vampyrs and terrifying werewolves, the creatures of our darkest dreams, are poised to invade our world. After his battle with the evil Gamesmaster in SHADOW OF THE MINOTAUR, Phoenix knows this is for real. As he prepares to enter the second deadly computer game in The Legendeer series, he knows he must win or never come back.The Legendeer is more than just a game. Play it if you dare.

Ganging Up

John and Gerry have always been friends, brought together by their passion for football. Then Gerry's dad loses his job and everything turns sour. The two boys had always steered clear of the gangs at school, but Gerry gets drawn in and now he and John find themselves standing on opposite sides. Set in a tough inner city Liverpool estate, this story is about friendships, rivalries and survival played out at school and on the football fields.