In a nutshell: gritty but uplifting story of a life transformed by an unexpected friendship
Calum is used to living on his own; his mother left years ago and his truck driver father is often away for days at a time. So he’s not happy when his dad moves his new Polish girlfriend and her son into their home. To make it worse, Calum and his friends have been systematically bullying the boy at school, mostly because of his nationality.
But various events change Calum’s view of Sergei, and the world in general, in a story that is determinedly down-to-earth but still able to encompass dreams and wish-fulfilment. Slater references both Kes and The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner in the book and their influence is clear in her warm, truthful and insightful depiction of working-class life. Readers who enjoy 928 Miles from Home should look out Bubble Wrap Boy or Being Billy by Phil Earle. ~ Andrea Reece
Fourteen year old Calum Brooks has big dreams. One day, he'll escape this boring life and write movies, proper ones, with massive budgets and A-list stars. For now though, he's stuck coping alone while his dad works away, writing scripts in his head and trying to stay 'in' with his gang of mates at school, who don't like new kids, especially foreign ones.But when his father invites his new Polish girlfriend and her son, Sergi, to move in, Calum's life is turned upside down.
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Fourteen year old Calum Brooks has big dreams. One day, he'll escape this boring life and write movies, proper ones, with massive budgets and A-list stars.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed 928 Miles from Home and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
928 Miles from Home features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Recommendations, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback, Hardback. Not Available.
928 Miles from Home was written by Kim Slater and published by Macmillan Children's Books an imprint of Macmillan
928 Miles from Home has 336 pages