Interest Age 14+ Reading Age 8+. A thrilling story with big issues at the heart of it, Saved tells how Luke makes a choice between life and death when he bravely defies his parents’ beliefs after witnessing the terrible crash in which his sister is badly hurt. He knows that his parents wouldn’t let her go to hospital to get help but, he also knows that if she doesn’t, she will die. Who should Luke trust? The doctors or his parents and the pastor of the church that they belong to? Luke makes good choices is this highly readable story written in a simple and accessible way.
A Note from the author Eleanor Updale:
I often go to meetings at a big London hospital. We discuss all sorts of problems that worry the staff and patients. I would never use a real case in my books, but some of the things I have heard about over the years have given me ideas. I have also visited America, and met people with extreme religious views. That made me wonder happens when all children start to question their parents’ beliefs. Saved is not a true story, but the events here could happen I’m sure.
Perfect for Reluctant Readers as well as keen readers. To view other titles we think are suitable for reluctant readers please click here.
Luke's parents belong to a church that believes medicine interferes with God's will. His parents seem to be in thrall to Pastor David, and Luke is not sure he trusts the charismatic preacher. So when Luke's sister Anna is hit by a car, should Luke observe his parents' beliefs? Or go against them and save his sister?
Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+
Eleanor Updale on Eleanor Updale: "I grew up in Camberwell in South London, half-way up a hill which had my primary school at the top, and my secondary school at the bottom. I had hardly ever been outside London when I left to go to Oxford University, where I studied history. After that I joined the BBC, working on TV and Radio programmes from 1975 to 1990. By that time I had two children, and soon there was a third. At one point they were all under three and a half years old, so I was very busy. I left my job to look after them, and got involved in all sorts of things I hadn’t had time for when I was working. You might be able to see how some of those things have crept into the books. I’ve been on the Clinical Ethics Committee at Great Ormond Street Hospital for some years now. I found lots of ideas for Doctor Farcett’s character there."
