Books for children
After a mugging in which the perpetrators come off worse, 17-year-old Lila is horrified by her own violent reactions and realises that she is not in full control of her special power of telekinesis. She flees from London, leaving behind her widowed father, to go to California to seek out her brother Jack and the love of her short life, Alex. Alex’s support at her mother’s funeral cemented her feelings for him, but complications ensue when she realises that the mysterious ‘unit’ they work for is tracking down the people who four years ago murdered her mother. The unit, and Jack and Alex, prove to be a mass of contradictions so Lila doesn’t trust her own flesh and blood. The story, initially overloaded with her infatuation for Alex, opens out as we understand the significance of her power, and what sinister forces will do to harness these powers for their own ends. A tense, and at times thrilling adventure, mixing the paranormal with if complicated teen relationships. The ending leaves it open for a sequel. For young adults.
(Barrington Stoke; €8.39). Rosie Sands is constantly in trouble at school, because of her inability to read or write, and she is swayed by the more disruptive elements in her class. A project on the Spanish Armada sees her, with the aid of a mysterious watch she has unknowingly pocketed in an antique shop, transported back to that era. Here she meets Elizabeth Tudor, who is quite taken by her lack of obsequiousness and by her forthright manner. When Rosie discovers that the Queen’s life is in danger from traitors, she sets out to save her. As well as being a credible school story and historical adventure, this is also a painless way of learning about King Henry the Eight’s unfortunate wives. The school scenes and exchanges between exasperated teacher and feisty students ring true, as do most of the students’ unwillingness to be considered swots. A dyslexia-friendly book for reluctant teens.
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