Ben's Room

Description

Ben's parents treat him like a kid - so after a huge argument, he decides to leave home. He moves into a very cheap old flat that smells of damp and cabbage. Soon Ben and his two flatmates find hidden terrors inside the flat: rooms that shrink, giant cockroaches and jellyfish with eyes. It's as if their worst fears have come to life ... literally. Part of the new Fresh Shades series, this book is exciting and fast-paced, keeping within the style of the Shades 2.0 series. It is perfect for reluctant teens who still want an exciting, unpatronising read that is relevant to their interests and concerns, but who don't want to read a longer novel. With a length of only 6,000 words, and filled with drama, this story will appeal to all reluctant teen readers.

Barbara Catchpole taught for over forty years before becoming a full time writer. Her interest in special needs education and disability issues was first sparked by her middle son, who was born profoundly deaf. Barbara has taught as a Special Needs Coordinator and has held leadership positions in several schools, including Academies. She has also worked as SENCo in a secure training centre. Barbara writes primarily for reluctant and struggling readers, with the aim of entertaining the reader and developing empathy for the characters.

"We liked this book because it created suspense and pictures inside our heads. Although it was very short read it kept us gripped and we will definitely not be running away from home!" Lee Hughes and Alan Selkirk, Craigroyston Community High