The Edge

Description

'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 to which the chase gives 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.

Alan Gibbons is a prolific author and the father of four children. He lives in Liverpool and much of his writing stems from his involvement with inner-city children. He is an extremely popular speaker and visitor to schools and libraries, with a lot to say about children - particularly boys - and reading.

"This is a fast and compelling 'must read' that is disturbing in ways that is bound to make teenagers confront important issues like racism and endemic violence. I can't recommend it highly enough." Books for Keeps "...a brilliant thriller for 11 to 16 year olds. ...Indeed it is as if he takes such potential cliches and wrings them dry of easy answers before putting pen to paper... Gibbons' confident use of punchy snapshots focusing on each character's movements and preoccupations makes gripping reading. He is committed to writing books boys will read - and here he gives them something in which to sink their emotional, intellectual and creative teeth." -- Lindsey Fraser Sunday Herald, 7 July 2002 "[Alan Gibbons'] latest book, a tense piece of social realism, is his best yet. The writing grabs you from the first page and entwines you into the lives of the characters." The Herald "The characters are brilliantly drawn, particularly Chris; his self-righteousness, so closely linked with the urge to lash out, is chilling." Mail on Sunday "...an excellent, challenging, rough-tough read" -- Michael Rosen Socialist Review, September 2002 "a very well-written, hard-hitting novel told from many different viewpoints which give a well rounded picture and add excitement to the reader's involvement. It is well paced to a breathtaking climax. An excellent read." Primary Times, September 2002 'A prolific writer with a strong sense of social justice, Alan Gibbons is pacey and thorough. The Edge demonstrates skills honed throughout his career and shows a writer in a confident and committed mode...A brilliantly convincing thriller devoid of flabby cliches or stereotype.' -- Lindsey Fraser The Guardian, 24 September 2002 "...a tense and deepling story that encompasses racism and manipulative violence." Books for Keeps "...a fast moving, tense, emotional story which is a real page turner." Carousel, Autumn/Winter 2002 "My friend gave me this book for my birthday and I couldn't put it down...Each chapter is told by a different character so it really builds up the tension. It had me right on the edge of my seat!" -- Tammy from Bude (reader review) Mizz, 13 November 2002 "The story is fast paced and holds the readers attention...Many readers will be quickly drawn into the story and be absorbed by its pace and excitement" School Librarian, Autumn 2002 "Gibbons is passionate about making literature accessible to young people of all backgrounds and abilities. The Edge is a nail-biting thriller...touching and real and powerfully memorable. Alan Gibbons uses short, mini-chapters to tell his story and the effect is electric." -- Lindsey Fraser Booktrusted News (Booktrust), Winter 2002 "This book is brilliant with an excellently thought out plot, characterisation and a progressing storyline...This book certainly tingles and lingers" -- Oliver Daniels (Year 7), Somerset Books for Keeps