Book Details

Simon's Challenge

Theresa Breslin

Price:	£4.99
Publication Date:	26 Oct 2002
Availability:	Available to buy

All that Simon really wants is a computer. However, with his father away looking for work and a new baby in the house, money is tight.
One evening on his way home, Simon passes Mr Peterson's computer shop. Everything seems normal. But when the police start asking questions, Simon realizes that he may have witnessed a major burglary. The only problem is that he can't remember any details ...

This is an exciting detective story, with realistic characters and a gripping plot.

Reviews

'Ideal for top primary or early secondary, the novel covers a number of contemporary themes: redundancy, and the related poverty it causes; a threatened marriage breakdown; sibling relationships and the parents' expectations of the elder sibling; crime and retribution/reward. Breslin's style is contemporary and streetwise without being easily dated, and her characters ring very true to life.'
-- Treasure Island: A guide to Scottish fiction for young readers aged 10-14, Summer 2003

'It is the skilful characterization and the sharpness of observation which elevate this above the conventional "cops and robbers" yarn.'
-- Books for Keeps

'Simon's Challenge cannot fail in or out of the classroom.'
-- The Herald

'The plot is unfolded with great liveliness and incredible dialogue.'
-- Times Literary Supplement

'We never lose sight of the real challenge of the title -- the family's determination to survive as a family.'
-- Times Educational Supplement

'Vivid and realistic ... the story moves along crisply. A tale well told.'
-- Children's Books

'A splendid book.'
-- School Librarian, Spring 2003

About the Author(s)

Theresa Breslin is a Carnegie medal-winning children’s author. She worked for nearly 20 years as a librarian and was recently awarded honorary membership of the Scottish Library Association for distinguished services to children’s literature and librarianship. Simon’s Challenge won the Fidler Award for new writers, and her work has been filmed for television and dramatized on radio. Her books are used extensively in schools and are translated and distributed worldwide.

Of Further Interest

Other books by Theresa Breslin:
New School Blues
Bullies at School