Cake a Book Club

Glasgow Boys
This book just blew me away! Staff in schools should read it to appreciate the journey that kids in care have been on. The two main characters were drawn so well, you just knew through the narrative how they felt, how they had been let down and why they tried not to get close to people. The concept of touch was also enlightening and how both Finlay and Banjo felt that eventually they could let their individual guards down because those around did love them and care for them. They in turn found people to love and care for. The dialect for Banjo was spot on and as an Ulster Scots person I didn't need the glossary at the back but can see how it would help explain words and terms. Such clever writing, Margaret McDonald deserves a round of extended applause for this story. This should be a film!

Mrs. P

The Final Year
An amazing verse novel. We are introduced to Nate or more accurately Nate introduces himself and his family, single mum and his two brothers: Jaxon who is 2 years younger and Dylan the 'baby' at 4, all 3 boys have different absent fathers. Straightaway we learn that Mum was only 17 when she had Nate and is now 27 and trying to hold things together. Nate is navigating Year 6 with its challenges of changing friendships, school residential trip then the SATS plus his own chaotic home life. In the middle of this Dylan collapses and is diagnosed with a heart condition that then requires surgery. Despite his young age Nate keeps the family together but struggles with his emotions. His teacher Mr Joshua proves to be a great support. We get to the last day of Y6 for Nate and the possibility of seeing his father. Looking forward to the next book!

Mrs. P

King of Nothing
I loved last year's Steady for This by the same author and this book did not disappoint. Anton is used to being the King of the school just by the reputation of his absent father doing time. It is the troublesome Kehinde who gives him this reputation and encourages their 'bad boy' behaviour at school which leads them to being feared by other students. Anton's mother encourages him to participate in one of her projects as a result of his behaviour at school and he becomes involved with the Happy Campers' group that is helping to turn a disused church building into a women's refuge. Anton risks his 'bad boy' reputation by becoming friends with Matthew who is his complete opposite. As the story progresses Anton sees how toxic his friendship with Kehinde is and later as he meets his father after his release from prison he is exposed to his father's opinion and treatment of women. Strong female characters include Anton's mum and Nanna plus Rochelle, Grace and Fernanda from school. This might be a story but it is an accurate representation of the issue of toxic masculinity and school staff and youth workers should be encouraged to read it. 10/10!

Mrs. P

All That It Ever Meant
A Road Trip is a great opportunity for people to spend time together, think and talk and we saw this scenario here. A grieving father takes his children to their homeland of Zimbabwe after the death of their mother. One of the daughters Mati is the main narrator and she is visited and supported by a spirit being called Meticais who turns up in a variety of wacky outfits supplemented by a pipe and initiates conversation. Mati is forced to confront what happened that brought the family together on this trip and the family dynamics. As the story reaches its climax we realise the significance of Mati as narrator and Meticais as a spirit being. No spoilers but you will have a satisfying moment of realisation that puts the story elements into perspective. Excellent!

Mrs P

Glasgow Boys
I loved this book, it was filled with emotion and everyday I looked forward to reading it. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends (and I already have.)

Sophie

Glasgow Boys
A hopeful, thought provoking novel which spotlights the hope and love that shines throughout a touching coming of age story. The characters are filled with life and their suffering and pain is intertwined with the ways they can still find love and joy amongst all they have been through. I especially love the relationships that make the whole book shine with hope, especially Akash and Finlay. This amazing book will defiantly be one I reread over and over again.

Isla

Glasgow Boys
This is a thought-provoking story of Finlay and Banjo and their intertwined lives in the Scottish care system. I loved the depth of character and the relationships they form (especially Finlay and Akash). More importantly, I think are the friendships and the message that, with the right people, things will get better. 10/10

Nancy