Skarrs

by Catherine Forde (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2004

  $3.27

  Grampa Dan has just died. Danny notices the smell of his bedroom and the banging of his stick have gone, but gradually notices what else is missing. It was his forgotten Richard who uncovered Grampa Dan's secret, while Danny was out with the dangerous Jakey, cutting school, listening to the violent lyrics of his favourite band, Skarrs. Danny would like to clean up his act, get together with the gorgeous Ali, but he can't escape Jakey's gang, even when the police come asking questions. Running from Jakey's revenge, Danny turns to Richard, and at last hears the truth: Grampa Dan, always hearing Skarrs' lyrics about concentration camps pounding through the wall from Danny's bedroom, had himself been a prisoner of war in a Japanese camp. He left a Bible, every page covered with sketches cataloguing his experiences. Danny and Richard together present an exhibition on the experience of prisoners of war. Danny has finally looked around him, seen his life for real, and knows this is his last chance.

• Used

  Paperback
  2008

  $4.41

  . Danny-Boy shaves his head for Grampa Dan's funeral and the barber tells him he looks like a prisoner of war. Danny-Boy doesn't care - he's on a downward spiral. Drinking, cutting school, obsessed with the sick, violent lyrics of Skarrs. Lyrics based on the real-life nightmare that broke Grampa Dan. When Danny finds out the truth about Grampa Dan he has one last chance to put things right. Catherine Forde - author of Sugarcoated, Fat Boy Swim and Firestarter has created a brilliant story of anguish and anger. A gripping, emotive and insightful book for young adults. Praise for Catherine Forde: On Skarrs the Guardian said: 'A novel that is both troubling and inspirational.' Publishing News said: 'A heady mix of broken-glass emotions ...and page-turning storytelling.' On Tug of War the Independent said: 'Another gripping story.' Books for Keeps said: 'A raw and perceptive story.' Sunday Telegraph said 'Delicious'. On Firestarter the Bookseller said: 'A gripping and edgy thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.' On Fat Boy Swim, The Times said: 'Powerful, empowering ...crackles with teenage anger and pain.' The Sunday Telegraph said: 'should be force-fed to every secondary school child in the country'.