I Have No Secrets by Penny Joelson

Book of the Week: 4 February 2018

A crime story told from the unique perspective of fourteen-year-old Jemma who uses a wheelchair and has cerebral palsy. Jemma lives with her foster parents who also care for Finn, who has autism, and sparky Olivia who has emotional difficulties. Jemma is unable to speak, communicate or control her muscles but she is intelligent and observant and sees things that other people miss. She knows, for example, that the charming Dan, who is dating her carer Sarah, is not all he seems. He displays quite a different attitude when he is alone with Jemma, believing she is powerless. Jemma is desperate to let everyone know what Dan has done, but how can she protect her family when her options are limited?

This is not only a tense story but one that gives readers a rare insight into living with a disability. Jemma is a great character and there are some real lump-in-the-throat moments as well as some anxious ones.

World Book Day 1 March 2018

I Have No Secrets also happens to be one of the books on special offer for World Book Day on 1 March. This year is a little different from previous years insomuch as you will be able to swap your coupon (plus £1.50 payment) for one of five full-length books. These five books are aimed at secondary school readers and are by John Green, Frances Hardinge, Benjamin Zephaniah, Taran Matharu and Penny Joelson. Have a look here. Vouchers will be distributed to every student in School after half-term.

 

SaveSave