Heroic by Phil Earle

Book of the Week: 26 March 2017

Author Phil Earle will be visiting School tomorrow to talk to Years 7, 8 and 9 about his work, so our Book of the Week is Heroic.

The author says he was partly inspired to write it after reading the classic teenage novel by S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders. This is very much its own story however. Brothers Jammy and Sonny McGann live on a tough housing estate, worrying the life out of their mum by regularly getting into trouble, always helped by a gang of loyal mates. Older brother Jammy decides the best thing he can do to help the family is sign up to the army and, along with his friend Tommo, get shipped out for a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Here he discovers that, despite the feelings of brotherhood and a toughness honed by his years on the Ghost estate, war really is hell. When he eventually returns to family life, he is a changed man. The whole community considers him a hero but that is far from how he views himself.

This is a grittily realistic read with rounded and convincing characters that are not always likeable but are totally understandable. There are violent scenes that take place on the estate as well as in Afghanistan but they are not glossed over or glamourised.

A great read if you have enjoyed books such as Big and Clever by Dan Tunstall, After the First Death or Heroes by Robert Cormier, Liccle Bit by Alex Wheatle or Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman.

Phil Earle writes books for younger readers and young adults and they range from the tough to the funny. Find out more here.

His books are available to borrow from the School Library or your local public library and to buy from all good bookshops.