Tag Archives: Radicalisation

Grow

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Grow by Luke Palmer

Book of the Week: 14 July 2024

Cover design by anneglenndesign.co.uk

A powerful and convincing story about grief, isolation, racism and being radicalised.

Josh’s father was killed two years ago by a terrorist bomb, leaving him and his mother coping with grief as best they can. A couple of racist students in his schoool draw him into the frightening world of white supremicism and for a while it seems like a way to channel his anger.

This would be a good companion read with The Wolf Road by Richard Lambert. Both writers have an authentic and poetic style and portray angry, grief-stricken young men and the bullies who prey on them, vividly and convincingly. The plots are different, but the books are both outstanding.

Luke Palmer’s website is here.

I Am Thunder

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I Am Thunder by Muhammad Khan

Book of the Week: 11 February 2018

When Muzna’s dad loses his job, and her uncle offers him the chance to work in his restaurant on the other side of London, Muzna has to change schools and start Year 11 at a shiny new academy. Here she encounters her geeky but supportive teacher, Mr Dunthorpe, and a selection of classmates; some welcoming and others hostile. More significantly, Arif, the most gorgeous boy in the school, seems to want to get to know her, despite her shyness and insecurity. Has she found someone who appreciates her love of literature and understands her ambition to become a writer? Her parents only see qualifications as a stepping stone to a career in medicine and they definitely don’t approve of boyfriends, but Arif is funny and engaging and seems to like her company. The only drawback is his intensely religious brother, Jameel, who comes across as creepy and controlling. Should Muzna hide this side of her life from her parents or should she listen when teachers, and then friends, warn her about the kind of beliefs that lead to violence?

This is a story told from the refreshingly different viewpoint of a young Muslim woman and deals with friendships, families and radicalisation. Despite Muzna’s awkwardness, she is a sparky character with a great turn of phrase and the book offers insight into the lives of many British Muslims whilst still recounting things common to young people everywhere.

 

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