My Mum's from Planet Pluto

Daniel’s life can’t get much worse: a new town, a new secondary school and – what’s worst – his mum is the new Head Teacher. Then his dad leaves to visit his grandmother in New Zealand and things do get worse.

His mother’s mental health problems are controlled by medication, but when she stops taking the drugs, her behaviour changes – then becomes frightening. Now, Daniel’s in charge, but who does he turn to?

This understanding, de-mystifying depiction of mental illness is even more powerful because it is told from a child’s viewpoint. The ups and downs of the family’s relationships are sensitively described and Rees introduces just the right note of humour to counterbalance a serious subject.