Five Things They Never Told Me

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by Rebecca Westcott

Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 9+

Published by Puffin, 2015

Coming-of-age
Funny

About this book

Erin counts her life in days since her mother left home. Choosing to stay with her father only because he has the family dog, Erin lashes out in her unhappiness, resulting in her being grounded for the summer holidays. Forced to accompany her father to the old people's home where he gardens, Erin's reluctance to engage is overcome when she meets elderly wheelchair-bound Martha, who, like Erin, rages against her current predicament. Together with Frog, the grandson of another of the inmates, she discovers Martha's story and, as they work to restore some quality of life for her, Erin's own life begins to turn around.

Chapter-heading and notes relate to the significantly titled works Erin chooses for her art project.

About the author

Rebecca Westcott was born in Chester. She went to Exeter University to train as a teacher and has had a variety of teaching jobs that have taken her to some very interesting places, including a Category C male prison. She started writing a diary when she was eight years old, although she had no idea that one day her entries would be used to help her write a book. Rebecca currently teaches in a primary school and lives in Dorset with her husband and three children. Dandelion Clocks is her first book.