Jayben and the Golden Torch
by Thomas Leeds
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 9+
Published by Hodder, 2023
About this book
Ben has lived with his unkind Aunt Samantha for six years. He has no memory of his parents or why they left him. In fact, he has no memories at all of the first six years of his life. And the brain injury that stole his memories also causes him to have seizures.
On his 12th birthday something very strange happens. The clocks all stop, then go backwards. Suddenly, Ben’s head is filled with pain, bright lights and loud noise – and his mind escapes to a world far away.
Waking up in a strange land, Ben finds he has no memories at all. Not even of his own name. But someone seems to think he is a long-awaited saviour for a world being consumed by greed and evil.
This curious, immersive fantasy is the first of a series inspired by the author’s personal experience of memory loss. The world-building and plot are complex; packed with intricate detail, engaging characters and quirky creatures like the fuzzy, green, farting skoggle.
Readers who enjoy an exciting adventure with added depth and intensity are sure to be captivated by this funny, heart-warming and imaginative voyage into memory, meaning and identity.
More books like this
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Yesterday Crumb and the Storm in a Teacup
by Andy Sagar
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The Uninvited
by Ross Mackenzie
9 to 14 years
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Riverskin
by Mike Edwards
9 to 14 years
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Hero Wanted!
by Mark Powers, illustrated by Coralie Muce
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books about epilepsy and seizures
This booklist includes books with characters who have epilepsy and books with characters that have seizures. The cause is not always explained or known, nor is it the same in every case. It’s important to note that those books set in historical times do show some ignorance and subsequent ill-treatment, which can be hard to read about. However, these are excellent books that are well worth every child reading.
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Book to support mental health awareness for ages 8 and over
Books that acknowledge or explore mental health issues can help to increase awareness, encourage dialogue, reduce stigma and develop real understanding. The following suggestions offer a spectrum of different perspectives and are well worth seeking out.
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The importance of characters with epilepsy and memory loss in children's books
Jayben and the Golden Torch author Thomas Leeds has personal experience of looking for fiction starring characters who have epilepsy and memory loss. Here, he shares his thoughts on ensuring every child can see themselves as the hero of a story.