Not Bad for a Bad Lad
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+
Published by Templar, 2010
About this book
Morpurgo and Foreman are a winning combination, and their latest collaboration brings their talents together to tell the story of a boy whose wild behaviour led him into borstal (Youth Custody) before he discovered his true talent.
Based on Hollesley Bay, near Foreman's boyhood home, Morpurgo places his tale as a narrative from a grandfather explaining to his grandson how his difficult post-war childhood had led him into petty crime and ultimately to borstal.
Put to work with the Suffolk Punches on the prison farm, on release the boy eventually tracks down a difficult horse he tamed, and joins the army to unite his love of music and horses.
A reassuring story, subtly, empathetically and evocatively illustrated.
About the author
More books like this
-
Cobweb
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Michael Foreman
9 to 12 years
-
When Fishes Flew
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by George Butler
9 to 12+ years
-
A Song of Gladness
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Emily Gravett
4 to 9 years
-
War Horse (Tom Clohosy Cole)
by Sir Michael Morpurgo, illustrated by Tom Clohosy Cole
6 to 12 years