The Colour of the Sun
by David Almond
Interest age: 12 to 16
Reading age: 12+
Published by Hodder Children’s Books, 2018
About this book
A boy has been killed, and Davie thinks he might know who is responsible. He turns away from the gossip and excitement and sets off roaming towards the sunlit summit at the top of the little Tyneside town, in search of the killer.
But as the day passes, it becomes ever more dramatic and strange. Davie sees things on the hillside that show him that amongst immorality, there can be kindness, and in darkness, there is a chance of hope.
David Almond returns to deliver a powerful story centring around the acceptance of loss of one’s childhood after a parent’s death and the journey towards adulthood, which is portrayed beautifully in this coming-of-age novel.
Note: there are a couple of instances of swearing.
About the author
More books like this
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Skellig
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Paper Boat, Paper Bird
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Brand New Boy
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books about life and death, for teens
It can often be difficult to discuss death and bereavement with teenagers, or even for teenagers to do so with parents/carers. In the wake of debate and controversy in the media about books for teenagers exploring difficult topics such as terminal illness or suicide, we recommend some books that deal frankly with issues of life and death.