The Incredible Record Smashers
by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Erica Salcedo
Interest age: 8 to 11
Reading age: 8+
Published by Usborne, 2021
About this book
Lucy is very protective of her mum, who is sometimes so sad she can’t even get out of bed. If only she could fix things and help Mum be happy again.
Coming across an old photograph, Lucy becomes convinced that Paul Castellini, who hosts the hit TV show Record Smashers, can reignite Mum’s lust for life.
And so begins the quest to find out what Lucy Robertson is really good at so she can make a world record attempt live on TV, and get Paul Castellini to come to tea with her mum.
Lucy’s feelings and experiences will resonate with anyone who has a close relative with mental health issues. The guilt she carries because of her inability to "fix" her unhappy mum is an accurate portrayal of how depression doesn’t just affect the sufferer but also those who love and care about them.
Despite its challenging theme, the story is peppered with chaotic, slapstick comedy elements and the development of an unlikely but profound friendship.
Featuring an encounter with a pair of escaped robbers, some sparkly, gold catsuits and a lot of squashed kumquats, this is a book that really does have something for everyone.
About the author
More books like this
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The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates
by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Rob Biddulph
9 to 14 years
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Shrapnel Boys
by Jenny Pearson
9 to 14 years
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Marvin and the Book of Magic
by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff
9 to 14 years
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Bertie and the Alien Chicken
by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Alexsei Bitskoff
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books about family illness
Books can help if you and your family are going through tough times. It is comforting to know that you're not the only one. This is a selection of stories where a member of the protagonist's family is ill. It includes mental illness, as well as physical.