Author(s): Jason Cockcroft

Young Adult | Josh

An intense, darkly spellbinding story of a boy awaiting his father's return from prison as an ancient woodland awakes. Nominated for the Carnegie Medal Boy lives in a caravan on his own in the woods. His dad, John, is in prison and promises to get out soon. All the boy needs to do is survive alone for a little while longer. But dark forces are circling – like the dangerous man in the Range Rover, who is looking for his stolen money. And then there are the ancient forces that have lain asleep in the woods for an age...

Staff notes: You've probably seen Jason Cockcroft's art before — it featured on the first editions of the final three books in the Harry Potter series. Turns out, he's just as good at writing as he is at illustrating. Here, you'll get to enjoy both of his skillsets as he weaves a tale of a boy who helps his troubled father do dangerous jobs for bad men. A beautifully dark novel with an emotional punch. Recommended for readers aged 12+. — Josh