Sam

Sam’s friends haven’t been round for months. He spends most of his time online. His schoolwork is suffering. His mum is worried, but Sam reckons she doesn’t understand him, not like his online friends. Plus she’s really busy working two jobs. Sam can’t talk to his dad either because he’s gone and got himself a new family. Will Sam tell anyone his secret, before it tears him apart?

The Two Sides series has an innovative structure, where each book contains two parallel narratives, featuring differing perspectives on the same situation, and illustrating the dangers of someone making a judgement about a situation they know very little about. These thought-provoking stories follow a linear timeline and read almost as diary entries. The voice alternates each chapter, enabling the reader to keep up with events whilst gaining a multi-dimensional insight at the same time. Penned by experienced authors, these captivating narratives cover serious themes faced by many young people in today’s world - family breakdown, identity, domestic abuse, racism and being a young carer. With around 4,000 words and a reading age of 8-9, these books will appeal to struggling readers aged 13+. They would also make perfect quick reads for more able readers.