Review:
Teacher's dead by Benjamin Zephaniah
Bloomsbury Books, London, 2007
(Age 11+) When Jackson witnesses the murder of a teacher by two of the
pupils at his school, his life becomes inextricably linked with that of
the dead teacher's wife, and surprisingly, the killers. Refusing the
counseling offered by the school, he decides that the best way he can
deal with what he has seen is to ask questions, and try to work out why
the boys took the extraordinary step of murder. He enlists the help of
Mary Joseph, the dead man's wife, and goes to the houses of the two
boys to ask questions. The reader will identify with his need, but be
aware that he is stepping into territory where anything could happen.
An involving story of one boy's search for the truth,
Teacher's dead is often
uncomfortable as Jackson takes steps which take him to places where
harm can and does befall him. Written by British poet, Benjamin
Zephaniah, the story is poignant and enthralling as we follow Jackson's
path to find the truth. A most realistic story set in the schoolyard
against a background of bullying, violence and intimidation.
Fran Knight
Home
© Pledger
Consulting, 2007