They told me I had to write this by Kim Miller
Ford Street, 2009.
ISBN 9781876462840
(Age 12+) Highly recommended. What an emotional roller coaster ride for
Clem, and all who read this
absorbing and challenging book. Kim Miller's knowledge and
understanding of angry and unhappy youths comes through
very strongly as he writes with emotion and candour through an
adolescent's voice. The title implies an unhappy youth, yet
throughout the novel hope shines through. Clem believes his mother's
death at his birth is his fault. He and his father have a
tumultuous relationship made more difficult from a sexually abusive
teacher! He writes to his recently dead grandmother at the behest
of the school counsellor called 'the Rev'. The language is that
of
a teenager at war with himself and the world, (he's in a school for
toxic teenagers), but wonderful pieces of wit and humour and growing
self awareness are laced throughout the letters and gives the reader a
real sense of hope for the 'Clems' of this world. Clem finds
peace within himself, a first love and a strong bond between father and
son.The topics are tough and of our time but the enduring
strength given by the teachers in Clem's school is a reminder of the
positive effect teachers can have on each child's development. A
fast paced novel well worth reading no matter who you teach.
Sue Nosworthy