Year 10

Gripping drama of teenage struggle by talented new writer

''I walk to parks and stare into space...just stand there and sometimes I cry, so much that I feel I might not ever stop . . . I stand in the parks with all the fruit bowls, drinking Special Brew and talking to themselves, I''m like a disappointed old man and I''m fifteen years old...''

In the suburbs of south London, Jack moves to a new school where he is confronted by aggression, violence and anger. He dreams that time would speed up and hurry by, but then he meets Jamie. And suddenly she makes him wish time could just slow down and stop. An emotionally-charged, bruising yet tender story of the journey of a year in the life of a fifteen year old boy.

''captures all the frustration, anger and fear of the introspective, put-upon teenager, and the helplessness of parents and teachers . . . I believed every word. Which is truly terrifying'' Lyn Gardner, Guardian