Reviews

• award-winning story with a light touch

  I enjoyed this book very much. Jan Mark was a brilliant writer, original and with a light touch, who conveyed the feelings and enthusiasms of young people well. I do wonder if this book might seem rather slow to some young readers nowadays, at least at the beginning. But once motorbike-obsessed Erica is packed off to stay with her boring aunt and uncle in the Norfolk countryside, and encounters 'Elsie' and his motorcycle repair shop, the story picks up speed. For anyone who loves motorbikes - and even for those who don't - this is a timeless, funny story and a joy to read.

• A shame they don't make authors like Jan Mark any more

  Another great book from Carnegie winning author Jan Mark, whose death robbed us of a truly inspiring voice. I recommend her Norfolk set children's stories to anyone, whatever their age, she writes with humour, compassion and with the steel that children recognise as truth. Truly remarkable stories, if you like this you'll also love Thunder & Lightnings, my favourite, or Under the Autumn Garden

Purchase links