Title: The Good Turn
Author: Sharna Jackson
Publisher: Puffin
Published: May 12th 2022
Pages: 400
Target Age: 9 to 12 year olds
Rating: 3*
Three Y6 pupils who live near each other Have adventures and dreams as you're about to discover. Josephine Williams is a leader by nature so Encourages the others to give things a do. Wesley is the boy of this team, He has so much more to do than it first would seem. Margot is the latest to move nearby An into this duo she's wanting to try. Wesley is wary, doesn't trust Margot a bit Her jokes aren't great and make an uncomfortable fit. Josephine meanwhile has her own dreams to share After learning of Josephine Holloway she's sure she dare. As these three set themselves up with challenges to face The story begins to pick up its pace. The key to this story really isn't the mystery It is more about racism, relationships, communities and history. Disappointed after reading the blurb first, I found it an ok read With a lead character determined to succeed. There are many issues included as a part With family dramas, expectations and community at its heart. For my complementary copy, I say thank you, And, fairly obviously, this is my honest review.
A sharp, funny middle grade adventure with themes of real-life activism and how to help others for fans of The Goonies and The London Eye Mystery.
Josephine Williams is a future-focused, internet-loving eleven-year-old who is desperate to explore the world beyond her cul-de-sac – and her browser.
When she learns about Josephine Holloway – a woman who started the first Girl Scout Troop for Black girls in America – she’s certain she must start her own.
Enlisting her friends Margot Anderson and Wesley Evans, the trio begin their quest for their Camping Badge. Drawn to an abandoned factory nearby, they stumble across something strange. A square, ancient television and two tatty armchairs. Beside it, a wooden sideboard with an old photograph of a young, happy couple.
What is this? Who, or what, lives here – and why?
Sharna Jackson is an award-winning author and curator who specialises in developing socially-engaged initiatives for children across culture, publishing and entertainment. She was recently the Artistic Director at Site Gallery in Sheffield, and was formerly the editor of the Tate Kids website. Sharna’s debut novel High-Rise Mystery received numerous awards and accolades including the Waterstones Book Prize for the Best Book for Younger Readers. Sharna lives on a ship in Rotterdam in the Netherlands.
‘An intriguing mystery adventure . . . bold and brilliant’ Sophie Anderson
‘A joy to read.’ Alex Wheatle
‘A funny, warm and thought-provoking celebration of community of all kinds’ Anna James
‘Brilliant; a joy to the very end’ Katherine Rundell
‘I love it!’ Elle McNicoll