Terror Kid

by Benjamin Zephaniah

Rico knows trouble. He knows the look of it and the sound of it. He also knows to stay away from it as best as he can. Because if there's one thing his Romany background has taught him, it's that he will always be a suspect.

Despite his best efforts to stay on the right side of the law, Rico is angry and frustrated at the injustices he sees happening at home and around the world. He wants to do something - but what? When he is approached by Speech, a mysterious man who shares Rico's hacktivist interests, Rico is given the perfect opportunity to speak out about injustice. After all, what harm can a peaceful cyber protest do...

From the bestselling author of REFUGEE BOY comes a powerful novel about justice, trust and idealism gone wrong that will make you look again at your definition of a terrorist.

Genres: Young Adult, School, Fiction, Childrens

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 28, 2014

About the author

A British-Jamaican writer, dub poet and Rastafari. He was included in The Times list of Britain's top 50 post-war writers in 2008.

Reviews

[Sally Flint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't quite know what to make of this book. The plot is good, but the execution of it just feels strange. I know it is aimed at young readers, but, even so, to me it read like the skeleton of a story that needed fleshing out. I can only think that the author was determined to make every single word count. There was nothing extra, just the stark truth. It is the story of a clever disaffected teenager who gets duped into terrorist activities that he is unaware he is involved with. The social issues explored are listed really didactically and we don't see how they closely link to what he gets caught up in. The book challenges lots of our stereotypes, e.g. a belief amongst many that Islam is to blame for everything, but then nothing is resolved at all. I guess that must be the point, but as such it is pretty bleak without much hope It is a good book though, and would evoke lots of discussion in a classroom. I definitely enjoyed it and would recommend it all my students.

[Mady · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an important story to be told, but the tone seemed quite naive to me.
There was too many of ‘Rico said… Rico thought… Rico went’.

I've first heard about Benjamin Zephaniah a few months ago when I saw some of his poetry aimed at young audiences - and it was fun! But this work of fiction was quite below my expectations.

[Sarah Churchill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I admire what the author's set out to do, and the very topical and controversial subject at the core of the story, but the execution of it wasn't for me. This is a very short story (200 pages, large type) that's quick and to the point, but not fleshed out enough for me to feel anything real about the characters involved.

I know it's meant to make me question what makes someone a terrorist, and whether the media is filled with propaganda to perpetuate hate and discrimination, but to be honest it didn't, because Rico ISN'T a terrorist, and I didn't get any insight at all into terrorism, or the people who turn to it. That's what I was expecting - a fundamentally 'good kid' being converted/brainwashed/pulled in over his head into a world of terrorism. That's not what I got.

There is some mention of the riots that happened in Britain a few years back, though brief and pretty much just the basics we already know. It's good to set the scene, though, along with the student protests and other peaceful (or at least planned-peaceful) protests around the country. Rico wants to make a difference, but he doesn't want to hurt people. He enjoys hacking into government websites, but sees himself as an innocent. He's naive and easily led, and not nearly as street wise as he probably should be considering the characters of his family and friends.

But that's it really. A short, simple, predictable plot written in short, blunt sentences that just skims the surface of what could have been a provocative novel. Not really what I was hoping for.

[Kate Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

After reading Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah and unfortunately not enjoying it, I wanted to read another one of his novels to see if I liked the latter more. I know that Zephaniah was a celebrated poet, so I will have to read some of his poetry to see if it is more entertaining. Sadly, like the previous novel, I felt detached from the characters which spoiled the narrative for me. The plot provided a great opportunity to explore how young people/vulnerable adults can be manipulated and brainwashed into terrorism and dangerous acts, but Rico wasn’t aware he was committing these crimes, so this point felt a little lost. There is a good exploration into police brutality and racism within the organisation, and Zephaniah presents a good knowledge of the legal processes surrounding youth imprisonment. But because the narrative was plot driven, I didn’t feel attached to Rico to sympathise as much with his situation. Rico lives surrounded by people angry at the system which oppresses and racially stigmatises them. He is constantly suspected of crimes he hasn’t committed, being in the ‘wrong place ad the wrong time’ seems to be his only fault. Until it is revealed that he is hacking into multiple government websites just simply for fun – probably not a good idea. Rico is frustrated by the constant injustices he’s faced with, so when another activist approaches him asking him to hack into the police website, he agrees believing it is just for ‘fun’ to annoy the organization. It is revealed that bombs were planted on the same day, killing and hurting multiple police, and Rico is left to take the blame. Zephaniah shows how people can be manipulated into terrorist plans, without knowing their entire roles in these operations. Although I felt the unfairness, I think it unfortunately fell flat for me.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. It was such an easy read! Not my normal genre but it tackled some tricky and political concepts well. It had some good morals and messages as well as highlighting how easy it is to get caught up in trouble whilst still meaning well. An important lesson for all (youngsters especially) to realise. My only criticism was the trial and ending seemed rushed.

[Tom Sutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, it is one of the few books I have actually enjoyed reading the only thing I didn’t like however was the ending because it makes almost everything that happens before it pointless but even with the ending being bad it was still a very good book

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has the bones of a good book, but it was too short and not fleshed out enough. There was too much detail at some parts and not enough in others. The idea of the book is important and intriguing, but it’s half-baked imo

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for Concorde Book Awards 2016.
Front Cover Thoughts: Ooh this book will be interesting, especially with what's happening in the world right now, can't wait to read it.
Last Page Thoughts: Wow, another case of a great idea written so badly (flashbacks to The Maze Runner)
Characters: RICO: quietly angry teenage boy. KARIMA: angry teenage girl. STEFAN: angry dad. LENA: angry, tired mum. LOLA: not sure why she wasn't charged at the end?
Storyline: so basically this was a book about injustice. it was about a 15y.o boy who wants to change the world because everything is falling to pieces.
I didn't particularly like the attitude in this book, like the attitude was that in every city of every country people are protesting against the authorities. At one point, Rico watches TV and points out about all the protests going on - I'm not saying protests and things like it, rights and marches, don't happen (in fact, on Saturday the women in Saudi Arabia got to vote) it's just that Zephaniah was acting like its the only thing that happens, and its not.
also, did not enjoy the writing style, there was nothing to stir you up emotionally at all. as well, whenever there was dialogue, the characters only "spoke" or "shouted". there was pretty much nothing else.
Also, everyone in the book seemed to hate the police.. I didn't like that much. I understand that police do make mistakes, but on the whole they do a good job, and I respect them for that.
Another thing, there was no little bits in the story that are actually completely irrelevant but make you understand the character more. it was all just so.. factual (but fictional).
I guess it had a good message, which is why it's got 3 stars and not 2.
definitely not the book I'm going to vote for in the Concorde Book Awards.

[Luna's Little Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Terror Kid is a short and fast-paced story, on the one hand this works brilliantly because you’re pulled into Rico’s world from the very first page and you want to read the book in one sitting.

How Rico is treated in those first couple of chapters, the “wrong place, wrong time” is part of why later on in the book Rico does what he does. Rico is a little naïve but the injustices he sees and experiences are big part to what lead him helping to Speech.

I do wish Terror Kid could have been longer. While the pacing keeps you reading there wasn’t enough time to get to know the characters as closely as I would have liked.

Terror Kid is a great talking book. There is so much contained within those 200 pages for discussion amongst any age group. I hope this gets picked up in schools and book-clubs across the country.

[John Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because of the author. He has been on Question Time and I have come to respect him a great deal. I don't necessarily agree with all of his politics but I do respect him as a thinker and as a person and for his passion, so it was intriguing to see what his novels would be like.

His political and world views come across strongly, not in a bad way because of course that is what he believes in. The book is very plot based rather than character based, which is not something I normally favour, but this one was done with such fast pace that it was quite a ride and I ended up getting swept along with it. It was a good tale, although the ending was rushed.

[CharlotteN · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book was a bit of a let down especially after reading Face, by Benjamin Zephaniah.
The book to start with didn't have a clear plot and I felt the end was almost rushed and pack in as much information as possible.

[Leah Capewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rico Federico is an ordinary teenager with a passion for computers. He likes building them, programming them and fixing them, and runs a computer repair business from his home in Birmingham. He also has a part-time job in a computer shop on Saturdays. One night, Rico gets caught up in the wave of agitation sweeping across the country due to the shooting of a teenager in London and some conflicts with police that have gone viral on the internet.

Caught on the edge of a riot, Rico sees shops broken into and looted. His friend Karima, who’s been following the events on social media and always knows where the trouble is going to kick off, throws herself enthusiastically into the middle of the riots. Rico, trying to stay clear of it all, gets picked up by the police and taken to the police station, his protestations that he was not involved going unheard.

Rico’s worried about how his parents will react to his arrest. They are well used to the problems of discrimination and worked hard to build their lives. Rico is finally released without charge, but to his friend Karima’s disappointment, all Rico wants to do is get back to his computers, rather than getting involved in any direct action.

When someone he doesn’t know asks Rico to build a website as a surprise for one of his workmates at the computer shop, he’s happy to help, especially as the man is willing to pay decent money for his work. The man, who Rico knows only as Speech, then asks him to use his computer hacking skills as part of a peaceful cyber protest against the police. Rico sees that as a way of getting involved without violence, but things turn nasty and he’s sucked into a dangerous plot that will soon see him on the run, accused of carrying out a terrorist attach that leaves several dead. When on the run, Rico must learn who he can trust if he has any hope of staying out of the hands of the police.

Rico’s parents are supportive, behind him all the way, despite the accusations thrown at him by the police, but there’s also a shadow hanging over the family. Rico’s older sister has left home and is no longer speaking to her parents. The reason for this, when it finally comes out, was one of the parts of the story no one could see coming.
I would give this book 5 stars because it shows how easily people can be judge for simple things such as their skin colour or culture. I would recommend this to anyone 13 or over because there is discussion of violence, and it doesn’t end happily.

[Seppe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My book’s title is ‘Terror kid’ it is written by Benjamin Zephaniah.
It’s about a 15-year old boy named Rico and he is tired that he can’t do anything because
the world is failing and by that I mean there are in every city people protesting against the
government. That’s why he is going to do something. But he sort of fails and the story changes.

I didn’t enjoy the topic of the book because it was all about the protesting people and
there was a lot of negative emotion they shouted often to each other.
They could spice up the story a lot. Something to grab your attention.

I regret that the author doesn’t mention how Rico learned the computer skills because that was a reason I read this book. When I read the book I had the idea that the story wasn’t complete, there was something missing.

The complete story takes place in London but it could take place in many countries or cities. The reason that is takes place is that there are a lot of criminals in England.

I liked that the book goes about hacking and that attracted me to read this book. I read a couple of books about computers and hacking. But this book was different because with the justice system it makes it so current.

If you are interested in the justice system I surely recommend this book. It opens your look to the government. It is also an easy read for young and old people. But I read on the internet that all the books that Benjamin Zephaniah writes are easy to read.

[Johnny Andrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know it is aimed for the younger generation, so it is not bogged down with depth or they would look away. And the late poet and writer does well with making each line a statement. But it also draws a fine line by doing so...now I try to be neutral when it comes to authority, but I also see a lot of injustice especially in cities like London and further north, how the police are with people of colour and faith; how it is easy to point the finger at youth of colour. So I can see and feel the passion of Zephaniah's words-what he wanted to try and get the young readers to feel but then they could also come away reading that all police are bad. But that aside, I do feel the book could have been more but it was good at the same time. I felt sorry for Rico, I felt his need to want a voice that is heard, not just seen as a young teen, or a non-white but wanting to do something. But when it is offered to him by the older enigmatic Speech it seems too good to be true...what he thinks is just a use of his computer skills and a harmless prank of illegal annoyance turns very bad indeed and sees Rico on the run for a terrorist act.

[Vixster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a school librarian and I can see the positives to be taken from it; I can also see the negatives.

As for a book to open up discussion about lawful behaviour, being coerced into crime and the injustice of racial discrimination, it wins on all fronts. But for a book to exemplify good writing it fails quite miserably. The constant telling of facts that precede the plot and character is irksome but on the other hand for young readers that struggle with reading this may well be a perfect book.

For me personally, I found myself wanting to know more and it was engaging but the ending felt like it was rushed which left a feeling of dissatisfaction which is a shame because it could have had a more punchy ending. It sort of petered out.....

[Ilham Quddus]

Terror Kid by Benjamin Zepheniah is another prodigy written by Zepheniah following Rico, a teenage Romany boy in Birmingham, as he lives surrounded by riots and crowds. He loves computers but one day, when he meddles with a stranger, his whole life is about to change. Using Rico's idealism, Speech uses Rico to help him commit terrorism attacks across the country but righteousness and the truth always come first. This book captured my imagination and I would recommend this novel to children between 11-14 years old.

Rico was beginning to feel that the idea of doing a peaceful, humourous cyber protest was a great one [...] but now he was part of something bigger.

[Esta · Rating 4 out of 5]

train read for purpose of ske again. big print so short read. i do like benjamin zephaniah. this book defo a good one for students as has lots of introductions to stuff like the arab spring and london riots and stuff. also racial profiling, trade unionism and the surveillance state and terrorism and why kids might not trust the police etc. anyway good for stuff like that but a bit bleak which i guess is the point, that the british state isn’t on your side and isn’t understanding or nuanced especially if like the kid in the book you’re from a minority - in this case romany, background. like others have said things aren’t especially fleshed out just mentioned but this makes it very clear and understandable for kids

[Ellie Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book before completing a scheme of work with Year 9 on it.
Was well written, especially as it is aimed at younger readers. The storyline is interesting, as having previously studied the media impacts on terrorism, I thought it offered a good depiction of what it could be like.
The development of the character was well done, building up the faith in the character and having the reader go through the experiences with him was something that I thought will definitely help the target audience understand the complexity of a situation like this.
The ending did feel rushed slightly, it would have been interesting to see whether Rico went on to further challenge any of the stereotypes that he was presented with and the bigger picture surrounding assumptions made by media .

[Holly Jackson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Taking into consideration that this book it aimed at young adults, I still don't think it's very well written. Which is a real shame because I love Benjamin Zephaniah as a poet, this is the first fiction book of his I've read and it really was only OK. A little far fetched, rushed and simplistic. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman is aimed at young adults and has similar themes, Terror Kid really can't hold a candle. Maybe good for teens who struggle with reading though.

Sorry Benjamin Zephaniah, I really do love your work and not just because you share your name with my little brother!

[Talie K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying I love Zephaniah’s writing; it’s easy to follow and engaging, which makes all his novels page turners.

This novel was really short , I would have loved for it to have been longer, so many parts could have be elucidated- Rico’s ethnic background, the struggles of immigrant works, the U.K.-wide riots, the animosity between young people and the police, child exploitation or even racial/ religious tensions in the U.K.
There was so much to unpack here, it was a shame that the book ended so soon.

Nevertheless a solid read.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned:
I don’t think that I realised that this was a YA book until I started it, but it was still interesting and well written tale. A great warning for how quickly things can escalate in terms of lawlessness, but sad to think that idealism would be taken advantage of. As an aside the setting is the centre of the country and possibly the world in where my heart resides - strange old industrial Birmingham...

[Sue Benn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not without faults, this is a story of a British 21st century teenager who is a victim of a flawed society and reaches out to try to improve things with the best intentions. However, his naivety and his talent for hacking get him involved in something beyond his comprehension and he is obliged to cope with the consequences. Young teens will be intrigued and shown an alternative to their own familiar world.

[Jenny Fribbins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for the school bookshelves. Very readable but like other Zephaniah books I've read, the characters feel a bit forced. The storyline also wraps up super quickly and is therefore a little anti-climactic. But, the story is relevant and could possibly be good for teens at risk from terrorist grooming.

[Rio · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for the education of young teenagers.

Great for opening discussions up about friendships,family, community, terrorism and activism .

Just feel he could of made it a little less simple - felt it was to formal for such a heavy topic - but I am reading as a 19 year old A grade a-level literature student .

[Sira · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think this book had a good plot but it was so weirdly organized. The action in the book starts at its 60% and the ending feels rushed.

It was a book that i had to read for school so i knew i wouldn't be mid blowing but actually its ok for what it is, another good point is that is really fast to read but overall it was a meh.

[Nischell Broderick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for older children to read independently or a whole/small group read.

Follows the story of a young boy in school along with his friends and the different prejudices he was faced with and how that impacted the way in which he acted outwardly. exciting, mysterious - in terms of following the story and the different events which takes place.

[Siobhan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very interesting viewpoint and good for reluctant readers. Pace is a little slow and the narrative is driven by dialogue which I don't think is always effective. However, it's unusual to hear a narrative from the viewpoint of the novel's main character - this is what makes it compelling.

[James Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a strange book to read. The subject matter behind the book is so important right now, but the writing is a bit jumpy and at times feels underdeveloped. The postscript poem tells as much as a story and is quite excellent.

[Kim Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Topical but very weakly written. Kind of reads like a middle school narrative - plot driven with no real character development or depth. Is an easy read for Grade7-8s but not sure I could recommend it.

[Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book to recommend to secondary school kids. However, this definitely isn’t the best of Zephaniah. The ending felt really rushed and some parts just felt unfinished. Much preferred Refugee Boy.