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Mr Brown's Suitcase
Jez, a troubled young boy, finds both school and home life pretty challenging. His mum is struggling to cope, his unpleasant stepdad is often drunk, and it is always left to Jez to take care of his two younger brothers. Life is tough.
Little does he know that when Mr Brown, a supply teacher assigned to his chaotic class strolls in, his difficult life is about to change.
What exactly is in the battered old suitcase this enigmatic teacher has brought with him? Will Jez ever get to find out?
Both children and adults alike are invited to join Jez on the emotional journey he is about to embark on, right from his first encounter with the inspirational Mr Brown.
Little does he know that when Mr Brown, a supply teacher assigned to his chaotic class strolls in, his difficult life is about to change.
What exactly is in the battered old suitcase this enigmatic teacher has brought with him? Will Jez ever get to find out?
Both children and adults alike are invited to join Jez on the emotional journey he is about to embark on, right from his first encounter with the inspirational Mr Brown.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2014
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Kate Hughes
2 books6 followersKate Hughes is a teacher and writer. Although she has been scribbling away for years, it is only recently that she has had time to take it seriously.
'Mr Brown's Suitcase' was her debut novel.
She has just published her second novel 'Home'.
Kate lives in the UK with her husband, three children and a lively lilac tortoiseshell cat.
'Mr Brown's Suitcase' was her debut novel.
She has just published her second novel 'Home'.
Kate lives in the UK with her husband, three children and a lively lilac tortoiseshell cat.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 9, 2017
Jez lives with his two younger half-brothers, his mum and his stepdad, Steve. Steve drinks, Mum is scared of leaving the house and Jez is effectively bringing up the young ones on his own. He’s disruptive at school until the class gets a new supply teacher, Mr Brown.
This book is intended for young readers but it’s a lovely story for any age group. We see Jez facing the unfairness of life – his stepdad’s behaviour and the peer-pressure from older boys, wanting to look cool, hating to be seen to cry – all the things so important for an eleven year-old boy. It’s a story with great strength and hope and I really enjoyed it.
This book is intended for young readers but it’s a lovely story for any age group. We see Jez facing the unfairness of life – his stepdad’s behaviour and the peer-pressure from older boys, wanting to look cool, hating to be seen to cry – all the things so important for an eleven year-old boy. It’s a story with great strength and hope and I really enjoyed it.
February 1, 2017
Jez is 11 years. Home is difficult.His stepfather is a drunken bully his mum seems to no longer want to set foot out the house. He has two younger brothers that he seems to have found himself responsible for.Is it any wonder that he isn't exactly a model pupil at school?
When Mr Brown and his mysterious suitcase comes into the classroom as a Supply teacher Jez sees no reason why he shouldn't continue to be the class clown and disrupt lessons.However Mr Brown is not like any teacher Jez has ever had. In spite of himself he finds that he wants to work hard so he can be the one to see what is in this mysterious suitcase and along the way he finds a talent that will sustain him.
What a delightful book! I am a teacher and have done my share of Supply work. I would love to have made the difference Mr Brown did! Without THE Book Club I would never have found this gem- thank you.
When Mr Brown and his mysterious suitcase comes into the classroom as a Supply teacher Jez sees no reason why he shouldn't continue to be the class clown and disrupt lessons.However Mr Brown is not like any teacher Jez has ever had. In spite of himself he finds that he wants to work hard so he can be the one to see what is in this mysterious suitcase and along the way he finds a talent that will sustain him.
What a delightful book! I am a teacher and have done my share of Supply work. I would love to have made the difference Mr Brown did! Without THE Book Club I would never have found this gem- thank you.
February 4, 2017
This book had me gripped from the start and I read it in a day. It is real and it is magical all at the same time. It tells the story of a troubled year 6 boy with an abusive stepfather, but for all the darkness that could bring into a childhood the story does not seem grim but instead full of hope. Kate Hughes captures the wonder of a child (in this case a small boy) perfectly, and made me think back to a time where anything mysterious held great fascination. I also loved that the book highlighted the fact that a good teacher can make all the difference to a child. This is a great debut novel and I will be watching for more from this talented author.
February 5, 2017
A book which tugs at the heart strings but doesn't become overly sentimental, a fine balance. In Jez, the author has created a wonderful character, a boy with a troubled home background who vents his frustration and anger at school. We know that there are many young children in this sort of situation, spending their childhood as carers for parents or siblings when the family breaks down. This book reminded me of To Sir With Love, one of my all time favourites, highlighting the huge difference that a good teacher can make to a child's life. Most of us will have had a favourite teacher, mine was a biology teacher who was probably responsible for my transition to adult books as well as being a wonderful teacher who always had time for you.
I loved this book and I think many children will love it too.
My thanks to TBConFB for this review copy.
I loved this book and I think many children will love it too.
My thanks to TBConFB for this review copy.
February 6, 2017
What a really lovely enjoyable read. You could not but love Jez and Mr Brown. I loved how Kate portrayed both of these characters and how they interacted with each other. My heart went out to Jez and his struggles with his family situation. Great writing style with wonderful believable characters. I also could not wait to see what was in the suitcase. A big thumbs up for Kate Hughes. I look forward to reading more of her books very soon.
Thanks to TBConFB for the copy. Young as well as adult readers will enjoy this novel.
Thanks to TBConFB for the copy. Young as well as adult readers will enjoy this novel.
January 12, 2017
I raced through this book, wincing, smiling and worrying. I found it charming in a Nanny McPhee type style. It was gritty but uplifting. I would recommend if. Thanks to TBC for the opportunity to review it
February 6, 2017
Most people remember a favourite teacher. One that inspired you as a child, and believed in you. This brought back all the memories of the teacher who would let me sit and write stories all afternoon instead of doing what was on the board. The other teacher who brought me to Chaucer and Orwell. I also remember the supply teacher who told us stories all afternoon and inspired me to write stories of my own.
As a book for young people, this is a simply written story with lots of depth. There is a 'baddie' character who could have been written with some sympathy, but I understand the need to polarise this person for the story. It works almost like a fable.
I read most of this story with a lump in my throat. I've worked with children in education and out of education and I know these people. The ending was exactly as it should have been. I loved it.
I think every primary school teacher should read this book. It is a reminder how hard it is to be young with so much to bear and yet be powerless; and how to enable the most troubled young person.
As a book for young people, this is a simply written story with lots of depth. There is a 'baddie' character who could have been written with some sympathy, but I understand the need to polarise this person for the story. It works almost like a fable.
I read most of this story with a lump in my throat. I've worked with children in education and out of education and I know these people. The ending was exactly as it should have been. I loved it.
I think every primary school teacher should read this book. It is a reminder how hard it is to be young with so much to bear and yet be powerless; and how to enable the most troubled young person.
February 4, 2017
This book is bound to become one of those book's on everyone's school reading list.
Honestly touching and open, the story begins when Jez get's a supply teacher, 'Mr Brown' one day at school. Jez and his friends live in a rough area of town. Jez has many problems in his home life but Mr Brown manages to strip the tough exterior and the story begins.
This story touched me and showed me how small random acts of kindness can change someone's life and how if you believe, you can achieve anything you want. I'll certainly be buying this for my daughter in a few years.
Honestly touching and open, the story begins when Jez get's a supply teacher, 'Mr Brown' one day at school. Jez and his friends live in a rough area of town. Jez has many problems in his home life but Mr Brown manages to strip the tough exterior and the story begins.
This story touched me and showed me how small random acts of kindness can change someone's life and how if you believe, you can achieve anything you want. I'll certainly be buying this for my daughter in a few years.
February 8, 2017
Such a lovely, well written book of an eleven year old boy called Jez, whose life at home isn't the best so he ends up being the out of control kid at school. With his troubles at home being a drunken step dad an acrophobic mum, two younger brothers to look after his life isn't exactly easy! But when a supply teacher comes in called mr Brown who is carrying a suitcase everyone including him are curious as to what is in the case. It's an absolutely amazing read!
February 6, 2017
I read this lovely book in one sitting. It was funny, heartbreaking, beautiful.. but just the right amount of each emotion as it's aimed at children.
Mr Brown is a wonderful teacher - I find myself wanting to be like him!
Jez is an interesting character. I loved seeing his character progress through different stages. I'd love to read more books by this author.
Mr Brown is a wonderful teacher - I find myself wanting to be like him!
Jez is an interesting character. I loved seeing his character progress through different stages. I'd love to read more books by this author.
April 1, 2015
An interesting novel set in England explores the life at home and school of a middle school boy. Jez is understandably confused and bitter. His step-dad Steven is an out of work alcoholic who resents him, while favoring his two young sons Josh and Cal. Mum is so fearful of him that she has developed agoraphobia, refusing to go out alone even to shop for food. Jez has assumed responsibility for bringing food home and getting his brothers to school. He attempts to cover his problems by being a rebel at school.
One day, his teacher Mrs. Wright becomes ill. A substitute named Mr. Brown rapidly turns the tables on the out of control students in the class. Mr. Brown has only two rules; raise your hand to say something and treat others the way you want to be treated. At first Jez continues his mischievous behavior, but later becomes intrigued by the soft spoken man who makes learning interesting and rewards students by allowing them a peek in his secret suitcase. Jez is dying to know what is in it.
In the meantime, things get worse at home. Jez becomes the man of the house, but learns that he is not as tough as he thinks when neighborhood bullies try to lure him into vandalism and shoplifting. He discovers a hidden artistic talent which Mr. Brown encourages him to develop. Overhearing a conversation by chance, Jez decides he must act. He is really scared, but he forces himself to contact someone who will change all their lives for the better and give the family a new start.
This book honestly explores the issues of peer pressure, divorce, alcoholism and domestic violence that many children must face each day. The author does not preach or reveal solutions, but allows her protagonist to show the possibilities by trial and error. Children age nine or ten and older should find the story appealing and informative.
One day, his teacher Mrs. Wright becomes ill. A substitute named Mr. Brown rapidly turns the tables on the out of control students in the class. Mr. Brown has only two rules; raise your hand to say something and treat others the way you want to be treated. At first Jez continues his mischievous behavior, but later becomes intrigued by the soft spoken man who makes learning interesting and rewards students by allowing them a peek in his secret suitcase. Jez is dying to know what is in it.
In the meantime, things get worse at home. Jez becomes the man of the house, but learns that he is not as tough as he thinks when neighborhood bullies try to lure him into vandalism and shoplifting. He discovers a hidden artistic talent which Mr. Brown encourages him to develop. Overhearing a conversation by chance, Jez decides he must act. He is really scared, but he forces himself to contact someone who will change all their lives for the better and give the family a new start.
This book honestly explores the issues of peer pressure, divorce, alcoholism and domestic violence that many children must face each day. The author does not preach or reveal solutions, but allows her protagonist to show the possibilities by trial and error. Children age nine or ten and older should find the story appealing and informative.
March 14, 2015
Absolutely loved reading this book. The perspective that Kate has written from, using Jez as the main protagonist is an inspiring choice. Kate has obviously observed a great many children and their reactions to oppression and hardship, Kate has then recorded his thoughts and feelings eloquently.
January 2, 2017
Beautiful story following the life of an 11 year old boy. Having to deal with a mother with agoraphobia and domestic violence. Then came along Mr Brown. A must read for any budding teachers out there. Mr Brown is the teacher we all wished we had and would hope to be.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews