Losing William

by Jenni Francis

Keri is a high-achieving all rounder who upsets her friends when she receives an award at school. Things get rapidly worse when her parents separate and she finds herself alone at a time when she really needs someone to talk to. Then, when looking after her little brother at the local shopping mall, she leaves him briefly and he disappears. Thus begins the worse time in Keri's life. In the attempt to navigate her way through this nightmare scenario she finds out who her real friends are, and with their help sets out in search of her missing brother.

This story is set in New Zealand and is an absorbing tale of changing relationships and discovery among family and friends that offers valuable life lessons for all children.

120 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2004

About the author

Jenni Francis was born in London, England and moved with her family to New Zealand when she was eight years old, for which she will be eternally grateful. Jenni has trained as a teacher, and a teacher of deaf children, as well as completing a degree in education. She began writing after her first grandchild was born, and has continued writing novels and short stories.
Having had a wide range of different life experiences, including living and working on a dairy farm for two years, Jenni has much to draw on to fill out her novels. Skiing, beach holidays, school camps and school life are part of the background to her novels.
She has been involved with children in her capacity as a teacher, a mother and a grandmother, and now as an author of children’s books and has always enjoyed interactions with children. She intends to keep writing for children until she runs out of ideas, which won’t be anytime soon! Jenni lives on five acres with an orchard, a pond a stream and a neighbours sheep. She has eleven grandchildren and she lives with her husband, a dog and a cat.

Reviews

[Jeanna Rodgers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Topic handled well - good for young teens to relate to

[Jenni Francis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a gripping read, that has strong themes of pre-adolescent anxieties, marital breakdown and kidnapping. These serious issues are woven together into a lively narrative. A thoughtful commentary on growing up in contemporary New Zealand.