Outlaws

by Emma Norry, Unknown Author

Paperback

About the author

This author also writes as E.L. Norry: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outlaws follows 3 secondary school pupils. They’ve all arrived at a well-regarded school courtesy of bursaries. Scarlett is in a new foster care placement, anxious to make this one work. It’s all great, apart from the daughter who is determined to make her life uncomfortable. Robyn’s Dad is working in Italy and she is living with her Grandfather and helping him with his bike repair shop. He’s becoming more forgetful and she’s increasingly worried about his safety. Will is the main carer for his Mum who is struggling with health issues which have left her bed bound most days. Added to which there are his two younger brothers to feed and get to school, even if that means sometimes he goes without. None of them need the added anxiety of the news that the funding they receive is going to be withdrawn. Something doesn’t add up in the actions of the headteacher who is throwing his weight around particularly towards the most vulnerable. Forging a friendship in adversity, Will, Scarlett and Robyn band together to help those in need.

I was engrossed in this story from page one. It is brilliantly plotted with excellent characterisation. I loved the way the author integrates the Robin Hood theme into the story - a headteacher called Nottingham, Will and Scarlett, a character called Robyn amongst several references. This is a compelling story which children will love, with its themes of friendship, integrity and justice and about asking for help. Each child is struggling in worlds where the adults around them are absent through illness, geography and or just not paying attention. Despite the difficulties these characters are facing, the author encourages us to understand their situations, rather than feel sorry for them, providing vital insights for example into the way Will prepares food; how Scarlett’s carer didn’t understand she needed specific hair producrs for her hair type; and what dementia might look like. These are details which mpact on the characters’ lives, and increased my understanding. I look forward to reading more by this author.