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Mind the Gap
When Mikey's dad died, something in Mikey died too. He loved his old man and he never stopped dreaming that one day his dad would land the role of a lifetime, prove them all wrong, and rock back up to the estate in the flashiest car anyone had ever seen. Now there's just numbness, and not caring, and really, really stupid decisions. He says the worst of it is that he can't even remember his dad's voice any more. Eventually Mikey's best mate can't bear it any more, and so he sets out to give Mikey the memories - and his dad's voice - back
104 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2017
1 person is currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Phil Earle
48 books105 followersPhil was born in Hull in 1974, and he studied English and Drama at Hull University. He worked for a year as a carer in a children’s home, then after training as a drama therapist, he worked in a therapeutic community in London, which cared for multiply abused adolescents. Then, changing tack completely, he chose a marginally more sedate life as a children’s bookseller. It was here that he developed an obsession for kid’s literature, in particular, young adult fiction.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
After three years at Ottakar’s, he became a sales rep, and then a key account manager for Transworld/Random House, and is now sales director at Simon and Schuster Children’s Books.
Phil lives in South East London with his wife and three young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
December 5, 2019
A short read published by Barrington Stoke (dyslexic and reluctant reader-friendly books), Mind The Gap talks about grief and what happens when long-term friendships are seriously affected by the loss of a loved one. It was very action-packed and at times very sad to process. Would recommend!
February 6, 2017
When Mind the Gap arrived in the post I was super excited to read this. Although I have not read anything by the author before, I had read the idea behind the story and couldn't wait to dive in. So on a long train journey to London, I took Mind the Gap for company.
Mind the Gap is a very short read, about 100 pages, but it manages to pack a lot of feelings into this book. I loved the friendship between Mikey and his best friend, the narrator. After the death of his Father Mikey is drowning in grief, he is numb to everything, and willingly winds up the local bully Trev in order to get beaten up to be able to feel anything, and his best friend goes along with him to make sure he is relativity safe and gets home in one piece.
As the story progresses we see the toll it's taking on Mikey and his friend, who then makes it his mission to find anything with Mikey's Dad on it so that Mikey has something with him. He asks street performers, and a talent agency before finding his answer in the most unlikely place.
Final Verdict
Mind the Gap was a great read, and definitely has me interested in reading more books from the author.
One thing that makes this book unique is how the publisher, Barrington Stoke Ltd, have made this reader friendly. The following information is partially taken from the back of the book itself.
The book is printed on heavy paper in two colours - black for the text and pale yellow for the background. This reduces the contrast between text and paper and hides the 'ghost' of the words printed on the other side of the page.
The book also uses a unique typeface that is dyslexia-friendly
Mind the Gap is a very short read, about 100 pages, but it manages to pack a lot of feelings into this book. I loved the friendship between Mikey and his best friend, the narrator. After the death of his Father Mikey is drowning in grief, he is numb to everything, and willingly winds up the local bully Trev in order to get beaten up to be able to feel anything, and his best friend goes along with him to make sure he is relativity safe and gets home in one piece.
As the story progresses we see the toll it's taking on Mikey and his friend, who then makes it his mission to find anything with Mikey's Dad on it so that Mikey has something with him. He asks street performers, and a talent agency before finding his answer in the most unlikely place.
Final Verdict
Mind the Gap was a great read, and definitely has me interested in reading more books from the author.
One thing that makes this book unique is how the publisher, Barrington Stoke Ltd, have made this reader friendly. The following information is partially taken from the back of the book itself.
The book is printed on heavy paper in two colours - black for the text and pale yellow for the background. This reduces the contrast between text and paper and hides the 'ghost' of the words printed on the other side of the page.
The book also uses a unique typeface that is dyslexia-friendly
February 6, 2017
Mind the gap is a short read from Barrington Stoke. Barrington Stoke publish dyslexic friendly reads written by huge names in UKYA. I love that they are giving young adults who find reading difficult access to books which are written by these brilliant authors which are proper YA novels. I've heard no end of awful stories of teenagers who find reading difficult being given books for much younger children which is frankly just patronising and is going to turn reluctant reading completely off reading fast.
I've been a huge fan of Phil's work since I read his debut back in 2011. He writes YA wonderfully. It's realistic, thoughtful and full of heart and this wonderful little book is no exception. Mind the Gap is the story of the friendship between Mikey and his best friend. Mikey recently lost his father and is trying to deal with all those emotions without any real idea of how to do it. The story captures the raw emotions Mikey is feeling but cannot voice and the friendship between the two boys is really touching.
First class UKYA which is thoughtful and poignant. I enjoyed it immensely.
I've been a huge fan of Phil's work since I read his debut back in 2011. He writes YA wonderfully. It's realistic, thoughtful and full of heart and this wonderful little book is no exception. Mind the Gap is the story of the friendship between Mikey and his best friend. Mikey recently lost his father and is trying to deal with all those emotions without any real idea of how to do it. The story captures the raw emotions Mikey is feeling but cannot voice and the friendship between the two boys is really touching.
First class UKYA which is thoughtful and poignant. I enjoyed it immensely.
March 4, 2019
Its a nice thing that Mikey's best friend is doing by helping Mikey get his memories back and hear his Dad's voice again.
Mikey wants to get his friend back again as he's lost himself.
Page 11: 'What does bother me is that these last three months I've been losing him. It's like he's disappearing a bit more every day and I'm scared that soon there'll be nothing left for me to find. Not a puddle on the floor or a shadow or nothing'.
Mikey wants to get his friend back again as he's lost himself.
Page 11: 'What does bother me is that these last three months I've been losing him. It's like he's disappearing a bit more every day and I'm scared that soon there'll be nothing left for me to find. Not a puddle on the floor or a shadow or nothing'.
November 4, 2019
Whew. That ending packs a punch.
September 13, 2022
short read, picked up from the library but the ending was really emotional
December 11, 2023
I liked the plot, but i felt it should have had a bit more realism involving things that would actually happen, not saying that this is a fantasy but some of the things that happened in the story would not be realistic in real life. I also wished the story was a bit longer, as it cut off at the end in a good way however did not resolve everything.
August 4, 2017
Good for reluctant teenage readers. Not suitable for younger kids, swearing and violence.
January 8, 2024
Beautiful little book with an even more beautiful and emotional ending.
July 6, 2024
Not only was the edition incredibly comfortable to read (why aren't all books printed like this?), but the story was also so moving and relatable in so many ways.
Seeing the friendship displayed in this book made me want to be a better friend, and who doesn't want a book that inspires you to be the friend that would take a hit for you?
Seeing the friendship displayed in this book made me want to be a better friend, and who doesn't want a book that inspires you to be the friend that would take a hit for you?
July 21, 2024
A powerful story from Barrington Stoke.
February 2, 2017
(Received from the publisher for recommendation consideration.)
Phil Earle puts all his trademark warmth into this lovely, compassionate story of two boys - Mikey, who's just lost his father, and his best mate trying anything he can to support him in his grief. These two are the stand-outs but there's a rich cast of characters, including street performers, a school bully. and an agent. As always with Barrington Stoke the story is brilliantly plotted and paced - their 'super readable YA slogan' is spot on!
Phil Earle puts all his trademark warmth into this lovely, compassionate story of two boys - Mikey, who's just lost his father, and his best mate trying anything he can to support him in his grief. These two are the stand-outs but there's a rich cast of characters, including street performers, a school bully. and an agent. As always with Barrington Stoke the story is brilliantly plotted and paced - their 'super readable YA slogan' is spot on!
March 14, 2021
Mikey is a fight waiting to happen. Even since his dad died Mikey has become like a robot, not caring about anything,
including his own safety and wondering what's the point in anything any more.
His best friend is trying to help but it's almost impossible to keep Mikey out of trouble on their fierce, unforgiving housing estate. Mikey's new game is to insult the worst thugs in the neighbourhood and then take a beating. He even admits to relishing feeling something for a change, as he bleeds, bruises and spits teeth out.
One day Mikey finally breaks down about his dad. His friend lets him spill out his grief, as he's hardly said a word about it. Not being able to remember his dad's voice is splintering him into pieces. He was a great mimic, but it's his real voice Mikey misses the most.
Risking the wrath of Mikey's toxic mother, and receiving beatings of his own, Mikey's mate will do anything to help him. Following clues given along his search, the answer is in the most unexpected of places. Can he pull Mikey back from the brink of his own destruction?
Gritty, violent, and moving, Mind the Gap is driven by grief and a powerful no-matter-what friendship. Yet another super readable book in the Teenage Barrington Stoke series for Dyslexic or reluctant readers.
Author - Phil Earle
Reading Age 9 - Interest Age Teen (Content unsuitable for younger readers)
including his own safety and wondering what's the point in anything any more.
His best friend is trying to help but it's almost impossible to keep Mikey out of trouble on their fierce, unforgiving housing estate. Mikey's new game is to insult the worst thugs in the neighbourhood and then take a beating. He even admits to relishing feeling something for a change, as he bleeds, bruises and spits teeth out.
One day Mikey finally breaks down about his dad. His friend lets him spill out his grief, as he's hardly said a word about it. Not being able to remember his dad's voice is splintering him into pieces. He was a great mimic, but it's his real voice Mikey misses the most.
Risking the wrath of Mikey's toxic mother, and receiving beatings of his own, Mikey's mate will do anything to help him. Following clues given along his search, the answer is in the most unexpected of places. Can he pull Mikey back from the brink of his own destruction?
Gritty, violent, and moving, Mind the Gap is driven by grief and a powerful no-matter-what friendship. Yet another super readable book in the Teenage Barrington Stoke series for Dyslexic or reluctant readers.
Author - Phil Earle
Reading Age 9 - Interest Age Teen (Content unsuitable for younger readers)
October 28, 2017
Mikey’s best friend is worried about him; since his dad’s death he is just existing and taking risks to feel alive again. The narrator of the story is Mikey’s best friend and he’ll do anything for Mikey even put himself in danger. This is a touching story of friendship, grief and loyalty. From the very first line you are gripped by the powerful first person voice. A real page turner I read it in one sitting desperate to find out if Mikey’s nameless best mate could help him break out of his cycle of grief. Although a sad subject matter, I really felt engaged with the characters who came across as touchingly realistic. Although a short story the author has cleverly packed a lot in and I particularly enjoyed the details about London locations and the ending was very uplifting without being sugary. Not only was this book an insightful read but also looks like a real design classic from the cover to the font and shape of the actual book. An ideal gift for someone who likes a fast paced engaging story.
March 18, 2018
I originally chose to read Mind the Gap by Phil Earle because I was confused. Yes, I am very dumb sometimes. I was looking for the Carnegie Award longlist and instead found the long long list, bought Mind the Gap and set about reading it.
Even though it is only a small book I finished it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.
Imagine my disbelief when I realised that it hadn’t actually been shortlisted to the longlist. Sad times.
The story is about two best friends. One is suffering the unbearable loss of a parent and the other is trying to help him come to terms with it. It is a true testament to the power of friendship. A lovely, heart-warming read that speaks of real issues.
Well done Phil Earle.
Mind the Gap by Phil Earle is available now.
For more information regarding Phil Earle (@philearle) please visit www.philearle.com.
For more information regarding Barrington Stoke (@BarringtonStoke) please visit www.barringtonstoke.co.uk.
Even though it is only a small book I finished it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down.
Imagine my disbelief when I realised that it hadn’t actually been shortlisted to the longlist. Sad times.
The story is about two best friends. One is suffering the unbearable loss of a parent and the other is trying to help him come to terms with it. It is a true testament to the power of friendship. A lovely, heart-warming read that speaks of real issues.
Well done Phil Earle.
Mind the Gap by Phil Earle is available now.
For more information regarding Phil Earle (@philearle) please visit www.philearle.com.
For more information regarding Barrington Stoke (@BarringtonStoke) please visit www.barringtonstoke.co.uk.
April 1, 2018
When his best friend Mikey's dad, Vinny dies, we witness one boy's efforts he goes to to help his best mate get over and handle the death better than fighting with their estate's gangster, Trev.
Travelling all cross London we encounter people who didn't like Vinny at all by the end of his life unfortunately, as he was a failed big time actor who never got a big break. Meanwhile, Mikey's mum is a drunk and seems uninterested in her son's life.
Inevitability seems to pull Mikey to the underground not just to find his best friend but there he finds something he needed more than anything.
As death can effect us all in different ways, here we witness the anger and frustration after a close death coming out of Mikey showing how not processing it can hold you back as he just wants a reminder of his dad.
A short to the point read about death and it's aftermath, inspired by a real story which sounds fascinating too.
Travelling all cross London we encounter people who didn't like Vinny at all by the end of his life unfortunately, as he was a failed big time actor who never got a big break. Meanwhile, Mikey's mum is a drunk and seems uninterested in her son's life.
Inevitability seems to pull Mikey to the underground not just to find his best friend but there he finds something he needed more than anything.
As death can effect us all in different ways, here we witness the anger and frustration after a close death coming out of Mikey showing how not processing it can hold you back as he just wants a reminder of his dad.
A short to the point read about death and it's aftermath, inspired by a real story which sounds fascinating too.
March 23, 2021
This is a YA book, written in a Dyslexia friendly way with double spacing and on slightly pale yellow paper. It’s an older story so it’s not patronisingly simple and is a story about two friends, following one of their dad’s death.
It’s brief at 94 pages and my non-dyslexic but frequently sleepy (after school), teenage son loved it as a quick read. I can’t judge this from an ‘adult novel ‘ perspective so for what it is it’s 5/5. It’s not as in depth or engaging as a novel but for teenagers this may hook them into reading or engage them at home or in the classroom.
Recommend - for the target audience.
It’s brief at 94 pages and my non-dyslexic but frequently sleepy (after school), teenage son loved it as a quick read. I can’t judge this from an ‘adult novel ‘ perspective so for what it is it’s 5/5. It’s not as in depth or engaging as a novel but for teenagers this may hook them into reading or engage them at home or in the classroom.
Recommend - for the target audience.
October 9, 2018
This book is just perfect. It is only 94 pages long so I read it all within a few hours which I think should help me get back into reading more regularly 😄
This story shows you what true friendship really looks like! I think the author could have easily written another 200+ pages but I think it is a great idea to write a short book like this to get people into or back into reading!
My only problem is that I really want to know what Mikey's best friends name is... 😣🤔
This story shows you what true friendship really looks like! I think the author could have easily written another 200+ pages but I think it is a great idea to write a short book like this to get people into or back into reading!
My only problem is that I really want to know what Mikey's best friends name is... 😣🤔
November 12, 2018
I didn't think the book was bad as it had a lovely, heartwarming story, but it was a bit simple.
It is a pleasant short-ish story about a boy who wants to help his best friend to hear his dead father's voice again.
I thought it was a nice, easy read but it's not the best thing I've ever read.
I'd recommend this for pre-teens and teenagers who are looking for an easy read that they can read in one sitting.
It is a pleasant short-ish story about a boy who wants to help his best friend to hear his dead father's voice again.
I thought it was a nice, easy read but it's not the best thing I've ever read.
I'd recommend this for pre-teens and teenagers who are looking for an easy read that they can read in one sitting.
April 26, 2023
I enjoyed this book, picked it up as a quick read in ebook form from the library and read it in 2 days. I enjoyed the writing style and the story. It was a beautiful and emotional insight into grief and the desperation to help when someone you care about is struggling. However I didn't really feel that the voice was one of a 15 year old boy which took away from the story a little. Still very much enjoyed. Short and sweet.
August 30, 2023
I'm half and half on this one. We all love a quick read now and again, but at 82 pages, this was extremely short. The story focuses on two best friends. One whose father has just died and is going off the rails... the other is trying to save him. It has a cute ending. But it does contain a lot of violence and fighting. Some would say a pointless read. Others a short, cute, and straight to the point read. I awarded three stars. We would all try to save our best friend if we could wouldn't we?
March 13, 2017
A good story based on a real-life story. This is a short story that is accessible to dyslexic students as well as other readers (due to the font and colour of the paper) It is an action adventure, but also the story of he friendship of 2 lads who are very good friends. Try it...it is a quick and easy read.
March 28, 2018
One of the Barrington Stoke super readable series. Considering these novels are by nature short and use controlled vocabulary, this was an engaging read. I will promote it to both those who love reading and those who have yet to become lovers of reading. A great one about emotions for young men.
October 5, 2024
This was a quick and easy read - everything you expect from Barrington Stoke books. I enjoyed it and I knew what the story inspiration was which was nice.
Overall, worth a read but not one I will probably keep.
Overall, worth a read but not one I will probably keep.
February 4, 2017
Wonderful short story. Very readable story for teenagers. Liked the style of writing; as it's written in teen language so it's accessible.
August 6, 2017
What a lovely story, one that brought tears to my eyes.
August 29, 2017
What a gorgeous story. It may have broken my heart.
December 19, 2017
Short, sweet, but incredibly touching
February 4, 2018
How do you take a cast of not very likeable characters and then in 100 pages have the reader fall in love with two of them and reduced to tears by the end.
Like this.
Like this.
April 28, 2018
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews