Stop

by Jenni Spangler

Ryan has always wanted to be a police officer. When he's picked to go on a real undercover operation, it's his chance to prove he's got what it takes. But on the way home, something happens and his life is changed forever. The Two Sides series has an innovative structure, where each book contains two parallel narratives, featuring differing perspectives on the same situation, and illustrating the dangers of someone making a judgement about a situation they know very little about. These thought-provoking stories follow a linear timeline and read almost as diary entries. The voice alternates each chapter, enabling the reader to keep up with events whilst gaining a multi-dimensional insight at the same time. Penned by experienced authors, these captivating narratives cover serious themes faced by many young people in today's world - family breakdown, identity, domestic abuse, racism and being a young carer. With around 4,000 words and a reading age of 8-9, these books will appeal to struggling readers aged 13+. They would also make perfect quick reads for more able readers.

Paperback

Published June 29, 2018

About the author

Theatre school drop out, ex-999 operator and occasional forklift driver, Jenni writes children’s books with a magical twist. She loves to take real and familiar places and events and add a layer of mystery and hocus-pocus.

She was part of the first year of the ‘WriteMentor’ scheme, mentored by Lindsay Galvin, author of ‘The Secret Deep’. As well as her magical middle grade novels, Jenni writes short contemporary YA stories for reluctant and struggling readers, including Torn and Wanted for Badger Learning.

Jenni has an Open University degree in English Language and Literature, a 500 metre swimming badge and a great recipe for chocolate brownies. She lives in Staffordshire with her husband and two children. She loves old photographs, picture books and tea, but is wary of manhole covers following an unfortunate incident.