Spotlight Magazines Spotlight on Mansfield South August 2015 | Page 10

Spotlight Magazine A Good Read Mum on the Run by Fiona Gibson Robot Girl by Malorie Blackman Running is increasing in popularity these days, and Laura decides to get in on the act. A disastrous attempt in the Mum’s race at Sports Day spurs Laura on to change her life. She joins a ‘fat club’ and takes up running, determined not to be humiliated at Sports Day the next year. How would you feel if your dad created a robot? More specifically, a robot who looked like you, with your memories? Oh yes, and there is the matter of Celeste: the young, alluring French teacher she sees flirting with her husband, Jed. So, the running sessions in the local park begin, spurred on by her new running partner. Who happens to be called Danny, but she doesn’t tell Jed that. Full of humour and wit this novel is a great summer read. Mums all over the country will identify with Laura as she tries to survive life as the mum of three children, including a hormonal soon-to-be-teenager and a pre-schooler. Fears that her marriage is over lead Laura to make decisions that have unforeseen consequences: ones that she would probably rather not repeat! Laura is a character that the reader warms to straightaway and you find yourself rooting for her to succeed – in her running and in her love life. The storyline may be a tad predictable at times, but that does not spoil your enjoyment of this book. A perfect summer read. 10 This is the situation that Claire finds herself in, when her inventor dad introduces her to AI-E. But all is not as it seems. Claire finds AI-E repulsive and surprisingly vulnerable with her squidgy soft skin. She wonders how her dad can do this to her. Sharing her concerns with her mum, she is reassured that everything will be okay if Claire can just learn to control her feelings. But she can’t, and so she plans to destroy AI-E. Until she learns … well, that would spoil it, wouldn’t it? This very short story (only 72 pages) from acclaimed children’s writer Malorie Blackman was originally published as a part of an anthology in 1997 and was published as a standalone book for the first time in 2015. Given its length this may be one for the library than purchase, but don’t let that put you off. Aimed at a younger audience than Blackman’s other novels (8+) this book is marketed specifically for struggling, reluctant, and dyslexic readers, but is sure to be enjoyed by everyone. By Willow Coby www.spotlightlocal.co.uk • 01623 706570 • [email protected]