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 • 01332 416 121 • [email protected]