The Edge [Paperback]

Alan Gibbons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006

"We've got to go. Now." It's early morning and Danny's mother is at his bedside, urging him to get up. They're on the run—from Chris, his mother's boyfriend, a violent man who beats them both up and won't let them go. Chris pursues Danny and his mother from London to the north, where they take refuge with Danny's grandparents. But even there, nothing is safe. Danny is conspicuous as the only mixed-race boy in their small community, and with the ever-present threat of discovery, he has to learn how to live continuously on the edge. A tense and thrilling story to which the chase gives terrific drama, this novel shows depth of character and understanding of the predicaments of children today.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 6-9-From the opening music clip that jangles the nerves, tension runs high in this audio version of the novel by British author Alan Gibbons. Jerome Pride offers a range of convincing British accents and speech patterns that enhance the story of teenage Danny and his mother as they make a frantic escape from Chris, his mother's live-in boyfriend who is a violent abuser. Having left urban London with its cosmopolitan mix, Danny encounters his first dramatic experience with racial and ethnic prejudice in his mother's more rural hometown where his racially mixed parentage is very much an issue both in his grandparents' home and his new school. Central characters alternate telling the story in separate chapters, and Pride does an exceptional job of providing each with a distinct voice. The word edge is a key one in this book, both for abusive Chris Kane's over the edge mental state and the edge of the local imposing cliff overshadowing this fast-paced, dramatic, and danger-filled story. As Kane stalks the two runaways and racist unrest threatens them as well, the disturbing story races on as seen through the eyes of all key players. Pride's additions of verbal tautness and drama will keep listeners on the edge of their seats, and the repetition of that jarring sound clip at the beginning and end of each CD side ratchets up the tension. Three minute tracks help those following along in the text. Public and school libraries serving teens will find this audiobook in demand.-Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Review

"This is a fast and compelling 'must read' that is disturbing in ways that is bound to make teenagers confront important issues like racism and endemic violence. I can't recommend it highly enough." Books for Keeps "...a brilliant thriller for 11 to 16 year olds. ...Indeed it is as if he takes such potential cliches and wrings them dry of easy answers before putting pen to paper... Gibbons' confident use of punchy snapshots focusing on each character's movements and preoccupations makes gripping reading. He is committed to writing books boys will read - and here he gives them something in which to sink their emotional, intellectual and creative teeth." -- Lindsey Fraser Sunday Herald, 7 July 2002 "[Alan Gibbons'] latest book, a tense piece of social realism, is his best yet. The writing grabs you from the first page and entwines you into the lives of the characters." The Herald "The characters are brilliantly drawn, particularly Chris; his self-righteousness, so closely linked with the urge to lash out, is chilling." Mail on Sunday "...an excellent, challenging, rough-tough read" -- Michael Rosen Socialist Review, September 2002 "a very well-written, hard-hitting novel told from many different viewpoints which give a well rounded picture and add excitement to the reader's involvement. It is well paced to a breathtaking climax. An excellent read." Primary Times, September 2002 'A prolific writer with a strong sense of social justice, Alan Gibbons is pacey and thorough. The Edge demonstrates skills honed throughout his career and shows a writer in a confident and committed mode...A brilliantly convincing thriller devoid of flabby cliches or stereotype.' -- Lindsey Fraser The Guardian, 24 September 2002 "...a tense and deepling story that encompasses racism and manipulative violence." Books for Keeps "...a fast moving, tense, emotional story which is a real page turner." Carousel, Autumn/Winter 2002 "My friend gave me this book for my birthday and I couldn't put it down...Each chapter is told by a different character so it really builds up the tension. It had me right on the edge of my seat!" -- Tammy from Bude (reader review) Mizz, 13 November 2002 "The story is fast paced and holds the readers attention...Many readers will be quickly drawn into the story and be absorbed by its pace and excitement" School Librarian, Autumn 2002 "Gibbons is passionate about making literature accessible to young people of all backgrounds and abilities. The Edge is a nail-biting thriller...touching and real and powerfully memorable. Alan Gibbons uses short, mini-chapters to tell his story and the effect is electric." -- Lindsey Fraser Booktrusted News (Booktrust), Winter 2002 "This book is brilliant with an excellently thought out plot, characterisation and a progressing storyline...This book certainly tingles and lingers" -- Oliver Daniels (Year 7), Somerset Books for Keeps

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Orion Children's Books (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842550942
• ISBN-13: 978-1842550946
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5 x 7.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,897,594 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Edge, March 20, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Edge (Paperback)

This book is very rubbish for it is just a boy runnig from a city. P.S i have not just looked at the front cover.