Rook

In the shadow of a bully, a rescued rook becomes a symbol of hope in this poignant, Carnegie Medal shortlisted novella about growing up and family.

Shortlisted for the 2018 Carnegie Medal.

When Kenny and Nicky rescue a rook left for dead, Kenny is determined to keep it alive. Nicky doubts the scruffy bird will make it, but then Nicky has plenty else to worry about.

This time, it’s not his dad or Kenny who need help – his dad’s sorting his life out and Kenny’s busy making plans with his new best mate. Now it’s Nicky’s turn to struggle – with a school bully, his first love and the fact that everything is about to go very, very wrong.

Particularly suitable for readers aged 11+ with a reading age of 9.

Reviews

"Gritty, unflinching and authentic … with a life-affirming warmth" – Carnegie Judging Panel

"Lucid and sharp as broken glass, it’s a book filled with raw, elemental emotion" – Guardian

"Rook is an outstanding piece of writing … unflinching and authentic, funny and gritty and a treasured addition to my bookshelves" – Waterstones Bookseller

"[McGowan’s] ability to accurately represent the inner lives of young people is unparalleled" – The Bookbag

"[McGowan’s] writing manages to convey elements of anxiety, despair, fear and hopelessness but all is underscored with a dash of exuberant humour" – Letterpress Project

About the author

Anthony McGowan is one of the most widely acclaimed YA and children's authors in the UK, with novels including The Knife that Killed Me and The Dogs of the Deadlands, an FT and Guardian Book of the Year. His Barrington Stoke titles include the Carnegie Medal shortlisted Rook and the 2020 Carnegie Medal winner Lark, which the judges described as "a standalone masterpiece”.