Tom is getting no respect.
So he gets a killer tattoo.
The demon on Tom's back does the job.
It brings him respect.
But it also brings something far more terrible...
"It is great to have a series of books that directly addresses the needs of reluctant teen male readers. I am sure that the Fast Lane series will prove invaluable for those who find standard KS3 and 4 texts too daunting.
The Fast Lane series should be welcomed by all those engaged in meeting the needs of those who find reading difficult at KS3 and 4. The stories deal with mature issues in a way that is accessible to readers who have not yet built reading stamina."
(
Jo Klaces (English teacher with a special interest in Literacy and former Director of the National Literacy Association))
"I feel there is a huge market for these books - I am always trying to get students to read. Many of our students spend hours downloading lyrics and learning them but never read books- there is an obvious gap here in what is available for them. (
Sophie Taylor (Literacy Project Manager at Bristol City Academy))
"I have shown them to some of my colleagues who have a lot of experience with reluctant teenage boy readers and also to one or two young lads who come in to the library and everyone was very enthusiastic about them.
We thought the covers were attractive and particularly liked the short, punchy text style.
For less able readers or for some dyslexic young people it is really important that there is space around the text. This layout is great because the short lines, wider spacing and not too much text on the page will make them easier to read. This will encourage the less able reader as they will get a sense of achievement as they read each page and the fast style will keep them turning the pages just as a more confident reader would do with a thriller.
I am looking forward to them coming out as I feel that they will fill a real gap in the market."
(
Ann Boulton (Senior Librarian at the Centre For The Child, Birmingham Central Library))
"...we are always desperate to have some material to get students reading - one of our biggest problems is with boys' literacy.
[Happy with the content and street language as] ...they could have this as a set text and discuss audience etc and purpose of the language as part of studying it.
(
Clare Titman (Head of Key Stage 3 English))
The book covers and layout are great - very eyecatching. I have no doubt that they'll be a really useful tool in engaging young people. Here are a few quotes from us:
"Excellent - where can we get hold of them?"
"a truly engaging resource "
"relevant and topical issues, engaging from the start"
I asked a young worker aged 19 what he thought of them:
" I think the stories will keep young people interested because they touch on issues that affect them on a daily basis. It's well set out, even the writing - it's clear and the page doesn't look too busy. The pictures are good and the use of colours are just right. The front covers are interesting, they draw you in - the titles stand out, I can see young people we work with relating to them".
(
Amanda Radix, Project Manager, Community Resolve - from conflict to communication)
[Loraine really liked the illustrations/graphics and language - definitely something she could see the students she works with reading]
[She thought the language was great and students would immediately relate to it and be attracted to the cover. She particularly liked the Bad Brother and Blood Bond graphics.]
[She felt that her own child (boy aged 10) would pick it up based purely on the cover. But said that the boys' trousers should be lower (in a street boy, see your pants style!)]
(
Loraine Springer (Learning Mentor for African Caribbean students aged 13-16))
