Mikey is a fight waiting to happen. Even since his dad died Mikey has become like a robot, not caring about anything including his own safety, and wondering what’s the point in anything any more.

His best friend is trying to help but it’s almost impossible to keep Mikey out of trouble on their fierce, unforgiving housing estate. Mikey’s new game is to insult the worst thugs in the neighbourhood and then take a beating. He even admits to relishing feeling something for a change, as he bleeds, bruises and spits teeth out.

One day Mikey finally breaks down about his dad. His friend lets him spill out his grief, as he’s hardly said a word about it. Not being able to remember his dad’s voice is splintering him into pieces. His dad was a great mimic, but it’s his real voice Mikey misses the most.

Risking the wrath of Mikey’s toxic mother, and receiving beatings of his own, Mikey’s mate will do anything to help him. Following clues given along his search, the answer is in the most unexpected of places. Can he pull Mikey back from the brink of his own destruction?

Gritty, violent, and moving, Mind the Gap is driven by grief and a powerful no-matter-what friendship. Yet another super readable book in the Teenage Barrington Stoke series for Dyslexic or reluctant readers.

Author – Phil Earle

Reading Age 9 – Interest Age Teen (Content unsuitable for younger readers)

(2017, Barrington Stoke, Dyslexic Friendly, Dyslexia, Housing Estate, Poverty, Violent, Violence, Fight, Grief, Loss, Alcohol, Drunk, Friendship, Self destructive, Best mate, Crime, Street performers, Bullies, Humour)