Charlene’s knitting keeps her calm. She has been knitting since young, steadily improving until now she can knit almost any shape just from a picture.

She’s glad to have her knitting now that life is so different. Mum is dead and Charlene hasn’t seen her little sister Kandi for ages. Kandi is now living with her father, and not permitted to see Charlene because her father believes Charlene is a bad influence.

This tears at Charlene, and the only thing helping her keep it together is the blanket hoodie she is knitting for Kandi. Charlene’s foster mum is very supportive and understanding, but not seeing Kandi is building like a storm under Charlene’s skin.

This storm is released first at school then on police when they are called. Is everything lost? Will she ever see Kandi again?

This story of a teen just needing someone to fully trust in, to understand her inner turmoil, and be completely on her side is ultimately heartening.

Main character Charlene is steadily self-imploding as she tries to be staunch about everything thrown at her. Saying sorry is usually at the top of everyone’s else’s list, but in Charlene’s eyes that would be admitting defeat. She pushes back again and again, and it’s only until she finally falls apart in the eyes of a complete stranger that she can find her way forward.

Needle is perfect for reluctant or dyslexic teens looking for a novel that will mirror experiences, feelings, friendships or family. Told in Charlene’s London dialect/slang, her struggle engaged me quickly and left me with a smile on my face.

Author – Patrice Lawrence

Reading Age – 8 / Interest Age – 12

Reluctant/Dyslexic Read

Shortlisted for the Yoto Carnegie 2023 Medal

Read the first Chapter here

(2022, Barrington Stoke, Reluctant Reader, Family, Foster child, The System, UK, London, Anger, Angry, Relationships, School, Apology, Apologise, Say Sorry, Knitting, Sibling, Little Sister, Love, Understanding, Dyslexia, Dyslexic read, Growing up, Friendship)