Kyle dreads staying at his grandfather’s house, even if it is only for two hours – as his parents promise. There is a running joke in the family about Grandad’s past as an Elvis Impersonator – mainly to do with his wig. It’s black and resembles a dead animal, but he still insists on wearing it.

Grandad is just the same when he opens the door, but he has a surprise up his sleeve. Kyle is amazed at what has been at the bottom of Grandad’s garden his entire life. Amongst the trees is a small stream. Grandad calls it a beck, and it holds many wonders.

For once, Kyle enjoys his grandfather’s company and all there is to learn about The Beck. He soon spends more and more time there, meeting a new neighbour his own age. The beck helps Kyle forget about other things in his life that are troubling him, and he understands Grandad’s love of it.

There are others however who do not share their wonder or respect of this piece of nature. Kyle is quickly alongside Grandad in his plan to make them understand too.

Once again, Anthony McGowan has written a perfect story, effortlessly making me wonder, laugh out loud and hold my breath as I read.

I always enjoy intergenerational stories and The Beck is a fantastic read. Perfect for reluctant or especially boy readers, the humour woven through Grandad’s Yorkshire character and an authentic portrayal of 13 year old Kyle is brilliant.

Dealing with feelings of embarrassment at his grandad, fear in an ongoing bullying situation and shyness at meeting a girl is all perfect on the page and the exciting but heartbreaking conclusion made me want to start reading it all over again.

The Beck from Barrington Stoke is another great read aimed at Dyslexic Readers, but as always their books can and will definitely be enjoyed by all. I read it in one sitting.

Author – Anthony McGowan

Illustrator – David Wardle

Age – Reading age 9+ / Interest age 11+

Dyslexic Title

More brilliant reads by Anthony McGowan here

(2025, Harper Collins, Barrington Stoke, Animals, Bullies, Family, Friendship, Growing up, Humour, Love, Secret, Grandfather, Grandad, Poppa, Stream, Inter generational relationships, Dyslexic, Dyslexia, Reluctant Readers)