Books

An Act of Love

Alan Gibbons, Author

Paperback

Imprint: Orion Children's Books

Publication date: February 2, 2012

Category: General fiction (Children's / Teenage)

ISBN: 9781780620183

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Childhood friends Chris and Imran celebrate the Millenium as inseparable blood brothers, they are both seven years old. But by 2011 their lives have taken very different paths. One has joined the Army and served in Afghanistan, the other is a potential jihad recruit. They are no longer friends, and there are bitter wounds between them which remain unhealed. Will their childhood bond be strong enough to overcome an extremist plot?

In a highly-charged, honest and life affirming story, told in flashback from both Chris and Imran’s viewpoint, Alan Gibbon’s cleverly explores the very real issue of terrorism that affects everyone today.

Reviews

A moving account of friendship broken and repaired by the complications of social justice, and has relevance beyond the specific story it tells

Books For Keeps

Grapples head-on with the problems of terror, race and religion

Carousel

A highly charged and life-affirming story ... cleverly explores both sides of an emotive and important issue

Liverpool Echo

This, for once, is a young adult novel genuinely meriting the description 'thought-provoking'.

School Librarian

The most powerful YA book that I have read this year ... beautifully written ... the sharpness of prose and utterly skillful storytelling should make this book a must-read for young men and women all across Britain

Armadillo

Alan Gibbons

Alan Gibbons is a full-time writer and a visiting speaker and lecturer at schools, colleges and literary events nationwide, including the major book festivals: Edinburgh, Northern Children’s Book Festival, Swansea, Cheltenham, Sheffield and Salford. Alan is a key supporter of a high-profile, nationwide campaign to champion libraries and librarianship and to reevaluate government commitment to educational spending. He lives in Liverpool with his wife and four children. Alan is an honorary CILIP member.

Visit Alan’s website at www.alangibbons.com, read his blog at alangibbons.net, follow him on Twitter @mygibbo, Facebook www.facebook.com/alan.gibbons.35 and Flickr www.flickr.com/people/71279646@N08.