A great read for both teenagers and adults. Peter Inson’s book is an intense insight into how difficult teenage life can become. Sue Wardell, SilverDell Bookshop, Kirkham, Lancs – Independent Bookseller of the Yearĭunno….a useful word in the life of fifteen year old Jon, helping him to escape the relentless and useless questioning of adults. It’s an all too-common story, no matter what side of the big pond you are on. Jon is lost, but so are the adults - those who’d like to help him and those who couldn’t care less. That’s what makes this an interesting novel. Jenny Rowe Institute du Rosey, Switzerlandįluent, engaging writing for adults and teenagers alike. I don’t think he could quite believe it was a first novel of someone he knew! I passed it on to Dave who also thought it was great. I enjoyed the story-line and the characters. I finished it over the summer and was truly impressed. I’m glad dunno seems to be going so well. Indeed, I recommend it to all my fellow magistrates.ĭr. Thank goodness that Jon meets someone who shows him there is a life other than crime! Youth court justices, who hopefully might understand the situations Jon gets himself into, should read this book. Looking at the home situation, minor criminality and truancy from the point of view of the child was invaluable.Ĭlaire Scargill JP NE Essex and Essex Family PanelĪt the outset I would say that this book gripped me after the first few chapters and I finished it in three hours. Kids can rely on “dunno” to provide a realistic account of childhood with language that they use and understand.Īs a magistrate who sits in the Adult Criminal Courts and the Family Proceedings Courts, I found this book extremely interesting and useful. He knows his stuff.Īnne Fairhall, National Association of Teachers of English Peter Inson used to be the headmaster of a comprehensive school in West London. He is from a single parent family and hates school. This should get your teens reading.ġ5-year-old Jon struggles to find something worthwhile in his life. A worthwhile read.Įdward Malnick (age 15) Independent on SundayĪ cool book. Greatly convincing, as far from patronising as possible. Once he finds Jimmy and Paul, he begins to take control of his life. Then by chance, he meets someone who helps him to see things differently.ĭespite girls, bullies, teachers, policemen, his mother and her violent boyfriend, Jon wants to survive. Money is tight and Jon is trapped in a hopeless, miserable existence. Sir – there’s something we need to tell you.Over the side to bathe – 24 hours in the South China Sea.Ken – from school failure to university success.Twelve-year-old – forced to escort his big sister on a theatre trip.A nervous little black boy watches a white man speak to his mother.Why couldn’t my parents’ friends go home.

Norman Smith – cleaning up after Edward VIII.

Aunty Freda’s fiancé – last seen on television.

Norman Kirby – an innocent abroad with Monty.Votre Président de Gaulle dit – Your president says that we are broke.Good mates – the return of a stolen camera.Frank, a teacher, armed only with a cup of tea.A Swiss watchmaker settled in Chelmsford.Children’s games on his sixtieth birthday.Black student in Barking helps the BNP to distribute racist leaflets.The gamekeeper’s niece selects her fresh vegetables.A quick look at your model railway please.

Anne dunno