Simon’s Challenge

Simon is really fed up. More than anything in the world he wants his own computer. But with a baby in the house and his dad still looking for work his chances of ever getting one look pretty slim.

Description

Simon is really fed up. More than anything in the world he wants his own computer. But with a baby in the house and his dad still looking for work his chances of ever getting one look pretty slim.

As Simon passes Peterson’s shop one evening, gazing at the fabulous display of computers, nothing seems out of the ordinary. But when the police start asking questions Simon suddenly realises he was the sole witness of a major burglary. The only problem is he can’t remember any of the details!

Simon’s Challenge was Theresa’s first novel and won the Kathleen Fidler Award.

Reviews

‘Ideal for top primary or early secondary, the novel covers a number of contemporary themes: redundancy, and the related poverty it causes; a threatened marriage breakdown; sibling relationships and the parents’ expectations of the elder sibling; crime and retribution/reward. Breslin’s style is contemporary and streetwise without being easily dated, and her characters ring very true to life.’
— Treasure Island: A guide to Scottish fiction for young readers aged 10-14, Summer 2003

‘It is the skilful characterization and the sharpness of observation which elevate this above the conventional “cops and robbers” yarn.’
— Books for Keeps

‘Simon’s Challenge cannot fail in or out of the classroom.’
— The Herald

‘The plot is unfolded with great liveliness and incredible dialogue.’
— Times Literary Supplement

‘We never lose sight of the real challenge of the title — the family’s determination to survive as a family.’
— Times Educational Supplement

‘Vivid and realistic … the story moves along crisply. A tale well told.’
— Children’s Books

‘A splendid book.’
— School Librarian, Spring 2003