One October night in 1975 Richard, aged five, was alone in the house with his three sisters. It was 3am and their mother hadn't come home yet. Next morning, the police arrived to take the children away. Their mother had become the first victim of a serial killer soon to become known as the 'Yorkshire Ripper'. Passed from one violent home to another, the children were forgotten by all except the press. As the salacious headlines multiplied, Richard and his sisters were never able to recover from their mother's murder. Whilst Richard tried to handle the terror of his violent upbringing, his sister struggled to deal with memories of sexual abuse. Without love or support they spiralled away from help or happiness. Then one day Richard McCann, having reached suicidal rock bottom, decided no one was going to rescue their lives but him. It was the beginning of an inspirational transformation. Now he is able to tell the story of how the forgotten children of violence suffer, and how they can heal. A heartbreaking, uplifting story of survival and hope.

'A lovely, sensitive, much-needed book that helps all children ask the big questions about identity and gender.' - Juno Dawson, author of This Book is Gay Tiny loves costumes! Tiny likes to dress up as an animal, or a doctor, or a butterfly. Tiny also prefers not to tell other children whether they are a boy or a girl. Tiny's friends don't mind, but when Tiny starts a new school their new friends can't help asking one question: "Tiny, are you a boy or are you a girl?" This brightly illustrated book will open a dialogue with children aged 3+ about gender diversity in a fun and creative way. Featuring a gender neutral protagonist, the book imparts an important message about identity and being who you want to be. Tiny's story will assist parents, family and teachers in giving children the space to express themselves fully, explore different identities and have fun at the same time.

Louis Williamson is not like most other teenagers: he's an eccentric Christian optimist. However, that's not what makes him special. What makes him special is that on a world full of magic, heroes, and evil, Louis is a prophesized hero called the 'Linkara' and is destined to defeat a great Darkness, fight off an army of Dark Knights, and end a 300-year war by using an armor that was imbued by angels. How does Louis react to the news? Only one word sums it up: groovy.

Actually, I wasn't just a boy. I was every boy in the good old USA who had the good fortune to grow up in a small town in the 1950s and 1960s. I didn't have an extraordinary childhood, but rather, I had an extraordinarily ordinary childhood. There were tears and laughter, good times and bad times, friends and enemies, but most of all, there was a freedom that seems to have vanished from this land we live in. We were free to be kids in a way that generations to come will look back on with envy, and this book will take you back to those days when the living was easy, but sometimes the wrath of Dad wasn't. It will take you back to that first fight, that first kiss, and all the glorious (often inglorious) times that came after all the firsts of your childhood. I dare say there will be times as you read these (sometimes slightly embellished) accounts of my youth, when you will say, "Hey! That's me! He's writing about me!" And you know what? You might be right. Right, that is, if, back in the day, you were just a boy.

'Move over Ferrante, there's a new Elena in town' Independent A gripping novel about family, loss and secrets, from the author of TheTimes bestselling sensation Can You Hear Me? The boy is almost eighteen and has a loving family. He's polite and well-educated, quiet but always smiling. When word spreads that he has broken into and stolen from a neighbour's house, his parents and sisters can't believe it. Then the unthinkable happens: an attack that will rip through the town and his family for years to come. Just a Boy is a gripping, incisive novel about secrets, adolescence and how we can love someone - a child, a partner - without ever knowing their mind. Praise for The Times bestseller Can You Hear Me? 'A novel of crime and darkness that eschews straightforward domestic noir' Guardian 'Utterly gripped me from beginning to end' Victoria Hislop

Just a Boy from Home With songs, stories and recipes Bill Bourke shared this entire book from memory. It contains stories and historical facts about the Catholic Church, the striping of the land after the South gained independence and the words to an IRA song, The Dublin Trials that his father sang. There are many more songs of Mayo, poems and expressions that otherwise could possibly be forgotten or lost if he had not agreed to sit for many hours reminiscing. You will read about Patrick Shannon, a Mayo man who was a hero in World War I. Also, how his good friend Michael Fitzpatrick received his American citizenship 52 years after his untimely death in Korea. Bill tells of the Irish camaraderie that was already present in Chicago upon his arrival and how he got a job being Just a Boy from Home. The singing and dancing that was found in the neighborhood pubs and said, "Oh, the fun we had!" But, still the innate loneliness that could be felt in a room full of people for the mother he left behind in the tiny cottage, at the end of the road, in the Village of Ballymacredmond, near the town of Ballina, in the County of Mayo, Ireland. Bill married Kitty Morley, a young girl form County Mayo and continues his trai

Mary Louisa Molesworth's "Just a Little Boy" brings readers into the world of a young protagonist named Ted. The narrative follows Ted's experiences and adventures as he navigates the challenges and joys of childhood. Set against the backdrop of Ted's everyday life, the story unfolds with themes of imagination, growth, and the exploration of the world around him. Through Ted's interactions with family, friends, and his surroundings, readers are offered insights into the wonder and innocence of childhood. The novel delves into themes of curiosity, family dynamics, and the importance of embracing the fleeting moments of youth. As Ted encounters various situations and learns from his experiences, he embodies the spirit of discovery and the potential for personal growth. "Just a Little Boy" celebrates the magic of childhood and the value of understanding the world from a young perspective. Mary Louisa Molesworth's storytelling captures the essence of innocence and curiosity, inviting readers to connect with Ted's journey and reminisce about their own youthful adventures.

Mrs. Molesworth's book, 'Carrots: Just a Little Boy,' is a poignant and heartwarming tale that delves into the life and adventures of a young boy named Carrots. Written in a charming and engaging literary style, the book offers a glimpse into the innocence and wonder of childhood, while also addressing important themes of family, friendship, and growing up. Set in a quaint English countryside, the narrative is rich in descriptive details that bring the story to life and captivate the reader with its timeless charm. Mrs. Molesworth's use of language and imagery creates a vivid and immersive reading experience, making 'Carrots: Just a Little Boy' a classic in children's literature. Mrs. Molesworth's own experiences as a governess and writer for children undoubtedly influenced the creation of this endearing and relatable tale. Her deep understanding of childhood emotions and perspectives shines through in the heartfelt portrayal of Carrots' adventures and coming-of-age journey. I highly recommend 'Carrots: Just a Little Boy' to readers of all ages who appreciate beautifully written stories that celebrate the magic of childhood and the joys of growing up.

Just A Little Country Boy is a story of the trials in the life of a young black boy born during the late Depression years in Arkansas. In 1940, when segregation was at its worst in the South, his father moved the family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in search of a better life. An industrial revolution was taking place throughout the North at the time, offering better employment opportunities for the black man. Therefore the Black Migration began with black families leaving the servile attitudes of the South with the dreams of a better life. LeRoy Allen was blessed with good, hard-working parents who taught him to take pride in himself, to work hard, use good manners, and to respect all people. As a teenager, he took an interest in, and competed in almost all sports, but his big interest was boxing. He became Wisconsins State Golden Gloves champion for 3 different years. Later, he spent a few years as a professional boxer, meeting and sparring with many well-known boxers of that era. As a young adult, he became more aware of the prejudices and inequities surrounding the black man. Most of his adult years were spent moving from job to job, trying to improve his circumstances, while searching for decent employment to support his growing family. After experiencing nearly 50 different jobs, he succeeded in being hired into a position for which he was trained and well qualified. He was well into middle age before the job market began to hire women or blacks into responsible positions. Mr. Allen records many of the changes in the attitudes towards blacks in Milwaukee, and across the nation, as they occured during the last half of the 20th century. It is a story of faith, determination, and fortitude and a real insight into our nations awakening to the talents of our black citizens and our growing respect for their contributions to our society.

It was from this unique Island city that Richard the Lionheart set out on his Crusades and Horatio Nelson sailed to meet his destiny at the Battle of Trafalgar. More recently, Portsmouth played a key part in the D-Day invasion which turned the tide of World War II. In Just a Pompey Boy, we return to a time when bomb sites were adventure playgrounds, the weekly family bath was taken in a tin tub and a foreign holiday meant a week's B&B on the Isle of Wight. Life could be hard, but, as the author says, offered many compensations that seem missing from today's world. Whatever your age and wherever you live, you will find Just a Pompey Boy a funny, moving and rewarding read.