Thumbs up for #helynt by Rebecca Roberts, which won the Tir na n-Og Award for children’s fiction this year. (Young adult category.)
#helynt translates as #trouble, in the sense of getting in trouble, or someone being trouble. One day Rachel misses the bus to school, and ends up skiving off because she can’t afford to get a taxi. This turns out to be the start of a chain of events which changes her life forever.
I’d say it’s fairly easy to read, with fairly straightforward vocabulary and language. I’d put it on a par with Fi a Mr Huws i’n terms of difficulty. However domestic violence is a key theme, so be aware.
I cried repeatedly and I loved the main character. I can see why it won the prize and I definitely recommend. If only it were in English I’d be recommending it to the young adults in my life.
