The Edge; Collins Readers

A tense yet thrilling novel from Alan Gibbons that tackles the issues of domestic violence, fear and prejudice with great pace and vitality. Danny is a boy on the edge. A boy teetering on the brink of no return, living in fear. Cathy is his mother; she has been broken by fear. Chris is fear and they belong to him When Danny and Cathy break free of their fear and escape to start a new life, instead of freedom they find danger an prejudice of a different kind. The novel presents us with an account of domestic violence and racial prejudice from a number of different points of view. It is an excellent model for the study of multiple narration and explores emotive contemporary issues with sensitivity, linking to Citizenship and PSHE. A compelling plot involves even reluctant readers, and students will find many opportunities for discussion.