The List by Keith Gray is the final installment in a loose thematic trilogy examining the highs and lows of growing up. The Climbers explored becoming friends, The Den dealt with struggling to remain friends while The List looks at just how hard it is to say good-bye.
Written for age 11+ (with a reading level of 8+), this story is incredibly accessible, engaging and easy to relate to. Jake can’t believe his best friend Denny has to move away. As they try to find a way to say good-bye, their friendship is put to the test. Denny refuses to leave quietly. He has a list of scores to settle and wrongs to put right before he goes. Jake wants to help but some of Denny’s ideas are too big to wrap his head around.
Full of emotion – particularly anger at being unable to make the big decisions that affect their young lives – both Jake and Denny aren’t sure how to navigate this transition. As they work their way through Denny’s impossible list, their relationship becomes strained until it very nearly snaps. Maybe it’s better this way – Denny can leave and Jake will move on without him. Maybe Denny wasn’t such a good friend after all… but when it comes right down to it, can Jake actually turn his back on him?
Author Keith Gray understands the challenges young people face, their impulsive decision making and just how deeply they feel their friendships. The List, along with The Climbers and The Den that came before, allow young people to understand their feelings and those of others. They see a little bit of themselves in the characters and understand that they’re not alone in navigating these tricky situations. These books should be in every secondary school library (with a librarian who knows the books and students so they can make the perfect recommendations). The partnership with Barrington Stoke means these are books for all young people. The manageable length, accessible vocabulary as well as dyslexia-friendly font, spacing and page tint means everyone can join Jake as he helps Denny complete his list.
A huge thank you to Poppy McLean and Barrington Stoke for a copy of this powerful book.
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