Outlaws is another captivating novel from E.L. Norry, exploring real-life issues with honesty and sensitivity. Aimed at the teen market, readers aged 8–14+ will quickly find themselves drawn into the lives and friendship of Robyn, Will and Scarlet. Norry’s characters feel authentic and relatable, bringing their experiences vividly to life and creating the sense that they are sitting right beside the reader, sharing their stories.
Robyn, Will and Scarlet are in Year 8 at an academically selective secondary school. Each narrates their own unique experiences and challenges. As a young carer for a chronically ill parent and younger siblings, caring for an ageing grandparent, and navigating life in foster care, each faces additional stress and stigma that can be difficult to manage. School brings its own pressures. The rules are strict, particularly under the new headteacher, while the cost of extra-curricular activities adds another barrier. A financial bursary helps to ease the pressure, but when they learn that it is being cancelled, their futures suddenly become uncertain.
When this trio meet in detention, their friendship blossoms. Suddenly, there are others who understand. Working together, they take risks to help others who are also in need. A ‘Robin Hood’ undercurrent has readers cheering them on as they strive to hold headteacher ‘Nottingham’ to account while keeping their places at the school and caring for their families.
This empathy-building story is sure to help many young people feel seen while challenging others to look beyond the surface of people’s lives and react with compassion. Outlaws deserves a place on every class and school library shelf from Year 4 right through to Year 10. As a class read aloud in Upper Key Stage 2 or Year 7/8, it will promote rich discussion, challenge assumptions and create opportunities for children to plan action projects to help others.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for this fantastic book!
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