Reviews

The Gifted, the Talented and Me

By William Sutcliffe

Written By Clara, Age 13, Scotland

“COME DOWNSTAIRS, EVERYONE! FAMILY MEETING!”

… And that is how moving to London started for 15 year old Sam. His life gets turned upside down when his mum and dad suddenly get rich and make the whole family move to London and, more importantly, make Sam go to the North London Academy for the Gifted and Talented. Sam finds himself in a strange new world of over-dramatic actors, aspiring fashionistas with the strangest sense in clothes and would-be rock legends. Messing about in an audition for a school play lands him with a part, but his problems aren’t just with learning the lines, as he navigates his parents, relationships, and learning to be himself.

I love this book because it feels so personal and reassures you that you are not alone in your problems. I hadn’t actually experienced and didn’t understand how a book could make you laugh out loud till I read this one. The author finds comedy in everyday and the sometimes awkwardness of life through Sam’s experiences which gives the book an insightful look into family and school life and staying true to yourself.