This is committed fiction, but the heavy lifting is done by exciting storytelling and compelling characters, not preaching. Donny is initially taken to a family who live across the otherside of London and despite loving for his Mum, he loves the simple comforts that most take for granted.

To survive, he must rely on the help of unaccompanied teenage refugees, living rough in the dunes east of Calais. I was rooting for Donny from the off, and the unwavering love he had for his mother despite the crappy life she gave him, was heart warming. Donny is an inspirational hero who seeks justice in the face of overwhelming obstacles – it’s impossible not to fall in love with him!I have 24 years experience working in secondary schools as an English teacher, subject leader and Head of PSHE.

HopeRoad’s founder, Rosemarie Hudson, said: ‘Nicola is a fantastic new talent, and I’m so proud that HopeRoad will be publishing her debut. My debut novel, 29 Locks, was shortlisted for both the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize and Mslexia Children’s Novel Competition and was longlisted in the Berkshire Book Award 2022.His voice is lively and endearing, and because he's such a cracking storyteller I was happily taken in to the story from page one. Growing up in dire poverty in Hackney, East London, his life is shaped by casual violence, gang initiation, drug-dealing and knife crime. A fast-paced, tender and unflinching depiction of teenage friendship and resilience against the odds.

This book is real and unafraid to confront the various issues faced by so many, but still tells a tale of hope. Life in the rural Home Counties is a bit like landing on another planet but doing work experience on the Hertford Union Canal, Donny feels like he’s finally found his purpose.Donny as a character feels startlingly real: naive at times but still someone who has seen far too much too soon. Heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful, the exhilarating plot and memorable characters combine to create a true page-turner.

Donny’s story is something a lot of young people find themselves in by being in and out of foster homes. The story itself is great – there are moments of sadness and tragedy, but there is also an adventure, and one that is both unusual and very funny.The different sections of Donny’s life keep the book fast-paced and attention-grabbing, while allowing for small moments of reflection which add depth and tenderness to the story. Locks is dark, the world within the book is gritty and one that opens the reader's eyes to the reality of the world some have no choice of being a part of but there is also hope. Her first novel, 29 LOCKS , was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize ; Mslexia Children’s Novel Competition; Financial Times Best Books of 2021 and longlisted for the 2022 Branford Boase Award. Garrard deals with hugely important issues, without ever preaching or compromising the pace and excitement of the narrative. I loved how much the author covered in this story, from poverty and crime to grooming, diversity, and racism — all of which are prevalent in today’s society.