Tim by Cole Parker

Cole Parker writes wonderfully.  This tale in 28 chapters is told by Tim, a withdrawn and unhappy sixteen year old boy, new to his school and with an apparently traumatic history in the town he and his father have moved from. Befriended by a kind and perceptive age-mate at school, Tim eventually risks lowering his guard and revealing the disturbing events that have so affected him and made him so wary of the care of others.

Tim's voice and concerns feel real and genuine and often humourous.  His friends and his family are authentic and believeable throughout both good and bad times. The story as a whole raises issues and reflects Cole Parker's patient and essentially positive view of the lives of young people.