Stepping Up by David Hill

With a plethora of bestsellers and awards, you know you are going to get a stonking great read every time he writes another book. The wonder is that he keeps coming up with fresh and original stories and maintains such a high standard. His latest novel, Stepping Up, delivers in all aspects.

Ben Coles is a normal 14-year-old boy, refreshingly well-mannered, respectful with good friends and two loving parents. While on a tramp with his Dad, he attempts a shortcut on a shingle slope. Disaster strikes as a rockfall half-buries him, and his life is changed forever.

Following surgery, his lower leg is amputated, and Ben starts on the road to recovery, both mentally and physically. The attention to detail and the explanation of the medical process are so well written into the story that it does not interfere with the pure pleasure of the novel.

The characters are diverse and interesting, while the dialogue, humour and emotion blend perfectly as we follow Ben on his journey. It’s not all plain sailing as he struggles with setbacks and having to firstly learn how to operate a wheelchair and then crutches while his wound heals to the point he can get fitted with an artificial leg. But hovering in the wings is the hope of a new friendship with Maddie, whom he meets while getting treatment, as she also awaits a new prosthesis.

Back at school, he is nervous about his fellow pupils' reactions and how he will integrate with them againafter the accident. Will they see him as he was, or does he now have some freak factor that they gravitate to and tease and ridicule?

It is so pleasing to read a book full of normal people living normal lives, but having to come to terms with a life-changing event for all involved.

Reviewer: Chris Casey

Penguin