by Cindy Shanks

Created on: May 05, 2009

Read the first page and prepare to be hooked. "Traitor" by Pete Johnson is one of those delicious books that once started, is impossible to put down. It belongs to the Corgi Yearling category (suitable for ages 8 and above) and is published by Random House. What is particularly interesting about this thriller is that the book is written from two different view points. Half of the chapters are written in first person as if Tom is telling the story and the other half are as if Mia is talking.

The novel opens late at night (Tom's perspective) when Tom hears someone call his name as he walks home. Chris, a teenage girl starts chatting to him. What is particularly chilling about the story is that Chris doesn't shout at him, it is her calm methodical manner of asking for money that seems more threatening. She tells him she needs four pounds. Two other teenage girls arrive on the scene and he feels scared into giving away his money. The girl gang also steal his mobile phone. Ashamed and embarrassed he is too afraid to tell anyone. They warn him that they know where he lives and what he is up to.

Next the story switches to Mia's perspective and shows how she too becomes bullied by the gang. Despite trying to tell them that she can't afford the four pounds because her Dad has only just found a job after being out of work for a while, she has to hand over the money. Mia tells her Mum but when her Mum tries to intervene it fails. Tom and Oliver witness what happens and confide in Mia that they too have been terrorised by the gang. The three decide to meet together to try and work out strategies to resolve their problem.

Pete Johnson has the ability to bring his characters to life. Oliver is the cautious thinker who never wants any trouble. When he speaks it is rather like an adult speaking formally. It is easy to identify when he is talking. Tom is more hot headed, and quick witted. He likes to make people laugh. Mia is a worrier. She worries about her Mum's health and the kind of person the bullies are turning her into.

Using Tom's mobile phone, the gang send threatening messages to Mia. They sign themselves off as CIS. It appears they are untouchable.

Throughout the novel there are twists and turns. As the threesome desperately try to find a way out of their ordeal, it seems that there might be a traitor amongst them. If there is, who can it be and can they become free from their bullying?

Further information

For Pete Johnson's official website click here

If you are a teacher in the UK and would like more information about Pete Johnson's visits to schools then click here

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