A definite recommended read for those aged 8+, Eco Worrier tackles climate change and politics through the view of a 12 year old! Meet Marty, the incredibly bored son of the prime minister, who craves the free reign to roam the streets that he used to have before his mum undertook such a role. Rattling around 10 Downing Street, he discovers, with a little help from a down-to-Earth security guard, a secret way to experience a little bit of the freedom he so desperately craves. What ensues is an encounter, and subsequent experience, that means he suddenly becomes just a bit more interested in the work that his mum actually does!
I think the characters really make this novel – Marty is your typical 12 year old boy, Leishman the security guard is very much a dark horse and the various politicians provide a definite comedic value. There is some level of maturity that is needed when reading this book to appreciate that the personalities of MPs DO vary, as several of them are portrayed in a slightly negative light (although this is necessary for the main plot line of the story), and although it is done in a tongue-in-cheek way, I was mindful that we can’t tar everyone with the same brush! Nevertheless, I do think that author definitely has a certain skill in creating a smarmy villain that children will love to hate.
What I loved about this book is the imagining of life inside 10 Downing Street for children – I suspect many a curious young mind will love delving into the ‘secrets’ it may or may not hold! After all, we always wonder what’s behind those famous closed doors. There was a definite vibe of discovering hidden things interwoven throughout the story as children came to understand parents, parents discovered their children’s misdoings and friends learnt the truth about each other: the overarching message of course being that it’s sometimes just easier to tell the truth!
The Book Dragon had the joy of reviewing this book on behalf of Voracious Readers and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It is a fantastic read for those readers wanting a humorous read and a slightly ‘thicker’ book, which is always enticing to developing readers, without being too onerous. I believe the relatable characters and fast pace of the amusing plot line means even reluctant readers will be able to see the novel through to its end and build their reading confidence. Overall, a great choice with a well-deserved 4 stars.
