Me Mam. Me Dad. Me.

A moving coming-of-age story about a teenage boy in the North of England.

Me Mam... handles difficult issues with aplomb and I think, while perhaps not offering many solutions for the children of families with domestic violence issues, it at least captures a lot of the helplessness they feel. I would definitely recommend this book for young men and boys as I think it would offer a great chance to see themselves in the characters.

This book really tugged atthe heartstrings and will stay with me for a long time. It’s a gut wrenching story about the lengths a boy will go to to save his mam and the bond between a single parent and their child. I loved how authentically it was written in a young Geordie voice and how sensitively the subject of domestic violence as viewed by a child was treated.

Thanks to Head of Zeus/Zephyr for the ARC, which was provided for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A raw, honest story about a boy who struggles with the knowledge that his mother is in an abusive relationship. A strong Geordie voice brings Danny to life, and although his initial wish - for his biological father to return and kill his mother's boyfriend - is far-fetched, it's understandable and relatable, as Danny so obviously loves his mother and wants to protect her but can't. The characters are well-drawn and realistic, and soon you will find yourself hoping for Danny's extraordinary dream to come true. A lovely debut with a unique voice.

This book is real, relatable and very human. The main character, Danny, narrates the story in his Geordie accent, which gives it just that bit more; like your pal is telling you the story in confidence. His accent annoyed me a bit at first, but I quickly got used to it and I even grew fond of Danny and his accent.

It is more of a Middle Grade than a YA, which is what I usually read, but I think it was mature and real and could really help and inform Middle Grade children. It portrays the helplessness that kids in domestic violence situations experience and deals with this in a mature, but humorous way. Danny messes up but he grows and learns, and I think he is a relatable character to people his age.

The story itself is realistic and does not just explain Danny's point of view, but his parents' too, and even Callum's. It humanises every character in the story and gives them their own voice. It is clear where their portrayal is influenced by Danny's narration and where it is accurate and true to what is actually happening. This explains to us why Danny does what he does, but also why other characters do as they do.

Me Mam, Me Dad, Me is unique and real, and I hope it will become as influential as it has the potential to be.

For 14 years it’s just been Danny and his Mam, money was tight but they are close and happy. Then Mam meets Callum and is swept off her feet by this wealthy bloke who can give them everything she needs. Except he has a temper and doesn’t like her seeing her friends and family and maybe things aren’t quite so idyllic after all. In fact Danny needs someone to come and help them and the only person he can think of is the father who disappeared before he was born. All he has to do is find him then sneak away to meet him to ask for help. What could possibly go wrong? What a wonderful young narrator Danny is, the story just flies by and I was absolutely riveted, rooting for him and his Mam all the way as he slowly learns the dangers men like Callum pose to women. Although the story is strong on morals it never feels as if it’s a lecture. Loved it!

This book is moving and we feel all the angst and fear of the teenage Danny as he watches his Mum allow herself to be manipulated. Danny makes mistakes - as you might expect - but he is crafted with such warmth that you cannot help but take him into your heart and you want to reach out and give him the hug you know he needs.
Some difficult topics are dealt with here and so whilst it might not always be a comfortable read, it is engaging and I hope will encourage its young readers to empathy whilst still enjoying meeting a great character.