Resources: Review - Stark stories challenge the perceptions ofyoung people

If you can read beyond the typing errors and somewhat repetitive writing style, this is a moving and gritty account of the experiences of 26 fictitious young people from Aymon to Zane. Declan Henry takes inspiration from his years as a social worker and succeeds in giving us a glimpse into their lives and thoughts.

Refreshingly, Henry looks to the underlying causes of challenging behaviour, and the often bleak everyday experiences of young people. He states that three out of every four children enjoy a good enough childhood and manage to successfully navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood. However, the remainder are ill-treated, abused and abandoned. These are his characters - longing to be respected and loved. They either intimidate others to feel powerful, or they let go of their dreams in defeat.