Creepers - Softcover

Gray, Keith

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099475642 ISBN 13: 9780099475644

Publisher: Definitions (Young Adult), 2004

Synopsis

Derwent Drive was known as the Speed Creep. A continual chain of Dashes into Blind. We'd all heard the story about the Creeper who dropped Blind into a garden, only to discover he was standing in a dog pound. It was also the longest creep; twenty-five houses all in a row, no bends, no kinks. And no Creeper had ever done the lot. But Jamie and I reckoned we could do it. Jamie was the best Creeper around. He was the best Buddie you could have. And he was mine. Ever heard about 'creeping' before? Probably not. Nobody really talks about it. That doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It does. Creeping over back fences all the way down a street without getting caught; without being hurt. It happens more than you might think. It's probably happening somewhere tonight.

About this title

Review:

There is no surer way to gain kudos at school than being a successful creeper. To creep you have to avoid being snared or being called a "nambie" or "greenie", and above all you have to adhere to the creeper's code--never do it without a buddie. Jamie is the hero's buddie and a great creeper. Together they have attempted Derwent Drive- -the "speed creep", which is the toughest one in the village, a continual blur of dashing for cover, evading security lights and, finally, in No.50 five alsatian guard dogs. Only one creeper had previously made the distance--Carl, our hero's, big brother. On their first attempt Jamie got snared. Had he not been caught by Mr Doberman, then our hero would not have met his daughter, Ruth and felt the first stirrings of passion. Life, however, is like a creep--just when you think you've made it, you get snared.

A hugely enjoyable read by a powerful young writer; Gray was only 21 when he wrote this story, which deservedly reached the Guardian Award shortlist. This is an impressive debut, an original and highly compelling story about courage, conviction, friendship and loss that is both exciting and moving. An excellent read for any young teenager.

Review:

"Engaging and original" (Robert Swindells)

"Keith Gray has rapidly established himself as a well-regarded author of contemporary fiction for younger adults" (Inis)

"A powerful and original young writer. By the time I'd finished the book, I wanted to go on a Creep myself" (Gillian Cross)

"One can't help thinking that if there were more writers like Keith Gray, more teenagers would read" (Glasgow Herald)

"This book tackles adolescence head on; it deals with themes of friendship and loss, bullying and revenge" (writeaway.co.uk)

About this edition

• Publisher: Definitions (Young Adult)
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0099475642
• ISBN 13: 9780099475644
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192