Welcome to Bernard Ashley Online


	Q&A with Bernard Ashley No Way to Go is a pacy, hard-hitting thriller centred on the world of urban gangs. Gangs are big in the media – did this influence your decision to write on the topic? It was the murder of the Liverpool boy Rhys Jones, coming at a time of increasing gang-related violence on the streets and estates of major cities, that made me want to write another book exploring a gang theme (the first was Little Soldier). The media slant was not important, I wasn't keen to do the book because gangs were getting attention in the press and on TV – I would never want to profit in any way from tragedy – but because gang membership is a big issue in society. On a related note, I had written the first draft of No Way to Go before teenager Ahmed Benyermak died, falling from a block of flats. You must have done a lot of research for this book. Did you enjoy it and/or find it difficult? I like doing research. As I say to students in schools, it's like being a reporter or a detective. Not only can you find out what you want to know, but sometimes unexpected doors are opened that can change the shape of a story. Research for this book was not easy, though. People didn't want to talk to me – and here I mean people who should have wanted to talk to me, like some of the agencies involved in working with youth crime. But I found the local police very helpful – talking with them led to a significant change in my plot – as were some teachers, and school students themselves. As well as making personal contact I also read a lot about modern gang culture in the UK – in books, magazines, internet and newspapers. The book deals with the immediate aftermath of a shocking bereavement for a teenager with little family support. Do you think teenagers who are bereaved or simply face the neglect Amber and Connor experience are given enough support from society? It's unwise to generalise. Those who have plenty of loving support can still take wrong decisions, and some who have none can shine like Amber. But a local structure should be there, brought into play through the school. In my time with the ILEA and the London Borough of Greenwich we had a cross-agency system that worked well for children in distress; and I didn't have to decide whether to allot money to it – or pay to patch a hole in the school roof. Dawn Feldman is the straight talking and inspirational deputy head at Amber Long’s school. She makes some damning comments about the education system failing Connor Long. As a former head teacher in the area in which many of your books are set, what are your views on this and the education system today? Many of us can name the teacher who made a difference to us; as we can name the teacher who has made a difference in one of our children's lives. Such people are special – and we have to pity those children and students who never come across a teacher like that. In our school in south London we took in children who had been expelled by other heads. It wasn't always easy, and whatever was achieved was due to the teachers who worked day to day with those children; but never once were we let down by them; and none of those children was ever 'moved on'. Sadly, the setting up of an over-rigid national curriculum, the imposition of literacy and numeracy strategies which took learning away from children's interests, the SATs tests that have distorted the syllabus, and league tables which set school against school in the parental arena, these measures have deprived children of learning as pleasure, and encouraged some heads to 'get rid' of the disaffected pupil who won't score well. Happily, amongst all this there are charismatically-led schools that have put up two fingers to the system, and have carried on with the business of real education. The book ends with a nail biting yet satisfying climax. What would your hopes be for Amber Long in the future? I know what happens to Amber after the book shuts. For a real person I would have to hope, but for a character of my creation I can know. The answer lies within the book – because I put it there.

	ISBN 9781846169671 Orchard Paperback Original £5.99

	For younger readers Ragged Bears has republished two Justin Perfect stories:

		JUSTIN AND THE BIG FIGHT When Justin says something he shouldn't to Tanya, her big brother decides to teach him a lesson - with his fists. Is Justin going to end up mincemeat? Or is someone in for a big surprise. ISBN 978-1-85714-404-8 Ragged Bears £4.99

	JUSTIN AND THE GRANDAD WAR When his grandad from Australia moves in and takes over his bedroom, Justin declares war to drive him away. But grandad's got a few tricks up his sleeve, too. (Originally published as Justin Strikes Again). ISBN 978-1-85714-403-1 Ragged Bears £4.99

		RONNIE'S WAR For Ronnie Warren World War II brings a whirlwind of events and emotions that carry hime through the terror of the London Blitz to evacuation in Lancashire, to adolescent romance and misunderstandings, to the bittersweetness of VE Day, 1945. ISBN 978-1-84780-054-1 Francis Lincoln £6.99

	TEN DAYS TO ZERO the story of Fran Scott, the kidnapped daughter of the Home Secretary, who will be killed if she can't be found in time. ISBN 9781846169671 £5.99

		Down to the Wire in which Muj Kal, the brilliant new African Premiership footballer, is caught up in his country's civil war, and is forced to choose the direction his life will take. ISBN 9781846169656 Orchard Paperback Original, £5.99

	Like FLASHPOINT the stories involve TV star Ben Maddox - who makes dramatic news as well as reporting it.

	Leonard runs away from home to the historic slave fort town of Elmina, where he is kidnapped by a gang of street kids and forced to work for them. 'A thought-provoking story set in the sinister, poverty-driven underworld of gangland, leading to a taut, thrilling climax as he tries to escape from a living nightmare.' ISBN 9781845078140 (hardback) £8.99

		THE TROUBLE WITH DONOVAN CROFT, Bernard's first-ever novel. It has never been out of print since it was first published in 1974. When Donovan comes to stay with Keith's family, Keith knows it will be hard having a foster brother. But it turns out to be even harder than he expected - because Donovan won't speak. Not to Keith, not to anyone. And for Donovan it's harder still - because he couldn't speak to save his life. It's only a matter of time before things get really dangerous - and only a growing bond between the two boys can prevent a tragedy. ISBN 978-0-19-275556-8 £5.99

	SOLITAIRE Who is Pax - and how did he get to the uninhabited Indian Ocean island? Can he survive - and will he ever be found? 'A shipwreck, a secret and a shocking discovery reveal the true depth of the casualties of war. Haunting memories and hidden truths reveal a silent betrayal in a thrilling and moving adventure.' ISBN 9780746081372 £5.99

		Flashpoint The third 'Ben Maddox' adventure thriller. Working undercover for Zephon TV, Ben gets himself taken on as a stagehand for the European tour of She-Pirate, a musical starring rock star Flame. Suspecting that drugs are being brought into Britain by members of the company, Ben discovers a repugnant and shameful business - while caught up in the dangerous consequences is Paul Filey, a young East End actor who, in his first professional job, has personal battles to fight. ISBN 9781846160608 Orchard Paperback Original £5.99

	Little Soldier ? the play For performance or for reading, this Bernard Ashley adaptation of his own novel for the stage is fast moving, action packed and emotionally powerful. It has a large cast and great parts for both sexes, ideal for schools and youth productions ? very suitable for 'open stage' performances. ISBN 0435-125-818 Heinemann (hardback) £7.99

		Down to the Wire The second 'Ben Maddox' adventure thriller. Ben and producer Jonny Aaranovitch find themselves chasing two stories ? the emergence of a new and exciting young African football star, Muj Kal; and the tribal strife for the rich mountainous territory in northern Lansana. Both news stories intertwine, and the Zephon television team find themselves making the news as well as reporting it. ISBN Orchard Paperback Original, £5.99 "...a white-knuckle ride of an adventure" (Write Away)

	Smokescreen Ellie hates leaving behind her friends, but the worst thing about moving to the pub by the canal is that the dark, sirling waters bring back traumatic memories. And Ellie's troubles only grow when she discovers the shady dealing that take place in the Regent's Arms on Friday nights. There is somebody who could expose the truth ? if only she could escape the evil gang that holds her captive. An electrifying thriller that twists and turns through the shadowy underworld of a dangerous trade. ISBN 0-7460-6791-7 Usbourne (paperback original) £5.99 "This is an extraordinarily powerful story; Bernard Ashley at his commanding best." (Guardian)

		Ten Days to Zero When journalist Ben Maddox is thrust full throttle into an investigation for Zephon TV, he worries that he's in over his head. But as he digs deeper into events, he realises that what's really important is being prepared to fight for what you believe in ... and if that means taking risks, then that's exactly what he'll have to do. A gripping novel written in an inventive way. We 'hear' the conversations, 'handle' the evidence, and 'live' the experience. Its appeal is broad, including to those who like their stories in fast-moving, snappy instalments. ISBN 1-84362-649-7 Orchard Paperback Original £4.99




	LITTLE SOLDIER When Kaninda survives a brutal attack on his village in East Africa he joins the rebel army, where he's trained to carry weapons, and use them. But aid workers take him to London where he fetches up in a comprehensive school. Clan and tribal conflicts are everywhere, and on the streets it's estate versus estate, urban tribe against urban tribe. All Kaninda wants is to get back to his own war and take revenge on his enemies. But together with Laura Rose, the daughter of his new family, he is drawn into a dangerous local conflict that is spiralling out of control. Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Book Award - Orchard Paperback Original £4.99 ISBN 1-86039-879-0

		LITTLE SOLDIER As published in paperback in America and Canada. Kanida must revenge the deaths of his mother, father and sister - gunned down by the enemy Yusulu tribe. They thought Kaninda dead.too. But he is very much alive, staying silent, like a good soldier. As he plans his escape from London, he must fight on another front - a gang war that is drawing him in. Kanida was trainied to be a soldier. But can he live away from war? 'A Gripping novel' - The Washington Post 'Timely, 'meticulously orchestrated' - Publishers Weekly 'POINT' paperback by Scholastic $5.99 / $8.99 CAN ISBN -439-285002-X

	TIGER WITHOUT TEETH A new edition of Tiger without Teeth. Of this book Philip Pullman wrote: 'Bernard Ashley's great gift is to turn what seems to be low-key realism into something much stronger and more resonant' Hard Stew always gets what he wants, but he's not the only thing chasing Davey. There's also a secret - the sort that jumps up on you and is more frightening than a hundred Hard Stew's... A thrilling story of survival, discovery, and two sorts of love. ISBN 1-842991-96-5 Orchard paperback £4.99

		TORRENT Torrent is story for teenagers - an exciting, spooky adventure, highly illustrated, set in the French Alps. High in the mountains the Blue Dam bursts, flooding the camp site in the valley below. Can Tom save his life? And who is the mystery girl who tries to help him? ISBN 1-842991-96-5 Barrington Stoke £4.99

	THE BUSH A picture book with illustrations by Lynne Willey. One day Joyce's mother brings home two rabbits. They soon have babies and Joyce becomes very fond of them, especially one, which she names Kipenzi. When Mum says that she's going to take them to 'The Bush' Joyce is in for a big suprise. 'A delightful family story'. ISBN 1-870516-60-5 Tamarind £5.50 (April)

FREEDOM FLIGHT
Life with dyslexia is difficult enough for Tom - he thinks of himself as a no-hoper, not up to much. But he’s a keen sailor in his Mirror dinghy and he’s brilliant with maps, and when he rescues Danni – an immigrant girl – off the Somerthorpe rocks his life takes on a whole new meaning where subterfuge and quick thinking are called for. Can Tom show the world what he’s really worth? And what is that word called Love?

ISBN 1-84121-306-3
Orchard Paperback £4.99


		REVENGE HOUSE A thriller for teenagers. Marsh End. Lonely, isolated and bleak, Sophia's mum loves it. But for Sophia, the brooding skies hold no solace for her lost father, or her lost life in London. Nothing ever happens in this dead end place. That is until Revenge House begins to reveal its murky secrets and Sophia and her mum find themselves sucked into a brutal criminal underworld that will eventually threaten their lives. ISBN 1-84121-814-6 An Orchard Paperback Original £4.99

	THE TROUBLE WITH DONOVAN CROFT Bernard's famous novel re-published in the Oxford Children's Modern Classics series When Donovan comes to live with Keith's family, Keith knows it will be hard having a foster brother. But it turns to be even harder than expected - because Donovan doesn't speak. Not to Keith, not to anyone. Winner of the Other Award ISBN 0-19-271888-6 Oxford University Press £6.99

		A KIND OF WILD JUSTICE The East End thriller - re-published in the Oxford Children's Modern Classics series. Ronnie lives in an area controlled by the Bradshaw brothers. Everyone knows what they get up to but no one dares speak out. When Ronnie's father gets into trouble with the brothers, Ronnie is left behind to fend for himself. Soon up to his neck in a terrifying scam, Ronnie knows he must get the Bradshaws - whatever the price. Commended for the Carnegie Medal ISBN 0-19-271889-4 Oxford University Press £6.99

		DOUBLE THE LOVE A picture book with exuberant illustrations by Carol Thompson. Blossom is a lucky girl - she has two grandmothers. The city one she calls Nan and the country one she calls Gran, and she loves them both. At the big party for Blossom's little brother, Blossom sees Nan and Gran together for the first time. Now they'll have fun - all three of them! ISBN 1-84121-625-9 Orchard Books £10.99 (hardback) Paperback, £4.99 ISBN 1-84121-278-4


	Bernard's latest in the Graffix series for teenages. With Mal's dad in prison he faces time at a new school. He wants to make a mate somehow: someone who'll get to like him, and respect him. As he starts on a new activity that some of the others are into - tagging - that word 'RESPECT' begins to mean everything to Mal. If he lives to tell the tale... ISBN 0713649461 A&C Black paperback Buy this book at Amazon and...


	PLAYING AGAINST THE ODDS Chris's world is turned upside down by the arrival of Fiona in his class. He falls for her in a big way but his loyalties are torn in two as thefts suddenly start taking place at school. And nothing can prepare Chris for the betrayal that lies ahead. ISBN 1-902260-69-4 Barrington Stoke paperback £3.99 Buy this book at Amazon


		CLEVERSTICKS with Derek Brazell (illustrator). Ling Sung goes off school when he sees others getting clapped for what they can do. What about him? Then one day he discovers that he can do something extra special which nobody else can - not even the teachers! LingSung feels like a hero and decides that school isn't so bad after all. Harper Collins paperback. ISBN 0-00-663855-4 Buy this book at Amazon

	A PRESENT FOR PAUL with David Mitchell (illustrator). Pleasure is happy to help Dad with the shopping at the busy market. Her baby brother Paul is teething and she'd like to buy him a present. But while Pleasure is looking at the toy stall, she loses sight of Dad and thinks he has disappeared. Where has Dad gone? Harper Collins paperback ISBN 0-00-664160-1 (also available in eight dual language versions from Mantra) Buy this book at Amazon
		DINNER LADIES DON'T COUNT Jason Paris has a smack instead of breakfast and everybody feels the sting. In Linda's Lie a second story, one lie leads to another - and an almost impossible situation. ISBN 0140 315934 Puffin Buy this book at Amazon
		JOHNNIE'S BLITZ A welcome Frances Lincoln re-issue of Bernard's second world war story, thought by the Sunday Times to be, 'A wonderful, totally absorbing book (that) has all the ingredients of a classic children's book.' As fiction it supports National Curriculum studies on WW2 – the Home Front. Wartime London – the Blitz - and the East End was taking a hammering. If it hadn't been for the gold watch, found down his sock, Johnnie wouldn't have been miles away. But the watch had him branded a thief and locked away with the real criminals… Now it wasn't easy for Johnnie to look after Number One, especially after meeting little Shirley. One of the best books set in wartime London (Times Educational Supplement) Barn Owl at Frances Lincoln ISBN 9781903015285 £5.99