A Strange Kind of Brave

What doesn't kill you makes you ... stronger? A poignant and gripping story about the power of fear, the resilience of love and the magic of food - from bestselling Waterstones Children's Book Prize and Specsavers Children's Book of the Year shortlisted author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald.

"Gripping, with an incredible twist that you simply won't see coming" - Louise O'Neill

"A Strange Kind of Brave is all kinds of wonderful. I was right there on every page, laughing, crying and unable to put it down - the twist is glorious! Be warned! If you start this book in bed, you're in for a sleepless night" - Kit de Waal

"This tale of friendship, betrayal, love, loss, revenge and obsession, written by a master storyteller, is quite literally unputdownable" - Donal Ryan, Booker Prize shortlisted author

"I thought I had my top ten favourite novels decided, but now I think it will need some reworking, because A Strange Kind of Brave definitely deserves a place" - Sadb, aged 16

Jake McCormack is the villain of Clanfedden. He's just killed a boy - deliberately run him over with his truck, on the bridge, in front of everyone. And he knows he'll get away with it.

Luca, 14, is the new boy in town. He's looking for a fresh start after a terrible thing that happened at his old school. Clanfedden is a small forgotten town, but Luca and his mum are going to give it a go. They're opening an exciting restaurant, and Allie Redmond is coming to work there. Allie is honest and kind and Luca knows they're going to be friends.

Allie has lived in Clanfedden all her life and these should be happy days - Luca is the best thing to have happened in years. But she's haunted by shadows of her own, and more than anyone she knows the danger of Jake McCormack. She needs to warn Luca. She needs to prevent disaster. At least she needs to try...

“A Strange Kind of Brave is all kinds of wonderful. I was right there on every page, laughing, crying and unable to put it down - the twist is glorious! Be warned! If you start this book in bed, you're in for a sleepless night.”

Kit de Waal, award-winning author of MY NAME IS LEON
Like Chocolat meets To Kill a Mockingbird, this young adult novel is about vulnerability, fear, and the redemptive power of love. It has all of Moore Fitzgerald's trademark heart while finding new depths of twisty darkness. Irish Examiner
The novel delicately explores bullying and the difficulties of standing up to those who trade in malice and menace. A storyline that is both touching and gripping makes this a rewarding read. Irish Times
This gripping teen novel commands absolute absorption and completion in a single sitting. There's love, loss, jealousy, bullying, and so much more here, with perfectly-drawn insights into parent-teen relationships and the pain of letting go of those we love. Evening Echo
A gripping story full of dark secrets and a major twist, about the power of fear, love and food. Her best yet. Irish Sunday Independent

Sarah Moore Fitzgerald grew up in Dublin but now lives in County Clare, where she's part of the creative writing team at the University of Limerick. She's also director of UL's Creative Writing Winter School and founding member of Writepace, a Limerick-based writing co-operative.

Follow her on Twitter @SMooreFitz

What doesn't kill you makes you ... stronger? A poignant and gripping story about the power of fear, the resilience of love and the magic of food - from bestselling Waterstones Children's Book Prize and Specsavers Children's Book of the Year shortlisted author Sarah Moore Fitzgerald. "Gripping, with an incredible twist that you simply won't see coming" - Louise O'Neill " A Strange Kind of Brave is all kinds of wonderful. I was right there on every page, laughing, crying and unable to put it down - the twist is glorious! Be warned! If you start this book in bed, you're in for a sleepless night" - Kit de Waal "This tale of friendship, betrayal, love, loss, revenge and obsession, written by a master storyteller, is quite literally unputdownable" - Donal Ryan, Booker Prize shortlisted author "I thought I had my top ten favourite novels decided, but now I think it will need some reworking, because A Strange Kind of Brave definitely deserves a place" - Sadb, aged 16 Jake McCormack is the villain of Clanfedden. He's just killed a boy - deliberately run him over with his truck, on the bridge, in front of everyone. And he knows he'll get away with it.Luca, 14, is the new boy in town. He's looking for a fresh start after a terrible thing that happened at his old school. Clanfedden is a small forgotten town, but Luca and his mum are going to give it a go. They're opening an exciting restaurant, and Allie Redmond is coming to work there. Allie is honest and kind and Luca knows they're going to be friends.Allie has lived in Clanfedden all her life and these should be happy days - Luca is the best thing to have happened in years. But she's haunted by shadows of her own, and more than anyone she knows the danger of Jake McCormack. She needs to warn Luca. She needs to prevent disaster. At least she needs to try...

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