Safe House
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Initial publish date
- Sep 2006
- Subjects
- Europe, Orphans & Foster Homes, Law & Crime
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781554695317
- Publish Date
- Sep 2006
- List Price
- $7.99
Library Ordering Options
Description
Northern Ireland. In 1999, one year after the Good Friday peace accord, sectarian violence still runs rampant in Belfast and the hatred between Protestant and Catholic runs deep. Liam O'Donnell's father is a peacemaker to the Catholic community. When twelve-year-old Liam's parents are brutally murdered in front of him, he is frozen in place. But when he sees the face of one of the attackers, he is forced to run for his life. Escaping, he finds shelter with a neighboring family.
Taken to a police safe house, Liam is betrayed and forced to run again, from the very people who are supposed to be protecting him. Can he escape from his pursuer? Is there anywhere to turn for help?
A thrilling tale of suspense set against a background that is brought brilliantly to life, Safe House is a story told from the heart.
About the author
A former fingerprint specialist with the Vancouver Police Department, James Heneghan has won numerous awards for his books for young readers, including the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Award three times for Flood, Wish Me Luck and The Grave. James lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia.www.jamesheneghan.com
School visits, author readings, adults & children, by arrangement.
Awards
- Nominated, Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award
- Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
- Short-listed, BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize
- Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets
- Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Awards
- Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books
Excerpt: Safe House (by (author) James Heneghan)
They had him. He fell to the floor. The big man kicked him in the ribs.
"He saw me!" said the big man. "He saw me. I know he did."
The boy scrambled backward, petrified, his back against the wall.
The big man pointed his gun, his finger tightening on the trigger.
Editorial Reviews
"Readers will be drawn by the fast action and the breathless escape adventure, but they'll also respond to the politics of war in Belfast...True to the boy's viewpoint, the betrayal and terrorism is very close, especially in the unforgettable images of what is lost."
Booklist
"This stark, taut thriller starts off with a bang and does not stop racing...A poignant adventure story [that] will be relished by most teen readers."
VOYA
*no details*
Canadian Literature
"It will appeal to reluctant readers, especially males."
KLIATT
"Teachers in particular will find this text useful."
Quill & Quire
"An awesome book filled with thrills and adventure...impossible to put down."
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