The Good Turn

Well it is no secret that I am a BIG Sharna Jackson fan! And once again she did not disappoint. This beautifully written Primary age story which tackles a lot of important issues such as immigrations and gentrification. The story also talks about the Windrush scandal in a way that young readers can understand it and the impactful events.The characters are endearing and wish for a world that is good and kind. They make it their mission to make a difference. Josephine, Wesley and Margot have an unlikely but sweet friendship. The friends form a group called the Copsey’s which was inspired by the woman who started the first Girl Scout Troop for Black girls in America – Josephine Holloway.There was a lovely level of mystery and twists throughout with a captivating storyline tackling real world issues with a thought provoking and informative book.

I loved this book. A new group of children to follow on fron Nik and Norva and another bunch of characters to love! This is a wonderful and wholesome adventure story but also an incredibly important insight into the Windrush Scandal that Sharna Jackson has made completely accessible for this age group to understand. As such it should surely be in every school library in the country. I particularly loved the little insights into the children's lives at home as well as their adventures as The Copseys. This author knows exactly how to reach children and help them to understand the various and sometimes difficult emotions that they might feel. There seem to be the foundations being laid for more stories to come ... I really hope they do!

Sharna Jackson's contemporary novel for readers aged 9+ is a pacy and energetic read that draws on what has been happening to the Windrush generation to explore racism and racial justice. The characters of Josie, Wesley and Margot are well drawn and easy to root for with Jackson doing a particularly good job of showing their friendship with all its ups and downs. All in all, it's a really well done book and I would definitely check out Jackson's other books on the strength of it.

My children love this book.

This is a gripping modern kids detective novel, with a thrilling mystery and a satisfying payoff. I loved the fact it was a contemporary setting, and it engaged with modern issues in a way that is totally suitable for readers 9+. Thoroughly recommended for years 5 to 8, would be great in a classroom.

An outstanding read from Sharna Jackson. I was so sure I knew where the story was going and what would happen. Oh no, there are twists and turns everywhere, along with some hard hitting honesty. A brilliant and original story. A must read.

First of all - thank you so much to Sharna for sending me a signed paperback advance copy of this book! I first got to know her through BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James' "Pass The Pen" takeover she did of his Twitter account a few years back, and when I saw she was gearing up to release a book, I sent her an Instgram message, saying "maybe I'll try and get an ARC of this!". But, she offered to send me a paperback. I've never read any of her books before, so I was super excited to give it a go. And, after exams and life generally getting in the way, I devoured the majority of this book in just a few days.The Good Turn is a book set in present-day England, and follows three Year 6 students, narrated by protagonist Josie. She's inspired by Josephine Holloway, who formed the first group of Girl Scouts for Black children, and decides to set up a group of her own with her neighbours Margot and Wesley - the Copseys.This book's narrative, character development, rooting in historical context and picture-painting is absolutely fantastic, and I think it's a must read for any older primary school pupil and above. I loved Margot and Wesley's friendship development in particular, as well as how Wesley calls out Jo's focus on herself, and her self-realisation. The book kept me guessing, too - even when I thought the end was looking bleak, a sort of semi-resolution was formed, and I think that was the perfect way to tie up the book.I mentioned how the book is rooted in context - after the book has finished, there's a short author's note, where Sharna explains how the book's events reflect the harsh reality of deportation and the Windrush Generation. It's so essential that we're aware of these issues of our past, and children may not have been taught about them in schools. This book taught me the stark reality of immigrants living in the UK, and how their worlds can be turned upside down without warning.I truly believe that The Good Turn is an essential read for any child old enough, and people of my age and older are still be able to enjoy it. Sharna tackles real-world issues beautifully within a thrilling and informative book. I can't wait to read more of Sharna's work.

I ordered this through Vine. As a middle grade book, I think it is very successful. The characters are all strong in their own way. Josephine, the main character, is a young girl with big ideas. She is determined to do well at school, but she also wants to make a difference to the world/community that she lives in. As a way to make a difference to where she lives, and inspired by historical figure Josephine Holloway who created the first Girl Scouts group for Black girls in America, Josie creates a group called The Copseys with her two friends.Josie is such a strong character, and that is really good to see. She has a good moral compass, and she is able to think of others and how they may be feeling. Having said that, she also struggles with her own family issues (adapting to having a new baby in the family unit), so she is not completely perfect either. The pacing of the story is good, meaning that younger readers should be engaged with finding out what is going on. I am clearly not its target market, but I would give it 3.5 stars.