Terror Kid

What is a terrorist? A shocking, moving and timely novel about the choices that shape us.

Rico knows trouble. He knows the look of it and the sound of it. He also knows to stay away from it as best he can. Because if there's one thing his Romany background has taught him, it's that he will always be a suspect.

Terror Kid takes an uncompromising look at the problems of prejudice in both policing and society and is a timely reminder that skin colour or ethnic background should not be used to determine guilt

Vorwort
What is a terrorist? A shocking, moving and timely novel about the choices that shape us.

Autorentext

Benjamin Zephaniah was born and raised in Handsworth, Birmingham. By the age of fifteen he had gained a reputation as a young poet who was capable of speaking out on local and international issues. His poetry was strongly influenced by the music and poetry of Jamaica and what he called 'street politics'. He was also a musician and the first person to record with the Wailers after the death of Bob Marley. As well as writing poetry, novels, screenplays and stage plays, he has also written and presented documentaries for television and radio, and he has been awarded nineteen honorary doctorates in recognition of his work. Benjamin died on 7th December 2023, leaving a joyful legacy of literature for people of all ages.

Klappentext

Rico knows what trouble is.

And he knows to stay away from trouble as best he can. Because if there is one thing he has learnt, it's that he will always be a suspect.

Rico also knows what injustice is. He sees it happening to him and he sees it happening around the world.

He is angry and frustrated. He wants to speak out - but how?

Then a stranger gives Rico the perfect opportunity.

Which is where everything goes wrong...

The powerful new novel from Benjamin Zephaniah

Zusammenfassung
Despite his efforts to stay on the right side of the law, Rico is angry and frustrated at the injustices he sees happening at home and around the world. When he is approached by Speech, a mysterious man who shares Rico's hacktivist interests, Rico is given the perfect opportunity to speak out.

Leseprobe

Back in the cabin they started to talk about the obvious.

'They're looking for you everywhere, you know?' said Rohan.

'I know,' replied Rico.

'You're a bit of a hero, you know?' said Dean. Rico shook his head.

'No, you got that wrong. I'm no hero.'

'What are you saying?' said Rohan. 'You're the man, you're the one everyone's talking about. Terror Kid, that's what they're calling you, and everyone's scared of you.'

'"Terror Kid,"' Rico said, surprised.

'Yes. The most dangerous kid in the country, public enemy number one. If they get you you're going away for a long time, a very long time, but you're safe here. We have a plan.'

Rico raised his eyebrows and looked at the pair, his eyes darting from one to another.

'What plan?'

Rohan went and stood by the door; Dean went and sat right next to Rico and began to speak.

'We'll help you as much as we can but if you want to survive out here you're going to need some money. We haven't got much but we know where to get some.'

'I've got some money,' said Rico.

'How much?' asked Rohan.

Rico wasn't sure if he should tell them, but he had already said too much.

'About a hundred pounds.' Rohan laughed.

Dean continued to speak quietly and calmly.

'You can't survive out here on a hundred quid. You need more. We need more, and we're not even on the run. We have a plan to raise our financial status, but we need you.'

'What do you need me for?'

'You know how to make big bombs, and we need a little one, a little tiny baby one.' Rico jumped out of his seat.

'I don't make bombs!' he shouted. 'That wasn't me. Do you hear me? It wasn't me!' Dean was unmoved. 'So what you on the run for?'

'It's complicated, I can't explain now.'

'There's no need for you to explain. Sit down, and let me explain.' Rico sat down slowly and Dean continued.