Reviewed by Debra Williams
11-year-old Finn Grimshaw has
been dealt a rough blow in life, adopted at birth by the world’s most dastardly
foster parents. Finn isn’t alone: he has four foster siblings. The Grimshaws
live up to their name by locking Finn in a basement as his room. Dark and
dismal, his only relief is reading the books on the bookcase and sending Morse
code messages via a torch to his friend next door.
After winning a short story
competition (which enrages the Grimshaws), Finn buys a magic pen at a market
stall, where his troubles start. By drawing things on paper, the pen
can give him anything he wants. It starts out okay and then spirals into
disaster, as Finn fakes credit cards, beats a bully, and runs up a huge bill in a
swish hotel room to trace his birth parents. When he unwittingly
causes a disaster after discovering his birth sister, Finn decides it’s time to
stop. He realises what a selfish, uncaring boy he has become as his sister
fights for her life, all due to Finn’s recklessness.
As the consequences of his
actions steamroll, Finn makes amends. The one good thing is that the lying,
cheating Grimshaws are dealt with, and Finn and his foster siblings are adopted
by a better family.
With Roald Dahl-esque
overtones, this is a strong and engaging story for 8-12-year-old readers.
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