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Safe
Isolation at school, rows at home, spending a night in the cells - Danny's used to that kind of trouble; that's normal. But then he hits on a posh girl at a party, and life at home goes from bad to worse. And after that it's not just normal trouble anymore. And it's not just Danny who's in Danger. SAFE - The Book For Teenagers Who Don't Read - A unique, contemporary and hard-hitting story that is written in accessible language. This novel deals with issues that are relevant to the young people of today, like teenage pregnancy, drug culture, education and parents. It really will capture the interest of any teenager. The 'voice' of the main character, Danny, is one that is rarely heard in literature and it will stay with the reader long after the final page has been read.
- GenresYoung Adult
136 pages, Paperback
First published December 8, 2008
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 8, 2015
This is a “please-sit-down-let’s-talk-about-this” kind of book.
It’s something that you’d want to discuss with people who’ve read it. Or perhaps beg people to read it just so you can talk about it.
Danny Watson is a fascinating character. Tough. Hardened by life. A kid forced to become an adult because of circumstances. What could possibly go wrong, yeah?
Just. About. Everything.
This a gritty portrayal of a life on the fringe. It’s a very dangerous place (and situation) to be in and author Kate Hanney takes the reader to that dark place. It deals with hard issues that no young adult should ever deal with.
This is a brilliant book with a “controversial” ending.
It’s something that you’d want to discuss with people who’ve read it. Or perhaps beg people to read it just so you can talk about it.
Danny Watson is a fascinating character. Tough. Hardened by life. A kid forced to become an adult because of circumstances. What could possibly go wrong, yeah?
Just. About. Everything.
This a gritty portrayal of a life on the fringe. It’s a very dangerous place (and situation) to be in and author Kate Hanney takes the reader to that dark place. It deals with hard issues that no young adult should ever deal with.
This is a brilliant book with a “controversial” ending.
August 21, 2012
Book review: SAFE by Kate Hanney
This is a book in purposely large print to encourage reluctant readers. I think it would do that with its realistic content. Based in Sheffield in South Yorkshire, Danny is a young man with a problematic home life who constantly makes wrong decisions.
He is always in trouble at school for being late, forgetting a pen or not turning up at all. He prefers to leave his tough image in tact rather than explain about his responsibilities at home. His mother leaves him to fend for himself and take care of his younger sister.
****Spoilers below *****
Kate throws everything at this kid with a girl becoming pregnant after a one night stand. A drug dealer moving in with mum and beating her and Danny up. Danny absconding and being involved in a care accident.
****Spoilers end *****
This is a useful tool for in school to use with a class of students and discuss Danny’s options and how he could have prevented or escaped from some of his problems rather than making them worse. It certainly shows the consequences for bad decisions.
The book isn’t big on description and I was often left wondering what a scene actually looked like. Also bad language in the book which I am sure is included for realism is a little too much for me, I don’t like to see it in literature. There is also no light, no way out. If this book is read by a troubled teenager without someone discussing Danny’s other options I fear that they may be left feeling that they can never escape their circumstances. Perhaps a section at the end with support contact numbers or websites would have offset the bleak conclusion.
It is a good book but needs to be a group study rather than an individual read.
This is a book in purposely large print to encourage reluctant readers. I think it would do that with its realistic content. Based in Sheffield in South Yorkshire, Danny is a young man with a problematic home life who constantly makes wrong decisions.
He is always in trouble at school for being late, forgetting a pen or not turning up at all. He prefers to leave his tough image in tact rather than explain about his responsibilities at home. His mother leaves him to fend for himself and take care of his younger sister.
****Spoilers below *****
Kate throws everything at this kid with a girl becoming pregnant after a one night stand. A drug dealer moving in with mum and beating her and Danny up. Danny absconding and being involved in a care accident.
****Spoilers end *****
This is a useful tool for in school to use with a class of students and discuss Danny’s options and how he could have prevented or escaped from some of his problems rather than making them worse. It certainly shows the consequences for bad decisions.
The book isn’t big on description and I was often left wondering what a scene actually looked like. Also bad language in the book which I am sure is included for realism is a little too much for me, I don’t like to see it in literature. There is also no light, no way out. If this book is read by a troubled teenager without someone discussing Danny’s other options I fear that they may be left feeling that they can never escape their circumstances. Perhaps a section at the end with support contact numbers or websites would have offset the bleak conclusion.
It is a good book but needs to be a group study rather than an individual read.
December 5, 2014
I loved this book!
Kate Hanney has the cynical and demoralised - yet somehow exceedingly stoic - voice of Northern youth down pat. The protagonist, Danny, has a worldly wisdom beyond his years. He is hardened, unresponsive, yet never callous. This is demonstrated by his evident love for his little sister, who he cares for deeply, often taking over the role of parent when their own mother isn't around to cook, care for or pick up from school.
I love the scene when one day out of boredom he decides to go to school, only to find mock GCSEs are being taken that morning and he's shuffled along into the exam room. He just goes along with it, but then wonders how he's going to fill the next two hours. He counts the ceiling tiles, looks around a bit, but the idea of actually having a go at the exam doesn't really cross his mind. In the end he thinks he'll look at one of the questions, but can't really be bothered, so he doesn't.
Nothing touches Danny. He's just along for the ride. Until things start going desperately wrong, that is, and his totally indifferent view on teenage life is thrown into complete turmoil.
I don't know how I wanted the book to end. Maybe a prison sentence perhaps as a lesson to any teenagers forced down the same path. When the end does come, however, it is much harder to take than this.
Kate Hanney should be applauded for creating a masterpiece. Buy this book. Read it first then hand it over to your teenagers. A well-deserved 5-STAR!
Kate Hanney has the cynical and demoralised - yet somehow exceedingly stoic - voice of Northern youth down pat. The protagonist, Danny, has a worldly wisdom beyond his years. He is hardened, unresponsive, yet never callous. This is demonstrated by his evident love for his little sister, who he cares for deeply, often taking over the role of parent when their own mother isn't around to cook, care for or pick up from school.
I love the scene when one day out of boredom he decides to go to school, only to find mock GCSEs are being taken that morning and he's shuffled along into the exam room. He just goes along with it, but then wonders how he's going to fill the next two hours. He counts the ceiling tiles, looks around a bit, but the idea of actually having a go at the exam doesn't really cross his mind. In the end he thinks he'll look at one of the questions, but can't really be bothered, so he doesn't.
Nothing touches Danny. He's just along for the ride. Until things start going desperately wrong, that is, and his totally indifferent view on teenage life is thrown into complete turmoil.
I don't know how I wanted the book to end. Maybe a prison sentence perhaps as a lesson to any teenagers forced down the same path. When the end does come, however, it is much harder to take than this.
Kate Hanney should be applauded for creating a masterpiece. Buy this book. Read it first then hand it over to your teenagers. A well-deserved 5-STAR!
June 21, 2013
four stars is all you get. ugh. I was totally in love with this book until the ending. ugh. and even then, I had to read the end a couple times over because I couldn't believe what just happened. all that work trying to get away, and it all fell through. daaaaammit. I hope that's not spoiling anything for anyone.. haha. just. don't be disappointed when you get to the end. or pissed off, for that matter. I know I was. :P this is an amazing book though, and I couldnt put it down. (: you should definitely check it out. :P
-radioactivebookworm-
-radioactivebookworm-
February 19, 2015
Danny Watson is probably the sort of kid you’d try to avoid making eye contact with at a bus stop. Probably not a very nice person at all. But the way the book is written from his point of view, you get to see how has become the person he is, how limited his choices in life are. Like any good character portrayal, you see things from his point of view, sympathise with him, and will him on to come good in the end. I won’t spoil it by telling you how it turns out. Full review at: http://stevek1889.blogspot.co.uk/2014...
November 11, 2012
A rating of 3.5 rounded up to 4 for Goodreads purposes.
* spoilers *
If you are looking for a gritty teen story that shows a journey and ultimate transformation of the main character, this isn't your book.
Don't get me wrong, there will be plenty for students and teachers to discuss. I feel the best classroom use for this story would be a "rewrite the ending" lesson. Students will then bring Danny through a change.
* spoilers *
If you are looking for a gritty teen story that shows a journey and ultimate transformation of the main character, this isn't your book.
Don't get me wrong, there will be plenty for students and teachers to discuss. I feel the best classroom use for this story would be a "rewrite the ending" lesson. Students will then bring Danny through a change.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2012
I realize this is part of a series, but it leaves you with absolutely no sense of closure. None. Zero. And while the characters are interesting, the story is bleak and depressing. My biggest problem, though, is that the author claims to be an English teacher. If she is, she must not be a very good one, because this book is chock full of grammatical errors. The character development is great, but everything else leaves quite a bit to be desired.
July 24, 2012
Safe is set in Sheffield and features a main character on the fringes of society, in trouble at school and with a chaotic home life. It's really easy to read, nice short chapters and language which isn't too intimidating.
Gritty & gripping, you will not want to put this book down.....
'Safe' is brilliant. It is a great read for teenager's and their parents.
The story of Danny, a nice kid with more than his fair share of bad luck.
The book is marketed as 'The book for teenagers who don't read' and it really is. Reluctant readers will be engaged by the accessible format, authentic language and fast moving plot.
Gritty & gripping, you will not want to put this book down.....
'Safe' is brilliant. It is a great read for teenager's and their parents.
The story of Danny, a nice kid with more than his fair share of bad luck.
The book is marketed as 'The book for teenagers who don't read' and it really is. Reluctant readers will be engaged by the accessible format, authentic language and fast moving plot.
December 26, 2025
I really didn't like this - and not just because it's a bleak read, but because it is poorly written and feels completely unauthentic. I get that the author is trying to speak as the protagonist, but it felt forced and clunky.
If this story was written with the purpose of bonding or resonating with kids in similar situations, then please give them at least a spark of hope. If anyone living this life would actually consider reading this (they just wouldn't, but still) then what sense of future does this offer? None.
If this story was written with the purpose of bonding or resonating with kids in similar situations, then please give them at least a spark of hope. If anyone living this life would actually consider reading this (they just wouldn't, but still) then what sense of future does this offer? None.
April 27, 2015
A short read but hits so true.
October 7, 2014
ok if you're looking for a short story
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews