Ash the Flash

For Ages: 10-12 years

• Hazel D. Campbell
• Nattalie Gordon

In this story, every boy's fantasy comes alive for Ashton Longmore when he finds himself able to run at unbelievable speeds. He can run faster than Usain Bolt! He can run so fast he is only a blur on the field. How did this happen? Where will this lead him? Can he control the speed so he is not labelled a freak ... or worse? Can he use this speed to get victory at the athletic meet for his school? His best friend, Kenroi Donaldson, tries to help him manage this gift and they get into several exciting situations along the way. When they realize that the gift is waning, and there is a strong possibility that he might not win against the rival school's superstar at an important meet, Ash has to summon all his natural strength to prove to himself that he can win and make his school and father proud.

Key Features:

• The language of the story is mostly Standard English often in the more informal style used and easily understood by the age group.
• The story places emphasis on an individual's growth towards making the right moral decisions.
• The main characters in the story are boys as it is aimed at encouraging boys to read. This is a boy-to-enjoy book. Girls will enjoy it too.
• The characters are well drawn, likeable, and representative of experiences in Grade 6.
• The all important message about the danger of taking drugs to enhance performance is not hammered but gradually revealed as the story progresses.
• This book is an excellent choice for supplementary reading in schools or at home.