Raz Beri

Billy Turpin has cerebral palsy and is finding life at secondary school challenging. Dealing with bullies, thoughtless teachers and an over-helpful helper, he just wishes everyone would stop treating him differently. Mia, also a wheelchair user, has recently started his school and constantly challenges him to stand up for himself. When it is announced that Mia’s uncle is a famous footballer and is going to visit the school, Billy is thrilled and hopes that this might be his chance to prove he is just like everyone else. However, when the footballers act disgracefully, Billy realises he needs to take matters into his own hands.

‘Raz Beri’ is not a comfortable read, but it is completely absorbing and packs a very powerful punch. Told from Billy’s perspective, the story exposes the thoughtlessness, casual cruelty and hideous bullying which make up Billy’s daily experiences, creating real empathy. There is nothing self-pitying about his narrative, even in the face of some incredibly cruel name calling which he calmly explains whilst making it clear how hurtful this is. His relationship with Mia adds a new perspective as she is fiercely independent. Whereas Billy is happy to let Mrs Welbeck, the helper who has transitioned with him from primary school, continue to help him with things he is now able to do for himself because he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, Mia insists that he should be more independent and challenge people when they patronise or hurt him. She is an amazing character!

The book also challenges the education system in its meaningful provision for children with additional needs where purposeful planning in lessons like PE would have positive outcomes rather than just occupying students during a lesson. Mr Marsh very much represents the stereotypical games teacher whose lessons are torture for anyone not a keen athlete and who I had very much hoped we had consigned to the last century. There is much food for thought for teachers here too.

In places, ‘Raz Beri’ is a painful, challenging read, yet it is ultimately up-lifting, powerful and poignant. A must read for everyone.

 Raz Beri

Matt Stephens

Firefly     ISBN: 978-1915444615

Published 29th August 2024