I don’t usually read books like this, I normally read animal stories or crime, but I enjoyed Chicken and Chips more than I expected.

The story kept me interested all the way through and I didn’t find any boring parts. It flowed really well and there were always things happening, so I stayed engaged from start to finish.

It was interesting reading from the point of view of a 14-year-old boy, as I’m not one myself. Jake felt like a realistic character, especially with the mix of normal teenage stuff like friends and girls, alongside what was going on at home.

The book focuses a lot on Jake’s dad and his alcoholism, and how it affects Jake, his mum and his sister. I thought this was shown well, especially the difference between how his dad is when he’s sober compared to when he’s drunk.
Jake’s sister has learning difficulties, which I would have liked to see explored a bit more, especially as I have personal experience of this.

The ending surprised me. Jake’s dad dies, and Jake says that he and his mum don’t have to worry about him anymore now he’s gone. It felt sad but also kind of relieving at the same time.

Overall, this was an interesting and engaging read, even though it’s not the type of book I’d normally choose.

Strong 4.5 stars

Review written by Ava-Mai aged 14

A powerfully insightful work which does not shrink from dealing with intense issues. it might be too intense for some YA readers, but in general it's going to be pretty good. 4 stars. tysm for the arc.

This tackles difficult subjects sensitively, but in a voice that teens will definitely be able to relate to. It felt very real, with a hint of wry humour to alleviate the dark subject matter. In some ways, it was difficult to fully engage with the story, as the protagonist isn't the one driving the story forward. I can see how that's the right choice, since it conveys his powerlessness around the adults in his life who are letting him down, but it still made it harder for me to relate.

It's great to see a book aimed at the 13 - 15 demographic: they are way under-represented!

Adolescence is rarely straightforward, but few people have to deal with the number of challenges that teenager Jake has on his plate. With a father who is the town drunk, a mother who is beaten down (both literally and figuratively speaking) by the challenges of life, and a younger sister with learning disabilities, Jake is finding it difficult to cope.

Bullying at school, unwanted attention from the headmaster's daughter, and his own shameful secrets are not making his load any lighter.

This is a powerful and insightful piece of storytelling which comes with T trigger warnings. It gets 3.5 stars.