These chapters are written in a different style and voice, and are text-only. The emotional arc of the story is well paced and judged, and when the ghosts emerge from their graves in a wordless sequence of reunions, we are deeply moved but not surprised.Īlongside the story of Billy’s disappearance is an account of the ensuing search. It may be dark, but we read these characters in the tilt of a head or the placing of a hand, and we care. Ivy twines around bare branches, light plays across gravestones and we smell damp soil beneath our feet. Will the ghostly reunions spur change in Billy’s world? And who will help Grace find the necessary courage?Ītmospheric greyscale illustrations on every page of Billy’s story extend our understanding and deepen the emotional impact of the text. When Izzie from Billy’s maths class finds him she has a difficult decision to make, and the old man clearing the graveyard turns out to have an even more important role to play. Billy has finally had enough and seeks refuge in a graveyard, where he hopes to remain unnoticed long enough to sort things out.īut disappearing isn’t easy, and people are getting worried. Just before Halloween, Jeff picks yet another fight with Grace. 13-year-old Billy lives with his mum and her boyfriend, Jeff, who is controlling and aggressive.
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