Coming in early 2012 – Losing Control, the sequel to Control Freak.
Wondered what happened to Holly when she got to art college? And what became of her relationship with former boyfriend Sean? And how does Ryan cope in his new foster family. ‘Losing Control’ tells the story of what happens when some of Holly’s famous ‘control’ starts to slip, and she’s tempted by the boy she knows she should definitely say no to… And a nasty bit of internet bullying puts Ryan in a situation where he’s likely to lose his closest friend and be found by his dangerous dad…
Another ‘tell it as it is’ novel about leaving care and being fostered, ‘Losing Control’ is as fast-paced and hard-hitting as ‘Control Freak’. Some of the storylines in this novel include homophobic bullying, safety on the internet, teen parents, keeping safe in physical relationships, surviving without enough money to make ends meet.
‘A sincere, simply told, ultra-convincing story that shows what it’s like to branch out on your own after a childhood in care,’
Jacqueline Wilson (author of the Tracy Beaker stories)
How do you hold it together when you're leaving care, falling in love and your little brother has gone missing?
Seventeen-year old Holly Richards is tough, practical and determined and has her whole future carefully mapped out. So for her, leaving foster care to move into her own flat should be no problem. But what Holly hasn’t bargained for is the problems that an out of control brother, a too-good-to-be-true boyfriend and a lovestruck bestfriend can create. All Holly’s perfectly laid plans start to go pear-shaped and she finds herself pushed to the limits. Does she have the nerve to stay in control?
What people are saying about Control Freak
‘It was refreshing to read about social care in a positive light and see the children who are moving on from foster care as capable young people. … The story could easily have felt preachy in tone… however it is extremely entertaining and though provoking without being contrived.’ School Librarian , 59-1 Spring 2011
‘…it succeeds in looking in a well-rounded way at the whole situation of someone trying to leave the care system behind and live independently.… This is in fact an unputdownable account by Holly herself, which many teenagers fostered or not will find entertaining and revealing.’ Books for Keeps
‘[Holly] is a very likeable character, her predicament very lifelike and the story’s resolution both dramatic and credible.’ Youthinmind
Skins meets Hollyoaks meets Jane Austen, 7 Nov 2010 By Ian Peacock, Sony-award-winning broadcaster
I read Control Freak in one go. It's gripping, moving, vivid and a brilliant evocation of teenage life in the 21st century. I'd thoroughly recommend it for adults and teens alike.
Great characters, from uptight but loveable heroine Holly, to mysterious hearthrob Ptolemy, to vulnerable brother Ryan. Dramatic twists. Highly realistic dialogue. Subtle insights into adolescence, family and the scary limbo state of being a care leaver. But not remotely worthy in tone.
As a programme maker, I saw TV potential within the first few pages. It reminded me of Skins on Channel 4. As a former English teacher, I found myself wishing I'd had this as a set book - with its rich potential for discussions and spin-off projects. And as a media trainer of foster carers, teenagers in care and care leavers, it totally rang true. It would be a great stimulus for discussion for young people (or anyone) in the care system, and an empowering read for any teenager in care.
To quote Jacqueline Wilson, creator of Tracy Beaker, Control Freak is a 'sincere, simply-told, ultra-convincing story that shows what it's like to branch out on your own after a childhood in care.
More from Henrietta Bond please!
Powerful, moving and a really good read!, 27 Oct 2010 by Louise Douglas, Author of Missing You, The Love of My Life and The Secrets Between Us
This unputdownable book tells the story of Holly, a teenager who is about to leave the security of living with her foster family and go out into the world on her own …. Control Freak is a fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable story about teenage life and love seen through the eyes of a charming and sympathetic heroine. It's also a hugely informative record of life within the fostering system in the UK that skillfully avoids falling into any of the cliche traps.
It has clearly been meticulously researched and brilliantly written because Holly's world is real and utterly believable. She's such a great character that the reader wants to stay with her and is constantly rooting for her, willing for everything to turn out right in the end.
Powerful, moving and highly recommended! I loved this book and can't wait for more from this hugely talented author.
Control Freak news
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NEWS FLASH
Henrietta wants to dedicate Losing Control to some really amazing people! She has several wonderful people in mind but is keen to hear your suggestions. So please nominate someone you really think deserves a mention – and explain why.
[NEWS] Coming in early 2012 – Losing Control, the sequel to Control Freak
Wondered what happened to Holly when she got to art college? And what became of her relationship with former boyfriend Sean? And how does Ryan cope in his new foster family.