Will You Catch Me?

An emotional roller-coaster of a story with a courageous and caring heroine. * Parents in Touch *The book that I would like to choose is Will You Catch Me? by Jane Elson. I loved it for the heroine, Nell, who tells her story as ‘the only naturalist on the Beckham Estate’. Nell has many problems, but also many friends. Her voice is perfect; you can hear her speak beside you as you read, wise, hilarious, brave and stubborn. A North London Anne of Green Gables: less poetry, more minibeasts, identical charm! – Hilary McKay for Booktrust * BookTrust *

This is a moving tale of friendship, wildlife, conservation, families, love and alcohol abuse. Its a tale of bravery - self belief and how friends can sometimes pull together to make things right. It is also the story of imagination and Nell Gwyn - a companion to King Charles II - a fascinating character, of whom I knew a little, but now know so much more.This is the story of a modern day Nell whose mother tries hard to be someone she can admire. To be the mother Nell needs, but things are not easy. Nell spends her days caring for her mum, hoping to trace her dad, and nurturing any wildlife she comes across that need respite or care.Her friend Michael lives nest door with his brother, aids and abets her - an inventor with wild and glorious ideas which means that at school he is often signing the punishment book, staying late for detention and generally getting into scraps. His brother is exasperated by him and can’t believe it when he finds that all his laces from his boots have been stolen away to be used in Michael’s latest invention - to help Nell feed all her small creatures.There are too many children affected by their parent’s addiction to alcohol. This is a story for them, for those with whom they make contact, with whom they hopefully get help and understanding.This is a story of hope.

Jane, after a career in acting and comedy improvisation, transitioned to writing stories and plays. Her books have received numerous awards, including Peters Book of the Year twice in a row. Her debut novel, A Room Full of Chocolate, was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award, and she has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal twice.

Jane is a vocal advocate for dyslexia awareness. Outside of writing, she enjoys mentoring neurodiverse young people and promoting the value of alternative thinking. She was recognized as one of the top 50 Neurodivergent Women by Women Beyond the Box.

Jane is also an advocate for charities such as Nacoa and All Dogs Matter, and enjoys judging their dog shows.