If You Were Me

If You Were Me

Sam Hepburn,

If You Were Me

Chicken House, 2015

ISBN 9781909489806

11-14 Shortlist 2016

 

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out of 5
 

 

 

Who Wrote It?

Sam Hepburn lives in London with her husband, three children a dog, and a goldfish. She was brought up in England by her English mother, and her father was from Sudan. She lived there until she was three and she has begun to revisit her Sudanese family regularly in her twenties. She read modern languages at Cambridge University and has worked in Lebanon, Germany, Italy and America and made lots of documentaries for television. 

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What's It About?

Two young people from very different backgrounds star in this crime mystery. Aliya’s family have fled to England from Afghanistan, chased out by the Taliban. Dan lives in London with his parents, reluctantly helping his dad with his plumbing business when he can’t get out of it. The two are brought together when Dan witnesses Aliya’s brother Behrouz being beaten and kidnapped. For reasons of his own, Dan can’t go to the police but when Behrouz is accused of plotting a terrorist attack he decides to help Aliya reveal the truth. Together they untangle a complex web of corruption and deceit, risking their own lives in the process. Sam Hepburn’s plotting is excellent, the tension never lets up and this is a seriously good thriller with a shocking final twist.  

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Fact File

Sam’s real name is Sam Osman.  Sam Hepburn is her pen name.

Find out more about Sam on her website www.samosmanbooks.com  and  follow her on Twitter @Sam_Osman_Books

Your Reviews

abbigale from corpus christi:

this book was so exciting.

abbigale gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

kiera from crawshaw academy:

i didn't really like it, it wasn't that enjoyable. the overall book itself was fine but I didn't like the layout or plot.

kiera gave If You Were Me 2 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

Abigail from Benton Park:

This book was extremely suspenseful and and had many plot twists. However I felt like the ending was slightly rushed but enjoyable. It was sometimes hard to keep up with the characters but once I got the grasp of the you it became easier.

Abigail gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Katie from Corpus Christi Catholic College:

I loved this book. The storyline was different to any of the books I have read before.

Katie gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Chloe from Ossett Academy & Sixth Form College:

The book was a good read. The authors description of the characters feelings made you have a more insighted look at their life. The plot somehow connected all the characters to each other to give you a better point of view of the story

Chloe gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Lloyd from King James's School:

There was a great amount of description in this book. It made it easier for me to picture Dan and Aliya’s surroundings perfectly, every street and house. However, I sometimes found that there was too much description and the book would have had a faster pace if the description was cut down. My favourite character was Dan, as he was nice to Aliya through the course of book. He knew his father was somehow linked to Behrouz but he still looked for a way to help Aliya without involving his father. Aliya however, is a whole different story. I didn’t like how she kept assuming that Dan was working for the police or Hamidi and Clarke, she jumped to conclusions. I found this book an interesting read and it made me think.

Lloyd gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Anika from King James's School:

If You Were Me was such a touching, emotional, thrilling, exciting book I loved for all those reasons and more. I thought using real life issues and also addressing such a serious matter really enables us to sympathise with the characters and situation. The different fonts was clever tactic to apply since it helped me know which perspective it was from (Aliya or Dan). I didn't have a favourite character due to liking them all equally although, I edged closer to Dan: living with the guilt burning inside of you, eating you up day by day is a position I would not like to in.

With plenty of unexpected twists- which I adored, it gave me more reason to read- I found the story very gripping, moving and easy to visualise. With the story ending the way it is; a sequel would be wonderful to know the rest of the unrevealed questions.

Anika gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

tom from leeds east acadamy:

I did enjoy the book but at first it did get a little slow and was a little bit confusing about the characters but then I did start to understand.

tom gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Katie from King James School :

This book was an amazing read. It is gripping, emotional, action packed tale that I couldn't put down. I loved it because it had so many thrilling twists that glued my eyes to the page. I really enjoyed how If you were me addressed a real issues and gave you an insight into those people’s lives. Also I liked how we see two sides to the story, and saw both characters reasons for wanting answers. If you were me has a very original and intriguing plot, and I would love a sequel.

Katie gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Aine from Prince Henry's Grammar School:

I really enjoyed reading this book and I couldn't stop my hand turning the page over every 30 seconds. I really liked how 2 different people, who had completely different lifestyles came together to solve a crime. The only part of the book I didn't like was at the end as I thought the author got a bit too carried away. Overall this is an amazing book and you should definitely read it.

Aine gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Hannah from The Morley Academy:

This is one of the most emotional and touching books I've ever read.I've just finished reading If I were you by Sam Hepburn. It follows a girl who is chased away from Afghanistan by a terrorist group called the Taliban. They move to England. But soon, her brother is accused of bomb making and is involved in an accident where he can't remember what happened. If Alyia (the girl) can't find out who framed her brother, he will die and her mother, her sister and herself will be in danger. I really enjoyed this book because it left me wanting to know what happened next and drew me back to want more. It is a book of mystery, adventure and danger and is well worth reading. I recommend this book for any teenager because it is such a good book with great language choices. I really felt at some points like all of it was happening and like I was the person who was in the narrator's situation.

Hannah gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

aiden from leeds east academy:

I liked the book but it wasn't my style not much action or drama.

aiden gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Maria from The Morley Academy:

Wow!This book is very touching and gripping and the author (Sam Hepburn)writes the book very cleverly and it puts you into the characters shoes and you experience the characters emotions without even reading them.The characters where introdunced greatly especially Aliyah and Dan-it made me like the characters because Dan knew it was something to do with his dad and Aliyah-well I felt sorry for her because she was going through a really hard time just like her family.This book is full of twists and excitement I recommend you read it if you havent.I look forward to reading my next book!

Maria gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

Maria from The Morley Academy:

Wow!This book is very touching and moving.The author (Sam Hepburn) wrote the story in a very clever way-it drags you into the characters shoes and you instantly feel the emotions the character is experiencing without even reading it!The Taliban actually made me think about the wars that have happened and are happening and it touched me a lot and made me think about how bad it is especially for immigrants who are fleeing war but have nowhere to go because either nobody wants them in their territory or there is not enough space for them.Just imagine if that was you.The book introduced the characters in quite well like, I instantly fell in love with the two main characters-Aliyah and Dan.The settings were amazing I could literally see them especially of the one in Afghanistan-everything was ruined and endangered and almost lifeless.lifeless. I'm looking forward to reading another book!

Maria gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

Anna from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School:

This book was amazing i enjoyed so much, it showed me to never give up and keep hold of good memories in the bad times. I enjoyed finding out the truth with Aliya and Dan, and reading about all of their adventures this was the best book I read so far!!!

Anna gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Anna from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School:

This was a real great book that I Have enjoyed from the beginning to the end . Manly because it helped me to understand how a young girl can do everything to save her family. This book taught me to never give in even when you have no one to trust. I think that this is the best book I read so far and would recommend it to everyone

Anna gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

Tioluwa from Abbey Grange Academy:

This book was "thrilling, moving and gripping"; I couldn't stop reading it. If you were me kept me continuously gripped, shocking plot twists building up the tension and making me excited to know what's about to happen next.

It's about two teenagers who go on a life threating search for the truth. I like how the book has one chapter, Aliya narrating and the next, Dan. It really gives you insight to how both main characters think and feel during the book.

I recommend this book for Anyone 11 and upwards; it's a book anyone can enjoy and learn from. Especially If you like mystery/ crime books or thrillers.

Tioluwa gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

JENNAH from Allerton Grange High School:

This book made tears swell up in my eyes it was soooo good but a little sad ! but it dragged me into it just after reading the first Chapter!

What I loved most about it was the fact the author made you feel like you were in Aliyah's shoes not knowing what to do and as well as that looking after her family and trying to keep her sister happy and her mum on top of her medicine !

JENNAH gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Lucy from Benton Park:

I really enjoyed the book If You Were Me, it was a moving story of the life of two young people. Filled with twists to the tale and scary situations filled with action. It also shows how no one can be trusted when you need help most.

This book only makes me want to read more, which made me want to read more books like this.

I would recommend this book to anyone, whether they like si-fi, fantasy or action and adventure.

It doesn't matter.

Lucy gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Elice from Cardinal Heenan:

This book is about a boy call Joe who meets a girl called Asha. They become friends but then try to run away but there are obstacles in their way.

It was very humourous and made you think you were in the story.

It was a brilliant book to read.

I would say it is suitable for sensible kids so then they don't try to run away. I recommended it to my mum and she loved it.

Elice gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Lewis from Allerton Grange:

An amazing book showing how sometimes NO ONE can be trusted. These two completely opposite people find themselves fighting in unison against a twisted truth which they eventually solve. I was really glad that the book fulfilled my intrigued first impression.I think it's a good teen fiction and all throughout it shows the fast paced, action packed scenarios you always want to have to please your reader in these type of books. I give this book a 4 out of 5 because I thought the style of writing and the way Sam Hepburn narrates it a bit dull and it let down the story at some points. But overall this is a great book and I would definitely recommend it to my friends.

Lewis gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Michael from Ossett Academy and 6th Form College:

I really enjoyed this book as it has great, interesting characters with backstories that are only in this novel. It`s funny in places and has twists until the end. The plot is extremely good because of the family connection between some of the characters. For these reasons

I would definitely recommend reading this book for your next choice.

Michael gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Joe from Allerton Grange:

This is a good book that is very exciting with lots of twists and turns. I would recommend this to people of the age 11-13.

Joe gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

Alice from Cardinal Heenan:

This book was a brilliant book and one of the best I've ever read. I would recommend it.

Alice gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Alice from Cardinal Heenan:

I enjoyed this book - I liked the excitement and the not knowing what would happen.

Alice gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Elisabetta from Corpus Christi Catholic College:

Excellent book! I feel like reading it backwards. Wish there was a second one, I can't wait to try out a new book!

Elisabetta gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Becca from Abbey Grange Academy:

This book is a gripping, interesting and exciting book! It is about a 14 year old girl called Aliya who has just escaped from Afghanistan to the UK, but only a few days later her brother is accused of being a terrorist. Her and her friend Dan go on an adventure determined to find the truth and clear her brother's name. It is filled with many plot twist and turns that will keep you glued to the very last page!!

Becca gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Sophie from King James's school:

I found If You Were Me a really gripping book. One of my favourite parts is how close a friendship Dan and Aliya have and how much Dan helps Aliya in her quest.

Sophie gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Elpida from Corpus Christi Catholic College :

This was an great book and I loved the two personalities however the author didn't really catch my attention until about the hundredth page. It is not really my type that is why I didn't enjoy it enough to choose it for the Leeds Book awards.

Elpida gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Lauren from Benton Park High:

This has been my favourite book so far, it was so thrilling and left my blood tingling! I loved the two sides of the book, how we saw the same story in two persons eyes. The plot was enchanting, I felt like I was in the story! The main theme was Terrorism, and I learn lots about what the people running away from countries feel like. I would loved to read a sequel.

Lauren gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Holly from Corpus Christi Catholic College:

This is an awesome book!

I loved it!

I'm looking forward to reading the other books too!

Holly gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Heather from King James's School:

I enjoyed this book because it was gripping, action packed and exciting. I loved the crime story throughout. I also liked the loyalty, to family especially but to friends as well. I loved the problem of trust and the false sense of security the book created. I also noticed that the different perspectives (Aliya and Dan) were written in different fonts. At first, I thought it was weird and pointless but it actually helped me work out which perspective I was reading. However, I think the beginning was rushed and didn’t have any emotion to it. I think the first chapter could almost be a book itself. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to other people.

Heather gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Matthew from Ossett Academy and Sixth Form College:

Wow. This is an amazing book. It grips you till the end, and makes you think about what is portrayed by politicians and the media very differently. The plotline is original and strong. A moving and emotional book. I recommend it.

Matthew gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Beatrice from co-operative academy of leeds:

I really liked this book because its a very emotional book . The book was about a girl called alia who ran away from the Taliban with her family to England . When they come to England berouz who is alia is brother is kidnapped . This book makes you feel sorry for all the people that are going through the same thing.

Beatrice gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Jenna from King James's School:

To me this book was gripping and filled with suspense and action. It had me on the edge of my seat, then blew me back with every thrilling discovery the young protagonists made. It is an emotional roller-coaster about trust and a need for the dark and murky truth.

The story begins with a young girl; Aliya. She and her family are Afghans, and fighting to live in hard times. They move to England, where her brother Behrouz is accused of terrorism. Aliya Sahar and Daniel Abbot- an unlikely couple thrown together by chance- struggle through thick and thin to prove her poor brother innocent. This storyline is fast-paced and intriguing; I loved it.

I cannot say (luckily) that I can hugely relate to either character because I have never encountered such a horrifying series of events. But through the narration (which, I might add, was brilliant. I loved the way the author kept swapping points of view: it helped you come to term with the characters) and action-packed writing, I found myself emphasising with the heroes.

My favourite character was that of Dan. I found his life hard (harder in some ways) compared to Aliya’s life. True, Aliya had seen war, destruction and terrorism, but Dan had to live with the guilt of knowing his dad was doing something awful. He lived with his parents who were clearly at breaking point in their relationship and had no friends. When he was brought into the plot he couldn’t get out, the guilt tearing at him. He had not known this kind of thing could happen, whereas Aliya had been in a similar situation or one like it. It was entertaining and emotional to see his reactions and how he got through it.

However, I left wanting a bit more. Did it die down? Was Behrouz left alone? What was the villain’s sentence? All these questions and more were burning in my mind, and I think a sequel would be very good for this book.

Jenna gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Charlie from Abbey Grange Academy:

A very interesting book, full of plot twists and complex discoveries. It certainly changed how I thought about some people in the world. The only criticism I have is that it was hard to visualise the entire setting.

Charlie gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Alice from King James:

I thought this book was very good. I found It very emotional and I could really identify with the main character, Aliya, in that I would do anything to save and protect my family. The way Behrouz was convicted without evidence and the way he was treated made me quite angry and I think it shows the kind of thing that happens in real life. I also liked the storyline and especially liked the unexpected twists and the ending. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Alice gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

Yasmine from Benton Park Secondary School:

Aliya and her family flees Afghanistan to Britain, only to be accused of a bomb attack. Dan finds his father’s secret and is determined he’s innocent much like how Aliya is of her brother.

If You were Me has many twists and turns along the way, it kept me reading and made me want to find the answers of the truth, even though some were predictable.

I didn’t really have a favourite character because they’re both unique and their personality and attitude towards each other was great.

The fact the book had the view from the 2 characters was a nice feature because you wouldn’t be siding with one character, as you only see one perspective. I found the ending (especially the last 50 or so pages) was rushed, like a sudden jump-cut.

This book really is recommended to 11-14 year olds, or to people who likes suspense and mystery and to round it off I give it a 4/5.

Yasmine gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Erin from King James:

I found If You Were Me a very gripping book with new emotion growing inside of you after every sentence you read. The sibling bonding in this book may inspire others to treat their family with respect. I thought the different betrayals and befriending in this book very amusing because as Alyia you feel like you must watch your step because if one wrong friend is made everything could go wrong. The only flaw I found was I never managed to picture Dan's face and lacked understanding his emotions in the book.

Erin gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

AbuZarr Yousaf from Co-operative academy of leeds:

I really liked this book because it was a page turner an even though it was raisist it was still a fun and fast book. I also like it because it had peoples true opinion about things and it was one of my favirote types of books. Mysteries. The only thing tharlt i would change is the front cover by adding some recomendations and on the blurb a bit more info abou the book.

AbuZarr Yousaf gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Jacqueline from Allerton High School:

I thought it didn't relate to real life events and was depressing.

Jacqueline gave If You Were Me 2 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

juwairiyah from abbey grange academy:

This was one of the best books I've ever read with all the suspense I just couldn't put it down.

juwairiyah gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Aliyah from Allerton Grange High School:

IF YOU WERE ME is a book that includes suspense;fright and more. I strongly recommend this book to anyone between the age 11-13.

Aliyah gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Scott from The Morley Academy:

'If You Were Me' is a book where a girl's brother is accused of being a bomber. My favourite character was Dan because he's trying to save someone he doesn't know like when Aliya left after learning the truth. I think it is suitable for 11-14 year olds.

Scott gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Kaya from Allerton Grange school:

I really enjoyed this book because it kept me guessing and it felt so real to me. I couldn't stop turning the pages! The intense scenes were written really well especially towards the ending. Great book.

Kaya gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Jake from King James's School:

“If You Were Me” is a heart-warming book that takes a look at two people protecting friends and family in the best ways they can. The book is about a boy called Dan, who’s lived in London all his life, and a girl called Aliya, a refugee who’s escaped the Taliban and is living as a refugee in London.

Although I personally didn’t get into the book that easily I still thought certain bits were gripping and it hooked me in for certain periods at a time. The only problems I had were the beginning, as I felt it was rather rushed, and the end, as I thought it was a bit unbelievable.

I understood everything Dan did and why he did it; other characters, like Aliya, on the other hand, seemed to rush decisions that didn’t make sense under the circumstances, but I understand that the author did this to give the book a bit more action and pace.

I am always happy to see a good, topical book like this nominated for an award and I see how it brings to light the refugee crisis that appears in the news a lot and how it shows the point of view of a normal everyday teenage boy and an out-of-place refugee girl. I give the author thumbs up for that.

Jake gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Adam from Abbey Grange Academy:

Aliya's brother has been accused of making bombs for the Al Shaad by the British government and she sets out to prove that he is innocent. Dan is seeking the truth as well.

Warning! This book is extremely captivating and powerful. I could literally not out it down and as a consequence I am now very tired! It was based on a real life problem of refugees and people looking down on them.

The only point I could pick up on from this book is the fact that it is difficult to work out who's point of view it is in but it was interesting to see it from two different viewpoints.

Adam gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

William from King James's school:

I thought this was a really good book because of the action, mystery and twists. I could really relate with Dan, the male character, I think this is because he is very laid back but also loyal to his dad as he does not want him to get arrested. However I disliked the other characters (Aliya) as some of the choices she made were a bit stupid as she could not see the obvious. For example when she wouldn't accept the help of Dan.

William gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Joel from King James's School:

This book has changed my, and probably lots of other people’s, perceptions to certain types of people and organisations. It perfectly describes the feeling of aloneness that Aliya and her family feel before she met Dan.

The emotional journey is strongly described and adds a real sense of reality and truth about the book. I now believe that things like this really do happen and many immigrant families have been wrongly persecuted of terrorist attacks.

The main criticism I have against it is the beginning. I found the first chapter (set in Kabul, Afghanistan) lacked descriptions and the scene was set badly. I had no mental image of her house, the Taliban or the escape. This part could have been expanded massively and the book would have been better for it. I think that Sam Hepburn should write a prequel highlighting the events that led up to their journey to the UK.

Overall, if it were't for the bad start I might have considered giving ‘If you were me’ a rating of 4/5. However, I shall give at only a 3/5. A perception changing book that was almost perfect.

Joel gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Joel from Benton Park:

This book kept you on edge, even in the most unexpected places. It had plenty of plot twists and an all round good ending. Sadly, some of the twists were expected, but most of the others nicely surprised me. An all round good read.

Joel gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.

Aniqah from Allerton Grange High School:

I really enjoyed "If you were me" because of the great story line. Also it kept me hooked the whole way through because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I liked the way Sam Hepburn told the story through the perspective of two characters.

I would definitely recommend this book to kids my age and older.I gave If you were me by Sam Hepburn a 5 out of 5 because it was a really good book

Aniqah gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Joe All Alone by Joanna Nadin.

Luke from King James's School:

This book is about a teenage boy who is accused of a bomb attack and is supposedly working for a terrorist group. But since he has been badly injured it was up to his sister and her friend to prove he is innocent.

My favourite character was Dan because he just seemed laid back and lazy but if he is given a job to do he can do it effectively. The characters did feel real to me because I can imagine someone who could be in that situation and how hard it could be for them. The story did keep me guessing because since this book’s genre is a mystery so you don’t know when it is suddenly going to have a moment when something happens e.g. murder, plots, revilement (someone is not who they seem) or a kidnap. My favourite part of the book was when Behrouz got his memory back. I like this part of the book because it was a happy ending. Dan managed to keep the secret about his dad. Aliya proved her brother’s innocence. I think the scene when the general said that he was actually working for the terrorist group was brilliant because it brought the suspense back and it makes the story even more twisted because you don’t know who to trust. The book wasn’t really a laughing based story line and it wasn’t that sad to cry about. Yes, because of the suspense I had to keep on reading otherwise I would find it hard not knowing what happens next in the story. I think that the book shouldn’t switch the characters views so often because after a while I lost track of whose point of view it was. I would recommend this book to older students preferably 13-15 year olds because then you are not too young that you find this book terrifying and you are not too old that you don’t get the rush of adrenalin every time the author builds suspense.

Luke gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Scott from King James's School:

I loved this book. It contained far more of the darkness, violence and underlying links that I am used to than any other book I have read so far on this shortlist.

I think Sam Hepburn has created something brilliant. Recently, tensions with Muslim terrorists have reached an all-time high. This has introduced a somewhat nasty, stereotypical attitude towards such families.

This highly effective plotline features two teenagers, both trying to protect their families. It says something about society that the only two people who saw the truth were too young to do much about it.

This book could change the opinions of so many people. Any book with this power heartily deserves a 4 out of 5.

Scott gave If You Were Me 4 out of 5 and now plans to read The Crowham Martyrs by Jane McLoughlin.

Miss Busby from Corpus Christi Catholic College:

I love how the story is told from a dual-perspective. It was good to read from the minds of both characters and look at their different outlooks. It's a very intense book and it's easy to get immersed. This makes it difficult to put down!

Miss Busby gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read Jessica's Ghost by Andrew Norriss.

Jack from Corpus Christi Catholic College:

I really loved this book. I was gripped from the beginning and found it hard to put down! It's a book full of twists and turns and you're never quite sure what is going to happen next. If you like a good mystery book full of action and suspense then this is for you!

Jack gave If You Were Me 5 out of 5 and now plans to read 13 Days of Midnight by Leo Hunt.

Charlotte from Benton Park Secondary School:

I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'If I were You'. It has all the aspects of a thriller and yet is packed into a crime novel that is both gripping and played to my liking of deep investigative storytelling. I would recommend this to mature young teens.

Charlotte gave If You Were Me 3 out of 5 and now plans to read The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell.