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Thirteen-year-old Niilo;s unruly behaviour means his loving parents sent him to Wild School, a young offender;s unit on an island in the Finnish archipelago. He comes to love being there and builds a close relationship with his mentor, Hannu, who helps him face his demons and overcome his lifelong fear of swimming. But when he hears Hannu is leaving, Niilo is so upset he decides to escape. Escaping is one thing for Niilo but living alone in the wild is completely different and it tests him to the utmost, especially as his fear of water still haunts him.
With the help of a seal, Hannu eventually finds Niilo, but on the way back to Wild School the same seal collides with the boat. Niilo, thrown into the water, has flashbacks to another accident which helps to unlock the anger and fear that he has built up in him over the years. The seal in this lyrical story provides a spiritualist element, providing Niilo with a key to help rebuild his life.
About the author
Janis lives in Edinburgh and as well as writing she teaches creative writing at Edinburgh University. She is a prize-winning author of several novels and one picture book text. She has been a journalist, actor, storyteller and drama teacher, travelling the world in the process. She has been a writer-in-residence many times, mostly recently in Finland. She is inspired by the sea, seals and the dramatic north coast.
Summary
A boy overcomes his fear of water and connects with nature in this powerful novel of transformationThirteen-year-old Niilo's unruly behaviour means his loving parents sent him to Wild School, a young offender's unit on an island in the Finnish archipelago.
Foreword
A boy overcomes his fear of water and connects with nature in this powerful novel of transformation
