Dead Ends by Erin Lange

The Blurb On The Back:

”I had a foot on some guy’s throat and a hand in my pocket the first time I saw Billy D …”

Dane Washington and Billy D couldn’t be more different.

Dane is a bully. He says he has ‘standards’: he doesn’t hit girls, and he doesn’t hit special ed kids.

Billy D is too kind to hit anyone. He has Down syndrome and hangs out with teachers in his lunch break.

But one chance encounter leads them to realise that they have more in common than they think …

For anyone who loves a roadtrip.

For anyone who’s ever been bullied.

For anyone who’s ever felt different.

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Erin Lange’s second YA novel returns to the theme of bullying in a touching story about friendship and anger that’s not quite as good as BUTTER but still an enjoyable read. The main reason to read this is Billy D whose Down syndrome is authentically presented but who remains a nuanced character with his own desires. Dane’s a similarly layered character, frustrated by his mother’s refusal to use her lottery winnings and convinced he only hits people who deserve it. I was a little disappointed with Seely, who’s little more than a love interest for Dane and there are places when the pace sags and risks becoming repetitive. That said though, I enjoyed reading it and will definitely be reading Lange’s next novel.

Thanks to Faber & Faber for the review copy of this book.