Ben's Gargoyle Keith Gray 9780008774615

Critically acclaimed author Keith Gray masterfully grapples with the difficult dynamics of a tumultuous family environment in this compelling and bittersweet tale.

When Ben sees a monstrous gargoyle creeping across the midnight rooftops, he's desperate to tell someone. But Ben feels alone in his new home and is finding it hard fitting in at his new school.

Ben's dad doesn't believe him. He's always angry. He says Ben needs to act his age, stand up to the school bullies and "be a man". But can Ben find the courage to stand up to the biggest bully of all? And every night the gargoyle creeps closer.

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Keith Gray's debut novel Creepers was published when he was only 24 and was shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. His subsequent books include Ostrich Boys, which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal as well as the Costa Children's Book Award and has been adapted for the stage, The Last Soldier, which was shortlisted for the Scottish Teen Book Awards, and The Runner, which won the Smarties Silver Medal. Keith lives with his family in Vienna, Austria, where he co-founded the writer development community Kulturverein: Sunday Writers' Club.

"Ben's Gargoyle packs one heck of a punch. Keith Gray's story - complemented wonderfully by Keith Robinson's illustrations - explores themes of family, friendship and courage, and builds swiftly to a finale that's as astonishing as it is moving." - Darren Simpson

"Ben's Gargoyle is a powerful story about facing huge difficulties and finding the strength to cope ... Gray and Robinson are the dream team; with their unflinching yet sensitive portrayal of Ben's life. Tense, original and ultimately hopeful, Ben's Gargoyle is a complex idea told with skill; a deceptively simple reflection of toxic masculinity and finding the inner strength to fight it." - Lesley Parr

"Keith Gray pulls no punches in this gloriously dark tale of upheaval, fear and danger. Ben's struggles are carved from granite in tense and weighty lines, tapping into the bedrock of what masculinity means. A fine gothic fable about how to face the monsters that lurk both inside and out." - Luke Palmer

"This is a great gothic tale of psychological horror. Ben's struggles with his father are sad and told very effectively - within a few pages we see how his life has changed, and the danger all around him. The gargoyle is a constant presence and the mystery of what it is - and perhaps what it represents - is revealed in a shocking scene. And you'll be punching the air as Ben manages to find his inner strength ... A wonderfully gothic tale with a great theme - I loved it!" - Alastair Chisholm

"Atmospherically illustrated by Keith Robinson is a powerful piece of storytelling. Absolutely brilliant. Totally unexpected ending." - Teacher

"A brilliantly emotive short story about bullying and finding strength and support. You can't help but feel for Ben, his loneliness and family dynamics. An engaging (and gruesome!) opening, accessible format and hopeful ending - a must for a school library." - NetGalley review