This story is told simply, with illustrations, to appeal to readers as young as seven, but it's an engaging tale with a powerful message which will speak to all ages. And it's a reminder of the challenges facing some children in society today. The author, in explaining his inspiration for the book, says just that - far too many children are unable to concentrate at school or take up interests and hobbies because of circumstances at home out of their control. 

Will has the wrong shoes. It's not that he wants the fancy trainers of his wealthy best friend Cameron, but he'd like to have shoes which fit and don't let in the rain. His shoes are cheap and broken, but they're all his Dad can afford. 

Will is a lovely young boy who lives with his Dad and visits his Mum and her new partner at weekends. He knows that he doesn't have the clothes or the games or the technology that his schoolfriends have, but he is accepting and makes the best of things. Until it all starts going very wrong. 

This is an amazing book. It's told so simply and easily but the message hits you hard. Will suffers because of the decisions of his well-meaning and loving parents.

He has cereal with lemon squash because there's no milk. He can't afford a haircut and his own efforts at cutting his hair cause him to be ridiculed. He's frightened because his Dad is being threatened by a loan shark. And then he gets caught up with the wrong crowd. It's all in here and it's easy to see how it happens.

But Will is sensible and resourceful and there's hope and kind people looking out for Will - at school, at the corner shop, at home. Whatever we think of the cost of living crisis, we should remember how children are affected. A brilliant book which I recommend to everyone!