In the first 25 pages of this book, nothing that I thought would happen did! Although the story of a child dealing with cancer is one that has been told before in many different ways, Wink seems to take a different look at is. First of all, we get all the details very near the beginning. We're also right at the start of his treatment, so less like a full retelling, more like moving along with the story at a steady pace. As well as this we're met not with a starry-eyed teenager, but a boy a bit younger who is a bit socially awkward. Luckily not the typical facade of ' I'm a quirky outcast who doesn't like anyone else', but just a genuine person who isn't too confident, this was definitely pleasing to see.

A very touching and perceptive book on cancer and the way it affects a child’s life. It is written in the first voice so straight away you really understand Ross and all the emotions he goes through, from initial diagnosis, treatment and how it affects him at school. It cleverly puts across that the reaction of his peers can often be harder to deal with than the actual effects of the illness itself and also how he has to manage the emotions and actions of friends and family. It is very skillfully written with the author having had the same type of cancer as the fictional Ross. Although the subject matter is difficult the author manages to keep a sense of humour most of the time and the sketches and strip cartoon that are included add to this. It would be helpful read for anyone who is going through cancer, particularly a young teen, and also very useful for friends and family to read to help them understand the illness from the patient’s point of view.

Great story based on true events. Ross develops a rare form of eye cancer affecting his tear duct. He's only a teenager and as well as struggling with school life he is thrown in the deep end with his treatment. School is hard at the best of times but having to walk around with a cowboy hat on, losing his hair and eyebrow, plus a squinty eye, a raw rash on the side of his face, life just sucks sometimes. With a little help from his best mate Abby and Frank, his proton technician, he manages to make a dull situation into a rad one! Really fun story, love the guitar lessons, and Frank is a fab character. Everyone needs a Frank in their lives. Aimed at young adults, this story is ideal for anyone!

Wink is a YA book written by Rob Harrell and based on his own experiences. The central character is Ross who unfortunately has just been diagnosed with a rare malignant rumour which threatens his vision. Ross is a budding artist and sketches pop up at various points in the book, often serving to lighten the mood after awkward or sad moments. As well as dealing with his cancer diagnosis and treatments, Ross also has to contend with difficulties within his friendship group and continued embarrassing moments in front of Sarah, his secret (or not so secret) crush! This is a well written book about so much more than dealing with cancer. It covers a lot of issues that young people face but manages to do so in a sensitive and gentle manner. This is definitely one I recommend to those of late primary and early secondary age.

This is a light hearted read about a young boy who has a rare eye cancer and needs to deal with everyday life including school. Ross Molloy tries to get along in the best way he can despite having to deal with his cancer because he has Batpig, an unusual superhero of his own imagination. The author has used humour combined with a superhero comic strip to narrate his own personal account of dealing with eye cancer. The illustrations are black and white. However, the front cover is bright, colourful and bold. Both cancer and death are issues that affect us and different people deal with it in different ways.