John Swain's gritty novel SMITHY IS., is not only brutally insightful and hard hitting, but also crucial to the issues that young people have faced and continue to face. Set in the northern town of Leeds, we see a young boy progressing to adulthood, who experiences and is privy to several disturbing issues such as: mental abuse, sexual abuse, bullying, racism and an overall tumultuous number of years growing up. What is especially appealing is the narrative in which it is written that will almost certainly appeal to a younger audience. It will completely resonate with the teenager of today! A must read for both young people and any professional carer or educator of today.