“Derek should come and see just what a difference his books also make to literacy skills. As a non-selective school, we have disaffected students who haven’t read a book in years. Our Friday 5 Reading Club targets these students by providing modern, exciting books. Our motto is How can I read for fun if I have nothing fun to read? Derek’s novels simply make these students want to read again  with quite incredible results. ”

“My students were hooked on Skulduggery Pleasant right from the beginning. The book works for students like mine because the story is fast-paced, with quick-witted dialogue, and while the language is accessible, it doesn’t talk down to them. The characters are quirky and their interactions are both humorous and heart-warming.  The students laughed out loud in parts, and often read the story in class using different voices, which is a real achievement for them in developing their social imagination.”

“In Year 6 my teacher read Skulduggery to the class. I fell in love with the story and bought it myself. I now own every single one and have read the first one eight times. I don’t what I’d do without it!”