A Story that Helps Kids Understand an All-too-familiar Problem
‘This story will encourage children to talk about their struggles, and it may be that others will begin to understand what life is like for some of their classmates.’
Glenys Adams, former primary school teacher
Did you know that 1 in 5 children in the UK lives with a parent who drinks too much?[1] This means that every child you know is very likely to share a classroom with one or more school friends impacted by problem drinking. Promises are broken, children feel let down or forgotten, and no one seems to understand. A new novel could help.
Becoming the Biking Burketts is a compelling, contemporary children’s novel that addresses these issues in a sensitive, age-appropriate way. Author Jean Wyatt is a retired GP who has worked in the UK and overseas, and seen the devastating effect that alcohol abuse can cause to families. But she has also seen how problems can be overcome – and how a Christian faith can sometimes help. With her professional experience and pastoral perspective, she is able to share informative insights in a relatable style – all the while telling a great story!
The life of our hero, eight-year old Danny Burkett, is a mess. His dad drinks too much, his family’s falling apart, and then the unthinkable happens – his best friend Jimmy is seriously injured in a car crash, and his drunk dad is to blame. With his world spinning, Danny turns to his no-nonsense, Jamaican gran who encourages him with her faith and kindness. But can he and Jimmy ever be friends again? And when his dad comes home from prison, how will Danny be able to forgive him? As they seeks to mend the past, cycling might be just what the Burketts need to become a family again.
Commenting on the novel and her reasons for writing it, Jean says, ‘I have written the story with much prayer, and hope that it will be enjoyed by children who are not from a Christian background, as well as some who are.
‘My hope is that the book will give a message to pre-teens about the dangers that can be associated with alcohol, and also a message of hope that if they or their parents mess up, that is not the end – restoration is possible, and Jesus Christ is the greatest and best restorer of lives.’
So if you know a child who enjoys a compelling story, one that allows for gentle conversations about key issues – problem drinking, changing friendships, bullying, faith and questions of race – then Jean’s novel might be just what you need. And if they like cycling too, then all the better!
[1] https://nacoa.org.uk/support-advice/for-young-people/help-advice/
‘I loved the plot of the book – it was very gripping. I also liked all the little details, they made it a very fun book to read.’
Zoe, aged 12
Becoming the Biking Burketts by Jean Wyatt (ISBN: 9781912726912) is published by Instant Apostle and is available on 17th October 2025 from bookshops and online retailers. Children’s Fiction, paperback, 128pp, £10.99.