The first Crongton tale, Liccle Bit, was narrated by the eponymous Lemar 'Liccle Bit' Jackson. Their second outing is told by his friend, McKay Tambo, who is a very different character. For anyone who has not yet read Liccle Bit, (and you really should) McKay starts with a brief prologue giving just enough information to allow the reader to understand the background to the events that follow. Using a different voice obviously offers a new perspective on South Crongton and we also get to know McKay and his family circumstances. His mum has died, and McKay, his brother Nesta and their dad muddle along, trying to cope in their own ways. Meanwhile, Bit asks McKay and their other friend Jonah to join him in retrieving something of importance for a girl, involving a trek across town. Things of course get out of hand and lessons are learned by all. McKay is a warm and funny person to lead us through the mine field of life on the South Crongton estate. I laughed (mostly) and cried (a bit). I'm hoping that this won't be the last visit to South Crongton.
Highly recommended. ( )