The Frosterly Close Gang: Be Brave Not Daft

Four mates. One summer. Zero mobile phones. When a fire traps their rivals, the Frosterly Close Gang must turn mischief into real courage. Funny, fast and full of heart for ages 8–12. Be brave, not daft. Mark, Grant, Nick and Craig are the Frosterly Close Gang: four mates, one street, and a summer that keeps getting bigger. Between Olympic-level Kerbby, a daring raid on the Old Lines, and a rivalry with the no-good Emsleigh Close crew, trouble seems to find them like a ball finds a window. Then they stumble on a secret: an old gang notebook from 1971 with rules, a map, and a blank box titled The Grand Caper . Suddenly the lads are making crop circles that end up on the news, facing down the Spennymoor “Diving Board of Death,” and learning why the quiet local bobby, PC Binks, always seems to be exactly where he’s needed. When a fire breaks out in a derelict house and their rivals are trapped inside, the boys have to decide what kind of gang they really are. With no mobile phones, only courage, rope, and a half-remembered rule — leave no one behind — the Close will never be the same. Perfect for readers 8–12 (and nostalgic grown-ups), The Frosterly Close Gang: Aliens, Diving Boards & The Grand Caper is a funny, big-hearted adventure about friendship, courage and doing the right thing… even when it’s the last thing you fancy. Themes: friendship, bravery, mischief with consequences, doing good quietly Setting: 1970s Newton Hall — bikes, ponds, the River Wear, and PC Binks’ steady whistle Open the notebook. Mind the Close. And when it matters, be brave — not daft. Read more