DEEPER THAN BLUE
‘Amy’s Law. Never Give up. Go for it.’
But the law is about to be broken. Amy’s world will change forever. Can she survive the deep water and follow her dream?
Amy Curtis has an Olympic dream – to swim for Team GB. She becomes County Freestyle champion in Nottingham and is a local heroine, especially to her mum, dad, big sister Caz and best friend Sophie. Her coach Dan thinks she has it all – courage, talent and dedication.
But whilst celebrating with Sophie, the dream shatters. An accident turns 13-year-old Amy’s life upside down. She feels broken and useless, but finds an ally in Harry Higgins (14), her sparky hospital mate. Harry has his own health battles, but nothing stops him being the life and soul of Sunflower Ward. Amy and Harry form a deep bond and with his help, she starts to laugh again.
The Curtis family relocates to the South of England to help Amy rebuild her life away from the pool, but her new physio Ramoul, a Jamaican born rap fiend, has other ideas. He inspires her to get back in the water. Harry also tells her to follow her dream. Amy determines to compete again, but with family tensions at breaking point, her Olympic goal has a cost she never imagined.
Deeper Than Blue was published by Orchard Books, May 2007.
UK and Commonwealth publication rights are now re-available. Please contact Jill’s agent, Jodie Marsh, at United Agents, for further details.
Deeper Than Blue was optioned for TV production by Endemol UK in 2010.
Winner of the 1066 Schools’ Book Award 2008
Shortlisted for the Bolton Children’s Book Award 2008
Shortlisted for the Spellbinding Award, Cumbria, 2008.
Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award for an outstanding first novel for children, 2008.
REVIEWS
‘A powerful story of the journey of an inspirational & feisty role model overcoming adversity and bereavement. A very emotional tale.’ Waterstone’s review
‘This is a moving story which looks at how Amy copes and overcomes the consequences of the accident. Absolutely fantastic’. Waterstone’s review
‘This book was FABULOUS! I really enjoyed it – within minutes I was hooked but sometimes it was an emotional roller coaster. I would recommend this book to anyone to be honest. The start is heartbreaking, but the ending is a stunning fairytale.’
Waterstone’s Junior Proof Readers, Ayr Branch
‘A moving coming-of-age tale from a talented author.’ LoveReading4kids.co.uk
‘I think this is one of the best books I have ever read, it has so much good and sad emotion in it! I think it’s gr8! Also the best story lines! It’s totally amazing!’ Sam, The Deckchair site, 2009.
‘I think that the book is amazing, it is fantastic to read and my number 1 by miles.’ Sophie, The Deckchair site, 2009
‘I think that this book was so good that they should make a film out of it, my dad agreed and he is a film director!’ Issy, The Deckchair site, 2007
‘It’s a deeply moving story and it’s a great way to encourage people to fulfil their dreams. Please keep going. Thank you.’ Isabel (from Jill’s website)