Can anyone identify this book?

[GiuseppeAvocado]

DS, 10, started reading a fiction book at school before the end of term and wants to finish it, but left the book at school for the holidays. I'd happily get him a Kindle version to read to keep him off Minecraft, but he cant remember the title or author and has only read one chapter so far so plot details are sketchy.

He thinks it is set in England, and opens with a teenager or young adult called Kate driving a car, thinking about events that have led up to her being there.

That's all he can remember about plot and characters. DS is a good reader and the book was given to him by his English teacher as an extension activity so it might be a YA book or one aimed at older children.

Does that description ring any bells for anyone?

Very sketchy, but I remember a book called "Your Turn to put the light out" which I think was by T Roche, or similar.
Definitely a youth book, I got it out from the library, I can't remember the name of the main characters, but I think it starts with the character driving and reminiscing.
I wouldn't get that one unless you think it is definitely that one though.

Basically at the end they're at a party drinking, and get in a car which hits a tree and kills the sister, I can't remember whether it's a friend or the MC who is driving. It's well written but I remember the ending being a big shock-I'd have been similar age to your ds when I read it, and there were no clues all the way through that this was going to happen.
I like happy endings to books.

Thanks MargaretThursday - don't think that is the one unfortunately, but thank you for the suggestion!

I’d really hope your son’s teacher wouldn’t give him YA books to read, even if they’d match his reading level. The themes do not tend to she suitable for a 10 year old.

At 10 I was stealing Stephen King books from my mum's shelves. One of the absolute joys of reading if you ask me, finding your own pathway and reading slightly unsuitable sex scenes etc

I’d say let him play Minecraft. He could become the degenerate Minecraft YouTuber

Possibly The Way to Sattin Shore by Philippa Pearce? The main character is called Kate but when the book opens she is still a child.

@JanFebAnyMonth

I’d really hope your son’s teacher wouldn’t give him YA books to read, even if they’d match his reading level. The themes do not tend to she suitable for a 10 year old.

When I started high school, the recommended reading list they gave us had The Hunger Games on it. It didn’t traumatise me, and I’d already read a lot of YA fiction at the that point.