[This] will soon be on school reading lists and examination syllabuses everywhere, as it has "classic" singing from every page ... A joyous shout of youthful exuberance ... Wheatle's Twain-like command of patois never falters ... Enriching and life-affirming ... A total gem for any age.
Independent
I love this book. It's elegant, authentic and humane. It hums with the beat of real life and the language sings from the page. This is mature, powerful writing by an author with great talent and great heart.
David Almond, Guardian Children's Fiction Prize judge
Brilliant, tough, heartbreaking read.
Tanya Landman, author of Buffalo Soldier, Carnegie medal winner
Funny, profane, well-observed accounts of life on an urban estate.
Sunday Times
Alex Wheatle captures the rhythm and movement of language though simile, humour and redefinitions of meaning . . . Straight Outta Crongton is a book full of humour and tenderness.
Patrice Lawrence, the Guardian