The Bonds of Brotherhood — Bob Mitchell

The Bonds of Brotherhood begins with an act of vandalism at a prestigious English private school. A statue in honor of the school's founder is defaced, sparking the curiosity of a group of perceptive ninth graders. Was this a routine property crime, or a political statement gone wrong? This is a fresh take on the classic boarding school novel. Stimulating critical thinking for teenagers in an age of cancel culture, the tale is told with gentleness and plenty of humor. The British boarding school setting is the perfect environment to critique elitism and pomposity, and to revisit some of the darker shadows of history. Underneath this story is the biblical notion of our shared value and humanity. Important motifs about inequality, slavery, exclusion, and bullying pervade the text. Strong Christian voices come from the main protagonist, Edwin Fothergill, and the school's chaplain; goodness, generosity, and kindness prevail.