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The Final Year
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Check link for latest rating. ( 2,241 ratings, 326 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The first novel, told in verse for middle-grade readers, by a leading children’s poet, with atmospheric pictures by a Carnegie-shortlisted illustrator
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
The first novel, told in verse, for middle grade readers by acclaimed poet Matt Goodfellow, illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton. A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.
See that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his hand sayin' see ya later to his mate?
That’s me: Nathan Wilder - Nate. 10 years old and a week away from the end of Year 5. Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS at his side - they’ve been inseparable since Nursery. But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, his world turns upside-down.
As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan, is rushed into hospital. His new teacher, Mr. Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to make sense of what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough?
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow has been consistently praised for its poignant and beautifully crafted verse that resonates with readers, particularly young ones. It tells the story of Nate's final year in primary school, capturing themes of friendship, family, and personal growth with sensitivity and authenticity. Illustrations by Joe Todd-Stanton complement the narrative, enhancing its emotional depth. Reviewers recommend the book for both children and adults, appreciating its exploration of life's challenges and the power of poetry and storytelling.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781915659040
Publisher: Otter-Barry Books
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 07 September 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Otter-Barry Books Ltd
Illustration: Illustrations, black and white
Contributors:
- Illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 300g
Pages: 304
About the Author
Former primary school teacher Matt Goodfellow is now a full-time poet who visits schools across the country to give high-energy performances and workshops. His first poetry collection for Otter-Barry Books, Chicken on the Roof, received wide acclaim. He is also the author of Caterpillar Cake, illustrated by Krina Patel-Sage, Shu-Lin's Grandpa, illustrated by Yu Rong, and a contributor to Being Me: Poems about Thoughts, Worries and Feelings, all published by Otter-Barry Books. Matt lives in Stockport, Manchester, UK.
Joe Todd-Stanton is an author/illustrator who grew up in Brighton and studied at UWE Bristol, receiving a first-class degree in Illustration. His picture book The Secret of Black Rock was longlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Award and won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. DreamWorks Animation have optioned the motion picture rights to his Brownstone’s Mythical Collection series. He has twice been shortlisted for the Oscar’s Book Prize.
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