Become a reviewer
Join our dedicated community of junior reviewers! Get a free book to review, have your review published on the site and if you're really lucky get noticed by the author too!
Six Weeks
Book Review
a beautifully written book that had me hanging on to every word
The description of emotions is so precise and realistic that I could actually feel them – for example, if a character was really sad, it made me want to cry, and if a character was excited or happy, I would be too. It honestly feels like you are in the story as well.
The fact that the book is in verse enhances the language even more. When there is a dramatic or important line, having it stand alone emphasises the feeling, and the layout and pattern of verse is like hearing the character’s thoughts.
I liked how when there was a really sad line the page was black or dark grey instead of white because it really strengthened the mood. I also really liked how the illustrator (Joe Todd-Stanton) drew the character’s expressions as it showed their emotions very clearly.
Also, the juxtaposition between the main character’s mood (sad and sombre) and his baby sister’s (happy and bubbly) made their personalities stand out.
I would strongly recommend this book to anyone aged 11 years+ who enjoys reading books that make you think.
About the Book
Alfie Piper’s mum, Sally Taylor, is dead, and she meant everything to him. He never wants to see his mum’s partner again. Without her, Alfie is lost, and he feels like all of his hope is shattered. The only place he can get away from his thoughts is on his bike, riding up and over the hills, trying to outrun his grief.
One day, cycling in town, Alfie’s bike pedal breaks, and he realises he is round the corner from his mum’s house. He’s drawn towards it, and finds his stepfather in the driveway.
On instinct, Alfie runs away, but when he comes back for his bike… his stepdad is being nice to him, when he wasn’t when Alfie’s mum was around.
He and his stepfather start bonding over shared grief and go hiking in the mountains. Alfie’s step dad is as much affected by Sally’s death as Alfie is, and the two of them help each other manage their grief together.
Poet
Matt Goodfellow
Matt Goodfellow is a British poet and children’s author known for writing powerful, relatable poetry for young readers. Before becoming a full-time writer, he worked as a primary school teacher, where he discovered his passion for sharing poetry with children. He is best known for his verse novel The Final Year, which won the CLiPPA award and explores the challenges of growing up.
Illustrator
Joe Todd-Stanton
Joe Todd-Stanton is a British author and illustrator known for creating imaginative children’s picture books inspired by mythology and folklore. He is best known for his Brownstone’s Mythical Collection series, including The Secret of Black Rock and The Explorer of the North. His work is celebrated for its detailed artwork and engaging storytelling, which bring ancient myths to life for young readers.
Reviewer Profile
Esther, 12
- Reviews: 5
- Likes: animals, art and anime
- Dislikes: spinach and people who fold the corner of a book page
- Favourite Book: The Agency for Scandal by Laura Wood
- Favourite Film: Spirited Away
- Favourite Song: Death to My Hometown by Bruce Springsteen
Would you like to read the book too?
Find out more about the title by clicking on the button below
Why not order it from an indie bookshop close to home? Or, you’ll get a discount and make a small donation (£0.30) towards the cost of posting books to our reviewers via the link above
Alternatively, please visit your local library and enquire about its availability, if you can’t find it on the shelf
Happy Reading:)
