Press

What the critics say

It soon develops into a cautionary tale about the way that both a friendship and a child's originality is destroyed by peer pressure. What makes it even more unusual is that it is told out of the mind of the boy who brought about the destruction. Blackman threads humour into the tragedy and (just) succeeds in giving us something to hope for.
- The Independent

Inspired writing...it flows like melted butter and glistens as it goes...Blackman knows her verse forms and uses them to brilliant effect.
- Guardian

One of the most original and moving books of the year...an absolutely remarkable book.
- Daily Mail

It is funny and poignant and Blackman's use of language is wonderfully economic. This is a masterpiece of writing and a book for all ages.
- TES

A celebration of friendship and individuality.
- Primary Times (Lincs.)

A wonderful story of friendship and learning about yourself . . . Deceptively simple with deeper overtones, this is a very thought-provoking story.
- Primary Times (Hampshire)

A powerful book both in content and style.
- www.writeaway.co.uk

Davey's dazzling perspective is a foil to a very normal schoolboy life beset with dilemma and prejudice.
- Families South East

Interview in the Funday Times with the author.
- The Sunday Times

This is a lyrical story written in verse that celebrates friendship and individuality.
- Teaching and Learning

Full page interview with Malorie.
- Evening Standard

This is a really touching tale of friendship.
- South Wales Argus

A satisfying verse novel about an old problem.
- Carousel Christmas Supplement

Article on The Nestle Smarties Book Award with a competition to win all nine shortlisted titles.
- Brownie

Article on The Nestle Smarties Book Award with a competition to win all three shortlisted titles in the six-eight category.
- BBC The Magic Key

Blackman's insights into the complexities of the boy's friendship move convincingly between the humorous and the poignant, all set against the credible portrayal of their school and their fellow pupils.
- Irish Times

Mentioned in an article about essential books for all primary ages - Shifts between poetic forms in a tale of bullying, friendship and the power of imagination.
- TES

Short review.
- Oxford Times

Hats off to Malorie Blackman...sheer poetry.
- Oxford Times

It's the mastery of the telling and the apparent effortlessness of the style that wins the reader over...the language is lucid, uncluttered, and the tale moves along at a swift, measured pace....an unputdownable page-turner...an intense lyrical feat.
- Inis

A skilful blend of fun, sadness and joy.
- Sunday Tribune

...the touching story is told completely in verse adn the clever use of language really holds the reader attention.
- The Newbury Advertiser

A heartwarming tale about a friendship between two boys, with happy, bad and sad times.
- Sunday Express