The Falling Boy - David Almond

 

'Nothing is the same for Joff this summer.  His dad is ill, his mam is working, there's a new kid in town.  He can't wait to escape each day and explore with his dog Jet.

But there's one place he's not allowed to explore.  Above the town sits the Chapel of Doom, ancient and crumbling, with warning signs and the legend of the Falling Boy.

And when Joff's adventures take him beyond the boundaries, he discovers something unexpected, something truly magical...'

David Almond has a very distinctive way of writing that makes wonderful use of dialogue that draws readers in and makes them feel as though they are living the story alongside the characters.  The long summer stretching out should be an exciting time for Joff but this is a strange and difficult time for Joff, not only is he battling his emotions around his dad's illness, he is also experiencing changes in his friendships.  He doesn't quite know what to do with his time and I can imagine many readers will understand this feeling; six weeks with no concrete plans can feel daunting.  It must be difficult for his parents who are trying desperately to shield him from the worst of his father's illness without keeping him in the dark; the love they have for him is evident to see.  With his friendship with Dawn developing, the pair end up wandering up to the Chapel of Doom, an abandoned chapel with numerous do not enter signs.  Of course, this doesn't deter them and the time they spend there creates something very special and healing.  I won't spoil things but the end of the book, but I will say that it will fill your heart and warm even the hardest soul.

Out now, The Falling Boy is a wonderfully soothing book about coping with family illness, change, friendship and hope.