Description

“A funny, tender, poignant debut with a believable,
sympathetic protagonist.” – The Gaurdian

“A
really lovely book, so tender and
truthful.” – Jacqueline Wilson, bestselling author of
The Story of Tracy Beaker

“Fox writes
with great warmth and humour: his triumph is to turn this story
of modern domestic strife into an uplifting read, with plenty
of surprises en route.” – Daily Telegraph

“Addressing
complex real-world issues (the
cost-of-living crisis, mental health, friendship problems…) with
honesty, clarity and compassion.” – Teach Primary

“Expect
to have your heart broken
and mended in one reading of this must-read novel.” –
Belfast Telegraph

“A tender, moving
story beautifully capturing life in all its light and shade”
– Hannah Gold, author of Waterstones Children’s Book
Prize Winner The Last Bear

“It is a
beautiful, heartfelt gem of a book, I loved it.” – Tom
Vaughan, author of Hercules

“This
story is full to the brim with heart” – Helen Rutter,
author of The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh

“Honest,
funny and touching, Solo’s story will stay
with you long after the last page.” – Lisa Williamson

“A
moving…and thought-provoking
story” – Cath Howe, author of Ella on the Outside

It’s not easy to fit in when you’re the boy in the suit…

Ten-year-old Solo – embarrassingly, that isn’t short for anything
– just wants to be normal.

He wants a name that doesn’t stand out. He wishes he had a proper
school uniform that fitted him. He dreams about a mum
who doesn’t get the Big Bad Reds, like his mum
Morag.

But most of all he longs to stop crashing funerals for the free
food.

But when Solo and Morag crash the funeral of a celebrity and get
caught, the press are there to witness their humiliation. The
next day it’s splashed across the papers. Before Solo knows it, he
becomes a viral sensation, and life may never
be normal again.

Solo’s uphill pursuit of security, community and connection will
break your heart and then mend it.

Page-turning, moving, but ultimately life-affirming, this story
is perfect for fans of The Boy at the Back of the Class, The
Goldfish Boy, Wonder and Jacqueline Wilson.

A sensitive, empathetic, timely portrayal of a family struggling
during the cost of living crisis.

This extraordinary debut will make you laugh and cry.