Description

Nate’s eleven and has just finished Primary School. After a challenging final year, life is looking up. His brother has recovered from a life-threatening heart condition, he’s got the love of his mum, brothers and Auntie San, and he’s off to Secondary School with his two best mates.

But while he’s making new friends and avoiding the fists of Turner, his old nemesis, and struggling to come to terms with a strict new teacher and a sense of isolation from his brothers, a sudden surprise appearance in Nate’s life threatens to throw him completely off course. And The Beast – the anger he tries so hard to control – reappears. Will Nate find a way to keep himself and his family together?

Publisher Review

“This is so beautiful. Even better than The Final Year if that is possible. Cried buckets towards the end. Everyone needs to read this. The sibling’s relationship is perfection.” — Dawn Woods * The School Librarian (SLA) * “The seeming simplicity of the text belies the complexity of emotion and experience which the story explores. The power and poignancy in places is breathtaking, making Nate’s continued story every bit as engaging as it was in The Final Year.” * Through the Bookshelf * “As with the previous novel, the verse format makes for an accessible read, enhanced by Joe Todd-Stanton’s engaging illustrations… The realistic language and inner-city setting add to the text’s authenticity…The First Year is a powerful and engaging novel, particularly relevant for Year 6 pupils facing their own imminent move to secondary school, as well as those who may be struggling to fit in once they reach Year 7.” * School Reading List * “Matt Goodfellow gets more wonder, fear and love into starting a new school than most writers get out of the whole multiverse.” * Frank Cottrell-Boyce * “I loved it as much as the The Final Year. It pushes all the right buttons for me – honest, warm, compassionate and a celebration of family and friendship.” * Patrice Lawrence *