Description

A coming-of-age tale that will make you laugh and cry, perfect for fans of Time Travelling With a Hamster and The Goldfish Boy.

Before she disappeared, Riley’s mama used to tell him stories about the Whispers, mysterious creatures with the power to grant wishes.

Riley wishes for lots of things. He wishes his secret crush Dylan liked him back. He wishes the bumbling detective would stop asking awkward questions. But most of all he wishes his mother would come home . . .

Four months later, the police are no closer to finding out the truth – and Riley decides to take matters into his own hands.

But do the Whispers really exist?
And what is Riley willing to do to find out?

Publisher Review

Howard triumphs in the delicate treatment of complex themes - trauma, religion and sexuality, to name a modest few - rendering The Whispers a suitable tale for readers of R. J. Palacio's thoughtful bestseller, Wonder. * NYALitFest * Howard pulls off the trick of making Riley's real quest even more heart-wrenching than the fantasy that drives it. This taut, moving tale delves beyond loss into issues of sexuality, conformity and self-acceptance . . . "The Whispers" is a masterful exploration into the power of storytelling but also its dangers, including self-denial and escapism. * The New York Times * A heartbreaking, beguiling debut . . . This poignant journey through the badlands of grief is crammed with tenderness, wit and warmth. * The Guardian *