Goodnight, Boy

(Paperback)

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Publishing Details

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Description

Wake up, Boy. Wake up. Im bored. Time passes slowly in here, just you and me. The kennel has been J.C.'s and his dog Boys home, ever since JCs new foster father locked them inside. JC tells Boy about how he came to his country and his chaotic life beforehand: his family; the orphanage; the hurricane that swept everything away.He also tells him about when everything changed. His foster mother Melanie brought a new light into his life and brought him to her home country. That was before JC and Boy did something bad, something very bad. Just before their punishment, just before the kennel. Now their foster father is getting sicker, Melanie still isnt home, and JC and Boy realize that they have to try and escape . . .

Reviews

'While the prose is clear and simple, it is powerful. This is a gripping read with lots of tension as the reader starts to feel the mental and physical impact of the confinement on JC.'

* School Librarian *

'Because of the free verse and well-crafted suspense, reluctant readers can relish a thick(ish) book that reads quickly. The complicated plot resolves solidly, and the characters matter. JC's poignant insights will stay with thoughtful readers long after they finish the book.'

* VOYA *

'This is an intricate story in which bits from the past and hints of the present converge on a shocking reveal. JC's hope, perseverance, and tenacity make hima relatable character... A good purchase for schools and libraries.'

* School Library Journal *

Its a testimony to Sheehans tight writing, plotting and beautifully light touch that its impossible not to read on as her humour seeps through the horror.

* The Times *

With a unique voice, Nikki Sheehan creates a story that is both dark, yet filled with hope. It's one of those books that you want to re-read again and again. Stunning and unforgettable.

-- Lisa Heathfield, author of Seed and Paper Butterflies

'Goodnight, Boy is a unique book. Brilliantly conceived and beautifully constructed.'

-- Brian Conaghan, winner of the 2016 Costa Childrens Book Award

'A hauntingly original and heartbreakingly beautiful novel'

-- Sarah Crossan, winner of the 2016 CILIP Carnegie Medal

'Wonderful, heartfelt and beautiful . . . utterly unpredictable'

-- Piers Torday on Swan Boy

A moving story about grief, resilience and courage

* Financial Times on Swan Boy *

Author Bio

Nikki Sheehan is the youngest daughter of a rocket scientist. Sheehan achieved a first class degree in linguistics and worked as a subtitler on Coronation Street and The Simpsons. She later studied developmental psychology and journalism and continues to work as a freelance journalist and copywriter, specialising in parenting features. Sheehan has three children and is also a story mentor with Little Green Pig (Ministry of Stories) helping children to access their creativity. In addition, Sheehan is also one of three organisers of Brighton Rocks Books, the first mini festival of children's writing in the area. Sheehan is also the author of Who Framed Klaris Cliff Published by O.U.P in 2014. She was nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Swan Boy.