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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Kidnapping
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Last Firefox is a great story, exploring how we can learn to accept ourselves for who we are. It radiates positivity and definitely sets the tone for younger readers who may be thinking about their place in the world.
Our main character is shy Charlie, a boy who has two great friends but who is also experiencing a problem with bullies. With his two dads trying to adopt a new child and being about to start Year 7, Charlie is worried about how things are changing.
The story begins when he heads to a remote spot to try and hide a pebble for his friends to find. On the day in question he is shocked by the arrival of a young man from another world who charges him with the task of looking after the last Firefox. Much as he loves the idea of a pet, Charlie fears his capability and he worries he’s not enough to take on the things hunting for the Firefox.
It’s hard not to fall slightly in love with Charlie. Refreshingly honest about his fears, Charlie is the kind of boy who proves more than capable.
Our main character is shy Charlie, a boy who has two great friends but who is also experiencing a problem with bullies. With his two dads trying to adopt a new child and being about to start Year 7, Charlie is worried about how things are changing.
The story begins when he heads to a remote spot to try and hide a pebble for his friends to find. On the day in question he is shocked by the arrival of a young man from another world who charges him with the task of looking after the last Firefox. Much as he loves the idea of a pet, Charlie fears his capability and he worries he’s not enough to take on the things hunting for the Firefox.
It’s hard not to fall slightly in love with Charlie. Refreshingly honest about his fears, Charlie is the kind of boy who proves more than capable.
I have to do my best not to just gush for the whole review of The Last Firefox by debut author Lee Newbery.
You see it’s all about layers.
Ostensibly it’s the story of a little boy, Charlie, who wants to be more brave. He can’t stand up to his bullies and wants to be able to look after the new sibling his parents are preparing for.
Then you layer in the magic - while playing at a ruined castle, he’s given a Firefox, Cadno, to keep safe from a bad King and an evil shape shifting beast. Can Charlie find his metaphorical inner fire, while keeping the literal fire of Cadno from being discovered?
It all sounds very standard middle grade - and it does tick all of those boxes with huge confidence - there is well handled action, comedy set pieces and a good villain to hate.
Newbery excels in the execution. His writing is accessible for the target age - very visual, the dialogue is pitched well, and the three young characters friendship is beautifully drawn.
The next layer comes with the relationship between Charlie and his dad. Here, the book really sings. The kindness and respect shown is wonderful and it’s rare in middle grade fiction to want to see more of the grown ups in the story!
On a personal note, as a same sex adopter of two children, the final layer is the way that a child with two dads, who are adopting again, is handled deftly so that a child with two dads will feel seen, a child with a mum and a dad will be educated on our normalcy (without realising), and a child who is realising they’re different will be able to see that they can have a loving family when they’re older. It will also reassure adopted children if they are getting a sibling.
Through Section 28, the Thatcher government took away the chance for me to feel normal, and not alone in my feelings. I always tear up when I realise children today don’t have to go through that. By existing the book makes me happy.
You will hear incessantly about this book until release in March. Pre order now!
You see it’s all about layers.
Ostensibly it’s the story of a little boy, Charlie, who wants to be more brave. He can’t stand up to his bullies and wants to be able to look after the new sibling his parents are preparing for.
Then you layer in the magic - while playing at a ruined castle, he’s given a Firefox, Cadno, to keep safe from a bad King and an evil shape shifting beast. Can Charlie find his metaphorical inner fire, while keeping the literal fire of Cadno from being discovered?
It all sounds very standard middle grade - and it does tick all of those boxes with huge confidence - there is well handled action, comedy set pieces and a good villain to hate.
Newbery excels in the execution. His writing is accessible for the target age - very visual, the dialogue is pitched well, and the three young characters friendship is beautifully drawn.
The next layer comes with the relationship between Charlie and his dad. Here, the book really sings. The kindness and respect shown is wonderful and it’s rare in middle grade fiction to want to see more of the grown ups in the story!
On a personal note, as a same sex adopter of two children, the final layer is the way that a child with two dads, who are adopting again, is handled deftly so that a child with two dads will feel seen, a child with a mum and a dad will be educated on our normalcy (without realising), and a child who is realising they’re different will be able to see that they can have a loving family when they’re older. It will also reassure adopted children if they are getting a sibling.
Through Section 28, the Thatcher government took away the chance for me to feel normal, and not alone in my feelings. I always tear up when I realise children today don’t have to go through that. By existing the book makes me happy.
You will hear incessantly about this book until release in March. Pre order now!
Charming buddy read with my granddaughter. Lee has created well rounded believable characters, especially Charlie and Cadno. It’s so refreshing to hear positive messages reinforced with themes of family, friendship, bullying, courage and even fire safety. The lovely illustrations add hugely to this little treasure.
a fun story of friendship, family, magic and the different ways to be brave, with a wonderful approach to same sex parenting.
TW: bullying
TW: bullying
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes