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A review by katykelly
Boy Underwater by Adam Baron
5.0
Handles themes of loss and mental illness rather beautifully, with a young hero you root for.
A boy who's never swum has challenged a bully to a swimming race. Of course it's going to go badly. Cymberline's mum has always avoided taking him to pools, he's never known why. But now he's about to have his first lesson at school and it can't possibly go well...
Cymberline Igloo. Best name I've seen for a while. His Dad died when he was young, his Mum clearly still misses him badly, he's trying to get on in school, but a chain of events means he's having to cope with strange new situations and finds new friends in unexpected places. And may find out more about his own family.
The revelations were actually a surprise to me, and rather moving. Very beautifully written as well, as was Cym's mum's fragile state.
There are some great secondary characters as well, with some above-the-stereotype children. Cym is so likeable - mentions of his teddy, his refusal to communicate swear words that others utter ("I can't believe this is CHELSEA WORD, ARSENAL WORD happening!").
Quite a moving story, could upset some younger readers with its mature themes and revelations. But it's a wonderful story and novel that book groups would get a lot from.
Recommended for ages 10-14.
With thanks to the publisher for the sample reading copy.
A boy who's never swum has challenged a bully to a swimming race. Of course it's going to go badly. Cymberline's mum has always avoided taking him to pools, he's never known why. But now he's about to have his first lesson at school and it can't possibly go well...
Cymberline Igloo. Best name I've seen for a while. His Dad died when he was young, his Mum clearly still misses him badly, he's trying to get on in school, but a chain of events means he's having to cope with strange new situations and finds new friends in unexpected places. And may find out more about his own family.
The revelations were actually a surprise to me, and rather moving. Very beautifully written as well, as was Cym's mum's fragile state.
There are some great secondary characters as well, with some above-the-stereotype children. Cym is so likeable - mentions of his teddy, his refusal to communicate swear words that others utter ("I can't believe this is CHELSEA WORD, ARSENAL WORD happening!").
Quite a moving story, could upset some younger readers with its mature themes and revelations. But it's a wonderful story and novel that book groups would get a lot from.
Recommended for ages 10-14.
With thanks to the publisher for the sample reading copy.