Should you read books to children that might strike too close to home for comfort?

The Astonishing Future of Alex Nobody

by Kate Gilby Smith.

Illustrated cover by Thy Bui.

Published by Orion Children’s Books.

£6.99

ISBN: 978 1 51010 837 0.

What a fantastic idea! I needed to know the answer to the statement posed on the blurb and front cover – just what is it that Alex has done that makes her famous? She doesn’t know and you, the humble reader don’t know either. I know, because I’ve read the book to the end, but I promise, no spoilers, even though I really want to tell you! However, I will just say that Alex loses both her parents at the beginning of the story for different reasons, so be careful if you are planning to read it to your class.

The story revolves around the themes of trust, friendship and excepting who you are, even if you are different to others. And then, there are these strange people which seem to keep turning up and sneaking peeks at Alex throughout the start of the story. We see Alex struggle to start school and make friends, but then for her 12th birthday, the perfect friend just arrives. This part of the story would be great to explore in PSHE lessons, as many children will go through the same thing at different times in their lives. I did think that about half way through the story lagged a little bit, but the end is enjoyable and well thought through.

Best for children in Year 4-6. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.