Brand New Boy, by David Almond

George is the new boy at Darwin Avenue Primary Academy. Everyone is eager for him to fit in and regular boy Daniel is picked out as a good candidate to show George the ropes. Things are progressing swimmingly, but then the students start to notice weird things about George. Firstly, did fellow classmate Louise really see George’s ear drop off? Why does a school visitor named Miss Crystal continually follow George around with a clipboard writing notes? Events take a sinister turn when the smug Mr Eden Marsh turns up in a big, black van. He seems to be George’s minder. Suddenly it’s announced George will no longer be attending Darwin Avenue Primary Academy. What could have happened? Daniel and his school mates decide that enough is enough and take drastic measures to save George

Brand New Boy is a warm, funny and sweet story about belonging and what it means to be human. As George slips from the children’s grasp, the values of friendship and togetherness come to the fore. A quirky tale, expertly told, with an eclectic and realistically drawn cast. This is crowd-pleasing children's fiction at its best.

8+ years old

Brand New Boy, by David Almond. Published by Walker Books