The Final Year
Matt Goodfellow, Joe Todd-Stanton
Subjects
- Poetry - rhyme, rhythm and rap
See that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his hand sayin see ya later to his mate? That’s me: Nathan Wilder Nate. 10 years old and a week away from the end of Year 5. Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side - they’ve been inseparable since Nursery. But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate's world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital. His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough? A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.
Reviews
Standing on the shoulders of Skellig, this book is beautiful and in amongst it all; the most arresting grammar lesson I have ever read.
Capaduff
Here's an acclaimed book that really did match the hype. It's just a great style to quickly engage readers and encourage more reading. I loved the references to David Almond's books too, what a great way to let kids know what to read next :)
AbbyAlessandrelli
A truly beautiful book - bold, brilliant and unapologetic. Tackles some really sensitive topics with humour and honesty.
MissJMY
A coming of age poetic narrative book. Will draw in even the most reluctant of readers and is sure to tug on the heart strings. A must read for year 6 children and parents. There won't be a dry eye in the house.
reader girl
This is a powerful story told through a variety of poetic forms. With engaging illustrations and a thoughtful layout, it draws the reader in to a story many children will relate to. A book I would wholeheartedly encourage all children to read.
pagebypage
I really enjoyed this book. At the beginning, it felt like a typical book, but towards the middle, it became more emotional. I like how the pages were also used to tell the story (a black page to represent grief).
eyinoju
This book was accessible and engaging for both myself and my students. They loved the characters and felt like they related to them and the story was engaging and interesting.
s4ffy123
Absolutely brilliant. Can't wait to share this with Year 6 - especially those who "don't like poetry" as I think it'll change their minds. Cleverly written and very relatable to the target audience and adults alike
gertandconnie
Amazing narrative about a year 6 child moving to secondary school. Told from the perspective of the child in their language - brilliant idea to engage the children.
emwils30
What a beautiful story or love, friendship and kindness.
mrsflincs
Story told in verse about the challenges of growing up, changing friend groups and coping with illness in the family. Authentic feeling voice of the main character remconed to students in years 5-8
gcourt1
A lovely book written in verse. The style was new to lots of children in the class when I introduced them to it and they loved it. The story itself is very moving and some delicate topics mean it is more suitable for older primary readers.
clj4
Incredible
Emwot
This powerful verse novel moved me to tears. An emotional but beautiful story about change, friendship, families and the power of words. Brilliant for children and adults alike.
RGlibbery
Just incredible. Amazing voice, great scene setting, lovely pace, heartstrings tugged and tears fell. Brilliant brilliant book
Charlotte TS
Fantastic and heartwarming book. Emotional at times and really relatable to school life. You can tell a teacher has written it as it is very relatable.
rjohnson06
Wow! This fictional book could relate to very real-life scenarios. As a trainee teacher this has helped me to reflect on my practice and to make sure my learners know they can come to me with any worries or issues they feel or are going through. Tissues definitely needed.
Woodyk8385
Thought-provoking, not always easy to read. Loved the writing style. A powerful read. Definitely recommend.
sajtay
What a fantastic story - it's realistic, moving, challenging and rewarding. It's truly close to the bone. The language is both beautiful and clever. To tell a tale like this in poems and really engage the reader is wonderfully surprising and incredibly easy to read too; I guarantee you'll be sucked into Nate's life and worries and dreams as if you are back in Year 6 yourself.
Bath Book Lover
This is a gorgeous book to share with Year 6s as they prepare for their final year in primary school. My class loved following Nate’s story and how the pictures helped to tell the story! It is so thoughtfully and cleverly written that I read it in one sitting before sharing with my class. We read this in our class read time and it only took us a week to get through. They couldn’t wait to read the next instalment. It’s rare to find a book that resonates with what children are going through today and the challenges they may face in modern life. Fantastic!
cnorthrop