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Synopsis

Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes

Meet the Rat: A dancing, football-playing gangster-baiting ten-year-old. When she foresaw her father's death, she picked up her football and decided to head for New York. Meet her older brother Bob: Protector of the Rat, but more often her follower, he is determined to find their uncle in America and discover a new life for them both. On their adventures across the flatlands of Winnipeg and through the exciting streets of New York, Bob and the Rat make friends with a hilarious con man and a famous rap star, and escape numerous dangers. But is their Uncle a rich business man, or is the word on the street, that he something more sinister, true? And will they ever find him? Hughes has created a funny, warm, unique world that lives and breathes. Like I Capture the Castle, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Curious Incident, Hughes' story and characters will resonate for many and for years to come.

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Reviews

'A brave, zany and warm-hearted road story'
The Guardian
. 'It's funny, it's wise, it's beautifully written. It's not afraid of a bittersweet ending, and it came at me completely from left field.
Jill Murphy, The Bookbag
. 'Memorable
Sunday Times (Summer Holiday Picks for 12
+). 'Wonderful novel ... powerfully heart-warming narrative
Inis, Childrens Books Ireland
. 'It's a totally unique, thoroughly enjoyable tale
The Sun
. 'This great book tells a story of orphans Rat and Bob on a perilous road trip from Winnipeg to New York ... hilarious
The Liverpool Echo
.

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About The Author

Gregory Hughes was born and lives in Liverpool. After being expelled from Jesuit school, he went to a home for wayward boys, where he spent some very happy times. After some madcap years in his youth, he went to University to study computers. He has worked as everything from a dishwasher to a deep sea diver, and has worked in many countries including Norway, Canada and America.

Author Q&A

What was your inspiration for this book?

I would say my god-kids and my favourite books: The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Catcher in the Rye.

Which character was the most fun to write?

The Rat. She is the wayward daughter I never had.

Did you always want to be a writer?

From the age of 24 I did. But I did nothing about it for a long time.

If you got in Doctor Who’s tardis, where (or when) would you go?

To the nearest planet that has life.

What’s playing on your iPod right now?

Bob Marley’s Redemption Song.

Who would you choose to be if you could be a celebrity for the day?

Marc Anthony because he’s with JLo!!

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