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John Boyne was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1971, and studied English Literature at Trinity College, Dublin, and creative writing at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, where he was awarded the Curtis Brown prize.
He has written a number of short stories; his first story, The Entertainments Jar, was shortlisted for the Hennessy Literary Award in Ireland.
His 2006 novel, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, was made into an award-winning Miramax film. The novel itself won 2 Irish Book Awards, the Bisto Book of the Year, and was shortlisted or won a host of international awards. Amongst other accolades, it spent more than 80 weeks at no.1 in Ireland, topped the New York Times Bestseller List, and was the bestselling book in Spain in both 2007 and 2008. Worldwide, it has sold more than 5 million copies.
His novels are published in 46 languages.
His most recent novel was a children’s book, The Terrible Thing that happened to Barnaby Brocket, which was published in the UK in August 2012.
A new novel for adults, This House is Haunted, will be published in July 2013.
A stunning anniversary edition of John Boyne's powerful classic bestseller, with illustrations from award-winning artist Oliver Jeffers. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in the middle of nowhere. Gone are the neighbours and the friends Bruno used to play with. The only people around are all in the strange fenced-in area which Bruno can just spy from his bedroom window. Who are they and why do they wear striped pyjamas? When Bruno sets off on an Exploration to find out he learns something very shocking which has unexpected and terrible results. Bruno’s childhood experience provides a new way of looking at the horrors of the Holocaust. (12+) ~ Julia Eccleshare
One of our Books of the Year 2016 | Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Month June 2016 Bestselling John Boyne returns to the Second World War for The Boy at the Top of the Mountain, the story of the transformation of Pierrot. Pierrot lives in France. His mother is French and his father is German; he can speak both languages but French is the language he prefers. He has a dog and a best-friend, Anshel. When Pierrot is left an orphan he is claimed by his only relative: his father’s aunt Beatrix. Beatrix lives in an isolated house high up in the mountains. It is the Berghof, the mountain retreat of Hitler. Pierrot’s life is now dominated by Hitler himself and everything from his name onwards is about to change. In a story which echoes the form and voice of The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas John Boyne tells a sad and moving story about how gradually and stealthily a young child is changed by his contact with power and a false narrative. ~ Julia Eccleshare Julia Eccleshare's Picks of the Month for June 2016 The World's Worst Children by David Walliams Seacrow Island by Astrid Lindgren The Boy at the Top of the Mountain by John Boyne A Stitch in Time by Penelope Lively Street Child by Berlie Doherty Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero by Francesca Armour-Chelu The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster
One of our Books of the Year 2015 - Julia Eccleshare's Pick of the Month, October 2015 Bestselling John Boyne returns to the Second World War for The Boy at the Top of the Mountain, the story of the transformation of Pierrot. Pierrot lives in France. His mother is French and his father is German; he can speak both languages but French is the language he prefers. He has a dog and a best-friend, Anshel. When Pierrot is left an orphan he is claimed by his only relative: his father’s aunt Beatrix. Beatrix lives in an isolated house high up in the mountains. It is the Berghof, the mountain retreat of Hitler. Pierrot’s life is now dominated by Hitler himself and everything from his name onwards is about to change. In a story which echoes the form and voice of The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas John Boyne tells a sad and moving story about how gradually and stealthily a young child is changed by his contact with power and a false narrative. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Shortlisted for the Little Rebel Children's Book Award 2013. In an entertaining adventure that is also full of charm and whimsy, best-selling author John Boyne champions the right of children to be different. Barnaby Brocket’s parents want only thing – to lead an utterly normal life. But when Barnaby, their third child is born, they know at once that he is very far from normal. The problem is, Barnaby cannot stay on the ground; he floats ever upwards unless weighted down or restrained. Embarrassed by their problem son and the attention he may attract, Barnaby’s parents let him go…Now a free spirit and travelling in many different ways, Barnaby’s adventures take him across the world where he meets all kinds of people who, just because they are not exactly what their parents want them to be, have been similarly disowned by their parents. ~ Julia Eccleshare
In an entertaining adventure that is also full of charm and whimsy, best-selling author John Boyne champions the right of children to be different. Barnaby Brocket’s parents want only thing – to lead an utterly normal life. But when Barnaby, their third child is born, they know at once that he is very far from normal. The problem is, Barnaby cannot stay on the ground; he floats ever upwards unless weighted down or restrained. Embarrassed by their problem son and the attention he may attract, Barnaby’s parents let him go…Now a free spirit and travelling in many different ways, Barnaby’s adventures take him across the world where he meets all kinds of people who, just because they are not exactly what their parents want them to be, have been similarly disowned by their parents.
Shortlisted for The Little Rebels Children's Book Award 2014 Best-selling John Boyne gives a poignant insight into the First World War as seen through the eyes of a young boy whose father goes away to fight and returns shell shocked. Alfie is only five when his father signs up as a soldier. Left to be the man of the house and to take care of his mother, Alfie soon suspects that something terrible has happened to his father. Working as a shoe-shine boy to earn much needed money to keep the family afloat, Alfie uncovers the truth about his father and also learns about the terrible cost of the war on everyone around him. John Boyne’s naïve narrator will feel familiar to all those who loved The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. ~ Julia Eccleshare
Best-selling John Boyne gives a poignant insight into the First World War as seen through the eyes of a young boy whose father goes away to fight and returns shell shocked. Alfie is only five when his father signs up as a soldier. Left to be the man of the house and to take care of his mother, Alfie soon suspects that something terrible has happened to his father. Working as a shoe-shine boy to earn much needed money to keep the family afloat, Alfie uncovers the truth about his father and also learns about the terrible cost of the war on everyone around him. John Boyne’s naïve narrator will feel familiar to all those who loved The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
Shortlisted for the Little Rebel Children's Book Award 2013. In an entertaining adventure that is also full of charm and whimsy, best-selling author John Boyne champions the right of children to be different. Barnaby Brocket’s parents want only thing – to lead an utterly normal life. But when Barnaby, their third child is born, they know at once that he is very far from normal. The problem is, Barnaby cannot stay on the ground; he floats ever upwards unless weighted down or restrained. Embarrassed by their problem son and the attention he may attract, Barnaby’s parents let him go…Now a free spirit and travelling in many different ways, Barnaby’s adventures take him across the world where he meets all kinds of people who, just because they are not exactly what their parents want them to be, have been similarly disowned by their parents. ~ Julia Eccleshare
In an entertaining adventure that is also full of charm and whimsy, best-selling author John Boyne champions the right of children to be different. Barnaby Brocket’s parents want only thing – to lead an utterly normal life. But when Barnaby, their third child is born, they know at once that he is very far from normal. The problem is, Barnaby cannot stay on the ground; he floats ever upwards unless weighted down or restrained. Embarrassed by their problem son and the attention he may attract, Barnaby’s parents let him go…Now a free spirit and travelling in many different ways, Barnaby’s adventures take him across the world where he meets all kinds of people who, just because they are not exactly what their parents want them to be, have been similarly disowned by their parents.
In an entertaining adventure that is also full of charm and whimsy, best-selling author John Boyne champions the right of children to be different. Barnaby Brocket’s parents want only thing – to lead an utterly normal life. But when Barnaby, their third child is born, they know at once that he is very far from normal. The problem is, Barnaby cannot stay on the ground; he floats ever upwards unless weighted down or restrained. Embarrassed by their problem son and the attention he may attract, Barnaby’s parents let him go…Now a free spirit and travelling in many different ways, Barnaby’s adventures take him across the world where he meets all kinds of people who, just because they are not exactly what their parents want them to be, have been similarly disowned by their parents.
A Lovereading4kids 'Great Read' you may have missed 2011 selection. Shortlisted for the prestigious Sheffield Children's Book Award 2011 When 9 year old Noah runs away from his family, initially we don’t know why, but he finds himself in a strange, other worldly village with a toy shop run by a puppet-maker. As the story unfolds Noah reveals why he’s running away and the puppet-maker encourages him to return home. The toy shop is very special - both fascinating and sinister to Noah. It’s clear that the author’s imagination has run riot with all the peculiar goings-on at the toy shop including oranges that squeeze themselves, floorboards that jump around and a bell over the door not ringing in time with the door opening. Unlike his first novel for children, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, this doesn’t have a sad ending but like that one it will be enjoyed by children of 7 or 8 upwards right through to adults. It has been beautifully illustrated by the great Oliver Jeffers (the first time Oliver has illustrated someone else’s writing rather than his own).
Shortlisted for the prestigious Sheffield Children's Book Award 2011 When 9 year old Noah runs away from his family, initially we don’t know why, but he finds himself in a strange, other worldly village with a toy shop run by a puppet-maker. As the story unfolds Noah reveals why he’s running away and the puppet-maker encourages him to return home. The toy shop is very special - both fascinating and sinister to Noah. It’s clear that the author’s imagination has run riot with all the peculiar goings-on at the toy shop including oranges that squeeze themselves, floorboards that jump around and a bell over the door not ringing in time with the door opening. Unlike his first novel for children, The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, this doesn’t have a sad ending but like that one it will be enjoyed by children of 7 or 8 upwards right through to adults. It has been beautifully illustrated by the great Oliver Jeffers (the first time Oliver has illustrated someone else’s writing rather than his own).
Voted 2009 Penguin Orange Readers' Group Book of the Year When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in the middle of nowhere. Gone are the neighbours and the friends Bruno used to play with. The only people around are all in the strange fenced-in area which Bruno can just spy from his bedroom window. Who are they and why do they wear striped pyjamas? When Bruno sets off on an Exploration to find out he learns something very shocking which has unexpected and terrible results. Bruno’s childhood experience provides a new way of looking at the horrors of the Holocaust. (12+) ~ Julia Eccleshare A word from the author: "I'm thrilled that The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has been selected as the Penguin Orange Readers' Group Book of the Year. From the day the novel was published, it has received extraordinary support from reading groups who debate the novel back and forth with all the passion and argument that good literature demands - I know, because I've been there for some of those debates! That the story of Bruno and Shmuel continues to move readers is a source of great encouragement to me as a writer. I'm very grateful to Penguin and Orange and all the readers who selected the novel for this prize."
When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in the middle of nowhere. Gone are the neighbours and the friends Bruno used to play with. The only people around are all in the strange fenced-in area which Bruno can just spy from his bedroom window. Who are they and why do they wear striped pyjamas? When Bruno sets off on an Exploration to find out he learns something very shocking which has unexpected and terrible results. Bruno’s childhood experience provides a new way of looking at the horrors of the Holocaust. (12+)
Voted 2009 Penguin Orange readers' Group Book of the year Now a major film released in September 2008. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in the middle of nowhere. Gone are the neighbours and the friends Bruno used to play with. The only people around are all in the strange fenced-in area which Bruno can just spy from his bedroom window. Who are they and why do they wear striped pyjamas? When Bruno sets off on an Exploration to find out he learns something very shocking which has unexpected and terrible results. Bruno’s childhood experience provides a new way of looking at the horrors of the Holocaust. (12+) This book is also available as a CD - click here to find out more A word from the author: "I'm thrilled that The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has been selected as the Penguin Orange Readers' Group Book of the Year. From the day the novel was published, it has received extraordinary support from reading groups who debate the novel back and forth with all the passion and argument that good literature demands - I know, because I've been there for some of those debates! That the story of Bruno and Shmuel continues to move readers is a source of great encouragement to me as a writer. I'm very grateful to Penguin and Orange and all the readers who selected the novel for this prize."
Voted 2009 Penguin Orange readers' Group Book of the year Now a major film released in September 2008. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in the middle of nowhere. Gone are the neighbours and the friends Bruno used to play with. The only people around are all in the strange fenced-in area which Bruno can just spy from his bedroom window. Who are they and why do they wear striped pyjamas? When Bruno sets off on an Exploration to find out he learns something very shocking which has unexpected and terrible results. Bruno’s childhood experience provides a new way of looking at the horrors of the Holocaust. (12+) A word from the author: "I'm thrilled that The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas has been selected as the Penguin Orange Readers' Group Book of the Year. From the day the novel was published, it has received extraordinary support from reading groups who debate the novel back and forth with all the passion and argument that good literature demands - I know, because I've been there for some of those debates! That the story of Bruno and Shmuel continues to move readers is a source of great encouragement to me as a writer. I'm very grateful to Penguin and Orange and all the readers who selected the novel for this prize."
Penguin Readers is an ELT graded reader series for learners of English as a foreign language. With carefully adapted text, new illustrations and language learning exercises, the print edition also includes instructions to access supporting material online. Titles include popular classics, exciting contemporary fiction, and thought-provoking non-fiction, introducing language learners to bestselling authors and compelling content. The eight levels of Penguin Readers follow the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR). Exercises at the back of each Reader help language learners to practise grammar, vocabulary, and key exam skills. Before, during and after-reading questions test readers' story comprehension and develop vocabulary. Visit the Penguin Readers website Exclusively with the print edition, readers can unlock online resources including a digital book, audio edition, lesson plans and answer keys.
Some stories are universal. They play out across human history. And time is the river which will flow through them. For now this is a family story and this family is is a father, mother and two sons. One with his father's violence in his blood. One who lives his mother's artistry. One leaves. One stays. They will be joined by others whose deeds will change their fate. It is a beginning. Their stories will intertwine and evolve over the course of two thousand years - they will meet again and again at different times and in different places. From distant Palestine at the dawn of the first millennium to modern day American and beyond. While the world mutates around them, their destinies will remain the same. And fulfilling a destiny may take lifetimes... A Traveller at the Gates of Wisdom is the extraordinary new novel from acclaimed writer John Boyne. Ambitious, far-reaching and mythic, it introduces a group of characters whose lives we will come to know and will follow through time and space until they reach their natural conclusion.
Some stories are universal. Some are unique. They play out across human history, and time is the river that flows through them. This story starts with a family. For now, it is a father and a mother with two sons. One with his father's violence in his blood. One with his mother's artistry. One leaves. One stays. They will be joined by others whose deeds will determine their fate. It is a beginning. Their stories will intertwine and evolve over the course of two thousand years. They will meet again and again at different times and in different places. From Palestine at the dawn of the first millennium and journeying across fifty countries to a life amongst the stars in the third, the world will change around them, but their destinies remain the same. It must play out as foretold. From the award-winning author of The Heart's invisible Furies comes The Shadow of My Shadow, an epic tale of humanity.
'...this poignant and disarming story is full of heart and its crescendo will give you tingles' Attitude Magazine 'Outstanding' Irish Examiner Sam has known his sister Jessica all his life. Tonight is the first time they're going to meet. Sam Waver has always been a loner: bullied, struggling at school, with parents who have very little time for him. The one person he has always been able to rely on is his beloved older sibling - but when they announce that they are transitioning, Sam's life is thrown upside down. He's convinced nothing will ever be the same again - but as Sam is about to discover, nothing is more constant than love. A moving and heartfelt portrait of one family's journey to acceptance, from a master storyteller. 'A story with so much heart that the pages practically pulse. Both funny and moving... this is a must-read for all ages' Irish Independent
'...this poignant and disarming story is full of heart and its crescendo will give you tingles' Attitude Magazine 'Outstanding' Irish Examiner Sam has known his sister Jessica all his life. Tonight is the first time they're going to meet. Sam Waver has always been a loner: bullied, struggling at school, with parents who have very little time for him. The one person he has always been able to rely on is his beloved older sibling - but when they announce that they are transitioning, Sam's life is thrown upside down. He's convinced nothing will ever be the same again - but as Sam is about to discover, nothing is more constant than love. A moving and heartfelt portrait of one family's journey to acceptance, from a master storyteller. 'A story with so much heart that the pages practically pulse. Both funny and moving... this is a must-read for all ages' Irish Independent
'John Boyne made his name with The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and he's on stellar form in My Brother's Name is Jessica.' Daily Express Sam Waver's life has always been pretty quiet. A bit of a loner, he struggles to make friends, and his busy parents often make him feel invisible. Luckily for Sam, his older brother, Jason, has always been there for him. Sam idolises Jason, who seems to have life sorted - he's kind, popular, amazing at football, and girls are falling over themselves to date him. But then one evening Jason calls his family together to tell them that he's been struggling with a secret for a long time. A secret which quickly threatens to tear them all apart. His parents don't want to know and Sam simply doesn't understand. Because what do you do when your brother says he's not your brother at all? That he's actually . . . your sister?
'A deliciously dark tale of ambition, seduction and literary theft . . . an ingeniously conceived novel that confirms Boyne as one of the most assured writers of his generation.' Hannah Beckerman, Observer * You've heard the old proverb about ambition, that it's like setting a ladder to the sky. It can lead to a long and painful fall. If you look hard enough, you will find stories pretty much anywhere. They don't even have to be your own. Or so would-be-novelist Maurice Swift decides early on in his career. A chance encounter in a Berlin hotel with celebrated author Erich Ackerman gives Maurice an opportunity. For Erich is lonely, and he has a story to tell; whether or not he should is another matter. Once Maurice has made his name, he finds himself in need of a fresh idea. He doesn't care where he finds it, as long as it helps him rise to the top. Stories will make him famous, but they will also make him beg, borrow and steal. They may even make him do worse. This is a novel about ambition. * 'Maurice Swift, the novelist protagonist of John Boyne's A Ladder to the Sky, is a bookish version of Patricia Highsmith's psychopathic antihero Tom Ripley' The Times 'A dark morality tale in the mould of Patricia Highsmith . . . consistently intriguing' Daily Mail
Part of a stunning new design partnership between Puffin and the Imperial War Museum, this is an unforgettable story from the bestselling author of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. This special edition features a foreword from Eoin Colfer. The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day. Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission. Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. And Alfie becomes determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place . . .
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