"An interactive story where you can help a boy take back control of his life."
Helen Rutter writes hugely empathetic stories, often about boys facing particular challenges, but I am entirely in awe of how she has constructed the tale of Fred Timple. It is an interactive story, and readers do have to make decisions and choices about what Fred will do next, but it is a far cry from the choose your own adventures where you are solving puzzles and finding treasure!
The whole book is actually about making choices and about young people having agency in their own lives, about making bad choices and the consequences that can arise, about genuine mistakes, regrets and making amends. What is particularly interesting is the fascinating Decision Map at the back of the book, so that you can see if you have explored all the options.
Fred Timple admits that he is terrible at making decisions, but we soon see that this is because he has never been allowed to choose or make his own mind up about anything in his life. He does not enjoy calling his parents Madeleine and John but, as in everything, he follows their wishes. He is nothing like his domineering father, he hates sport and loves art, but has to keep that hidden.
Fred is at that crucial transition age, about to start secondary school but not the school that appeals to him, his parents push him towards his father’s high achieving old school. The story starts to divert on the first day of school when Fred (the reader) must choose which bus to get on. Every path which is explored shows Fred developing more self-awareness and his right to choose his own life.
We see him make good and bad friends, moral and immoral choices and face the consequences each time. All gradually working towards a realisation that he has to be honest with himself and his parents. He has to speak up, explain, apologise and there can be a hopeful future.
The enjoyable format has huge appeal and unexpected value as it is thoughtful, empowering and wise as well as wryly comic in the way we have come to expect.
More than just a book—a world of choices awaits! This big hearted interactive adventure lets young readers shape the story.
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the best books for 9-12 year olds · the best books for teenagers
More than just a book—a world of choices awaits! This big hearted interactive adventure lets young readers shape the story.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Boy With Big Decisions and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
The Boy With Big Decisions features in the following genres: Featured Books for 9+ readers, Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Funny, School Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Award
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Boy With Big Decisions was written by Helen Rutter and published by Scholastic
The Boy With Big Decisions has 337 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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