
Reach for this book when a child is struggling with the anger and helplessness that comes from a family member's serious illness. It is particularly helpful for siblings who feel sidelined by a medical crisis or who are using humor and grand plans to mask their deep-seated fear. This story addresses the heavy reality of terminal cancer through the eyes of twelve-year-old Colin, whose mission to enlist the Queen of England to save his brother is both heartbreaking and hilariously relatable. While the book deals with terminal illness and the loss of a loved one, it does so with a feisty, proactive spirit that empowers young readers. It explores the complexities of grief, including the stages of denial and anger, while introducing themes of empathy through Colin's unexpected friendship with a man whose partner is dying of AIDS. It is a secular, honest, and deeply moving choice for middle-grade readers who need to know that while they cannot always fix the world, their presence and kindness are the greatest gifts they can offer.
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Sign in to write a reviewColin engages in minor vandalism (slashing tires) out of grief-fueled anger.
Explores grief, denial, and the helplessness of watching a loved one die.
A character is attacked off-screen in a homophobic hate crime; he is seen with injuries.
The book handles terminal cancer and AIDS with direct, secular honesty. It depicts the physical toll of illness and the reality of death without being overly clinical. The resolution is realistic: Luke cannot be cured, but Colin finds a way to be there for him. The book includes a brief but impactful depiction of a hate crime, where a character is attacked for being gay.
A mature 10 to 12 year old who appreciates dark humor and is dealing with a significant 'unfair' life event. It is perfect for the 'fixer' child who needs to learn that being present is more important than providing a solution.
There is a scene where Ted is beaten by homophobes off-page, and he explains he was attacked for being gay. This may require a conversation about prejudice. A parent might notice their child becoming hyper-focused on 'solutions' for a family crisis or acting out in anger against authority figures (like doctors) when they feel powerless.
Younger readers will latch onto Colin's funny antics and his quest to see the Queen. Older readers will better grasp the parallels between the cancer and AIDS storylines and the nuance of Colin's emotional growth.
Gleitzman’s unique ability to balance laugh-out-loud slapstick with devastating emotional honesty makes this a standout. It treats a child's agency with immense respect while acknowledging the limitations of that agency. """
Twelve-year-old Colin Mudford is sent from Australia to London to stay with relatives while his brother, Luke, undergoes treatment for terminal cancer. Refusing to accept the diagnosis, Colin embarks on a series of increasingly desperate and often funny schemes to find a 'real' doctor, including attempting to contact the Queen. Along the way, he befriends Ted, a man grieving for his partner, Griff, who has AIDS. Through these relationships, Colin moves from denial to a place of supportive presence for his brother.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.