Brand New Boy

'Almond takes a thought-provoking look at AI, and what it means to be human, in an illustrated story set in the north-east of England.' The Bookseller

'Cleverly disguised as a heist, Almond ’s moving page-turner ponders nothing less than humanity and free will, and how to have a great time in the woods.' The Observer (The New Review)

'David Almond tackles deep philosophical themes with an invisibly light touch in this funny story about George, a new boy at school.' The Daily Mail, The Irish Daily Mail & The Scottish Daily Mail

'Like so many of David Almond’s books, this ends up being a celebration of humanity and wonder, and of what it feels like to be young.' The Times & The Irish Times

'I really liked the plot of this book as I couldn’t guess what George’s secret was until it was revealed half way through. Then the story gets really exciting as the friends try to save their strange new friend. If you like exciting books that are told by the child themselves, I think you will like this book.' Books Up North

'Intriguing, slightly creepy and ultimately rather profound, this will encourage its young readers to ponder what life is really for, and what their future might hold. Wonderful stuff.' The Big Issue

'It would be a pity to spoil the ending of Brand New Boy, particularly as Almond balances suspense and reveal so delicately in this page-turning laugh-aloud book. Still, a young reader paying close attention might just guess - and will congratulate themselves for their cleverness.' The Irish Times

'The story of their glorious day in the woods with George is told with great tenderness and delight, both in the natural world and the free play of primary.' The School Librarian

'Almond uses his story to gently but powerfully get his readers to try to collect together all the pieces of the jigsaw that make us human...As with Almond’s other stories, the experiences and attitudes of young people are beautifully observed, with plenty of humorous touches – another must-read from one of the nation’s best children’s authors' Gazette Herald

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