The Boy in the Suit

By Author / Illustrator

James Fox

Genre

Real life

Age range(s)

Publisher

Scholastic

ISBN

9780702333101

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

12-09-2024

Synopsis

It's not easy to fit in when you're the boy in the suit... Ten-year-old Solo - embarrassingly, that isn't short for anything - just wants to be normal. He wants a name that doesn't stand out. He wishes he had a proper school uniform that fitted him. He dreams about a mum who doesn't get the Big Bad Reds, like his mum Morag. But most of all he longs to stop crashing funerals for the free food. . . .

But when Solo and Morag crash the funeral of a celebrity and get caught, the press are there to witness their humiliation. The next day it's splashed across the papers. Before Solo knows it, he becomes a viral sensation, and life may never be normal again.

Solo's uphill pursuit of security, community and connection will break your heart and then mend it. Page-turning, moving, but ultimately life-affirming, this story is perfect for fans of The Boy at the Back of the Class, The Goldfish Boy, Wonder and Jacqueline Wilson. A sensitive, empathetic, timely portrayal of a family struggling during the cost of living crisis. This extraordinary debut will make you laugh and cry.

"A really lovely book, so tender and truthful." - Jacqueline Wilson, bestselling author of The Story of Tracy Beaker. "Addressing complex real-world issues (the cost-of-living crisis, mental health, friendship problems.) with honesty, clarity and compassion." - Teach Primary. "A tender, moving story beautifully capturing life in all its light and shade" - Hannah Gold, author of Waterstones Children's Book Prize Winner The Last Bear. "It is a beautiful, heartfelt gem of a book, I loved it." - Tom Vaughan, author of Hercules. "This story is full to the brim with heart" - Helen Rutter, author of The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh.

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Reviews

Donna

The Boy in the Suit is a story about a 10-year-old boy and his mum. It may sound like this is an everyday book with an everyday story line. Well, this is not your everyday 10-year-old boy. Solo and his mum, Morag, crash funerals for food! Unfortunately, his mum is experiencing some mental health issues since splitting up from Solo's dad. This leads to financial issues and Solo struggling with his peers at school.

The story brings many emotions: sadness; humour; fear; uncertainty; happiness and relief. I'm sure there are many who can identify with issues raised in this book, which James Fox empathetically covers.

The story follows Solo as he tries to fit in at school, even though he has no uniform, no friends, is always tired due to having no bed (he sleeps in the corner behind the sofa) and little support from his struggling mum. It's heart wrenching, reading how Solo is trying to cover for his mum while trying to be a 10-year-old boy. However, when the new girl - Chetna - arrives in his class things begin to improve - he finally has a long-needed friend.

If you loved The Wrong Shoes by Tom Percival, you are sure to love The Boy in the Suit, too. Such a brilliantly, thoughtfully written debut book! Essential for discussing the topic of children living in poverty and how the breakdown of parents relationship can change a child's life.

384 pages / Reviewed by Donna Ritchie, teacher