Wonderboy
Binding: Paperback
Imprint: Andersen Press
Age 12+
Personal & Social Issues: Bullying, Violence & Abuse School Stories Fantasy & Magical Realism Adventure Stories Humorous Stories
A funny and frank superhero story set in the world of Othergirl.
Joseph ‘Wilco’ Wilkes is one of life’s losers – he’s picked on, pushed around, and bullied by the rugby boys at the posh private school he attends on a scholarship. But his life is about to change: Wilco learns he can move things with his mind. Will this be his chance to play the hero, get the girl and finally stand up for himself? Or are things just going to come crashing down around his head? Becoming a proper hero will be quite the leap of faith...
Creators
Nicole is a writer from North London. Over the years she’s had lots of different jobs, including patrolling the Natural History Museum, presenting the traffic news on the radio, and demonstrating toys in Hamleys. Finally, she decided to focus on her passion for stories, and completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Birkbeck College whilst working as a children’s bookseller. Among her other interests are comic books, nineties cartoon theme tunes, and cute pictures of animals wearing funny outfits.
Reviews
There is no superhero more endearing than Wonderboy
The Sun
A sharply-observed comedy of teen life, with a serious undertone. Amongst the comic-book action Burstein shows what heroism – the kind that calls for real courage – really is, and reminds readers that heroes and villains too are often those we least expect them to be.
Lovereading4Kids
Wonderboy offers… a plot that throws up more than a few surprising twists
Irish Times
Fast-moving and very entertaining comedy
The Bookseller, Bookseller's Choice
Witty, enjoyable and fast-moving
Inis, Children's Books Ireland
Peppered with humour and heartache, this is another great book from a writer whose superpowers are empathy and imagination.
Leilah Skelton, Waterstones Doncaster
Nicole Burstein’s writing is snappy and capable of being very profound, while also remaining accessible, making it a great book for reluctant readers.
BookTrust
Joseph’s struggles with friendship, love and levitating marbles are touching as well as funny.
Jewish Chronicle
A lively, entertaining read
The School Librarian
Brilliant fun… I love how the classic elements of a superhero story have been taken straight from all my favourite comics, and reworked to create a fantastic novel. It feels like a fresh new perspective on classic superheroes.
The Bibliomaniac blog
Wonderboy is comedic without overdoing it, believable without being boring and above all; a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Khadijah, age 20, for lovereading4kids.co.uk
A great, gripping read leaving me desperate for more
Adam Goodman, age 13, for lovereading4kids.co.uk