Stay Where You Are and Then Leave

Name: William Joseph
Price range: $

by John Boyne

Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 9+

Published by Doubleday, 2013

Historical

About this book

The day the First World War broke out, Alfie Summerfield's father promised he wouldn't go away to fight - but he broke that promise the following day. Four years later, Alfie doesn't know where his father might be, other than that he's away on a special, secret mission.

Then, while shining shoes at King's Cross Station, Alfie unexpectedly sees his father's name - on a sheaf of papers belonging to a military doctor. Bewildered and confused, Alfie realises his father is in a hospital close by - a hospital treating soldiers with an unusual condition. Alfie is determined to rescue his father from this strange, unnerving place.

This is a compelling story, beautifully observed, which covers difficult themes such as shellshock and loss in a sensitive and understanding way. Highly recommended for readers in Year 5 & 6.

About the author

John Boyne was born in Ireland in 1971 and is the author of six novels for adults. His first novel for children, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, won two Irish Book Awards, was shortlisted for the British Book Award and has been made into a film. His novels are published in over 40 languages. He lives in Dublin.

Read an interview with John Boyne