'If Finn Maison shouts jump you jump or you are dead.'

Twelve-year-old Willem has two main aims in life: to fly and to make at least two friends of his own age. But all the other boys from the Beckham Estate do is make him jump off things. First his desk - and now the wall. As his toes teeter on the edge, Sasha Bradley gives him a tiny little wink. Might she become his friend?

Bullied by Finn and his gang the Beckham Estate Boyz, Willem has no choice but to jump. As he flies through the air he flaps his arms, wishing he could fly and escape into the clouds. Instead he comes crashing down and breaks his ankle.

Sasha, angry with herself for not stopping Finn and his Boyz, is determined to put things right. And soon, while the gangs riot on their estate, Willem and Sasha form an unlikely friendship. Because they share a secret. Sasha longs to fly too.

And when Magic Man Archie arrives with stories of war-flying spitfires, he will change the lives of the kids on the Beckham Estate for ever. And perhaps find a way for Willem and Sasha to fly ...

Touching on themes such as friendship and bullying, this is a charming tale about overcoming obstacles and finding friendship in unlikely places.

'heart-rending, heartbreaking and heartening' The Best New Children's Books Guardian Supplement

A heart-warming tale about a boy who just wants to make friends, and the girl who shows him how.

About the Author

After performing as an actress and comedy improviser, Jane fell into writing stories and plays. Her books have won many awards including Peters Book of the Year two years running. Her debut novel A Room Full of Chocolate was longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and she has twice been nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

Jane is loud and proud about her dyslexia and when not writing likes to mentor Neurodiverse young people and promote the gift of alternative thinking. She was honoured to be named as one of the top 50 Neurodivergent Women by the platform Women Beyond the Box.


Jane is an advocate for charities close to her heart such as Nacoa and All Dogs Matter - whose dog shows she has lots of fun judging!

Reviews
A nuanced and serious story...Author Jane Elson won much applause for her debut, A Room Full of Chocolate, and you can see why * The Observer *
Heart-rending, heartbreaking and heartening * The Best New Children's Books 2015 *
A very moving story, you may need to keep some tissues handy! * Primary Times *
There is courage, friendship of various kinds, learning how to understand people and how to handle life's ups and downs, for adults as well as young people in this book. * School Librarian *
Nuanced and serious * The Observer *
...wonderful, eminently readable -- Lindy Springett * Dyslexia Association of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich & Lewisham *
Jane Elson's second book doesn't disappoint and raises the profile [of] Asperger's in this heart felt tale of friendship, fear and flying ...Touching on themes such as friendship and bullying, this is a lovely tale about overcoming obstacles and finding friendship in unlikely places * The Codpast *
This is a stunner from Jane Elson ... I love this book for its believably written and diverse crew of characters. * Rhino Reads *
a wonderful, hopeful, uplifting read. * Peters eGazette *


Awards
Short-listed for Peter's Book Of the Year Award 2016 (UK) and Shrewsbury Children's Book Award 2016 (UK) and Calderdale Children's Book of the Year 2016 (UK) and The Hillingdon Secondary Book of the Year Award 2016 (UK) and Lambeth Pheonix Book Award 2016 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781444916768
Author Jane Elson
Format Paperback
Page Count 304
Imprint Hodder Children's Books
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Weight(grams) 263g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 131mm * 23mm