Description
A coming-of-age tale that will make you laugh and cry, perfect for fans of Time Travelling With a Hamster and The Goldfish Boy.
Before she disappeared, Riley's mama used to tell him stories about the Whispers, mysterious creatures with the power to grant wishes.
Riley wishes for lots of things. He wishes his secret crush Dylan liked him back. He wishes the bumbling detective would stop asking awkward questions. But most of all he wishes his mother would come home . . .
Four months later, the police are no closer to finding out the truth - and Riley decides to take matters into his own hands.
But do the Whispers really exist?
And what is Riley willing to do to find out?
A middle-grade mystery with heart, humour, a brilliant LGBT protagonist - and a hint of magic.
About the Author
Greg Howard grew up near the coast of South Carolina. His hometown of Georgetown, South Carolina is known as the "Ghost Capital of the South" and was always a great source of material for his overactive imagination. Raised in a staunchly religious home, Greg escaped into the arts: singing, playing piano, acting, writing songs, and making up stories. These days, Greg resides in Nashville, TN with his husband, Steve, and their three rescued fur babies. Molly, Toby, and Riley.
Reviews
A heartbreaking, beguiling debut . . . This poignant journey through the badlands of grief is crammed with tenderness, wit and warmth. * The Guardian *
Howard pulls off the trick of making Riley's real quest even more heart-wrenching than the fantasy that drives it. This taut, moving tale delves beyond loss into issues of sexuality, conformity and self-acceptance . . . "The Whispers" is a masterful exploration into the power of storytelling but also its dangers, including self-denial and escapism. * The New York Times *
Howard triumphs in the delicate treatment of complex themes - trauma, religion and sexuality, to name a modest few - rendering The Whispers a suitable tale for readers of R. J. Palacio's thoughtful bestseller, Wonder. * NYALitFest *
Book Information
ISBN 9780241367087
Author Greg Howard
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Puffin
Publisher Penguin Random House Children's UK
Weight(grams) 207g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 16mm
