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Norbert Nobody oder Das Versprechen.
Catherine would say it all began in a time that is yesterday and tomorrow and eternally present. But then Catherine’s a storyteller. I’m not a storyteller. I’m just the guy it happened to.Everyone knows a Robert. He’s the guy who’s never picked for the team, the one who sits alone in the classroom. So no one is more surprised than Robert himself when a strange old lady sends him on a quest to solve the mystery of derelict Chance House. Legend has it that a boy once fell to his death from an upper window. But what has this past to do with Robert’s future? To get to the truth, Robert must learn what it really means to fly.
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First published January 1, 2002
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About the author
Nicky Singer
22 books46 followersNicky has written four novels for adults, two books of non-fiction but most of her recent work is for young people. Her first children’s novel Feather Boy won the Blue Peter ‘Book of the Year’ Award, was adapted for TV (winning a BAFTA for Best Children’s Drama) and then commissioned by the National Theatre as a musical with lyrics by Don Black and music by Debbie Wiseman. In 2010 Nicky was asked by Glyndebourne to adapt her novel Knight Crew (a re-telling of the King Arthur legend set in contemporary gangland) for an opera with music by Julian Philips. In 2012 her play Island (about ice-bears and the nature of reality) premiered at the National Theatre and toured 40 London schools. She also published The Flask that year. A story about songs and souls and things which live in bottles, The Guardian called The Flask ‘a nourishing and uplifting story, with big themes and a big heart’. Nicky has recently re-written Island as a novel with illustrations by Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
November 26, 2015
As often with books I buy second-hand for really cheap, I didn’t know anything at all about this book. I was convinced to buy it when I saw it got the “book of the year” and “Book I couldn’t put down” awards in the Blue Peter Awards and that it had been reedited in the “Essential Modern Classics” collection. Very naturally, this book tempted me even though I didn’t know what it was about. We follow the little Robert Nobel, a 12-year-old student who doesn’t really have any friends. His class is involved in a common project with a Rest Home where he builds an extraordinary friendship.
This read was an extremely good surprise! It is incredibly touching, moving, and well written. The ending really brought a lump to my throat. This is one of these children’s books to which you can’t really limit the age of the reader, because it can be enjoyed at all ages. I have to admit the beginning was quite creepy and I was really expecting some paranormal part. I almost stopped reading because I was scared of being too scare (I know, shame on me, this is a children’s book haha, but I really can’t read anything with spirits and scary stories). In the end, no harm done, the story didn’t go anywhere scary! Just a false alarm then. Anyway, if I had read this book when I was nine, I think some parts of the story would have been too frightening for me. The second part of the novel really went far from this atmosphere and focused on the relationship between the little boy and Edith, the Elder he does the project with.
The main character was really touching and it was nice to see him get more confidence in himself. Really, this was a book that was hard to close because it is full of suspense and is really well-written. A beautiful novel that makes you think about life, death, memories but also the future and that makes us want to be more self-confident and to follow our dreams, because we all want to fly! It is also the most beautiful book I have read about intergenerational love. I think it will remain famous for a long time in the British literary culture. I highly recommend it from 12 year old (despite the publisher’s recommending it from 9) and also to adults who will enjoy it even more according to me.
I can’t wait to see the TV series adaptation by the BBC (which usually produces quality content) with a young Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones, The Maze Runner).
This read was an extremely good surprise! It is incredibly touching, moving, and well written. The ending really brought a lump to my throat. This is one of these children’s books to which you can’t really limit the age of the reader, because it can be enjoyed at all ages. I have to admit the beginning was quite creepy and I was really expecting some paranormal part. I almost stopped reading because I was scared of being too scare (I know, shame on me, this is a children’s book haha, but I really can’t read anything with spirits and scary stories). In the end, no harm done, the story didn’t go anywhere scary! Just a false alarm then. Anyway, if I had read this book when I was nine, I think some parts of the story would have been too frightening for me. The second part of the novel really went far from this atmosphere and focused on the relationship between the little boy and Edith, the Elder he does the project with.
The main character was really touching and it was nice to see him get more confidence in himself. Really, this was a book that was hard to close because it is full of suspense and is really well-written. A beautiful novel that makes you think about life, death, memories but also the future and that makes us want to be more self-confident and to follow our dreams, because we all want to fly! It is also the most beautiful book I have read about intergenerational love. I think it will remain famous for a long time in the British literary culture. I highly recommend it from 12 year old (despite the publisher’s recommending it from 9) and also to adults who will enjoy it even more according to me.
I can’t wait to see the TV series adaptation by the BBC (which usually produces quality content) with a young Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Love Actually, Game of Thrones, The Maze Runner).
February 1, 2024
✰ 3.25 stars ✰
“You can fly, Robert. You are the sort of boy who can fly.”
And maybe for Robert Nobel, the class squint who has more than enough on his plate for him to take care of, without adding more to the mix. Apart from being bullied relentlessly and called names like Norbert No-Bel. Norbert No-Bells-at-All. Norbert No-Brain. Norbert No-Bottle from the athletic and handsome Johnny Niker, he's struggling to cope with the absence of his father after his parents' recent divorce, while also trying to keep his crush on Kate, the prettiest girl in the seventh grade, on the down low.
When his seventh grade class is invited to interact with the residents of Mayfield Rest Home, his life takes an unsuspecting turn when out of the blue Edith Sorrel, a rigid and secretive woman, selects him as her chosen partner, further enlisting him to aid her in her own personal troubles that lead him on an intensely high-spirited and emotional path of personal growth and reflective journey that helps Robert shed those names that have labeled his existence and take pride in being known as the Feather Boy in his heart, instead.
“I think one never grows out of fairy tales. I think fairy tales contain all of the ways we sort experience, good and bad.
In fact, I think stories are the most important form of communication we as human beings have.”
Robert had a strong-willed and compassionate heart; at twelve-years-old, he had a lot of gumption and nerves of steel - even though he didn't realize it. He had this quiet patience about himself that made me want to protect him; he covered up his pain and sadness so effortlessly that when he's tested at impossible lengths, you really get the sense that there is a courage to him that he's always possessed. 😔 For how he has endured the cruelty of Niker, how he's been seen as a constant problem with his teachers, how he never seems to amount to something - and yet, here was this old woman, who trusted in him - who believed in him that he could be her guiding light - her answer to her prayers - the one who could absolve her of the pain in her heart. Would he not do whatever he could to give her a fighting chance?
“And is it clear? Are there stars?”
“Yes. There are stars.”
“Then take me out,” she says.
When I don’t reply immediately – because I cannot see how I can possibly take her out – she adds one word: “Please.”
And then I know I will move heaven and earth to take her into the starlight.”
It is a story of forgiveness and loneliness; how one wrong judgment call can affect one so severely that they hide away their heart, their feelings, their passion and reason for living - simply to atone for their mistakes. Is it grief or guilt? What eats away at the heart the most? And in the pursuit of seeking out the truth, what lengths will one go through to find it? 🥺 The writing is fluid and almost melodious in capturing the vividness in which Robert tries to find the hidden secrets that Edith sends him on and how it convinces him to do whatever he can to help her.
I've often read that hope can be a dangerous thing, but I think just as much - loneliness kills, too. And Robert's efforts to try and save Edith - to indulge in her whims and her fantasies - simply because he recognized in her helplessness, a part of him that was lost and without guidance or assistance. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 My heart ached for how much he strongly believed and cared for being the one to help her; how as implausible as it was to imagine that he held the power of her life in his hands, that one wrong could make the right - it just wasn't possible. But, it did still make for some beautiful writing.
Beautiful and suspenseful - with a hint of intrigue and a hopeful finish that kept me turning the pages and upping the ante of lots of repressed rage and distraught, while balancing it with a subtle touch of dry humor that is neither wasted nor missed. The subtle eeriness of Chance House - an abandoned home that harbors the sense of longing and death creeps upon Robert and me, as well. 'But I know what’s really frightened me is Chance House itself. You see, it smells like The Dog Leg. It smells of fear.' 😥 The writing treats you to all the sensory imagery of Robert's palpable desire to defy gravity - figuratively, of course. He knows that the answers to Edith's sadness lies here, but he doesn't quite know how to help her - doesn't know what he can do to bring about happiness in the final stages of her life. It is a compelling mystery that is further amplified by the many obstacles in his way that prevent him from getting to the bottom of it - to finding a way to help her, in just the way he best. And that was in the form of Johnny Niker. 😟
“Understand?” I do understand.
It isn’t a threat of the old sort – the one where the tile shard would have been in my throat. But it is, nevertheless, a threat, a statement about the fragility of our new relationship.
The tile shard will remain in his pocket, but only if I play the game by his rules.”
I have read my fair share of bullies, but I don't think I've ever detested one, such as Niker - one that not only were his actions deplorable, nor did I find an ounce in me to forgive him for his horrible behavior. 😠 I am aware that his involvement in Robert's story was vital in pushing along his own character development, but there was no instance that I found him redeemable, in any way. It seems so cruel of me, and unjust, but I can't help it.
But, you know what is unjust? How the bully ALWAYS seems to get away with their treatment of the victim?? Like why is it that when the abused victim retaliates against the bully during their heated exchange, people look and don't even assist the victim, but take pity on the bully who is being attacked by the victim - who is only doing it to protect himself? 😣 It makes me sick and frustrated and I hate it! I know it is in no fault in the writing or the story, rather a very sad depiction of human behavior, but I just couldn't stomach that scene in the book. It made me visibly vibrate with such anger and repressed hurt for Robert; that the world doesn't see how Niker has emotionally traumatized and victimized him for so long, and only removes their glasses when Niker is being beaten to a vicious pulp - and rightfully so, mind you. 😤
“And I should have let her fly. That’s what love is. Letting your loved ones fly.”
There is still plenty to appreciate, despite how this one scene alone hurt me and left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth. Like the baby chick that his yellow hair resembles, Robert really grew as a person; he did not shy away, he broke free of the restraints that he had held himself tied to - ones that didn't allow him to express how he truly feels or even show how much he wanted to be seen and appreciated for the talents that he has. Meeting Edith at the stage of her life and his own inspired him to find the strength and courage he had already possessed all along. 🤍🤍
“You can fly, Robert. You are the sort of boy who can fly.”
And maybe for Robert Nobel, the class squint who has more than enough on his plate for him to take care of, without adding more to the mix. Apart from being bullied relentlessly and called names like Norbert No-Bel. Norbert No-Bells-at-All. Norbert No-Brain. Norbert No-Bottle from the athletic and handsome Johnny Niker, he's struggling to cope with the absence of his father after his parents' recent divorce, while also trying to keep his crush on Kate, the prettiest girl in the seventh grade, on the down low.
When his seventh grade class is invited to interact with the residents of Mayfield Rest Home, his life takes an unsuspecting turn when out of the blue Edith Sorrel, a rigid and secretive woman, selects him as her chosen partner, further enlisting him to aid her in her own personal troubles that lead him on an intensely high-spirited and emotional path of personal growth and reflective journey that helps Robert shed those names that have labeled his existence and take pride in being known as the Feather Boy in his heart, instead.
“I think one never grows out of fairy tales. I think fairy tales contain all of the ways we sort experience, good and bad.
In fact, I think stories are the most important form of communication we as human beings have.”
Robert had a strong-willed and compassionate heart; at twelve-years-old, he had a lot of gumption and nerves of steel - even though he didn't realize it. He had this quiet patience about himself that made me want to protect him; he covered up his pain and sadness so effortlessly that when he's tested at impossible lengths, you really get the sense that there is a courage to him that he's always possessed. 😔 For how he has endured the cruelty of Niker, how he's been seen as a constant problem with his teachers, how he never seems to amount to something - and yet, here was this old woman, who trusted in him - who believed in him that he could be her guiding light - her answer to her prayers - the one who could absolve her of the pain in her heart. Would he not do whatever he could to give her a fighting chance?
“And is it clear? Are there stars?”
“Yes. There are stars.”
“Then take me out,” she says.
When I don’t reply immediately – because I cannot see how I can possibly take her out – she adds one word: “Please.”
And then I know I will move heaven and earth to take her into the starlight.”
It is a story of forgiveness and loneliness; how one wrong judgment call can affect one so severely that they hide away their heart, their feelings, their passion and reason for living - simply to atone for their mistakes. Is it grief or guilt? What eats away at the heart the most? And in the pursuit of seeking out the truth, what lengths will one go through to find it? 🥺 The writing is fluid and almost melodious in capturing the vividness in which Robert tries to find the hidden secrets that Edith sends him on and how it convinces him to do whatever he can to help her.
I've often read that hope can be a dangerous thing, but I think just as much - loneliness kills, too. And Robert's efforts to try and save Edith - to indulge in her whims and her fantasies - simply because he recognized in her helplessness, a part of him that was lost and without guidance or assistance. ❤️🩹❤️🩹 My heart ached for how much he strongly believed and cared for being the one to help her; how as implausible as it was to imagine that he held the power of her life in his hands, that one wrong could make the right - it just wasn't possible. But, it did still make for some beautiful writing.
Beautiful and suspenseful - with a hint of intrigue and a hopeful finish that kept me turning the pages and upping the ante of lots of repressed rage and distraught, while balancing it with a subtle touch of dry humor that is neither wasted nor missed. The subtle eeriness of Chance House - an abandoned home that harbors the sense of longing and death creeps upon Robert and me, as well. 'But I know what’s really frightened me is Chance House itself. You see, it smells like The Dog Leg. It smells of fear.' 😥 The writing treats you to all the sensory imagery of Robert's palpable desire to defy gravity - figuratively, of course. He knows that the answers to Edith's sadness lies here, but he doesn't quite know how to help her - doesn't know what he can do to bring about happiness in the final stages of her life. It is a compelling mystery that is further amplified by the many obstacles in his way that prevent him from getting to the bottom of it - to finding a way to help her, in just the way he best. And that was in the form of Johnny Niker. 😟
“Understand?” I do understand.
It isn’t a threat of the old sort – the one where the tile shard would have been in my throat. But it is, nevertheless, a threat, a statement about the fragility of our new relationship.
The tile shard will remain in his pocket, but only if I play the game by his rules.”
I have read my fair share of bullies, but I don't think I've ever detested one, such as Niker - one that not only were his actions deplorable, nor did I find an ounce in me to forgive him for his horrible behavior. 😠 I am aware that his involvement in Robert's story was vital in pushing along his own character development, but there was no instance that I found him redeemable, in any way. It seems so cruel of me, and unjust, but I can't help it.
But, you know what is unjust? How the bully ALWAYS seems to get away with their treatment of the victim?? Like why is it that when the abused victim retaliates against the bully during their heated exchange, people look and don't even assist the victim, but take pity on the bully who is being attacked by the victim - who is only doing it to protect himself? 😣 It makes me sick and frustrated and I hate it! I know it is in no fault in the writing or the story, rather a very sad depiction of human behavior, but I just couldn't stomach that scene in the book. It made me visibly vibrate with such anger and repressed hurt for Robert; that the world doesn't see how Niker has emotionally traumatized and victimized him for so long, and only removes their glasses when Niker is being beaten to a vicious pulp - and rightfully so, mind you. 😤
“And I should have let her fly. That’s what love is. Letting your loved ones fly.”
There is still plenty to appreciate, despite how this one scene alone hurt me and left a bitter aftertaste in my mouth. Like the baby chick that his yellow hair resembles, Robert really grew as a person; he did not shy away, he broke free of the restraints that he had held himself tied to - ones that didn't allow him to express how he truly feels or even show how much he wanted to be seen and appreciated for the talents that he has. Meeting Edith at the stage of her life and his own inspired him to find the strength and courage he had already possessed all along. 🤍🤍
April 23, 2013
An impulse buy at a train station in London has turned out to be a lifelong favorite. Nicky Singer's story of loss, friendship, and overcoming ostracism is profoundly memorable.
August 22, 2015
This book is one of my absolutes favourites. I read 180 pages in one day non stop. This book is about a boy who is never picked to any thing. He is always last in everything. So when Robert goes to The Old Home he is surprised when Mrs sorrel picks him. Robert works on project with Mrs Sorrel but Robert mainly does all the work as Mrs Sorrel gets ill. This is brief review as I don't want to spoil it. so all in all I loved this book so much. I also recommend it for all my friends
March 4, 2012
When i was younger at school this was a novel that was part of my studies and i was so thankful to my current English Literature teacher at the time, because it was one of those books that really had an impact on myself as an avid reader. I found myself really able to relate to Nicky Singer's main charicter in how they were feeling and their thoughts and emotions because i was also of a similar age and understanding. The writer had got it spot on for children of a certain age to be able to read this book and not only enjoy it but to be able to relate to it personally in a way that can only been deemed as beneficial. It is about courage and being able to gain the strength that one needs to pluck up the courage and to be able to cope with situations throughout daily life. It is a story that is so beautifully written and well thought out, that it cannot fail to impress its readers by Singer's use of languge and description. I loved this novel the first time that i read it as a child and even now as an adult, because it was so vivid in my mind and so poinant that it has remained with me for many years since. I gained a lot of advice, courage and self-beleif from reading this book as a child and i am sure that it will be a firm favourite for many other children today and teenagers too. I would reccomend that anyone who wants to read a novel that is beautifully written and with a strong focus and message to take a look, as you will not find yourself dissapointed.
November 8, 2020
And then I know I will move heaven and earth to take her into the starlight.
Well, this was an emotional rollercoaster. A lot of emotion when I first read it and the same thing happened the second time. 😭
Well, this was an emotional rollercoaster. A lot of emotion when I first read it and the same thing happened the second time. 😭
September 30, 2012
Robert Nobel is the type of kid most of us were in school, not picked first for sports, dorky, but with a sense of humor. Feather Boy by Nicky Singer is Robert's story of coming of age. Robert's class is asked to participate in a project where they are paired with an old geezer, and must connect the past with the present. Robert is pair with a woman who tells him, "You look like a boy who could fly if he wanted to." He gets fairly obsessed with the Elders project.
Read the rest of my review here
Read the rest of my review here
May 19, 2016
Now that was different, dealing with bulling, grief and divorce and doing it well.
June 28, 2010
Reason for Reading: I was immediately drawn to the story involving a derelict house and a mystery surrounding it. Then I noted the book had been published under the Essential Modern Classics list. This is a list of books chosen by the publisher's UK house and is a collection of outstanding books for children. From looking at the titles I'd say the age range varies anywhere from 8 to 15. Four new titles are to be published in 2010 under the Essential Modern Classics list and I think the authors chosen present a unique collection for North American readers to discover. I intend to be keeping up-to-date with ESM as well as digging into their backlist.
This is one of those rare and truly exceptional stories. A book that captures the heart and will live on in memory for ages. The story defies an age group, while not suitable for youngest children, it can be read and enjoyed by juveniles and adults with equal pleasure. There are both a young 13-year-old and a senior citizen character for readers to possibly choose one over the other to identify with, though the book is told from the 13-year old's point of view.
As part of the Essential Modern Classics series the book starts with an informative paragraph bio. of the author followed by a short essay entitled "Why You'll Love This Book" written by a famous author, in this case David Almond. This publisher's series also sometimes end with extra material at the back of the book, but this one does not.
Robert is the kid who gets picked last for sport teams, is teased relentlessly by the class smart alek and therefore everyone else, and has been nick-named Norbert by the other kids ever since he can remember. Robert joins the Elders' Project which involves working at the local senior's home and partnering with an Elder to create a visual that will sum up the group's experience of what they have learned about each other. Robert is more than surprised when a strange old lady suddenly calls out she doesn't want her partner, she wants him ... and is pointing directly at Robert. Thus begins a life and death relationship that will change who Robert is forever.
Robert is directed to a creepy old derelict house where rumour has it a boy about his age once jumped to his death from the top floor apartment thinking he could fly. Robert must race against time to figure out the mystery of the house and learn himself how to truly fly.
Heart-warming, funny, with characters who make you like or hate them, this is a beautifully written book. It is a coming of age story for Robert as he has a truly remarkable experience. It is a coming to terms with life story for the old lady, Mrs. Sorrel, as she finds a way to settle the anguish and self-punishment she has put herself through for the past forty years. Out of all this come life for one and death for the other, both good and wonderful things. This is an exceptional story which I am delighted to have read.
back-to-books.blogspot.com
This is one of those rare and truly exceptional stories. A book that captures the heart and will live on in memory for ages. The story defies an age group, while not suitable for youngest children, it can be read and enjoyed by juveniles and adults with equal pleasure. There are both a young 13-year-old and a senior citizen character for readers to possibly choose one over the other to identify with, though the book is told from the 13-year old's point of view.
As part of the Essential Modern Classics series the book starts with an informative paragraph bio. of the author followed by a short essay entitled "Why You'll Love This Book" written by a famous author, in this case David Almond. This publisher's series also sometimes end with extra material at the back of the book, but this one does not.
Robert is the kid who gets picked last for sport teams, is teased relentlessly by the class smart alek and therefore everyone else, and has been nick-named Norbert by the other kids ever since he can remember. Robert joins the Elders' Project which involves working at the local senior's home and partnering with an Elder to create a visual that will sum up the group's experience of what they have learned about each other. Robert is more than surprised when a strange old lady suddenly calls out she doesn't want her partner, she wants him ... and is pointing directly at Robert. Thus begins a life and death relationship that will change who Robert is forever.
Robert is directed to a creepy old derelict house where rumour has it a boy about his age once jumped to his death from the top floor apartment thinking he could fly. Robert must race against time to figure out the mystery of the house and learn himself how to truly fly.
Heart-warming, funny, with characters who make you like or hate them, this is a beautifully written book. It is a coming of age story for Robert as he has a truly remarkable experience. It is a coming to terms with life story for the old lady, Mrs. Sorrel, as she finds a way to settle the anguish and self-punishment she has put herself through for the past forty years. Out of all this come life for one and death for the other, both good and wonderful things. This is an exceptional story which I am delighted to have read.
back-to-books.blogspot.com
November 17, 2014
I loved this book!
I picked up Feather Boy based on a discussion had during a Children's Literature class regarding censorship, where FB was used as an example of a book that was questioned for publication in the U.S. It angered me then and it angers me now, because the scene in question (the "Grape Incident") is such a small portion of the book! Singer has written an engaging tale weaving together myth, elder/child relationships, fr-enemies, and self-discovery. She created a thoroughly creepy atmosphere, but imbued her characters with such realism and soul, that I delayed finishing the story if only to dally in that world just a little bit longer.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
I picked up Feather Boy based on a discussion had during a Children's Literature class regarding censorship, where FB was used as an example of a book that was questioned for publication in the U.S. It angered me then and it angers me now, because the scene in question (the "Grape Incident") is such a small portion of the book! Singer has written an engaging tale weaving together myth, elder/child relationships, fr-enemies, and self-discovery. She created a thoroughly creepy atmosphere, but imbued her characters with such realism and soul, that I delayed finishing the story if only to dally in that world just a little bit longer.
Recommended for ages 10 and up.
August 18, 2013
Feather Boy depicts the type of boy who everyone knows/remembers from childhood -- the one who could not be accepted, who seemed to be funny-looking and who was persecuted in some way, shape or form. The description of Robert matches the feat he must accomplish at this point in his life. Feather Boy is a beautifully written story about elders and youth, about commitment, about beliefs, about life and death.
This is the type of book I would wish most YAs would read and find intriguing, but I also think would be a difficult sell. It is on the WT Top Novels list and deserves to be there.
This is the type of book I would wish most YAs would read and find intriguing, but I also think would be a difficult sell. It is on the WT Top Novels list and deserves to be there.
January 24, 2012
I'm 18 now and I read this book when I studied it at school when I was around 11 years old, so you can understand that I don't really remember the story. I got rid of it and bought it a few months ago when I started buying books I read as a child, for memories.
Anyway, I remember really enjoying this book. I could relate to the main character (despite the fact that he's a boy and I'm a girl) because he's bullied and I was being bullied at the time.
One thing I'd like to warn you about though, is that for a child this book is very creepy.
Anyway, I remember really enjoying this book. I could relate to the main character (despite the fact that he's a boy and I'm a girl) because he's bullied and I was being bullied at the time.
One thing I'd like to warn you about though, is that for a child this book is very creepy.
November 5, 2010
New favourite book!! Absolutely loved it, extremely well written and a book I literally could not put down! It was so well written, that I could really feel the emotions, I could feel it being expressed so well that I started to take the book much too seriously and acted as if it were real! Loved it, I think it would deserve more than 5 stars, and I thought it was absolutely brilliant. Too good for words. :)
January 4, 2013
Nearly a 5. It is a Young Adult book, but the story is excellent. It covers some typical growing up issues (bullying, parent separation, identity etc) but all wrapped up in a great story and it is quite emotional. I liked the characters, particularly the main character. At times it is slightly cliche but this does not detract from the story, messages and emotion. I would recommend this book.
February 2, 2013
Beautifully told, by a true storyteller. I love the way that the concept of storytelling, growing up, growing old, life, change, urban myth and connecting come together to mold Robert into a boy who can fly, who ultimately makes a difference in the lives of those he cares about.
Surprising, intriguing, touching.
Ages 12+
Surprising, intriguing, touching.
Ages 12+
October 8, 2016
This was a really fantastic book, I think Singer wrote this very well. I do think I would have appreciated more maybe when I was a bit younger but then again maybe not.
April 4, 2013
a boy named Robert Nobel, aged 12 was selected to participate in the Elders Project, where selected children visit Mayfield Rest Rome, to find out about the elderly residents and interact with them. Robert assigned resident was named Edith sorrel. he found out about her past and how she had a divorced husband that often came to visit. she she had a son also that had died the same age as Robert and in the place where Robert most dreaded visiting. he went on a quest to solve the mystery and find Edith's wisdom in the chance house, her old home, as she asked.
Robert grew stronger and more courageous as he visited the chance house. he had a hard time with divorced parents and no friends. he didn't realise that the chance house had made an affect on his future and his being. Mrs Sorrel had got him to make her a feathered jumper, he believed,from the Firebird story that she had told him, that she may not die.
'from my point of this story I think you need to have faith in it and to believe in its storyline because it may be a little too far fetched. But other than that I liked the way Robert had the strength and the courage to do anything'
Robert grew stronger and more courageous as he visited the chance house. he had a hard time with divorced parents and no friends. he didn't realise that the chance house had made an affect on his future and his being. Mrs Sorrel had got him to make her a feathered jumper, he believed,from the Firebird story that she had told him, that she may not die.
'from my point of this story I think you need to have faith in it and to believe in its storyline because it may be a little too far fetched. But other than that I liked the way Robert had the strength and the courage to do anything'
May 6, 2009
Feather Boy by Nicky Singer centres around Robert Nobel, a quiet, sensitive and reserved boy who is still coming to terms with his parents divorce. He is also the main target of Johnathan Niker, the class bully.
When Robert begins a class project at the Mayfeild Rest Home, he meets Edith Sorrel. Edith has a deep secret within her past, which she has hidden from everyone, until she meets Robert. As the two begin to connect, Robert begins to realize he can do anything - even go to the Top Floor Flat at Chance House.
I throughly enjoyed this book. Feather Boy was rich in detail, character relationships, and showed me one clear message - you ccan do anything if you just believe in yourself.
When Robert begins a class project at the Mayfeild Rest Home, he meets Edith Sorrel. Edith has a deep secret within her past, which she has hidden from everyone, until she meets Robert. As the two begin to connect, Robert begins to realize he can do anything - even go to the Top Floor Flat at Chance House.
I throughly enjoyed this book. Feather Boy was rich in detail, character relationships, and showed me one clear message - you ccan do anything if you just believe in yourself.
December 17, 2015
Quite easily one of my favourite books ever, and my favourite stand alone book. This book is filled with some many great messages for children as well as many sub-plots that all add up to the big picture. The story certainly darkens the deeper you venture into Chance House and the novel. Without spoiling too much, the Fire-bird legend was my favourite part of the story and leads to the best sub-plot in the book, in my opinion.
I first read the book when I was 13 years old for my English class and instantly fell in love, despite the rest of my class rejecting the novel. Now 5 years on and I relived the story and fell in love all over again.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a relatively short novel with gripping twists and turns and amazing writing by Nicky Singer.
I first read the book when I was 13 years old for my English class and instantly fell in love, despite the rest of my class rejecting the novel. Now 5 years on and I relived the story and fell in love all over again.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a relatively short novel with gripping twists and turns and amazing writing by Nicky Singer.
June 25, 2012
I first read this novel when I was ten or eleven and it's one of my absolute favourites that I read as a kid. I read so many books in my childhood (and I can't say that I aimed for quality, it was more to just pass the time) that very few of them have stuck with me until this day. This one, however, really stood out and it was just as good when I read it five years ago again.
I was very much impressed as a kid by this book and by the realisation of what reading can be at its best and how much of an impact a book can have on me. It was definitely a valuable reading experience in terms of developing my relationship with books.
I was very much impressed as a kid by this book and by the realisation of what reading can be at its best and how much of an impact a book can have on me. It was definitely a valuable reading experience in terms of developing my relationship with books.
January 31, 2016
Oh.
This one is emotional. It reminded me of A Monster Calls -- it's about grief, and life, and making sense of it inside your head. It's also about stories, and how they can overwhelm you, particularly if you have OCD or similar. If I do this, that'll happen... I know the feeling of getting so wrapped up in a routine or a project that I can't deal with it being interrupted.
This book is a little young for me, perhaps -- it's aimed at readers of around 12. But it's a story that has plenty of meaning for anyone, and while it isn't one of those books that constantly made me highlight pretty lines, I have a feeling it will stay with me a while.
This one is emotional. It reminded me of A Monster Calls -- it's about grief, and life, and making sense of it inside your head. It's also about stories, and how they can overwhelm you, particularly if you have OCD or similar. If I do this, that'll happen... I know the feeling of getting so wrapped up in a routine or a project that I can't deal with it being interrupted.
This book is a little young for me, perhaps -- it's aimed at readers of around 12. But it's a story that has plenty of meaning for anyone, and while it isn't one of those books that constantly made me highlight pretty lines, I have a feeling it will stay with me a while.
June 18, 2011
A lovely story. How many young people lack confidence in themselves and, as a result, end up being bullied? Wouldn't it be great to find the person inside you and be able to stand up to the world on your own terms? In Feather Boy Robert is this young person who, through a class project involving the local care home, finds the spark within himself, uncovers the truth about a yarn his elderly resident tells him and manages to ease the passage of her life through the cancer she has. The process of making the coat of feathers helps him fly.
December 13, 2012
This was the second time I read this, and I still enjoyed it just as much. The suspense is gripping, the characters relatable and highly realistic, and the ending heart breaking and happy all at once. I went through so many different emotions in this: unease, sadness, sympathy, fear, horror and marginal joy. Told by a boy who something of an "odd one", this is a really moving, really dramatic, really suspensful book, and one I highly recommend.
August 25, 2012
Read it for class. I came across an excerpt in an English lesson, and found it quite intriguing, so I picked up the book. I loved the plasticity of it, the pain of an adolescent boy, set off by the dramatic encounter with an elderly lady in an old-folks home.
The suspense kept me going to the end. Difficult to put down.
The suspense kept me going to the end. Difficult to put down.
September 7, 2014
ITS SO BEAUTIFUL and I cried and it's one of my all time FAVOURITES!!! Read it if you are looking for a very nice story that will leave with a feeling of awe after you've finished it! It has alot of nice messages and life lessons and is perfect for any age, the characters are relatable and again it's a REALLY great story!
February 1, 2011
awsome book it's about a little boy went on a adventurre for a old lady and was force to do things that he actullly don't want to do ,at last he found a jacket of feather and know that jacket was the granny's life read this book to know the ending!!!!!!
December 2, 2012
I came across this book looking for birthday gift for a cherished niece (12 years old). I try to read every book I gift. I still like juvenile fiction occasionally and I enjoyed this story, I even felt that emotional rush you get at the crescendo of a good book.
May 19, 2013
It's a great book. When I first saw it I didn't expect it to be like this; when you think of Feather Boy you would think of something else but it was a great story. I liked the book overall. Never expected some things to happen and other's felt like cliche.
I liked the book - once again to end.
I liked the book - once again to end.
September 5, 2008
I read this book a while ago after hearing about it on tv..I took me a while to get into it but once i had i loved it and couldnt put it down
October 21, 2008
I really enjoyed this book. An easy read with humour about a young boy who learns about himself through helping others. Contains bullying themes and friendship.
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