Andy & Ghost Boy

by Karen Tyrrell

Disaster magnet, Anxious Andy dreams of finding one true friend and his forever school, but how can he when Ghost Boy, his rambunctious friend, sabotages everything?
Andy and Ghost Boy trigger a catastrophe at school.
At Camp Discovery, a bully showdown results in disaster.
Can Andy become the hero and save the day?

Humorous novel, empowering kids to live strong with resilience and bravery.
With a little supernatural support from his new sidekick, the zany and vaporous Ghost Boy, perhaps this time Andy will make friends and reach his goals...’
- Alison Stegert, Author, SCBWI QLD ARA, School Counsellor.

‘Imaginative and relatable for anxious kids.’
- Zewlan Moor, Author | GP | Bibliotherapist @byronbiblio

‘A timely, reassuring and hopeful read.’
- Anna Byrd Author, Book Reviewer

‘A rollicking read, packed with bravery.’
Wenda Shurety Author

‘Heartfelt and humorous story empowering children to cope with challenges and fears.’
Brooke Graham Author

‘Andy’s authentic voice will entertain and empower anxious children.’
Jacqui Halpin Author

Shortlisted: CYA Writing Competition 2022.
Shortlisted: SCBWI-Larrikin House Competition 2022.

200 pages, Paperback

First published July 22, 2023

About the author

Karen Tyrrell is a Brisbane Children's Rights Ambassador, award-winning author of 15 books, key note speaker, teacher, story teller, workshop and Masterclass presenter. Karen is the winner of 3 awards, 7 literary grants and a mentorship from the Society of Editors. Karen presents writing workshops for Queensland Writers Centre, Brisbane City Libraries, Gold Coast Writers Festival, schools, libraries and hospitals. She has appeared on Seven News and ABC radio, sharing her story of personal empowerment.
Karen’s books are: ME & HER: A Memoir of Madness, ME & HIM: A Guide to Recovery, Bailey Beats the Blah, STOP the Bully, Harry Helps Grandpa Remember, Super Space Kids series and Song Bird Superhero series.
FREE kids activities + FREE teacher notes
http://www.karentyrrell.com

Reviews

[Jim Boomba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way Karen addresses anxiety and mental health issues without labelling Andy, the main character. As a lived experience mental health advocate, Karen's written an uplifting story about an anxious child who has a unique way of coping, leading to humorous and outlandish situations . Heartwarming and funny, this book will inspire and give any child coping mechanisms and hope. The children's book we need in today's hectic society.

[Victoria Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi, my name is Budgie, I am 8 years of age. This is my book review of Andy and Ghost Boy. I think this book is for kids that like dramatic books and adventures. This book is about when a little boy called Andy moves to a new school and wants to have a new friend and his true strength. He goes to camp and later on a boy that they call Hulk chases him into a danger area. They fall into a pit and stay there over night. Cody has broken his leg and Andy is badly wounded. Will they get out of the hole or not? I liked it when the funny teacher, Miss Flowers accidentally bumps the wrong button and the funny things the principal says after.

[Aleesah Darlison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrew Acworth (also known as Andy or Anxious Andy) is a disaster magnet. Wherever he goes, trouble dogs him. So too does a cheeky spirit called Ghost Boy, who only Andy can see.
Because of his dad, Andy and his family have moved around a lot and Andy is keen to find a ‘forever school’. But on the first day at his new school, Stanmore Public, things, as usual, end up in disaster for poor Andy. And just when he thinks he might have made a new friend, in steps a hulking school bully cause more trouble. Things aren’t much better at home for Andy, which Mum rarely leaves and Dad seems absent from.

Serious issues are balanced with humour and adventure and there’s a healthy dose of helpful coping techniques woven gently into the narrative. A fun read with layers of depth and self-discovery for ages 8-11 years.

Themes: bravery, anxiety, self-care, coping skills, resilience, mindfulness, bullying, identity, PTSD, inclusion.

[Norah Colvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy and Ghost Boy is a fast-paced, action-packed Junior Fiction novel that will keep young readers engaged from beginning to end. We meet Andy as he begins his first day at yet another new school. As for many children starting a new school, Andy is not only anxious, he is super anxious, when he’d really rather be a super hero.
One disaster follows another as Andy tries to overcome his anxieties and find his inner strength, especially when confronted by the relentless bully. With the help of a mystery girl and a ghost boy, Andy discovers where his real strength lies.
One of my favourite themes is the power of friendship and I like the way Karen Tyrrell has woven this into her story. A friend helps Andy deal with his anxieties and in turn, Andy’s friendship helps convert a bully to a friend, convincing him they are more alike than different.
Throughout the book, in a gentle non-didactic way, Karen Tyrrell weaves suggestions of strategies that can be used to calm oneself when feeling anxious. These are strategies that are known to work and that a reader may try if reading alone or may be discussed if being read to by a teacher or parent.
Karen Tyrrell sets out to write books that empower children and help them live strong resilient lives. She has achieved her goal with this book and I’m certain that Andy and his friends, real and imaginary, will be popular with young readers.

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy hates moving, and he hates being the new boy. His family moves as his father, an ex-veteran with PTSD, searches for work. His mother hardly ever leaves the house, so Andy goes to school alone on day one.
The class bully, The Hulk, teases Andy about his stutter. It’s downhill from there. The Hulk terrorises Andy in the school playground. A skinny girl with pigtails befriends Andy.
Together, they go on a school camp, hoping to find their superpower, but Andy is supposed to share a cabin with The Hulk. What does he discover about the Hulk and himself?
I enjoyed the way the main character finds a way forward.
Recommended for readers aged eight years and older.

[Abbey Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy's quest for friendship and a forever school seems impossible, especially with out-of-control Ghost Boy by his side. Plus, the instability of a constantly moving family, Andy attending his 40th school in six years, being the target of the class bully, and the angst of making new friends is overwhelming. The struggle is real and relatable. This action-packed story had me hooked from the beginning. Congratulations, Karen Tyrell, on pumping out such a heartfelt gem.

[Karen Tyrrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anxious Andy wants only ONE thing: to find his FOREVER friend at his FOREVER school. But how can he, when Ghost Boy his zany sidekick, makes every disaster a catastrophe?
Humorous adventure, empowering kids to be brave and live strong.