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Boy in the Tower
When they first arrived, they came quietly and stealthily as if they tip-toed into the world when we were all looking the other way.
Ade loves living at the top of a tower block. From his window, he feels like he can see the whole world stretching out beneath him.
His mum doesn't really like looking outside - but it's going outside that she hates.
She's happier sleeping all day inside their tower, where it's safe.
But one day, other tower blocks on the estate start falling down around them and strange, menacing plants begin to appear.
Now their tower isn't safe anymore. Ade and his mum are trapped and there's no way out . . .
Ade loves living at the top of a tower block. From his window, he feels like he can see the whole world stretching out beneath him.
His mum doesn't really like looking outside - but it's going outside that she hates.
She's happier sleeping all day inside their tower, where it's safe.
But one day, other tower blocks on the estate start falling down around them and strange, menacing plants begin to appear.
Now their tower isn't safe anymore. Ade and his mum are trapped and there's no way out . . .
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 3, 2014
127 people are currently reading
1249 people want to read
About the author
Polly Ho-Yen
15 books44 followersPolly Ho-Yen was born in Northampton and brought up in Buckinghamshire. She studied English at Birmingham University before working in publishing for several years.
Her first novel, Boy in the Tower, published in July 2014 by Random House Children's Publishers, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Her second novel Where Monsters Lie was published in 2016 and her third novel, Fly Me Home, was published in 2017. Both of these novels were also nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
She now writes full-time and lives in Bristol with her husband.
Her first novel, Boy in the Tower, published in July 2014 by Random House Children's Publishers, was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. Her second novel Where Monsters Lie was published in 2016 and her third novel, Fly Me Home, was published in 2017. Both of these novels were also nominated for the Carnegie Medal.
She now writes full-time and lives in Bristol with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
June 21, 2024
In short, I would describe this book as an extraordinary story told by an ordinary boy.
The main character lives with his mother in a tower, on the top floor of the building.
The boy likes to look out of the window and watch people going about their business. He observes the outside world gradually changing for the worse. People start to disappear from the streets. Houses begin to fall down as if they were made of clay. The collapse of the whole structure of social life with its schools, shops, and emergency services is underway. Water, food, and electricity become scarce. It gets dangerous to go outside.
The city is taken over by some mysterious plants called the Bluchers. No one knows how to fight these voracious plants that 'eat' buildings and, it seems, aim at destroying humans.
Certain similarities between the plot and "The Day of the Triffids" come to mind.
The boy's small personal world also faces serious challenges. His mother has been ill for some time. She no longer leaves the apartment, placing a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of her little boy. He has to take care of himself and his mom. Most of the neighbors have left, but he is to stay in the tower and find ways to survive.
Life tests the protagonist and teaches him to wake up every day and keep going, no matter what. If he perseveres, he may unexpectedly find friends. Resilience, patience, and mutual support are the keys to survival in the midst of an ecological catastrophe of unknown origin. When people commit to helping each other, they can overcome daunting challenges. At least, it increases their chances of success.
The story spans genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, and a post-apocalyptic novel with some dark vibes.
Overall, it was a nice read, although there was nothing particularly original. Many things were left unexplained. Why do the fantastic plants start attacking people and buildings? What happened to rescuers and emergency services? Were they paralyzed?
The ending was abrupt. I was happy to see how things worked out for the main characters, but the final pages of the book felt rushed and predictable.
That said, children and teens might like this book more than I did.
3.5 stars
The main character lives with his mother in a tower, on the top floor of the building.
The boy likes to look out of the window and watch people going about their business. He observes the outside world gradually changing for the worse. People start to disappear from the streets. Houses begin to fall down as if they were made of clay. The collapse of the whole structure of social life with its schools, shops, and emergency services is underway. Water, food, and electricity become scarce. It gets dangerous to go outside.
The city is taken over by some mysterious plants called the Bluchers. No one knows how to fight these voracious plants that 'eat' buildings and, it seems, aim at destroying humans.
Certain similarities between the plot and "The Day of the Triffids" come to mind.
The boy's small personal world also faces serious challenges. His mother has been ill for some time. She no longer leaves the apartment, placing a heavy responsibility on the shoulders of her little boy. He has to take care of himself and his mom. Most of the neighbors have left, but he is to stay in the tower and find ways to survive.
Life tests the protagonist and teaches him to wake up every day and keep going, no matter what. If he perseveres, he may unexpectedly find friends. Resilience, patience, and mutual support are the keys to survival in the midst of an ecological catastrophe of unknown origin. When people commit to helping each other, they can overcome daunting challenges. At least, it increases their chances of success.
The story spans genres such as fantasy, sci-fi, and a post-apocalyptic novel with some dark vibes.
Overall, it was a nice read, although there was nothing particularly original. Many things were left unexplained. Why do the fantastic plants start attacking people and buildings? What happened to rescuers and emergency services? Were they paralyzed?
The ending was abrupt. I was happy to see how things worked out for the main characters, but the final pages of the book felt rushed and predictable.
That said, children and teens might like this book more than I did.
3.5 stars
February 4, 2017
I was so surprised to find that this is a debut, so well structured is the plot and real are the characters. Seen through the eyes of Ade, a young boy who lives at the top of a tower block with his mother, the Wyndham-esque story of a strange, menacing disaster which threatens the city of London and its residents into extinction is gripping.
Two elements of the story really impressed me: the unraveling of the narrative and characterisation. Like a fine Hitchcock, the author takes a long time to reveal the enemy, leaving the reader guessing and wondering as to what it looks like and what its purpose is. So many books these days feel as if they are obligated to rush into the action but Ho-Yen proves that with interesting characters and a strong control of suspense this does not have to be the case at all.
Through the short chapters, Ade shares with us his thoughts and feelings, his habits and fears and his role in the book is made all the more interesting by his emotional absence of his mother. There are moments when he feels as real a person as someone you meet. His monologues and observations of life are ones which some children will associate with and these are elements which I think draw us to him so strongly.
As with the enemy itself, Ho-Yen never spoon-feeds the actions and thoughts of those characters who are involved in Ade's life and the book is far richer for it. As with all well-written first-person narratives, we only know what Ade knows and as the world around him changes we feel as confused and frustrated as to the actions and character of the people he lives with. Each character is complex and carries with them their own story and I love the fact that Ho-Yen respected the reader enough to hold enough back to have them asking questions.
I found Boy in the Tower is be an engaging and absorbing read. The short chapters keep the reader gripped and as the enemy's gradual, patiently written reveal means that the pace and tension grow to a point where the book is simply unputdownable. I would recommend it to Year 5 (end of)/6+. I had plenty of questions that I wanted to ask the author and talk around these questions in class would prompt some great discussions.
Two elements of the story really impressed me: the unraveling of the narrative and characterisation. Like a fine Hitchcock, the author takes a long time to reveal the enemy, leaving the reader guessing and wondering as to what it looks like and what its purpose is. So many books these days feel as if they are obligated to rush into the action but Ho-Yen proves that with interesting characters and a strong control of suspense this does not have to be the case at all.
Through the short chapters, Ade shares with us his thoughts and feelings, his habits and fears and his role in the book is made all the more interesting by his emotional absence of his mother. There are moments when he feels as real a person as someone you meet. His monologues and observations of life are ones which some children will associate with and these are elements which I think draw us to him so strongly.
As with the enemy itself, Ho-Yen never spoon-feeds the actions and thoughts of those characters who are involved in Ade's life and the book is far richer for it. As with all well-written first-person narratives, we only know what Ade knows and as the world around him changes we feel as confused and frustrated as to the actions and character of the people he lives with. Each character is complex and carries with them their own story and I love the fact that Ho-Yen respected the reader enough to hold enough back to have them asking questions.
I found Boy in the Tower is be an engaging and absorbing read. The short chapters keep the reader gripped and as the enemy's gradual, patiently written reveal means that the pace and tension grow to a point where the book is simply unputdownable. I would recommend it to Year 5 (end of)/6+. I had plenty of questions that I wanted to ask the author and talk around these questions in class would prompt some great discussions.
March 28, 2017
یه کار کودک آخر الزمانی بود و زیادی برای یه کار کودک حس یاس و ناامیدی رو توی اون رایط القاء می کرد. با این حال پایان داستان کاملا مناسب بود برای یه کار کودک. زبان داستان اول شخص بود و از نگاه یه بچه ی هفت هشت ساله روایت می شد. سردرگمی های ادی در قبال مادرش و اتفاقایی که می افتاد سرد بود. و رفتار مادره خیلی رو اعصاب بود و در آخر نفهمیدم چرا باید همچون رفتاری از خودش بروز می داد. فک می کردم ممکنه به نوعی این اتفاقا تقصیر مادره باشه و نقشی در حوادث داستان داشته باشه. اما همه چیز کاملا واقعی و غیر فانتزی بود. تا نیمه ی کتاب همه چیز یک سیر صعودی در یاس و ناامیدی داره. و بعد هر بار یک روزنه باز می شد. پیدا شدن اوبی سرایدار برج و پیرزنی که همراهشون بوداولین چشمه بود هر چند رو به خاموشی می رفت این روزنه هم. با پیدا شدن یه آدم دیگه در شهر روزنه ی امید با اتمام آذوقه حتی کمرنگ تر شد.
شخصیت پردازی کتاب خیلی قوی نبود و و یسری حفره در داستان بود که تو دوق می زد. و اونقدرا هم برای کودک مناسب نمی بینم همچین کتابی رو. خیلی دارک بود فضاش
شخصیت پردازی کتاب خیلی قوی نبود و و یسری حفره در داستان بود که تو دوق می زد. و اونقدرا هم برای کودک مناسب نمی بینم همچین کتابی رو. خیلی دارک بود فضاش
July 17, 2022
Now on openlibrary. Worth the wait (I heard about this a few years ago.) Exciting, engaging, multi-layered. Billed in one place as a fable, but it's not as concise and pointed as fables; it's more. I loved learning, with Ade, more and more about individual neighbors, and communities, and what was up with his Mum, and the reactions of a wider world to this terror.
Lots to discuss for readers of all ages. What caused his mother's withdrawal (there are hints)? Is there anything either Mum or Ade could have/ should have done earlier? Would you, dear reader, have been one of the first evacuees, or one of the holdouts? Would your decision depend on how well or poorly other refugees were being treated in your country? What does keep one going in the face of such overwhelming challenges? Etc. etc.
Definitely not for just for children. And though the back of the book says age 9 up I am not sure most kids age 9 are actually ready for it. Some references to what would be considered mature content, some complex & sophisticated ideas, and the sheer length of it (though the font and margins are child-friendly and so it's not really as long as page count indicates) signal age 11 up to me.
As others have said, it does resemble in many ways several works by John Wyndham. If you like this, try some of those. If you've heard of the movies made of his works, try reading the books of them.
Lots to discuss for readers of all ages. What caused his mother's withdrawal (there are hints)? Is there anything either Mum or Ade could have/ should have done earlier? Would you, dear reader, have been one of the first evacuees, or one of the holdouts? Would your decision depend on how well or poorly other refugees were being treated in your country? What does keep one going in the face of such overwhelming challenges? Etc. etc.
Definitely not for just for children. And though the back of the book says age 9 up I am not sure most kids age 9 are actually ready for it. Some references to what would be considered mature content, some complex & sophisticated ideas, and the sheer length of it (though the font and margins are child-friendly and so it's not really as long as page count indicates) signal age 11 up to me.
As others have said, it does resemble in many ways several works by John Wyndham. If you like this, try some of those. If you've heard of the movies made of his works, try reading the books of them.
June 26, 2024
I read Nika's fabulous review of this book, and immediately downloaded the audiobook!
I love the relationship between Ade and his mother, and the way everything is seen through the child's eyes. The confusion, the desire to help, even when he knows he really should not be doing some of the tasks his mother asks him to do, but protecting her always.
I enjoyed the story, and the narrator is excellent.
I love the relationship between Ade and his mother, and the way everything is seen through the child's eyes. The confusion, the desire to help, even when he knows he really should not be doing some of the tasks his mother asks him to do, but protecting her always.
I enjoyed the story, and the narrator is excellent.
June 12, 2020
I'm also a book blogger: Vee_Bookish
In the UK, we just do apocalypse and dystopias better. Look at 28 Days Later. A Clockwork Orange. V For Vendetta. The second half of World War Z. Well, maybe that's down to personal bias. But you can't deny that some of the most innovative disaster concepts come from the twisted mind of pessimistic Brits. This story, reminiscent of War Of The Worlds, is about a Boy trapped in his tower block in London, while plants called Bluchers (say butchers with an l) slowly destroy every building and human for miles around, except his.
What makes this story truly unique (apart from having an MC that isn't white, isn't middle class), is that Ade is trapped in the tower, unable to leave because of his mum. Attacked outside a shop months ago, she retreated to her bedroom and barely leaves, cut off emotionally from the world and leaves Ade to fend for himself, essentially. I loved that this book showed an understanding of her actions, without criticizing them.
Ade, despite being a child, shows an understanding beyond his years without ever feeling like the author was writing him too old, which is a skill the author has that I really admired. I never questioned that this was a child questioning his changing world, wondering what would happen in the future and learning how to survive in the present with the help of the few neighbours left behind.
In the UK, we just do apocalypse and dystopias better. Look at 28 Days Later. A Clockwork Orange. V For Vendetta. The second half of World War Z. Well, maybe that's down to personal bias. But you can't deny that some of the most innovative disaster concepts come from the twisted mind of pessimistic Brits. This story, reminiscent of War Of The Worlds, is about a Boy trapped in his tower block in London, while plants called Bluchers (say butchers with an l) slowly destroy every building and human for miles around, except his.
What makes this story truly unique (apart from having an MC that isn't white, isn't middle class), is that Ade is trapped in the tower, unable to leave because of his mum. Attacked outside a shop months ago, she retreated to her bedroom and barely leaves, cut off emotionally from the world and leaves Ade to fend for himself, essentially. I loved that this book showed an understanding of her actions, without criticizing them.
Ade, despite being a child, shows an understanding beyond his years without ever feeling like the author was writing him too old, which is a skill the author has that I really admired. I never questioned that this was a child questioning his changing world, wondering what would happen in the future and learning how to survive in the present with the help of the few neighbours left behind.
November 8, 2021
داستان کتاب خیلی آروم پیش میره، جزئیات زیادی نداره اما لذت بخشه.
در مجموع کتاب خوبی بود. خیلی زیاد داستان منو یاد اتفاقی که کرونا برای ما رقم زد انداخت.
ترجمه کتاب خیلی روان بود و این موثر بود در خوندن کتاب.
تنها نکته ایی که وجود داره اینه که چه اتفاقی اوایل داستان برای مادر ادی افتاده بود؟
در مجموع کتاب خوبی بود. خیلی زیاد داستان منو یاد اتفاقی که کرونا برای ما رقم زد انداخت.
ترجمه کتاب خیلی روان بود و این موثر بود در خوندن کتاب.
تنها نکته ایی که وجود داره اینه که چه اتفاقی اوایل داستان برای مادر ادی افتاده بود؟
October 31, 2020
I read this in one sitting because I simply could not put it down! Ho Yen's incredibly moving story follows the brave Ade as his life is turned upside down when buildings start mysteriously falling down in his London town. I was glued to this book and the incredibly real characters, picturing every event as it was happening and being truly amazed by this story.
I would love to use this in school with a mature class of Y4, 5 or 6. Due to the sometimes distressing themes you would have to be aware of the children’s backgrounds and experiences to ensure this book was okay for the class. The key themes include having an unwell parent/ being a young carer, being trapped, loss, disaster and loneliness.
We would create a class working wall in the style of the scrapbook that boy keeps throughout the ordeal when he is trapped in the tower. This would be regularly updated to track where we were in the story and to plot character development.
Friendship is a big feature throughout the novel, as Ade and Kaia are incredibly close; finding a friend in another outcast. Even when Ade is separated from her, Kaya is always in his thoughts and he clings to fragments of forgotten conversations from the time before.
I think that the book shares some similarities with the current Covid situation and experiences the children may have had while in lockdown. The book could be a fantastic way to talk about their feelings and ideas about the pandemic, as Ade also experiences a type of lockdown and is very isolated alone with just his Mum in their tower block.
All of the characters show a huge amount of courage and bravery in such a dire situation. We would discuss why they manage to do this and pick out words from the text that prove this statement. Some fantastic writing could come out of this.
I would love to use this in school with a mature class of Y4, 5 or 6. Due to the sometimes distressing themes you would have to be aware of the children’s backgrounds and experiences to ensure this book was okay for the class. The key themes include having an unwell parent/ being a young carer, being trapped, loss, disaster and loneliness.
We would create a class working wall in the style of the scrapbook that boy keeps throughout the ordeal when he is trapped in the tower. This would be regularly updated to track where we were in the story and to plot character development.
Friendship is a big feature throughout the novel, as Ade and Kaia are incredibly close; finding a friend in another outcast. Even when Ade is separated from her, Kaya is always in his thoughts and he clings to fragments of forgotten conversations from the time before.
I think that the book shares some similarities with the current Covid situation and experiences the children may have had while in lockdown. The book could be a fantastic way to talk about their feelings and ideas about the pandemic, as Ade also experiences a type of lockdown and is very isolated alone with just his Mum in their tower block.
All of the characters show a huge amount of courage and bravery in such a dire situation. We would discuss why they manage to do this and pick out words from the text that prove this statement. Some fantastic writing could come out of this.
November 17, 2021
″ - بعضی روزها به کام آدمه و بعضی روزها نه. وقتی روزها به کامه، خیال میکنی هر روز اوضاعت بهتر و بهتر میشه و وقتی روزهای بد میرسه، خب، طوری حالت بد میشه انگار دنیا
میخواد رو سرت خراب شه.
خوب میدانم منظورش از خراب شدن دنیا روی سر آدم چیست. گاهی دنیا خیلی خیلی بزرگ و بیانتها به نظر میرسد، اما گاهی طوری میشود انگار بیش از اندازه کوچک و تاریک است. مثل غار سیاهی میشود که دیوارههای متحرکش لحظهبهلحظه به تو نزدیک و نزدیکتر میشوند. ″
۳/۵
واقعاً مطمئن نیستم که این حجم از تلخی برای ردهسنی کتاب مناسبه یا نه. این داستان مخلوطی از همهی تاریکیهای دنیا بود. آخرالزمان، مرگ، تجاوز، افسردگی! بهنظرتون درسته که بچههای ۱۲ ساله توی داستانها با چنین مفاهیمی آشنا بشن؟ یعنی باید انقدر زود دنیای بیرون رو بهشون شناسوند؟
بهشخصه اینطور فکر نمیکنم...
هرچقدر هم که این رمان قوی باشه، توصیهی خوندنش به افراد زیر ۱۴,۱۵ سال اشتباهه.
حداقل از نظر من.
July 6, 2014
I first heard about The Boy in the Tower at blogger brunch and when I found it on netgalley had to request it. It sounded like it would be a quick but great read and I couldn't wait to dive in.
Ade lives in a tower block with this Mum, who we quickly learn is agoraphobic. He does a lot of things for himself, shopping, cooking, etc, so when the Bulchers strike he is left to try and deal with the beginnings of this invasion, but also try to keep himself and his Mum safe.
When I began reading The Boy in the Tower I wasn't hooked like I thought I would be. Honestly, I carried on reading to find out more about these strange plants, and wondered what would happen to Ade and his Mum. I felt like the lead up and introduction to these plants and what was going on felt too long, and when the 'real stuff' starts to happen it felt over far too fast. I wanted to know more about the plants, the reason for their appearance, and why they did what they did. But I didn't get any of that, just that the plants are there, that they damage building and kill people.
I did however like the underlining plot of The Boy in the Tower. Of having strong friendships, trusting others in times of need, and also helping out, working as a team to survive. So while I was disappointed in the story and the plot itself, as a whole The boy in the Tower was an okay read.
Ade lives in a tower block with this Mum, who we quickly learn is agoraphobic. He does a lot of things for himself, shopping, cooking, etc, so when the Bulchers strike he is left to try and deal with the beginnings of this invasion, but also try to keep himself and his Mum safe.
When I began reading The Boy in the Tower I wasn't hooked like I thought I would be. Honestly, I carried on reading to find out more about these strange plants, and wondered what would happen to Ade and his Mum. I felt like the lead up and introduction to these plants and what was going on felt too long, and when the 'real stuff' starts to happen it felt over far too fast. I wanted to know more about the plants, the reason for their appearance, and why they did what they did. But I didn't get any of that, just that the plants are there, that they damage building and kill people.
I did however like the underlining plot of The Boy in the Tower. Of having strong friendships, trusting others in times of need, and also helping out, working as a team to survive. So while I was disappointed in the story and the plot itself, as a whole The boy in the Tower was an okay read.
November 29, 2014
An absolutely top drawer science fiction story that doesn't pull any punches. It's a dark, complex, terrifying world, and Ade's story (think Day of the Triffids meets Pigeon English) had me on the edge of my seat. Incredibly impressive stuff.
March 3, 2025
First read: Arguably the best book I've ever read with a class. My Year 5/6s loved it and I very nearly cried (which would have been a first)
Second read: can confirm this remains true with a different class - they even broke into spontaneous applause at the end. TOO CUTE😭
9.5/10
Second read: can confirm this remains true with a different class - they even broke into spontaneous applause at the end. TOO CUTE😭
9.5/10
March 19, 2017
As a fan of Wyndham I loved this human Sci-fi. Well structured and plotted. Loved the characters. Thought Ben may take us in a Z for Zachariah direction but it didn't go that way. Fantastic story.
February 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this book even though it is not the usual style I would go for. I loved the unusual storyline and how it was told from a young boy’s point of view. I felt like I really connected with the characters in the book and could imagine what it would be like to be in their position. The only thing I didn’t enjoy so much was the resolution to the problem. I felt like it happened too quickly without much explanation and description of the journey the characters took. Can’t say too much about this without giving the plot away! But overall I would definitely recommend this book - for UKS2 (and adults!).
February 15, 2017
What a wonderfully written book. I feel so connected to Ade, and what he went through. I rocketed through the last 100 or so pages, such was the drama and building of suspense.
June 15, 2017
This is a really unusual book. It's about what happens to a boy who lives in a tower block when an environmental catastrophe occurs, and how he manages to survive with the help of his neighbours. It sounds rather gloomy, but it's actually rather uplifting and it's a compelling read. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2014
This is one of those books that is hard to review, not because I didn’t like it. I really REALLY liked Boy In The Tower – I’m just not quite sure how best to tell you about it.
Ade is a lovely narrator, you’re fond of him the moment the story begins and the more he tells you the more you want to crawl into the pages and help him. Boy In The Tower is in part adventure, Ade and his mother are trapped in their tower but really this book is about friendships and growth.
Something happen to Ade’s mother that made her fear the outside, and when the outside really does become dangerous Ade is left to look after her.
Polly Ho-Yen writes wonderful characters, not just Ade and his mother (I grew very attached to his mother in this book). Ade’s friends are just as special as him. I thought the other tenants were perfect. I didn’t know where this story was going to take me but I loved the journey.
I think Boy In The Tower is a brilliant debut.
Ade is a lovely narrator, you’re fond of him the moment the story begins and the more he tells you the more you want to crawl into the pages and help him. Boy In The Tower is in part adventure, Ade and his mother are trapped in their tower but really this book is about friendships and growth.
Something happen to Ade’s mother that made her fear the outside, and when the outside really does become dangerous Ade is left to look after her.
Polly Ho-Yen writes wonderful characters, not just Ade and his mother (I grew very attached to his mother in this book). Ade’s friends are just as special as him. I thought the other tenants were perfect. I didn’t know where this story was going to take me but I loved the journey.
I think Boy In The Tower is a brilliant debut.
April 13, 2017
This book was a book I just couldn't put down. There were a lot of tense moments and it was a very good book to read. I was reading it and I told myself "maybe two more chapters" and I ended up reading five! I don't want to spoil what happened so I won't say much more but I definitely recommend reading this book.
June 5, 2021
Living inside the mind of Ade as you read his story, I really felt his determined optimism to keep going wain as the situation for he and his mother became more desperate. He is alone in the last standing building in London, save for his mother who has not left her bedroom in weeks or indeed the flat for much longer. His life was difficult already, but now he can’t leave like everyone else. Luckily a couple of older people in the flats downstairs are left behind as well and so the grim situation lightens, and becomes a team survival challenge.
This felt a little slow to me and a bit desperate to be completely enjoyable for children in year 5-8 but still a lovely story.
This felt a little slow to me and a bit desperate to be completely enjoyable for children in year 5-8 but still a lovely story.
February 13, 2024
My first middle grade sci-fi! Hard to believe that it’s a debut. Finished in one sitting, very dramatic and kept me interested the whole way through. It probably could have done with a bit of tragedy considering it’s a dystopian book but I’m glad it ended the way it did.
January 11, 2021
A buddy read with my daughter. A dystopian story with lots to chat about together. It definitely kept us engaged and hooked in.
July 24, 2015
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2015 and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2015, and the Redbridge Children's Book Award 2015.
Also nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal.
This middle grade story is framed with a foreword and afterword from a boy called Ade. We are immediately introduced to the "bluchers", which are strange plants, and the fact that Ade is an observer from his perfect viewing post: his window from the top of his tower block. Ade's voice is quickly established in the first person . We understand straight away that Gaia is a special friend, and his comments about what happened 'Before' forewarns you that something significant is going to happen.
The action starts in the ordinary, urban world, and is recounted in the past tense. At this stage I was thinking the story reminded me of one of Jacqueline Wilson's stories: a child dealing with a challenging contemporary domestic situation. The familiar setting of school and home highlights the difficulties that Ade faces. His life is far from ideal with his Mum unable to leave the flat very often; but we learn that his neighbours are looking out for him.
As the story progresses, that sense of normality slowly crumbles away, especially when the buildings in Ade's neighbourhood begin to fall. We learn the cause of Ade's mum's agoraphobia, and feel Ade's sense of powerlessness. We see how resourceful he becomes in the face of adversity. We understand that Gaia helps him through all this. But before long anxiety in the community grows to the point where Ade is left to deal with his Mum alone. From Part 2 the story is told in the present tense, drawing us into the immediacy of the situation.
Polly Ho-Yen tells this story in a very simple, relaxed and pragmatic way. We see how Ade deals with this life changing situation through the detail of the mundane daily tasks and minutiae of practicality. For example, how Ade, Dory and Obi deal with toilet arrangements, drinking water and food when they are effectively trapped. (When I was a child I always got annoyed in stories that they glossed over these details!) The story unfolds in a relaxed manner reflecting the calm and stoic way that Ade deals with strange and stressful situations. Anchored to his flat by his mum who refuses to leave, he cannot escape, and therefore has to carry on regardless. In short, he has to drop childhood and take on the role of carer, and take care of himself.
As the danger to Ade grows, and the sinister nature of the bluchers becomes more scary,we see what he's really made of. All the time we are wondering how on earth he is going to escape the inevitable doom unscathed. When Ade faces his most dangerous fate, we are terrified with him, knowing what an ordeal he has endured to survive to that point. The suspense is almost suffocating, and not only do we care about Ade and Mum, but also his new found friends who have helped each other.
But if you want to know the ending, you'll just have to read it yourself!
This is above all a story about friendship, about resilience and loyalty. Old-fashioned values in a daunting world. I think you'd like this if you enjoyed Valentine Joe by Rebecca Stevens or The Last Wild by Piers Torday.
This a perfect book for young people to read alone, but would also be an excellent choice to read aloud to Year 5 or 6.
Pippa Wilson
hellopipski.wordpress.com
@hellopipski
Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2015, and the Redbridge Children's Book Award 2015.
Also nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal.
This middle grade story is framed with a foreword and afterword from a boy called Ade. We are immediately introduced to the "bluchers", which are strange plants, and the fact that Ade is an observer from his perfect viewing post: his window from the top of his tower block. Ade's voice is quickly established in the first person . We understand straight away that Gaia is a special friend, and his comments about what happened 'Before' forewarns you that something significant is going to happen.
The action starts in the ordinary, urban world, and is recounted in the past tense. At this stage I was thinking the story reminded me of one of Jacqueline Wilson's stories: a child dealing with a challenging contemporary domestic situation. The familiar setting of school and home highlights the difficulties that Ade faces. His life is far from ideal with his Mum unable to leave the flat very often; but we learn that his neighbours are looking out for him.
As the story progresses, that sense of normality slowly crumbles away, especially when the buildings in Ade's neighbourhood begin to fall. We learn the cause of Ade's mum's agoraphobia, and feel Ade's sense of powerlessness. We see how resourceful he becomes in the face of adversity. We understand that Gaia helps him through all this. But before long anxiety in the community grows to the point where Ade is left to deal with his Mum alone. From Part 2 the story is told in the present tense, drawing us into the immediacy of the situation.
Polly Ho-Yen tells this story in a very simple, relaxed and pragmatic way. We see how Ade deals with this life changing situation through the detail of the mundane daily tasks and minutiae of practicality. For example, how Ade, Dory and Obi deal with toilet arrangements, drinking water and food when they are effectively trapped. (When I was a child I always got annoyed in stories that they glossed over these details!) The story unfolds in a relaxed manner reflecting the calm and stoic way that Ade deals with strange and stressful situations. Anchored to his flat by his mum who refuses to leave, he cannot escape, and therefore has to carry on regardless. In short, he has to drop childhood and take on the role of carer, and take care of himself.
As the danger to Ade grows, and the sinister nature of the bluchers becomes more scary,we see what he's really made of. All the time we are wondering how on earth he is going to escape the inevitable doom unscathed. When Ade faces his most dangerous fate, we are terrified with him, knowing what an ordeal he has endured to survive to that point. The suspense is almost suffocating, and not only do we care about Ade and Mum, but also his new found friends who have helped each other.
But if you want to know the ending, you'll just have to read it yourself!
This is above all a story about friendship, about resilience and loyalty. Old-fashioned values in a daunting world. I think you'd like this if you enjoyed Valentine Joe by Rebecca Stevens or The Last Wild by Piers Torday.
This a perfect book for young people to read alone, but would also be an excellent choice to read aloud to Year 5 or 6.
Pippa Wilson
hellopipski.wordpress.com
@hellopipski
January 23, 2022
Best book I’ve read for a long time. I sped through the pages, the suspense was just too much and I had to keep going. All of the characters are fascinating, and I loved how the author put me in brave Ade’s shoes. The imagery of the Blutchers is wonderful and I’d love to have a go at painting some with a class. Having images at the end is a lovely touch and it made me think how interesting it would be to be able to see Ade’s scrap book. It would be a great activity to re-tell the story creating our own scrap book entries.
There is a lot of emotional content which could be triggering for some children. However there is also a process of healing and recovery and the theme of friendship is lovely in this book. Overall it is a wonderful demonstration of the resourcefulness of human beings.
There is a lot of emotional content which could be triggering for some children. However there is also a process of healing and recovery and the theme of friendship is lovely in this book. Overall it is a wonderful demonstration of the resourcefulness of human beings.
February 6, 2025
Just finished this with my Year 6 class today and after I closed the book, they actually CLAPPED. Chapter 59 especially had them shouting then sighing then shouting then cheering all within a minute! Amazing book allowing lots of discussion, gasps, smiles and sighs 🥳
June 12, 2015
Utterly brilliant! Was totally gripped!
January 14, 2019
I thort it was a good book got all the way thro and I rate it 4 stars
October 16, 2019
Very bad book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2025
I read this book as part of a book club, I do not think I would have completed it otherwise. I tried reading it as a paperback but really struggled with it, finding that it was a bit more engaging as an audio book instead.
The book is about Ade, a young boy, as he first contends with his sick mother who will not leave her bedroom and then giant purple plants that come with the rain and feed on the buildings and concrete of London. Ade observes the outside world gradually changing for the worse and people leaving to escape. Ade has to get on with it and sorts out stuff for his mum so they can survive without leaving the building. He then meets other survivors in his tower and they band together to survive.
I found that the first bit of the story was a bit slow and then it came a bit more interesting as the plants started their rein of destruction. I found I wanted to continue with the story to find out more about where the plants came from and what would happen to them? Which you never get answered as they get rescued and then the book ends. The ending was disappointing as it felt very rushed and predictable.
Overall, it was a nice read, i think that a young reader would not really realise or mind that it leaves unanswered questions or the ending. It is a great read that shows us a little of what nature might one day do to us and at the same time how humans will work together to survive. Xx
The book is about Ade, a young boy, as he first contends with his sick mother who will not leave her bedroom and then giant purple plants that come with the rain and feed on the buildings and concrete of London. Ade observes the outside world gradually changing for the worse and people leaving to escape. Ade has to get on with it and sorts out stuff for his mum so they can survive without leaving the building. He then meets other survivors in his tower and they band together to survive.
I found that the first bit of the story was a bit slow and then it came a bit more interesting as the plants started their rein of destruction. I found I wanted to continue with the story to find out more about where the plants came from and what would happen to them? Which you never get answered as they get rescued and then the book ends. The ending was disappointing as it felt very rushed and predictable.
Overall, it was a nice read, i think that a young reader would not really realise or mind that it leaves unanswered questions or the ending. It is a great read that shows us a little of what nature might one day do to us and at the same time how humans will work together to survive. Xx
November 12, 2017
This is a delightful, heartfelt, well-observed, kids' sci-fi novel set in Camberwell, which if you're anything like me will make you cry quite a lot. Ade, the little boy at its heart, is already bravely dealing with acting as a carer for his mum and feeling left out at school, and things get much worse when 21st-century Triffids turn up.
It's set in a tower block community and, though it was written way beforehand, it's hard not to think of Grenfell when reading it, even though the threat in this case doesn't involve fire. Ade's life feels so accurately described that you empathise with him very quickly, and really want good things to happen to him and his little found family of other survivors.
It's joy to read and strongly recommended for both kids and adults.
It's set in a tower block community and, though it was written way beforehand, it's hard not to think of Grenfell when reading it, even though the threat in this case doesn't involve fire. Ade's life feels so accurately described that you empathise with him very quickly, and really want good things to happen to him and his little found family of other survivors.
It's joy to read and strongly recommended for both kids and adults.
August 25, 2021
A veritable page turner. I couldn't stop reading, I was hooked at every moment. This book was written beautifully, somehow writing from the perspective of a child in a way that doesn't put off the adult reader. The only bad thing I have to say is that the ending was kind of a cop out, but I don't mind. The characters are easy to fall in love with, which is a must in my opinion. The story is so imaginative, really different from anything else I've read. I didn't find it to be overly predictable, and the twists in the story always had me genuinely intrigued about what would happen next. I wholeheartedly and unreservedly give this book 5 stars!
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