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The First Year
Nate’s eleven and has just finished Primary School. After a challenging final year, life is looking up. His brother has recovered from a life-threatening heart condition, he’s got the love of his mum, brothers and Auntie San, and he’s off to Secondary School with his two best mates.
But while he's making new friends and avoiding the fists of Turner, his old nemesis, and struggling to come to terms with a strict new teacher and a sense of isolation from his brothers, a sudden surprise appearance in Nate's life threatens to throw him completely off course. And The Beast - the anger he tries so hard to control - reappears. Will Nate find a way to keep himself and his family together?
But while he's making new friends and avoiding the fists of Turner, his old nemesis, and struggling to come to terms with a strict new teacher and a sense of isolation from his brothers, a sudden surprise appearance in Nate's life threatens to throw him completely off course. And The Beast - the anger he tries so hard to control - reappears. Will Nate find a way to keep himself and his family together?
480 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2025
About the author
Matt Goodfellow
22 books43 followersMatt Goodfellow was a primary school teacher for more than ten years before becoming a full-time poet and author. Shu Lin’s Grandpa is his first book with Candlewick Press. He lives with his wife and children in Manchester, England.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
April 16, 2025
When I read The Final Year, I described it as a book that changed me. It left an impression on my heart and I think about it often.
Filled with the same powerful storytelling - with moments that whack you so hard in the chest you have to catch your breath - The First Year is a magnificent book and yet a very different story from The Final Year. It has a different rhythm.
Nate is starting high school, leaving behind the safe haven of primary school, and is thrown into a chaotic new world of experiences and expectations. He has his old friends, and new ones, as well as some faces he’d rather have left behind. And there’s a phantom of a face too, which becomes more solid.
Nate has moved into a new chapter of his life. The storytelling reflects that and has a different perspective, a different feel to it. As Nate becomes older he becomes less focussed on his own story, and learns more about the people around him. And the story gently touches on some hard-hitting topics.
But of course, it’s still Nate’s story.
Nate’s extraordinary story.
Nate’s normality.
A normality that reflects many kids lives. A normality filled with love, with anxiety, with uncertainly, with “challenges”. And where the previous book was anchored by a teacher who really saw Nate, this is a story of what happens when attentions are elsewhere, when teachers don’t really see a child, they just see a challenge.
It’s also a story about friends who have your back, who really see you.
I described The Final Year as “a story about growing up. About finding your voice. Finding your people.” A statement as true for The First Year.
It’s another story that will change you.
Filled with the same powerful storytelling - with moments that whack you so hard in the chest you have to catch your breath - The First Year is a magnificent book and yet a very different story from The Final Year. It has a different rhythm.
Nate is starting high school, leaving behind the safe haven of primary school, and is thrown into a chaotic new world of experiences and expectations. He has his old friends, and new ones, as well as some faces he’d rather have left behind. And there’s a phantom of a face too, which becomes more solid.
Nate has moved into a new chapter of his life. The storytelling reflects that and has a different perspective, a different feel to it. As Nate becomes older he becomes less focussed on his own story, and learns more about the people around him. And the story gently touches on some hard-hitting topics.
But of course, it’s still Nate’s story.
Nate’s extraordinary story.
Nate’s normality.
A normality that reflects many kids lives. A normality filled with love, with anxiety, with uncertainly, with “challenges”. And where the previous book was anchored by a teacher who really saw Nate, this is a story of what happens when attentions are elsewhere, when teachers don’t really see a child, they just see a challenge.
It’s also a story about friends who have your back, who really see you.
I described The Final Year as “a story about growing up. About finding your voice. Finding your people.” A statement as true for The First Year.
It’s another story that will change you.
April 17, 2025
A stunning follow up to an already perfect story, delving into the journey of starting secondary school, bullies, and your absent dad reappearing in your life. He just knows how to hit those emotions with his words. And as ever JTS’s illustrations amplify this story so well!
August 1, 2025
just as good as the first one. just as important.
December 30, 2025
I think this book and the Final Year are the best modern children’s books around at the minute.
As a Year 6 teacher, I read a lot of them but these are stand out.
Beautifully written in poetry style, they are super accessible to all readers (which is so important!).
I love that they are written in Manchester dialect, with slang and shortened spellings - it makes it so real and authentic! Kids love being represented in what they read and there’s a realness that I think loads of kids I taught would love.
Having said that, I read this as an adult and recommended to other adults who also loved it!
The characters and relationships are so real and representative but mostly it’s the power in that every single word Matt Goodfellow writes means something. He uses such few words but they are all so powerful.
If you can’t guess from this review, I loved it and WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL!! But make sure you read The Final Year first.
As a Year 6 teacher, I read a lot of them but these are stand out.
Beautifully written in poetry style, they are super accessible to all readers (which is so important!).
I love that they are written in Manchester dialect, with slang and shortened spellings - it makes it so real and authentic! Kids love being represented in what they read and there’s a realness that I think loads of kids I taught would love.
Having said that, I read this as an adult and recommended to other adults who also loved it!
The characters and relationships are so real and representative but mostly it’s the power in that every single word Matt Goodfellow writes means something. He uses such few words but they are all so powerful.
If you can’t guess from this review, I loved it and WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL!! But make sure you read The Final Year first.
May 18, 2025
Trying to keep my cool in a café while tears once again stream down my face. Matt Goodfellow has done it again. This book is a masterclass in verse novels—profoundly moving, heartbreakingly beautiful, and full of heart. His storytelling cuts deep in the gentlest way, wrapping every raw emotion in poetry that lingers long after the final page. Goodfellow is the poetic voice of a generation, and in my eyes, he's in a league entirely his own.
April 29, 2026
Another one read for work! This is the sequel to the final year depicting Nate’s first year at secondary school and this was also such a powerful story, I may not have cried this time but the message still hit home. This book definitely helped to solidify why I choose to do what I do and why I work with and prioritise the lives of children day in and day out - if I show up for them then they are guaranteed to have an adult in their lives that truly cares and wants the best for them which sadly a lot of children do not have at home! Another incredible story, I can’t wait to meet Matt Goodfellow next week and discuss these amazing books!
July 8, 2026
The sequel to "The Final Year", this is another excellent story, written by a writer who understands the children he's writing about, and has developed a format that makes this an easy read while still carrying a first person story which is engaging and with an emotional load. It's innovative in style, has some great characters and great moments, and leaves a lasting impression.
The author was a primary school teacher, and this shows. He writes for mid-graders in a way they will enjoy, about things they will care about, but he also adds a layer of challenging ambiguity that will get them thinking too. It is all very cleverly done.
This review was for the adults. But for the mid-graders: This book's mint!
The author was a primary school teacher, and this shows. He writes for mid-graders in a way they will enjoy, about things they will care about, but he also adds a layer of challenging ambiguity that will get them thinking too. It is all very cleverly done.
This review was for the adults. But for the mid-graders: This book's mint!
April 13, 2025
Nate and his family have my heart. Beautiful writing. Loved it.
June 15, 2025
This is a fantastic sequel and we have thoroughly enjoyed them both. It is so well written, engaging and fun to read. I'm reading it to my 11yr old who is in year 6.
August 7, 2025
It is an amazing book all written in poetry. It follows Nates story and how he deals with moving to secondary school.
September 10, 2025
3.5* A sweet and moving story of friendship, family and transitions. While I didn’t love this as much as The Final Year, it was still a lovely read.
October 13, 2025
certainly didn't disappoint
September 6, 2026
4.5 didn't make me cry like the others
April 29, 2025
4.5 stars - fabulous, just loved the first one a little bit more!
June 1, 2025
This was just simply wonderful. Even better than the first book which I loved. Definitely in my top 5 reads this year!
August 23, 2025
I just couldn’t enjoy this book for multiple reasons.
The entire book was written in poetry and I didn’t really enjoy that. Even though there wasn’t much writing this felt like such a drag to read.
I thought that some aspects of it just weren’t realistic. If you beat someone up you wouldn’t just go to isolation- you would be suspended.
There were questions that I wanted answers to but sadly didnt get them. I wanted to know what Nate’s dad did for a living and what happened to Turner. I had some vague ideas but I’m one of those readers who needs definitive answers- I don’t like guessing/ leaving it to my imagination.
I also thought this was way too dramatic and quite unrealistic. Don’t read this before starting secondary as it will definitely scare you and make you feel nervous about starting S1. I know people will have very different opinions on this book but I really didn’t like it and was forcing myself to read it. I did like how little writing there was so I could read tiny bits at a time.
Side note- I personally didn’t like the language used as it felt outdated/ was something I would never say.
The entire book was written in poetry and I didn’t really enjoy that. Even though there wasn’t much writing this felt like such a drag to read.
I thought that some aspects of it just weren’t realistic. If you beat someone up you wouldn’t just go to isolation- you would be suspended.
There were questions that I wanted answers to but sadly didnt get them. I wanted to know what Nate’s dad did for a living and what happened to Turner. I had some vague ideas but I’m one of those readers who needs definitive answers- I don’t like guessing/ leaving it to my imagination.
I also thought this was way too dramatic and quite unrealistic. Don’t read this before starting secondary as it will definitely scare you and make you feel nervous about starting S1. I know people will have very different opinions on this book but I really didn’t like it and was forcing myself to read it. I did like how little writing there was so I could read tiny bits at a time.
Side note- I personally didn’t like the language used as it felt outdated/ was something I would never say.
September 7, 2025
These books are so important for kids right now.
Nate is such a strong kid. He really struggles going into year 7 and all the challenges that come with it. He’s expected to be ready for it and he just found his place in primary school. He had teachers that got him and friends he trusted.
It really highlights the struggle for any kid going from year 6 to 7 in one summer.
He struggles still with his brothers health, his dad mysteriously coming back into his life and losing everything he had to help him in primary school.
Loved the way this is set out and one day hopefully be in my own classroom :)
Nate is such a strong kid. He really struggles going into year 7 and all the challenges that come with it. He’s expected to be ready for it and he just found his place in primary school. He had teachers that got him and friends he trusted.
It really highlights the struggle for any kid going from year 6 to 7 in one summer.
He struggles still with his brothers health, his dad mysteriously coming back into his life and losing everything he had to help him in primary school.
Loved the way this is set out and one day hopefully be in my own classroom :)
August 18, 2025
Way to put young readers off the large step to secondary schools, will scare them silly. Will not be recommending. Large novel of over 200 pages will also put off readers. Read in a few hours won’t pick up again.
September 3, 2026
'Less is more.'
📕 Het eerste jaar | ✍️ Matt Goodfellow
𝘡𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘬𝘵.
𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘫𝘱𝘦𝘯, 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘦,
𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘵 𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘢𝘵.
𝘡𝘦 𝘻𝘪𝘫𝘯 𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘱 𝘶𝘪𝘵
𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯,
𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯
𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘯.
Bijzonder eigenlijk. Ik gaf, toen ik startte met deze boekenaccount, regelmatig aan dat ik dichtbundels en gedichten altijd lastig om te lezen vond. Vaak vond ik ze onnodig ingewikkeld en wisten ze mij niet echt te pakken.
Maar, als ik nu terugkijk naar het afgelopen leesjaar, kan ik niet anders zeggen dat ik al een aantal keer door een verhaal in dicht- (of vrije vers) vorm volledig uit mijn sokken ben geblazen. En, dit is de tweede voltreffer uit de pen van 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄.
Dit vervolg op 𝘏𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘫𝘢𝘢𝘳 gaat eigenlijk direct verder waar het eerste boek ophield. In het eerste boek hebben we Nate en zijn familie leren kennen, zijn gedachten, zijn vrienden, zijn leraar, en…het beest. Het leven van Nate kent behoorlijk wat uitdagingen, maar desondanks heeft hij binnen zijn mogelijkheden het redelijk voor elkaar. Na een bewogen laatste jaar op de basisschool (zijn broertje Dylan kampte o.a. met ernstige hartproblemen) is Nate klaar voor de overstap naar de middelbare. Samen met zijn twee vrienden PS en Caleb begint hij vol goede moed aan de volgende fase van zijn leven.
Maar…het valt niet mee voor hem om zijn draai te vinden. De verwachtingen zijn heel anders dan op de basisschool, zijn leraren hebben geen tijd om hem écht te zien, en ook laat zijn oude vijand hem niet met rust. Reden genoeg om het beest in zijn binnenste steeds meer aan kracht te laten winnen. Het gaat een aantal keer goed mis. Nate begint bekend te staan als lastpost en vechtersbaas, iets wat voor zijn oude mentor (meneer Joshua) ondenkbaar was. Nate zoekt af en toe nog steun bij zijn vorige meester. Maar, logisch, die heeft ook niet altijd meer tijd voor hem.
En dan is er ook nog die andere persoon uit zijn leven die plotseling op allerlei verschillende plekken opduikt…Of verbeeldt Nate zich dat maar?
𝘕𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘫𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘷𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵, 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘺.
𝘋𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘫𝘯 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘫𝘥 𝘻𝘦𝘪.
𝘝𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘻𝘪𝘯
𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘫𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘦 𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘢𝘵.
𝘋𝘶𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘫𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘳
𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘬𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘫𝘦𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯.
Dit verhaal gaat recht je hart in. De terugkeer naar het verhaal van Nate is een hele fijne en warme. Tijdens het lezen ga je houden van alle karakters van het verhaal, en in dit boek wordt dit alleen maar verder uitgebreid. Matt’s schrijfstijl is prettig om te lezen. Het knappe van een boek in deze vorm, is dat eigenlijk alle woorden die er in het verhaal staan raak zijn. Less is more zeg maar.
Hoe Matt de leraar beschrijft in het eerste boek is hoe ik ook ambieer les te geven. In dit boek iets minder. Natuurlijk is het te verklaren dat docenten op de middelbare gewoon minder tijd hebben om de leerlingen te leren kennen, maar het is zo belangrijk om niet alleen met de lesstof bezig te zijn, maar ook met de groep en het individu.
Samenvattend: Matt Goodfellow maakte samen met Joe Todd-Stanton een mooi, liefdevol verhaal dat heel fijn is om te lezen. Het leert dat ondanks dat alles niet altijd mee zit, je door te praten en de mensen om je heen te koesteren, het toch allemaal best goed kan komen. Echt een aanrader!
📕 Het eerste jaar | ✍️ Matt Goodfellow
𝘡𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘬𝘵.
𝘔𝘢𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘦𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘫𝘱𝘦𝘯, 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘦,
𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘵 𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘦 𝘨𝘢𝘢𝘵.
𝘡𝘦 𝘻𝘪𝘫𝘯 𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘱 𝘶𝘪𝘵
𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯,
𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘮 𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯
𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘯.
Bijzonder eigenlijk. Ik gaf, toen ik startte met deze boekenaccount, regelmatig aan dat ik dichtbundels en gedichten altijd lastig om te lezen vond. Vaak vond ik ze onnodig ingewikkeld en wisten ze mij niet echt te pakken.
Maar, als ik nu terugkijk naar het afgelopen leesjaar, kan ik niet anders zeggen dat ik al een aantal keer door een verhaal in dicht- (of vrije vers) vorm volledig uit mijn sokken ben geblazen. En, dit is de tweede voltreffer uit de pen van 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄.
Dit vervolg op 𝘏𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘫𝘢𝘢𝘳 gaat eigenlijk direct verder waar het eerste boek ophield. In het eerste boek hebben we Nate en zijn familie leren kennen, zijn gedachten, zijn vrienden, zijn leraar, en…het beest. Het leven van Nate kent behoorlijk wat uitdagingen, maar desondanks heeft hij binnen zijn mogelijkheden het redelijk voor elkaar. Na een bewogen laatste jaar op de basisschool (zijn broertje Dylan kampte o.a. met ernstige hartproblemen) is Nate klaar voor de overstap naar de middelbare. Samen met zijn twee vrienden PS en Caleb begint hij vol goede moed aan de volgende fase van zijn leven.
Maar…het valt niet mee voor hem om zijn draai te vinden. De verwachtingen zijn heel anders dan op de basisschool, zijn leraren hebben geen tijd om hem écht te zien, en ook laat zijn oude vijand hem niet met rust. Reden genoeg om het beest in zijn binnenste steeds meer aan kracht te laten winnen. Het gaat een aantal keer goed mis. Nate begint bekend te staan als lastpost en vechtersbaas, iets wat voor zijn oude mentor (meneer Joshua) ondenkbaar was. Nate zoekt af en toe nog steun bij zijn vorige meester. Maar, logisch, die heeft ook niet altijd meer tijd voor hem.
En dan is er ook nog die andere persoon uit zijn leven die plotseling op allerlei verschillende plekken opduikt…Of verbeeldt Nate zich dat maar?
𝘕𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘯 𝘷𝘪𝘫𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘷𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘶𝘪𝘵, 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘺.
𝘋𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘫𝘯 𝘷𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘫𝘥 𝘻𝘦𝘪.
𝘝𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘥𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘧𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘻𝘪𝘯
𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘫𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘩 𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘵 𝘫𝘦 𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘢𝘵.
𝘋𝘶𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘫𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘳
𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘶𝘬𝘴𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘫𝘦𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯.
Dit verhaal gaat recht je hart in. De terugkeer naar het verhaal van Nate is een hele fijne en warme. Tijdens het lezen ga je houden van alle karakters van het verhaal, en in dit boek wordt dit alleen maar verder uitgebreid. Matt’s schrijfstijl is prettig om te lezen. Het knappe van een boek in deze vorm, is dat eigenlijk alle woorden die er in het verhaal staan raak zijn. Less is more zeg maar.
Hoe Matt de leraar beschrijft in het eerste boek is hoe ik ook ambieer les te geven. In dit boek iets minder. Natuurlijk is het te verklaren dat docenten op de middelbare gewoon minder tijd hebben om de leerlingen te leren kennen, maar het is zo belangrijk om niet alleen met de lesstof bezig te zijn, maar ook met de groep en het individu.
Samenvattend: Matt Goodfellow maakte samen met Joe Todd-Stanton een mooi, liefdevol verhaal dat heel fijn is om te lezen. Het leert dat ondanks dat alles niet altijd mee zit, je door te praten en de mensen om je heen te koesteren, het toch allemaal best goed kan komen. Echt een aanrader!
September 10, 2026
'Volg je hart, volg je pen.
'Laat de wereld je kracht, je hart en je moed zien en dan komt alles goed met je.'
Met die woorden neemt meester Joshua afscheid van Nate. Joshua is een betrokken leraar, die in 'Het laatste jaar' een belangrijke rol speelt in Nate's leven. Na een spannend jaar gaat het gelukkig weer goed met zijn broertje die erg ziek was en nu wachten nieuwe uitdagingen op Nate. Hij gaat naar de middelbare school. Een grote overgang. De nadruk ligt op presteren, doorzetten en discipline. Je misdragen wordt bestraft en de docenten hebben niet de tijd om hun leerlingen echt te leren kennen. Gelukkig gaan zijn goede vrienden Caleb en PS naar dezelfde klas en maakt hij ook een nieuwe vriendin. Ze vormen een hecht clubje. Toch worstelt Nate regelmatig met zijn emoties en steekt 'Het Beest' de kop op, zeker als pestkop Luke in beeld is. Daarnaast wil iemand die hij nooit gezien of gesproken heeft ineens contact met hem. Iets dat veel losmaakt. Gelukkig kan hij altijd terugvallen op zijn moeder, haar vriendin, zijn broertjes, zijn vrienden en zijn gedichten, maar is dat voldoende?
'...en waar ik ook ga en wat ik ook doe
Ik leid mijn leven maar
weetniet goed hoe'.
De overgang naar de middelbare school is niet altijd makkelijk, zeker als er thuis ook dingen spelen, dat blijkt uit het verhaal van Nate. De onwennigheid is duidelijk voelbaar. Daarbij komt dan ook nog de grote verandering in zijn privéleven. Nate vindt steun bij zijn familie en vrienden en schrijft om zijn emoties een plekje te geven. Toch wordt het hem soms te veel.
De auteur schreef dit boek in vrij versvorm. Korte, pakkende, regelmatig poëtische zinnen, geen woord te veel, juist dat maakt indruk. Gesproken woorden zijn cursief gedrukt en soms wordt er extra nadruk op iets gelegd door te spelen met spaties en regelafstand. Dit alles maakt dat het verhaal echt binnenkomt. Niet alleen meelezen, maar ook meeleven.
De thema's die Goodfellow aankaart zijn grote thema's, opgroeien in een arm eenoudergezin, een nieuwe school, levensveranderende gebeurtenissen in het gezin die impact hebben. Dit maakt het een indrukwekkend boek zonder dat het zwaar is, dit is knap gedaan. Ook komt naar voren hoe belangrijk steunfiguren zijn, familie en vrienden en zijn meester uit 'Het laatste jaar'. Hieruit blijkt hoeveel verschil een leraar kan maken in het leven van een kind! De illustraties versterken en verlevendigen het verhaal. De vertaler, Willem-Jan Kok wil ik ook even noemen. Het lijkt mij niet eenvoudig om een boek in versvorm zo te vertalen dat de kracht van de woorden blijft bestaan.
'Het eerste jaar' is een prachtig verhaal in zowel woord als beeld dat je niet snel zal vergeten.
Ik wil Uitgeverij Volt hartelijk bedanken voor dit recensie exemplaar.
4.5 sterren
Quotes
'Wat een vreemde reis maken we toch. Die behoefte om altijd maar iemand anders te willen zijn'.
'Er ontbreekt een stukje van je. Maar je moet weten, dat hebben we eigenlijk allemaal'.
'Laat de wereld je kracht, je hart en je moed zien en dan komt alles goed met je.'
Met die woorden neemt meester Joshua afscheid van Nate. Joshua is een betrokken leraar, die in 'Het laatste jaar' een belangrijke rol speelt in Nate's leven. Na een spannend jaar gaat het gelukkig weer goed met zijn broertje die erg ziek was en nu wachten nieuwe uitdagingen op Nate. Hij gaat naar de middelbare school. Een grote overgang. De nadruk ligt op presteren, doorzetten en discipline. Je misdragen wordt bestraft en de docenten hebben niet de tijd om hun leerlingen echt te leren kennen. Gelukkig gaan zijn goede vrienden Caleb en PS naar dezelfde klas en maakt hij ook een nieuwe vriendin. Ze vormen een hecht clubje. Toch worstelt Nate regelmatig met zijn emoties en steekt 'Het Beest' de kop op, zeker als pestkop Luke in beeld is. Daarnaast wil iemand die hij nooit gezien of gesproken heeft ineens contact met hem. Iets dat veel losmaakt. Gelukkig kan hij altijd terugvallen op zijn moeder, haar vriendin, zijn broertjes, zijn vrienden en zijn gedichten, maar is dat voldoende?
'...en waar ik ook ga en wat ik ook doe
Ik leid mijn leven maar
weetniet goed hoe'.
De overgang naar de middelbare school is niet altijd makkelijk, zeker als er thuis ook dingen spelen, dat blijkt uit het verhaal van Nate. De onwennigheid is duidelijk voelbaar. Daarbij komt dan ook nog de grote verandering in zijn privéleven. Nate vindt steun bij zijn familie en vrienden en schrijft om zijn emoties een plekje te geven. Toch wordt het hem soms te veel.
De auteur schreef dit boek in vrij versvorm. Korte, pakkende, regelmatig poëtische zinnen, geen woord te veel, juist dat maakt indruk. Gesproken woorden zijn cursief gedrukt en soms wordt er extra nadruk op iets gelegd door te spelen met spaties en regelafstand. Dit alles maakt dat het verhaal echt binnenkomt. Niet alleen meelezen, maar ook meeleven.
De thema's die Goodfellow aankaart zijn grote thema's, opgroeien in een arm eenoudergezin, een nieuwe school, levensveranderende gebeurtenissen in het gezin die impact hebben. Dit maakt het een indrukwekkend boek zonder dat het zwaar is, dit is knap gedaan. Ook komt naar voren hoe belangrijk steunfiguren zijn, familie en vrienden en zijn meester uit 'Het laatste jaar'. Hieruit blijkt hoeveel verschil een leraar kan maken in het leven van een kind! De illustraties versterken en verlevendigen het verhaal. De vertaler, Willem-Jan Kok wil ik ook even noemen. Het lijkt mij niet eenvoudig om een boek in versvorm zo te vertalen dat de kracht van de woorden blijft bestaan.
'Het eerste jaar' is een prachtig verhaal in zowel woord als beeld dat je niet snel zal vergeten.
Ik wil Uitgeverij Volt hartelijk bedanken voor dit recensie exemplaar.
4.5 sterren
Quotes
'Wat een vreemde reis maken we toch. Die behoefte om altijd maar iemand anders te willen zijn'.
'Er ontbreekt een stukje van je. Maar je moet weten, dat hebben we eigenlijk allemaal'.
July 10, 2026
What is A The First Year about?
Following the first book in this duology (The Final Year), this verse novel is about a boy in the first year of high school, dealing with new friendships, teachers and classes. Other new challenges include serious bullying, school expectations and his absent father entering his life for the first time.
Plot summary of The First Year (No Spoilers)
Nate is excited to be going to the local high school, even if he and his mates feel weird in their school blazers and new routines. He knows he’ll miss Mr Joshua from primary school but is keen to take the next steps into his new schooling life.
He meets new teachers and students including a girl who seems remote but is the opposite with those close to her. She soon becomes part of his friendship group who surround him when he needs them for both challenging school and home-life problems.
Review
The sequel to the multi award winning The Final Year, this verse novel packs just as much punch as it portrays a normal kid in his first year of high school in Manchester England.
After dealing with so much in The Final Year, this novel is even more personal as Nate deals with a face from his past school, a new face who brings him strength and understanding, and a face he has dreamed about but has never been sure they would ever be part of his life.
He’s also dealing with different teachers who are stretched for time, understanding and patience, unlike his primary school teacher. Constantly under pressure, the high school teachers prefer to stick to the school rules instead of trying to understand challenging behaviour, and Nate’s writing is acknowledged but not nurtured as much as before.
Although the health issues of his little brother seem sorted, he begins to drift away from his siblings with all that high school places upon him. He takes more time for himself as he wrangles with the feelings about his father entering his life, and the higher expectations of school.
I was lucky enough to listen to The First Year, read by the author himself, with the accent, dialect and slang of the place and time – right now.
What age is it for?
Ages 10-12 for those beginning Intermediate (NZ), or High School.
Where & When is it set?
Manchester, England / Present
Is there Violence?
Yes
Themes
School / Family / Change / Social challenges / Friendship
Following the first book in this duology (The Final Year), this verse novel is about a boy in the first year of high school, dealing with new friendships, teachers and classes. Other new challenges include serious bullying, school expectations and his absent father entering his life for the first time.
Plot summary of The First Year (No Spoilers)
Nate is excited to be going to the local high school, even if he and his mates feel weird in their school blazers and new routines. He knows he’ll miss Mr Joshua from primary school but is keen to take the next steps into his new schooling life.
He meets new teachers and students including a girl who seems remote but is the opposite with those close to her. She soon becomes part of his friendship group who surround him when he needs them for both challenging school and home-life problems.
Review
The sequel to the multi award winning The Final Year, this verse novel packs just as much punch as it portrays a normal kid in his first year of high school in Manchester England.
After dealing with so much in The Final Year, this novel is even more personal as Nate deals with a face from his past school, a new face who brings him strength and understanding, and a face he has dreamed about but has never been sure they would ever be part of his life.
He’s also dealing with different teachers who are stretched for time, understanding and patience, unlike his primary school teacher. Constantly under pressure, the high school teachers prefer to stick to the school rules instead of trying to understand challenging behaviour, and Nate’s writing is acknowledged but not nurtured as much as before.
Although the health issues of his little brother seem sorted, he begins to drift away from his siblings with all that high school places upon him. He takes more time for himself as he wrangles with the feelings about his father entering his life, and the higher expectations of school.
I was lucky enough to listen to The First Year, read by the author himself, with the accent, dialect and slang of the place and time – right now.
What age is it for?
Ages 10-12 for those beginning Intermediate (NZ), or High School.
Where & When is it set?
Manchester, England / Present
Is there Violence?
Yes
Themes
School / Family / Change / Social challenges / Friendship
January 14, 2026
As someone who works closely with children at moments of transition, The First Year feels both urgent and deeply reassuring in equal measure.
What Matt Goodfellow captures so precisely is that moving to secondary school is not just a change of building - it’s a re-negotiation of identity, family roles and emotional survival. Nate’s life is objectively improving in many ways, yet the book refuses the myth that progress is neat or linear. Joy and fear coexist here, and that honesty is one of the novel’s great strengths.
Nate remains a wonderfully grounded protagonist. His anger - “The Beast” - is never glamorised or dismissed, but treated as a response to pressure, responsibility and love that feels too big to contain. This is a rare and valuable portrayal of boyhood masculinity: emotionally intense, caring, conflicted, and actively trying to do better. Nate wants to protect his family, stay loyal to his friends, and not become someone he doesn’t like. That internal struggle will resonate powerfully with readers who rarely see their feelings named with such care.
I also admire how the book centres working-class family life without sentimentality. Nate’s mum, brothers and Auntie San are sources of warmth and stability, but they are not idealised. Love here is practical, imperfect and fiercely sustaining. The school environment, meanwhile, is portrayed with nuance - teachers are not villains, but systems are shown to be blunt instruments when empathy is lacking.
The verse form continues to be an inspired choice. It makes the text accessible to a wide range of readers while allowing emotional moments to land with real force. The language is spare, direct and quietly lyrical, giving children permission to feel big things without embarrassment.
This is an emotionally literate, socially aware book that trusts its readers completely. It deserves its praise - not just as a sequel, but as a powerful exploration of anger, care and growing up in a world that doesn’t always make space for boys’ feelings.
What Matt Goodfellow captures so precisely is that moving to secondary school is not just a change of building - it’s a re-negotiation of identity, family roles and emotional survival. Nate’s life is objectively improving in many ways, yet the book refuses the myth that progress is neat or linear. Joy and fear coexist here, and that honesty is one of the novel’s great strengths.
Nate remains a wonderfully grounded protagonist. His anger - “The Beast” - is never glamorised or dismissed, but treated as a response to pressure, responsibility and love that feels too big to contain. This is a rare and valuable portrayal of boyhood masculinity: emotionally intense, caring, conflicted, and actively trying to do better. Nate wants to protect his family, stay loyal to his friends, and not become someone he doesn’t like. That internal struggle will resonate powerfully with readers who rarely see their feelings named with such care.
I also admire how the book centres working-class family life without sentimentality. Nate’s mum, brothers and Auntie San are sources of warmth and stability, but they are not idealised. Love here is practical, imperfect and fiercely sustaining. The school environment, meanwhile, is portrayed with nuance - teachers are not villains, but systems are shown to be blunt instruments when empathy is lacking.
The verse form continues to be an inspired choice. It makes the text accessible to a wide range of readers while allowing emotional moments to land with real force. The language is spare, direct and quietly lyrical, giving children permission to feel big things without embarrassment.
This is an emotionally literate, socially aware book that trusts its readers completely. It deserves its praise - not just as a sequel, but as a powerful exploration of anger, care and growing up in a world that doesn’t always make space for boys’ feelings.
April 12, 2025
Excellent continuation following a sympathetic family and young student.
Adored The Final Year recently, and snapped this sequel up when offered the chance. It could be read in isolation from the first, but knowing Nate's history - his small brother's heart problem, his experiences in Year 6 with a bully and friends, an inspiring teacher, his struggling mum, his temper - all of that is useful background.
Nate is now starting Year 7. He still tells us his story in verse, and this year, while his young brother has recovered from surgery and is home again, Nate has a lot going on. There's the new school and being bottom of the pile again, his old bully is there too though Nate has good friends (old AND new) with him now that help him manage his temper (despite a strict and unsympathetic teacher). Mum is still drinking and going down the bingo a lot. And now a long-absent family member is making an appearance and turning everything on its head.
You just want to hug Nate and his brothers. Certainly I do as an adult reader. I imagine those more his age will feel much more like Nate is one of them, he is articulate and his experiences will hit home a lot with the age group.
We get more insight into Nate's family history in this book, regarding his parents in particular. We see Nate being a parent and still needing to be parented. We see new friendships on his horizon and the possibility of his passions and interests being fulfilled in future years. We see the drudgery of poverty and the effort it takes to work against it.
It's a fantastic sequel, loved the way Goodfellow has chosen to present his writing and in Nate's mature yet still young voice. It was very moving as Nate navigates family dilemmas and his new adolescent school world.
A whizz of a book to get through, you'll not want Year 7 to end.
For ages 10-13.
With thanks to LoveReading, for providing a sample reading copy.
Adored The Final Year recently, and snapped this sequel up when offered the chance. It could be read in isolation from the first, but knowing Nate's history - his small brother's heart problem, his experiences in Year 6 with a bully and friends, an inspiring teacher, his struggling mum, his temper - all of that is useful background.
Nate is now starting Year 7. He still tells us his story in verse, and this year, while his young brother has recovered from surgery and is home again, Nate has a lot going on. There's the new school and being bottom of the pile again, his old bully is there too though Nate has good friends (old AND new) with him now that help him manage his temper (despite a strict and unsympathetic teacher). Mum is still drinking and going down the bingo a lot. And now a long-absent family member is making an appearance and turning everything on its head.
You just want to hug Nate and his brothers. Certainly I do as an adult reader. I imagine those more his age will feel much more like Nate is one of them, he is articulate and his experiences will hit home a lot with the age group.
We get more insight into Nate's family history in this book, regarding his parents in particular. We see Nate being a parent and still needing to be parented. We see new friendships on his horizon and the possibility of his passions and interests being fulfilled in future years. We see the drudgery of poverty and the effort it takes to work against it.
It's a fantastic sequel, loved the way Goodfellow has chosen to present his writing and in Nate's mature yet still young voice. It was very moving as Nate navigates family dilemmas and his new adolescent school world.
A whizz of a book to get through, you'll not want Year 7 to end.
For ages 10-13.
With thanks to LoveReading, for providing a sample reading copy.
August 10, 2025
I read and reviewed this elsewhere back in March but forgot to stick it here, it seems!
In The Final Year, the intimate setting and careful mentoring of Mr Joshua, helped Nate make it through primary school and learn to keep ‘The Beast’ at bay. High school beckons- will Nate be seen in the same way by the teachers? Is he worth investing in amongst the academic high stakes? Will he be able to regulate his emotions at this time of huge change? Surely anything else happening would send him over the edge.
The First Year picks up where The Final Year left off in every sense. It’s following Nate and co. straight after breaking up for THAT summer between primary and secondary school. The writing is also of the same great calibre that whilst clearly finely crafted gives the impression of a world viewed through the lens of raw adolescence. Matt Goodfellow does the same fantastic service representing economically marginalised voices not often seen in children’s books.
I really liked how Goodfellow developed the character of Nate’s mum, Gemma. I don’t want to add spoilers but she seemed more present in this book (in every sense) and her struggles -and victories- were more sympathetically visible. Likewise, there is more room given to the wonderful Auntie San-as Goodfellow prompts: there’s always a back story. I also like how we are reminded to contemplate the back stories of even the most difficult-to-like characters, showing the complexity of humanity. Brilliant for building empathy.
I was moved by all of the little nods to Skellig peppered throughout- lovely to maintain the tribute to this phenomenal book and show how the legacy of reading it has stayed with Nate.
This should be read by every secondary head and Academy CEO in the country. And everyone else.
In The Final Year, the intimate setting and careful mentoring of Mr Joshua, helped Nate make it through primary school and learn to keep ‘The Beast’ at bay. High school beckons- will Nate be seen in the same way by the teachers? Is he worth investing in amongst the academic high stakes? Will he be able to regulate his emotions at this time of huge change? Surely anything else happening would send him over the edge.
The First Year picks up where The Final Year left off in every sense. It’s following Nate and co. straight after breaking up for THAT summer between primary and secondary school. The writing is also of the same great calibre that whilst clearly finely crafted gives the impression of a world viewed through the lens of raw adolescence. Matt Goodfellow does the same fantastic service representing economically marginalised voices not often seen in children’s books.
I really liked how Goodfellow developed the character of Nate’s mum, Gemma. I don’t want to add spoilers but she seemed more present in this book (in every sense) and her struggles -and victories- were more sympathetically visible. Likewise, there is more room given to the wonderful Auntie San-as Goodfellow prompts: there’s always a back story. I also like how we are reminded to contemplate the back stories of even the most difficult-to-like characters, showing the complexity of humanity. Brilliant for building empathy.
I was moved by all of the little nods to Skellig peppered throughout- lovely to maintain the tribute to this phenomenal book and show how the legacy of reading it has stayed with Nate.
This should be read by every secondary head and Academy CEO in the country. And everyone else.
September 9, 2026
“… door het hek
de wijde wereld in
op weg naar iets vreemds en nieuws.”
Het vervolg op Het laatste jaar.
Nadat Nate de basisschool heeft verlaten, bereidt hij zich voor op het eerste jaar van de middelbare school. Het leven ziet er goed uit nu zijn broertje is hersteld en het familieleven loopt op rolletjes…..
“Een septemberbui
spoelt de zomer weg,
alsof de regen zegt
Nate, ‘t is tijd om op te staan,
de toekomst komt eraan.”
Hij doet zijn best te wennen op school, maar heeft nog regelmatig ruzie met Luke en zijn broers. Dan komt er ook nog ineens een oude bekende om de hoek kijken en zet zijn leven op zijn kop…
Wederom een prachtig verhaal in verse novel vorm. Knap ook hoe het de vertaler gelukt is deze bijzondere vorm en het ritme in tact te houden. De tekeningen sluiten mooi aan bij het verhaal. De rol van zijn moeder vindt ik prachtig. Hoe die zichzelf wegcijfert voor het geluk van haar zoon. Maar ook de liefde van Nate voor zijn broertjes en de onvoorwaardelijkheid van de vriendschap met PS, Caleb en Muna. Ook de struggles van Nate met het wennen aan alle nieuwe situaties en het loslaten van het oude.
“Maar de laatste tijd
kom ik erachter
dat stilte meer zegt
dan woorden kunnen.”
Ik vond het echt weer een heel ontroerend om te lezen.. Sterk door de vorm. Geen woord te veel, alles raak en daardoor komt het verhaal echt binnen. De ene zin is nog mooier dan de andere. Ik had moeite om de quotes te kiezen ;-)
Kortom: een prachtig boek weer.
de wijde wereld in
op weg naar iets vreemds en nieuws.”
Het vervolg op Het laatste jaar.
Nadat Nate de basisschool heeft verlaten, bereidt hij zich voor op het eerste jaar van de middelbare school. Het leven ziet er goed uit nu zijn broertje is hersteld en het familieleven loopt op rolletjes…..
“Een septemberbui
spoelt de zomer weg,
alsof de regen zegt
Nate, ‘t is tijd om op te staan,
de toekomst komt eraan.”
Hij doet zijn best te wennen op school, maar heeft nog regelmatig ruzie met Luke en zijn broers. Dan komt er ook nog ineens een oude bekende om de hoek kijken en zet zijn leven op zijn kop…
Wederom een prachtig verhaal in verse novel vorm. Knap ook hoe het de vertaler gelukt is deze bijzondere vorm en het ritme in tact te houden. De tekeningen sluiten mooi aan bij het verhaal. De rol van zijn moeder vindt ik prachtig. Hoe die zichzelf wegcijfert voor het geluk van haar zoon. Maar ook de liefde van Nate voor zijn broertjes en de onvoorwaardelijkheid van de vriendschap met PS, Caleb en Muna. Ook de struggles van Nate met het wennen aan alle nieuwe situaties en het loslaten van het oude.
“Maar de laatste tijd
kom ik erachter
dat stilte meer zegt
dan woorden kunnen.”
Ik vond het echt weer een heel ontroerend om te lezen.. Sterk door de vorm. Geen woord te veel, alles raak en daardoor komt het verhaal echt binnen. De ene zin is nog mooier dan de andere. Ik had moeite om de quotes te kiezen ;-)
Kortom: een prachtig boek weer.
May 15, 2025
Nate’s back, and so is the verse - rhythmic, raw, and resonant. The First Year, Matt Goodfellow’s quietly brilliant sequel to The Final Year, picks up where we left off and walks with Nate right into the emotional minefield of Year 7: new school, old baggage, big feelings, and a dad-shaped ghost reappearing out of nowhere.
This book is what every early secondary student needs - not because it lectures, but because it listens. It’s honest without ever being bleak, tender without turning twee, and it delivers its emotional punches with the gentleness of someone who knows that kids can take the truth, if it’s given with care.
Goodfellow nails the nuances of transition: the vulnerability of starting again, the longing to belong, and the ache of growing up faster than you should. Nate’s voice is as real as ever: defiant, thoughtful, and sometimes just trying to stay afloat - and paired with Joe Todd-Stanton’s expressive illustrations, the book becomes a kind of poetic verse novel for the soul.
Accessible, affirming, and emotionally intelligent, The First Year is that rare kind of book that reads easy but hits deep. Perfect for Year 7s, teachers, or anyone who remembers what it felt like to be small in a big, bewildering world. Nate’s story doesn’t shout - it speaks, and that might just be more powerful.
This book is what every early secondary student needs - not because it lectures, but because it listens. It’s honest without ever being bleak, tender without turning twee, and it delivers its emotional punches with the gentleness of someone who knows that kids can take the truth, if it’s given with care.
Goodfellow nails the nuances of transition: the vulnerability of starting again, the longing to belong, and the ache of growing up faster than you should. Nate’s voice is as real as ever: defiant, thoughtful, and sometimes just trying to stay afloat - and paired with Joe Todd-Stanton’s expressive illustrations, the book becomes a kind of poetic verse novel for the soul.
Accessible, affirming, and emotionally intelligent, The First Year is that rare kind of book that reads easy but hits deep. Perfect for Year 7s, teachers, or anyone who remembers what it felt like to be small in a big, bewildering world. Nate’s story doesn’t shout - it speaks, and that might just be more powerful.
May 13, 2025
Following on from The Final Year - a prize winner and longlist nominee by so many.
Leant to me by a Y6 child, who persuaded Mum to pre-order after she read The Final year!
Nate, Caleb and PS finish Y6. Dylan gets better and is out of hospital with an impressive row of staples on his chest. But on that last day Nate thinks he sees someone he knows across the park. A ghost? His imagination?
Summer comes and goes and High School starts. But it doesn't start well. The boys have a new friend in Muna. She and Caleb are good at calming Nate down. But it doesn't always work.
When Nate flips and has a go at Turner, he gets it backand more from Turner's brotehrs and his friends. But Nate doesn't tell - it would only make things worse.
Christmas comes and a fancy coat is delivered, with no card. But it soon becomes clear who sent it. Mum gets a message - he wants to see Nate.
All seems good but is Nick as good as he seems? Nate starts to stay over. He finally talks about Turner. And for some reason they all start to avoid contact with Nate.
And then comes the day....
This is every bit as good as The Final Year. There are a lot of pages but some have few words on so don't let that put you off.
5*
Leant to me by a Y6 child, who persuaded Mum to pre-order after she read The Final year!
Nate, Caleb and PS finish Y6. Dylan gets better and is out of hospital with an impressive row of staples on his chest. But on that last day Nate thinks he sees someone he knows across the park. A ghost? His imagination?
Summer comes and goes and High School starts. But it doesn't start well. The boys have a new friend in Muna. She and Caleb are good at calming Nate down. But it doesn't always work.
When Nate flips and has a go at Turner, he gets it backand more from Turner's brotehrs and his friends. But Nate doesn't tell - it would only make things worse.
Christmas comes and a fancy coat is delivered, with no card. But it soon becomes clear who sent it. Mum gets a message - he wants to see Nate.
All seems good but is Nick as good as he seems? Nate starts to stay over. He finally talks about Turner. And for some reason they all start to avoid contact with Nate.
And then comes the day....
This is every bit as good as The Final Year. There are a lot of pages but some have few words on so don't let that put you off.
5*
September 18, 2025
The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow was superb. How do you follow such a winner?
Simple ..The First Year! And what a brilliant sequel..dare I say it’s even better?
Nate is back with Jax, Dylan, Mum and Auntie San along with PS and Caleb and new friend Muna.
This time Nate and his friends are navigating the first year of secondary school and their nemesis Turner and form tutor Mr Peters.
As well as this a figure from the past appears causing inner conflict for Nate.
Following the same poetic form and variety, the stories are told so beautifully.Your heart goes out to Nate and his family and friends with the hope that love and friendship will win through and Nate can find his own identity, strength and path.
Matt Goodfellow’s words are pitch perfect and his wry humour towards the robotic nature of school Academy world shines through. But it is the emotion we feel through the poetry that is the true magic here.
Joe Todd-Stanton’s illustrations are utter class brining even more beauty to the book.
If you’ve read The Final Year then you must read this to yourself and / or class. If you have not yet read either start with the Final Year and then move on to the brilliance of The First Year. You won’t be disappointed .
Simply superb
Simple ..The First Year! And what a brilliant sequel..dare I say it’s even better?
Nate is back with Jax, Dylan, Mum and Auntie San along with PS and Caleb and new friend Muna.
This time Nate and his friends are navigating the first year of secondary school and their nemesis Turner and form tutor Mr Peters.
As well as this a figure from the past appears causing inner conflict for Nate.
Following the same poetic form and variety, the stories are told so beautifully.Your heart goes out to Nate and his family and friends with the hope that love and friendship will win through and Nate can find his own identity, strength and path.
Matt Goodfellow’s words are pitch perfect and his wry humour towards the robotic nature of school Academy world shines through. But it is the emotion we feel through the poetry that is the true magic here.
Joe Todd-Stanton’s illustrations are utter class brining even more beauty to the book.
If you’ve read The Final Year then you must read this to yourself and / or class. If you have not yet read either start with the Final Year and then move on to the brilliance of The First Year. You won’t be disappointed .
Simply superb
June 11, 2025
'The First Year' is the sequel to Matt Goodfellow's award winning verse-novel, 'The Final Year'. It begins with Nate's last day of Year 6 and covers his first year of high school. Dylan has recovered from his operation and is in good health but Nate, is dealing with his old school bully from Year 6, an unsympathetic form tutor, and a new arrival upending his life.
Like 'The First Year', the text is organised in short, readable stanzas so, even though it is a longer book, it is still a very quick and engaging read. Once again, Matt Goodfellow beautifully captures Nate's conflicted emotions and the angry beast that threatens to burst out of him when he's under pressure, as well as the loving and supportive relationships between Nate, his Mum and his younger brothers. Nate's new friend, Muna, is also a great addition to their friend group. Another poignant and authentic read - loved it!
Like 'The First Year', the text is organised in short, readable stanzas so, even though it is a longer book, it is still a very quick and engaging read. Once again, Matt Goodfellow beautifully captures Nate's conflicted emotions and the angry beast that threatens to burst out of him when he's under pressure, as well as the loving and supportive relationships between Nate, his Mum and his younger brothers. Nate's new friend, Muna, is also a great addition to their friend group. Another poignant and authentic read - loved it!
May 30, 2025
Having already read The Last Year and loved it I was sent an ARC of this and I was excited to read it and it did not disappoint!
Nate and his friends start secondary school and soon discover that it’s completely different to primary school. The school itself is bigger the teachers seem to expect more, they are stricter and also very busy so they seem to be less connected to the students than before. Nate still struggles to contain his anger but he wins the battle more than he loses, however it only takes one time for the teachers to view him as a troublemaker and that really isn’t who he wants to be! it’s brilliantly written in verse, which on the surface sounds really intimidating but actually makes it easier to read as there isn’t a word wasted. It’s perfect for reluctant readers, using slang that will be familiar to them whilst also being beautifully crafted. Highly recommend and make sure you read The Last Year first so you fully understand and appreciate the story. Now all I need is another Final Year when Nate leaves school at age 18! Please make this happen Matt Goodfellow!
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