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Boy vs Reality - a funny, gripping story about real life vs the online world
A funny, relatable, moving story about online fame vs reality.
Meet Ethan Lacey, online vlogging sensation alongside
his mum, dad and big brother Mason.
They film and upload
everyday life for their million subscribers to enjoy - the
pranks, the cosy family time, the perks like going to the opening
of an epic new theme park. They are the perfect family...
aren't they? But reality is not all fun and freebies. Mum
and Dad have been arguing a lot recently and Mason has been picking
on Ethan. When the cracks start to show, can Ethan persuade his
family to fix the real world, not fixate on the online one?
The second book by multi-award-shortlisted (including the Waterstones
Children's Book Prize) author James Fox.
Told with James' trademark blend of observational humour and
glorious heart, with an utterly relatable and loveable main character
and a smart, nuanced take on Instagram/YouTube vs Reality.
The message is about being present and enjoying the everyday
moments of life in an authentic, happy way.
Meet Ethan Lacey, online vlogging sensation alongside
his mum, dad and big brother Mason.
They film and upload
everyday life for their million subscribers to enjoy - the
pranks, the cosy family time, the perks like going to the opening
of an epic new theme park. They are the perfect family...
aren't they? But reality is not all fun and freebies. Mum
and Dad have been arguing a lot recently and Mason has been picking
on Ethan. When the cracks start to show, can Ethan persuade his
family to fix the real world, not fixate on the online one?
The second book by multi-award-shortlisted (including the Waterstones
Children's Book Prize) author James Fox.
Told with James' trademark blend of observational humour and
glorious heart, with an utterly relatable and loveable main character
and a smart, nuanced take on Instagram/YouTube vs Reality.
The message is about being present and enjoying the everyday
moments of life in an authentic, happy way.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2026
5 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 25, 2026
I loved James Fox’s debut book 'The Boy in the Suit' and so was excited to hear about the publication of 'Boy vs Reality' which I must say, having just finished it, is just as brilliant! It's funny, relevant, thoughtful and unique. James has a way of writing about lesser spoken topics in a gentle manner, with humour scattered throughout. The voice of Ethan felt very real and made me think of the differing elements to growing up that kids have to navigate in modern life such as the prominence of social media in the age of influencers. I also really appreciated the representation of mental health in the novel which was delicately done (I also loved Ethan’s anxiety monster Fidget!) and the friendship Ethan shares with his classmates Omar and Arlo, as well as his lovely relationship with his Grandad. The book explores family dynamics, growing up and how more often than not, life isn’t quite what it seems when viewed through a screen.
I enjoyed this book enormously and would recommend to anyone who enjoys stories by by Onjali Q Raúf, Lisa Thompson, Helen Rutter and Ian Eagleton :)
I enjoyed this book enormously and would recommend to anyone who enjoys stories by by Onjali Q Raúf, Lisa Thompson, Helen Rutter and Ian Eagleton :)
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews