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Radio Boy #1
Radio Boy
Meet Spike, aka Radio Boy: a new Adrian Mole on the radio for the internet generation.
Spike’s your average awkward 11 year old, funny and cheeky and with a mum to reckon with. When he becomes the first presenter ever to be sacked from hospital radio, he decides to carry on from a makeshift studio in the garden shed, with the help of his best friends Artie and Holly, disguising his voice and going by the moniker Radio Boy.
Week by week, word gets around and soon Spike is a star… if only people knew it was actually him. When Spike begins to believe his own hype, and goes too far with his mocking of the school headmaster, a hunt is launched for the mysterious Radio Boy.
Can Spike remain anonymous? Will he get to marry the girl of his dreams, Katherine Hamilton? Will he become famous and popular? The answer to most of these questions is no…
Spike’s your average awkward 11 year old, funny and cheeky and with a mum to reckon with. When he becomes the first presenter ever to be sacked from hospital radio, he decides to carry on from a makeshift studio in the garden shed, with the help of his best friends Artie and Holly, disguising his voice and going by the moniker Radio Boy.
Week by week, word gets around and soon Spike is a star… if only people knew it was actually him. When Spike begins to believe his own hype, and goes too far with his mocking of the school headmaster, a hunt is launched for the mysterious Radio Boy.
Can Spike remain anonymous? Will he get to marry the girl of his dreams, Katherine Hamilton? Will he become famous and popular? The answer to most of these questions is no…
368 pages, Paperback
Published January 26, 2017
27 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Christian O'Connell
6 books9 followersChristian O’Connell is a multi-award winning broadcaster who hosts commercial radio’s biggest breakfast show, on Absolute Radio. He is also a touring stand up comedian with several sold out National tours and three critically acclaimed Edinburgh Festival shows. He has presented TV shows on Sky1, ITV and C5.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 11, 2021
Good clean fun! Narrated by the author.
July 25, 2017
So much fun!
Audiobooks have the capability to make or break a book for me, and this audiobook definitely made it. It was narrated by the author, which is always a bonus. (Unless you're Tamora Pierce -- sorry Tamora, you're a good author, but I just can't endure your audiobooks.) There were various sound additions that just made this perfect. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have enjoyed reading this as much as I did listening to the recording. My kids and I listen to books on our lengthy school runs and, even stuck in traffic, I laughed quite a bit with this book. Sure, it's geared towards middle graders, but I read/listen to a lot of middle grade reads and I don't laugh as much as I did with this one. I would recommend it and I won't hesitate to read/listen to any other books by Christian O'Connell.
P.S.
My 10 year old son gave this 5 stars, but my 16 year old son gave it a 3! I wholeheartedly give it 5. It was funny, smart, and it had a moral that wasn't lame. Bravo! Encore! Encore!
Audiobooks have the capability to make or break a book for me, and this audiobook definitely made it. It was narrated by the author, which is always a bonus. (Unless you're Tamora Pierce -- sorry Tamora, you're a good author, but I just can't endure your audiobooks.) There were various sound additions that just made this perfect. I can honestly say that I wouldn't have enjoyed reading this as much as I did listening to the recording. My kids and I listen to books on our lengthy school runs and, even stuck in traffic, I laughed quite a bit with this book. Sure, it's geared towards middle graders, but I read/listen to a lot of middle grade reads and I don't laugh as much as I did with this one. I would recommend it and I won't hesitate to read/listen to any other books by Christian O'Connell.
P.S.
My 10 year old son gave this 5 stars, but my 16 year old son gave it a 3! I wholeheartedly give it 5. It was funny, smart, and it had a moral that wasn't lame. Bravo! Encore! Encore!
May 2, 2017
As a regular listener of Christian O'Connell's breakfast show on Absolute Radio, I was intrigued to find out what his new kids' book was like. Despite the fact that I am way outside of the age bracket for this book, I really enjoyed it. Like all the best children's books and films, there were layers of humour so that the story appeals to young and old alike, and the plot is interesting, with plenty of twists along the way. There are obstacles to be overcome (how to get hold of an expensive sound-board, for instance), which leads to interesting side-plots and a chance for a very vivid description of leftover school dinners. Description seems to be O'Connell's strong suit as he has a great way of phrasing things - I can't find it now, but towards the start there is a very well-written and funny paragraph about Spike's dad's 'sunset yellow' car that really made me smile.
The character development is good, although a few of the characters - notably Spike's mum - feel a bit stereotyped. Women are invariably depicted as over-anxious gossips who only care about ponies and shopping, which was a bit grating. Spike's friend Holly, however, bucked this trend completely: a hyper-organised army cadet who dreams of becoming a spy, she is smarter and tougher than her two male friends and is also the moral compass of the group. With her karate skills and superior intellect, she's a cross between Hermione Granger and the girl from Kick Ass. Spike himself is also a very well-rounded character, with hidden insecurities like most eleven-year-olds, and he matures as the story progresses.
The book is funny and interesting and I expect it will inspire a new generation of Radio Boys and Girls to take up their microphones.
The character development is good, although a few of the characters - notably Spike's mum - feel a bit stereotyped. Women are invariably depicted as over-anxious gossips who only care about ponies and shopping, which was a bit grating. Spike's friend Holly, however, bucked this trend completely: a hyper-organised army cadet who dreams of becoming a spy, she is smarter and tougher than her two male friends and is also the moral compass of the group. With her karate skills and superior intellect, she's a cross between Hermione Granger and the girl from Kick Ass. Spike himself is also a very well-rounded character, with hidden insecurities like most eleven-year-olds, and he matures as the story progresses.
The book is funny and interesting and I expect it will inspire a new generation of Radio Boys and Girls to take up their microphones.
May 19, 2017
I found this book on a tube train (I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise). It's target audience is children and I'm in my 30s, but it had a story that captured my interest. I didn't find it as funny as I might have, if I was a child but there were some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud. What really interested me was the relationships Spike had with the other characters and the setting up/running of a radio station in his shed. I loved the illustrations! Books need pictures man! At the very end there is the hint of a sequel. I'm up for that.
September 19, 2021
I didn't really enjoy it because it wasn't my thing and it wasn't that good
February 3, 2024
I am so glad I came across this book in a charity shop. I have loved it from start to finish. Some amazing jokes, mixed with some good lessons. I can’t wait for the second to arrive!
March 8, 2017
Spike Hughes loves radio. His biggest dream is to be a radio host like his idol DJ Howard Wright. When his radio show is cancelled at the hospital his mum works at he is devastated. His show (with apparently no listeners) is to be replaced by an extension of a gardening show.
He and his friends Holly and Artie, who are also the only three members of the school AV (Audio Visual) club now rest their hopes on a drawn out promise of the St Brenda’s School principal – they will get a school radio show.
Finally at a school assembly it is announced the long awaited radio show is to be launched, and the host will be….. (the entire school, and even some of the teachers turn to look at Spike.) Everyone knows he’s the man for the job. BUT…
Spike and his friends fight back at the injustice of it all, and Radio Boy and The Secret Shed Show are born. Finally, his dream has come true. Fame, fun, and fans are growing day by day – but so is his ego. And things that grow too fast sometimes explode!
Radio Boy is a funny story about following your dreams and being brave enough to be yourself while you do it. The illustrations, random lists (as Spike tells his story), and zany characters all add up to a great read.
He and his friends Holly and Artie, who are also the only three members of the school AV (Audio Visual) club now rest their hopes on a drawn out promise of the St Brenda’s School principal – they will get a school radio show.
Finally at a school assembly it is announced the long awaited radio show is to be launched, and the host will be….. (the entire school, and even some of the teachers turn to look at Spike.) Everyone knows he’s the man for the job. BUT…
Spike and his friends fight back at the injustice of it all, and Radio Boy and The Secret Shed Show are born. Finally, his dream has come true. Fame, fun, and fans are growing day by day – but so is his ego. And things that grow too fast sometimes explode!
Radio Boy is a funny story about following your dreams and being brave enough to be yourself while you do it. The illustrations, random lists (as Spike tells his story), and zany characters all add up to a great read.
May 21, 2018
As a fan of the Absolute Radio breakfast show, I picked up this kid’s book. My first cup of tea just won’t be the same without O’Connell presenting and talking about silly things.
Radio Boy is an enjoyable little read. Spike is O’Connell’s alter-ego and what I could imagine he was like when he was back at school - rebellious but secretly insecure, finding pleasure in making light of the mundane and hating homework, so turning them into games and making people laugh. Essentially a normal schoolchild trying to find his niche in his world, to be admired, to have friends, to be cool and to live his version of a superhero.
I like how the character of Mr Taggart is based on one of O’Connell’s actual teachers and fuelled the inspiration for him to go on and dream big. Best of luck in Australia, OC!
Radio Boy is an enjoyable little read. Spike is O’Connell’s alter-ego and what I could imagine he was like when he was back at school - rebellious but secretly insecure, finding pleasure in making light of the mundane and hating homework, so turning them into games and making people laugh. Essentially a normal schoolchild trying to find his niche in his world, to be admired, to have friends, to be cool and to live his version of a superhero.
I like how the character of Mr Taggart is based on one of O’Connell’s actual teachers and fuelled the inspiration for him to go on and dream big. Best of luck in Australia, OC!
July 25, 2018
"No, this pretty ordinary superhero was just a kid with one special power. He was great at radio. He was Radio Boy."
I already tried this one a bit earlier, so I was delighted that one of my libraries had it so I could continue it in physical book form (my preferred way of reading). I had to figure out where I left off the last time, but after that I couldn't stop reading. It was just so much fun to read this one.
Ah, given the blurb it may seem that Spike starts with his show due to him being fired, but it is actually something else that sets it all off. I won't spoil it, you will just have to read the book to see what the catalyst is that started everything.
I liked Spike from the start, though I liked him less as the story went on. Don't get me wrong, his vendetta with the headmaster was awesome and I was rooting for him in the beginning, but then he just went way and way too far with it. And it took him way too long to realise it himself.
But he sure knows how to DJ and how to attract a crowd. Sure, he needs help from his friends to do all the other things, but he is the one that knows how to draw people to the radio and to stay listening. He has all sorts of amazing plans and ideas and I love that he can do it all impromptu, no script, no rehearsal. Whatever just pops into his mind.
The show was definitely fun, well at least in the beginning. At times they went a bit too far, but there were various times I was just having so much fun reading about the show. Like when they added words to the homework, or when they talked about lies that parents told them. Artie finding all the right songs for the right moments was just amazing. I don't even want to know how he knew exactly what to play during those moments, since nothing was rehearsed. Plus they even thought of changing their voices so that people wouldn't immediately recognise them. I have to say, given the reputation of the inventor, I had expected that thing to either explode or stop working in the midst of a show. :P
I thought their show name was just hilarious. Oh, hey we are having a SECRET radio show, let's just tell people it is aired from a shed, and then also tell them you are in x school. Yup, it surprises me no one found out immediately.
His friends, Artie and Holly, were terrific characters. I have to say out of the two Holly was my favourite. I just like girls who are kick-ass and can do all sorts of amazing skills. Though Artie also gets points for being able to find the right song instantly.
Hilariously, and this will be going under spoiler tags.
The headmaster was delightfully evil. Yes, I say delightful, as the author really wrote him and his evilness really well. I just love it when baddies are written well. His kid was also written well as bully. You were just rooting for the good guys to be victorious (though again, sometimes they went a bit too far with things).
The mom was a bit too helicopter parent for my liking. I can imagine that both the dad and Spike did those sneaky things. I would have done that too if my mom was like that. I can see she means well, but I do hope that she is able to let her kids go a bit more. Also, asking if they went to the toilet when your kid is the age Spike is? No. Just no. I did think it was weird that she didn't know what the word was for people who listen to a radio.
The book also has illustrations and I quite liked them. They made the book pop out and more fun.
All in all, I do need the second book of this series, I need to see what happens in that one, though I hope the granddad character isn't too annoying.
And lastly, to end this review, I would highly recommend this one if you want to see a kid who makes his own radio show and totally rocks it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I already tried this one a bit earlier, so I was delighted that one of my libraries had it so I could continue it in physical book form (my preferred way of reading). I had to figure out where I left off the last time, but after that I couldn't stop reading. It was just so much fun to read this one.
Ah, given the blurb it may seem that Spike starts with his show due to him being fired, but it is actually something else that sets it all off. I won't spoil it, you will just have to read the book to see what the catalyst is that started everything.
I liked Spike from the start, though I liked him less as the story went on. Don't get me wrong, his vendetta with the headmaster was awesome and I was rooting for him in the beginning, but then he just went way and way too far with it. And it took him way too long to realise it himself.
But he sure knows how to DJ and how to attract a crowd. Sure, he needs help from his friends to do all the other things, but he is the one that knows how to draw people to the radio and to stay listening. He has all sorts of amazing plans and ideas and I love that he can do it all impromptu, no script, no rehearsal. Whatever just pops into his mind.
The show was definitely fun, well at least in the beginning. At times they went a bit too far, but there were various times I was just having so much fun reading about the show. Like when they added words to the homework, or when they talked about lies that parents told them. Artie finding all the right songs for the right moments was just amazing. I don't even want to know how he knew exactly what to play during those moments, since nothing was rehearsed. Plus they even thought of changing their voices so that people wouldn't immediately recognise them. I have to say, given the reputation of the inventor, I had expected that thing to either explode or stop working in the midst of a show. :P
I thought their show name was just hilarious. Oh, hey we are having a SECRET radio show, let's just tell people it is aired from a shed, and then also tell them you are in x school. Yup, it surprises me no one found out immediately.
His friends, Artie and Holly, were terrific characters. I have to say out of the two Holly was my favourite. I just like girls who are kick-ass and can do all sorts of amazing skills. Though Artie also gets points for being able to find the right song instantly.
Hilariously, and this will be going under spoiler tags.
The headmaster was delightfully evil. Yes, I say delightful, as the author really wrote him and his evilness really well. I just love it when baddies are written well. His kid was also written well as bully. You were just rooting for the good guys to be victorious (though again, sometimes they went a bit too far with things).
The mom was a bit too helicopter parent for my liking. I can imagine that both the dad and Spike did those sneaky things. I would have done that too if my mom was like that. I can see she means well, but I do hope that she is able to let her kids go a bit more. Also, asking if they went to the toilet when your kid is the age Spike is? No. Just no. I did think it was weird that she didn't know what the word was for people who listen to a radio.
The book also has illustrations and I quite liked them. They made the book pop out and more fun.
All in all, I do need the second book of this series, I need to see what happens in that one, though I hope the granddad character isn't too annoying.
And lastly, to end this review, I would highly recommend this one if you want to see a kid who makes his own radio show and totally rocks it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
July 15, 2017
I started this novel with slight apprehension. I spent many hours in the UK listening to Christian O'Connell on the radio. Was his humour going to translate well to middle fiction? I wasn't 100% convinced.
Happily (as we'd chosen it for the Everlasting Gobstoppers Book Club!) it was not only funny, but well written with a strong story line and I'm sure all my Book Club kids will be looking forward to book2!
At its core this is a story about a Spike, a boy who feels like a nobody and invisible and outside of his two best friends and his parents (who have to think you're brilliant so will all know this doesn't count!). I think many of us feel invisible at times and like we don't fit in, and this in itself will hold great appeal.
Being fired from his volunteer radio show and his arch nemesis being made head DJ at the school's new radio station is the catalyst for the rise and fall of Radio Boy and the Secret Shed Radio Show.
As is often the case, power corrupts, and as his fame as the mysterious Radio Boy grows it leads Spoke to drive away his best friends and pushes the school's nefarious head master into a hunt to take him down.
This is actually a very realistic story that most kids will be able to connect with. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this surprisingly heartfelt and funny debut novel. Perfect for 10+ and any good 8+ reader. Although I enjoyed the novel as a whole, my favourite line has to be from Spike's sister:
"You can't do that. It's a basic human right to have wi-fi. This isn't China, Dad, you know!"
Classic!
L-J
Three Four Knock on the Door
Independent Children's Bookshop
Happily (as we'd chosen it for the Everlasting Gobstoppers Book Club!) it was not only funny, but well written with a strong story line and I'm sure all my Book Club kids will be looking forward to book2!
At its core this is a story about a Spike, a boy who feels like a nobody and invisible and outside of his two best friends and his parents (who have to think you're brilliant so will all know this doesn't count!). I think many of us feel invisible at times and like we don't fit in, and this in itself will hold great appeal.
Being fired from his volunteer radio show and his arch nemesis being made head DJ at the school's new radio station is the catalyst for the rise and fall of Radio Boy and the Secret Shed Radio Show.
As is often the case, power corrupts, and as his fame as the mysterious Radio Boy grows it leads Spoke to drive away his best friends and pushes the school's nefarious head master into a hunt to take him down.
This is actually a very realistic story that most kids will be able to connect with. Boys and girls alike will enjoy this surprisingly heartfelt and funny debut novel. Perfect for 10+ and any good 8+ reader. Although I enjoyed the novel as a whole, my favourite line has to be from Spike's sister:
"You can't do that. It's a basic human right to have wi-fi. This isn't China, Dad, you know!"
Classic!
L-J
Three Four Knock on the Door
Independent Children's Bookshop
December 7, 2017
It's been a while since I've read an MG book (Middle Grade, which is aimed at 8-13 year olds or Year 5-8) but this book instantly reminded me why they are so great. Reading 'Radio Boy' I felt like I was 11 again, curled up in a nook in the school library (I'm romanticising, my school library did not have reading nooks) and loving every page of Spike's adventure.
Spike is instantly likeable as your average Year 7 kid: he's not in with the in-crowd but he has friends, he's not a fan of homework, his older sister annoys him and his often over-protective mum regularly asks about his toilet habits. Spike inevitably gets caught up in the hype of his alter-ego Radio Boy, and the way in which he deals with the inevitable fall out is entertaining and perhaps quite predictable. I don't mean that to sound negative - honestly. The aim of great MG books is surely to help guide pre-teens and 'Radio Boy' does a great job of reminding them how to develop and protect their friendships.
'Radio Boy' is both funny and inspirational, reminding the reader that if they work hard enough any dream can come true. Would I read a sequel? Definitely.
Spike is instantly likeable as your average Year 7 kid: he's not in with the in-crowd but he has friends, he's not a fan of homework, his older sister annoys him and his often over-protective mum regularly asks about his toilet habits. Spike inevitably gets caught up in the hype of his alter-ego Radio Boy, and the way in which he deals with the inevitable fall out is entertaining and perhaps quite predictable. I don't mean that to sound negative - honestly. The aim of great MG books is surely to help guide pre-teens and 'Radio Boy' does a great job of reminding them how to develop and protect their friendships.
'Radio Boy' is both funny and inspirational, reminding the reader that if they work hard enough any dream can come true. Would I read a sequel? Definitely.
June 6, 2018
Spike hosts a show on a hospital radio station only after getting fired as his show isn't very popular, he finds out he's being replaced by Graeme's gardening hour show!
Feeling down as radio is his passion, a dedicated member of his schools A/V club alongside friends Holly and Archie and encouraged by Mr Taggard his teacher, he sets up his own radio station from his shed at home thanks to his dad's credit card and permission.
Up against the school radio show which is pathetic as the head masters son runs it with no passion, Spike uses his pseudonym Radio Boy and it rockets him to popularity amongst the pupils even when he starts to let it all go to his head and demand no more homework and a protest that suddenly turns on its head to make them hunt Radio Boy and find out his true identity!
Full of hilarious antics, kooky characters including the headmaster and Graeme the gardener the book is a unique children's read with regular children as the protagonists. We witness all the antics and challenges Spike and his friends face and I hope it inspires future radio hosts and dj's as Spike makes it super fun!
Feeling down as radio is his passion, a dedicated member of his schools A/V club alongside friends Holly and Archie and encouraged by Mr Taggard his teacher, he sets up his own radio station from his shed at home thanks to his dad's credit card and permission.
Up against the school radio show which is pathetic as the head masters son runs it with no passion, Spike uses his pseudonym Radio Boy and it rockets him to popularity amongst the pupils even when he starts to let it all go to his head and demand no more homework and a protest that suddenly turns on its head to make them hunt Radio Boy and find out his true identity!
Full of hilarious antics, kooky characters including the headmaster and Graeme the gardener the book is a unique children's read with regular children as the protagonists. We witness all the antics and challenges Spike and his friends face and I hope it inspires future radio hosts and dj's as Spike makes it super fun!
October 8, 2018
An interesting book! I feel this book would best be used in schools as a transitional book, for children looking to read longer books. Although it is over 300 pages it was an easy read and features multiple pictures and plenty of of short chapters meaning stamina is not tested.
A young boy (Callum) becomes a secret school dj and rivals the school radio station. But does he get ahead of his post and ruin everything?
Children will love the book as all characters are relatable, the star of the book is just your ‘average’ child.
A young boy (Callum) becomes a secret school dj and rivals the school radio station. But does he get ahead of his post and ruin everything?
Children will love the book as all characters are relatable, the star of the book is just your ‘average’ child.
January 7, 2018
Yes, this is a book at children but as a 25 year old, I absolutely loved it. Spike is a believable character. His narration is fantastic and Christian O’Connell has done a marvellous job of capturing the mind and imagination of a young child and the excitement that comes with creating and presenting a radio show.
Definitely a book for children as well as big kids! I cannot wait to read the second book.
Definitely a book for children as well as big kids! I cannot wait to read the second book.
January 17, 2023
If you have read the Wimpy Kid series of book, you will love this one.
Radio Boy is about a secret Radio Station broadcast from a shed by Spike and his two friends. While popular among the children of the School they study, it doesn't go down well with the Headmaster. Spike also needs to worry about his strict mother.
Things come to a head when there is a call for Homework Strike to protest increased homework.
Radio Boy is about a secret Radio Station broadcast from a shed by Spike and his two friends. While popular among the children of the School they study, it doesn't go down well with the Headmaster. Spike also needs to worry about his strict mother.
Things come to a head when there is a call for Homework Strike to protest increased homework.
April 1, 2024
In places I laughed out loud and I love a book that makes me laugh. Poor Spike gets fired from his hospital radio job and feels his life is done! With the help of his dad, a teacher and some friends he starts up a new station and becomes Radio Boy. He takes on some faily big adults (including his mum), fights with his friends and bonds with his dad. Will it all go to his head? Will he take on more than he can deal with? Will he get the girl of his dreams?
February 4, 2017
Very entertaining, interesting premise - great children's book. Read this to my 8 year old and he enjoyed it a lot. Whizzes along at a nice pace to keep children interested, entertained and engaged with the characters.
June 10, 2021
It's interesting. I have never in my life read a book like this. I guess a radio DJ would write about a kid trying to become a radio DJ. Its very good, and spike is... an interesting main character. But worth a read.
November 19, 2017
Great book funny in places just went on for too long
March 14, 2018
I loved it
May 28, 2018
Hilarious and an extreme version of what can happen in real life
November 15, 2018
Funny. I must find the sequel of this book. Suit for average child who looks forward to be a superhero. Sometimes, adult have to listen what children has to say.
November 22, 2019
This book made me feel WOW as it is so WOW!
August 28, 2021
Good book
August 12, 2022
The moral is that you should not give up and that’s important
July 16, 2023
I loved this book
First book I read on my kindle and loved the experience! x
First book I read on my kindle and loved the experience! x
July 1, 2018
I like Spike Hughes, aka Radio Boy. He has an ambition, he has great friends, and he can actually be funny at times. I didn't like how pig headed he can be but I liked that he is flawed and then tries to make up for his mistakes.
The story is original, and the characters bounced off each other really well. But I didn't like the headmaster Mr Harris -he seemed plonked into the story without any development, he was pure evil because Spike thought so. It does turn out that Mr Harris is not a realistic grown up and very much a narcissistic egomaniac who has it out for Spike, but the whole feud felt too forced. Much better to have it between Mr Harris' son and Spike.
I do however think Mum Clare is absolutely hilarious for all her exaggerated features and I have a soft spot for Dad. So great characters, and ok concept, well delivered, but the crux of the story relied on the headmaster, a character I didn't feel worked so well. But aimed at a lower age group I can easily see how a headmaster who is pure evil with a personal vendetta against a pupil can be hilarious and maybe even relatable. I would up this to 4 stars in hindsight but I gave it 3 to begin with, so let's stick with 3
The story is original, and the characters bounced off each other really well. But I didn't like the headmaster Mr Harris -he seemed plonked into the story without any development, he was pure evil because Spike thought so. It does turn out that Mr Harris is not a realistic grown up and very much a narcissistic egomaniac who has it out for Spike, but the whole feud felt too forced. Much better to have it between Mr Harris' son and Spike.
I do however think Mum Clare is absolutely hilarious for all her exaggerated features and I have a soft spot for Dad. So great characters, and ok concept, well delivered, but the crux of the story relied on the headmaster, a character I didn't feel worked so well. But aimed at a lower age group I can easily see how a headmaster who is pure evil with a personal vendetta against a pupil can be hilarious and maybe even relatable. I would up this to 4 stars in hindsight but I gave it 3 to begin with, so let's stick with 3
January 30, 2017
This is a light-hearted look at that awkward tween stage when children are now finding more is expected of them, yet they are not yet accorded the status of teenager. It’s a difficult age. O’Donnell clearly has a ringside seat onto the kinds of insecurities and difficulties that beset this age-group, which I think he deals with really well. Spike is a thoroughly engaging protagonist and his first person viewpoint is peppered with his amusing take on the world, without him being knowing. I also like his two best friends, who are also completely convincing.
Spike’s parents are also enjoyable. All too often, most adults are portrayed as dribbling idiots or froth-mouthed tyrants in fiction for this age-group, but Spike’s father’s yearning for his lost opportunity to be a rock star and Spike’s mother’s over-protectiveness, brought on by working in a hospital come across as both amusing, yet with an undertow of poignancy. I also liked the fact that Spike has a very supportive, understanding teacher, who goes out on a limb to help him.
The story rackets along in Spike’s viewpoint and I read it in one greedy gulp as the situation steadily gets increasingly out of control. Any niggles? Yes – the headteacher of St Brenda’s is straight out of a comic with his tyrannical attitude, outright favouritism of his own son and screaming meltdowns. He isn’t remotely convincing and jars in a story where everyone else has a strong streak of reality. I do realise that O’Donnell is playing it for laughs, but I do wish he had reined in the farcical aspect just a bit. If Mr Harris had resorted to half the capers he is supposed to have got up to, he would have lost his job. That said, I am conscious that I’m not the target audience.
However, this story still has far more going for it than that one criticism and I shall be reading it to my granddaughter in due course, who I hope will be sniggering alongside me. In the meantime, if you are searching for a funny, entertaining book for a newly independent reader, then this one comes recommended.
While I obtained the arc of Radio Boy from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
8/10
Spike’s parents are also enjoyable. All too often, most adults are portrayed as dribbling idiots or froth-mouthed tyrants in fiction for this age-group, but Spike’s father’s yearning for his lost opportunity to be a rock star and Spike’s mother’s over-protectiveness, brought on by working in a hospital come across as both amusing, yet with an undertow of poignancy. I also liked the fact that Spike has a very supportive, understanding teacher, who goes out on a limb to help him.
The story rackets along in Spike’s viewpoint and I read it in one greedy gulp as the situation steadily gets increasingly out of control. Any niggles? Yes – the headteacher of St Brenda’s is straight out of a comic with his tyrannical attitude, outright favouritism of his own son and screaming meltdowns. He isn’t remotely convincing and jars in a story where everyone else has a strong streak of reality. I do realise that O’Donnell is playing it for laughs, but I do wish he had reined in the farcical aspect just a bit. If Mr Harris had resorted to half the capers he is supposed to have got up to, he would have lost his job. That said, I am conscious that I’m not the target audience.
However, this story still has far more going for it than that one criticism and I shall be reading it to my granddaughter in due course, who I hope will be sniggering alongside me. In the meantime, if you are searching for a funny, entertaining book for a newly independent reader, then this one comes recommended.
While I obtained the arc of Radio Boy from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
8/10
March 22, 2018
Highly enjoyable 'rebel' radio story (The Shed that Rocked?!).
Loved this, a very easy and funny read - about friends, family and radio.
Spike loves presenting on the hospital's internal radio show, so is both gutted and humiliated when he's taken off the air without warning. He ramps up his campaign to start a school radio station... but events transpire to force him into setting up a pirate station in his shed using a pseudonym to hide his true identity.
This was great. Spike and his two friends are really well-written, a trio of funny and well-characterised child characters. Their headteacher makes a dastardly (slightly over the top) foil, and Spike's Dad (while a figure of fun and a little afraid of his wife) a caring parent who helps Spike achieve his dreams.
The scenes of radio airtime were my favourites, and the school station (Merit Radio) laughably awful. I loved that friendship was at the heart of the story, as well as being honest about yourself.
I will probably read more of the series. While my son (7) might be slightly young for this at present, I would say ages 9-12 are the target market and will love this story of rebellion, school and being silly with a microphone.
Loved this, a very easy and funny read - about friends, family and radio.
Spike loves presenting on the hospital's internal radio show, so is both gutted and humiliated when he's taken off the air without warning. He ramps up his campaign to start a school radio station... but events transpire to force him into setting up a pirate station in his shed using a pseudonym to hide his true identity.
This was great. Spike and his two friends are really well-written, a trio of funny and well-characterised child characters. Their headteacher makes a dastardly (slightly over the top) foil, and Spike's Dad (while a figure of fun and a little afraid of his wife) a caring parent who helps Spike achieve his dreams.
The scenes of radio airtime were my favourites, and the school station (Merit Radio) laughably awful. I loved that friendship was at the heart of the story, as well as being honest about yourself.
I will probably read more of the series. While my son (7) might be slightly young for this at present, I would say ages 9-12 are the target market and will love this story of rebellion, school and being silly with a microphone.
December 30, 2017
I have to admit that I had never heard of Radio DJ Christian O'Connell before this book popped up for review on Netgalley so I didn't have any preconceptions about this book. I found it difficult to get into the story at the beginning, the characters are a bit two dimensional and for the target market it might be a bit too slow to get going perhaps in terms of plot. Once Radio Boy started 'broadcasting' though it totally switched up a gear and I found myself laughing out aloud at the swagger of the main character, the choice of records 'played' by his friend and the sheer joy of the 'rebellion' that the broadcast spreads.
I will be getting this book for my school library and recommending it to fans of Stephen Butler's The Diary of Dennis the Menace series and Pamela Butchart's Baby Aliens Stole My Teacher.
Honest review in return for an advance copy via Netgalley
I will be getting this book for my school library and recommending it to fans of Stephen Butler's The Diary of Dennis the Menace series and Pamela Butchart's Baby Aliens Stole My Teacher.
Honest review in return for an advance copy via Netgalley
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