My Mum's From Planet Pluto

by Gwyneth Rees

A touching look at the difficult topic of mental illness Daniel knows that his mum was very ill once—mentally ill. She's fine now, and she's even landed a big new job as a head teacher. The problem is, she's head of his new school! It's so embarrassing— everyone is going to tease him. But then things get even tougher for Daniel. With his father abroad, his mum stops taking the medication that prevents her illness coming back. As she starts behaving more and more weirdly, Daniel realizes that something is terribly wrong—and that he is the only person who can help her.

Genres: Childrens, Middle Grade, Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 29, 2007

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Structurally feels uneven but My Mum's From Planet Pluto adds a nice spin to a story about mental illness even if it feels more like a shitty Jacqueline Wilson book than a proper novella.

[Louise Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have had this on my book shelf for yeons ans so glad decided to do so it was a book easy to read well i am much older than the age it was meant for !!!! It kept me guessing for ages what was wrong with Daniel and his famiy and gave an insight into what it is like having someone with a so called mental illness I liked the fact his mum had a high powered job showing these type of illness go through all dimensions in society!! i would reccomend this book to anyone who knows no - on with mental illness to give them an insight and also to people who know about such things just to let know not alone !!! my mum was a teacher never liked people knowing what her occupation was as meant they made assumptions what i would be like also !!!
i have never read any Gwyneth Rees but must admit like her style as you feel for the characters as if u actually know them personally !!

[Isabelle Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is brilliant the author is fantastic at putting the picture into your head well done Gwyneth x

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book. I enjoyed it more as a kid, reread it recently (age 24). I find Gwyneth Rees books flow very well.

[Irin Ice · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful ;)

[Annabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Mum's from Planet Pluto does provide insight into what a child might experience witnessing a parent going through manic depression. While at times I did find Daniel's behaviour towards his Dad frustrating, both at the beginning and end of the book, and his constant wishing for his Grandmother to die, I think for introducing children to issues such as mental health, this book does it quite well.

[Heylollol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well

[Alizeh (Selwyn's version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I HAD A SUDDEN URGE TO YELL HOW MUCH I LOVED READING THIS WHEN I WAS YOUNG.

I read this when I was 11 years old and I remember enjoying it a lot so gonna give this a 4 star just because it brings back so many memories and it's pretty well-written for age groups between 9-12, I think. I could read this again, ngl. It's just cute, man. Very cute. I was so invested in this book. The mental health rep in this book was great, too.

[Jas · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book . enjoyed reading. i loved the way characters were illustrated very well. i found encounters Daniel with his mom interesting at school. i read this book long ago and remembered to write as it left a different impression on my mind. ending is good as Daniel is able sort out everything , his sister is also saved.

[Irene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a good account of a manic phase that could occur in someone with bipolar.

[Malaika Shahzad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book.