Tin Boy

by Steve Cole, Oriol Vidal (Illustrator)

Mining for tin in deep, dangerous trenches is the only life that Tono has ever known. Worked to the brink of exhaustion each day by his unforgiving uncle, Tono’s only escape is when he reads his dad’s old comics. In a world of heroes and superpowers, he can forget the terrifying mining pits. But an underwater avalanche, a glimpse of something bright red in the sandy seabed, and canny sidekick are about to transform Tono’s life for ever …

115 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2019

About the author

Also publishes as Stephen Cole.

Steve Cole is the slightly crazy, highly frantic, millions-selling, non-stop author of Astrosaurs, Cows In Action, Astrosaurs Academy, The Slime Squad, Z. Rex and many other books (including several original Doctor Who stories).

He used to edit magazines and books but prefers the job of a writer where you can wear pyjamas and eat chocolate all day.

Steve just can't stop writing - if he does, strange robots appear and jostle him vigorously until he starts again.

In his spare time he loves making music, reading old comics, thinking up ideas for new books and slumping in front of a warm TV.

Reviews

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at the implications of mining has on a life where you need to work or you have nothing. I really liked Tin Boy: a great character!

[Justine Laismith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short middle-grade book is about a boy in a tin-mining community.

Our protagonist lives with his uncle and older cousin. Their daily lives evolved around sifting through sand for tin ore. He finds an unusual stone just before an underwater avalanche. Having survived it, he was convinced that the stone brought him super-powers like the heroes in his late-father's comics.

I am grateful for the pictures in the book as it was hard to visualise the description. We are made aware of the dangers of landslides regardless of the mining in dry land or under the sea. Through the story, we also see how desperate the people are to make a living despite the dangers.

This book is about half the length of a standard middle-grade book. In addition, the skeletal plot and the illustrations, suggest a target audience of young middle-grade readers. However, the grim reality of poverty and child labour makes it a book for older middle-grade readers, which would make sense as this book is promoted as suitable for struggling or reluctant readers.

[Darareads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was aight. Unsatisfactory ending.

[Holly Hopkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The betrayals were crazy did not see them coming but was kinda sad he wasnt actually a superhero.

[Crystal Tong · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Just remember, the person’s the hero. They change into the suit-the suit doesn’t change them.’

‘It’s weird how life feels more dangerous now than it did when I risked my life in the water each day.

Perhaps because it feels like I have something to lose again.’

‘I lower my head. Find myself counting the coins on the floor. Soon, I know, I’ll be counting the cost.’

‘Dreaming impossible things is the first thing we have to do, if we want the dreams to be possible some day.’

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

👍

[Drew Budds · Rating 3 out of 5]

a well illustrated short story. easy to read and enjoyable

[Boo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I expected at all. Very melancholy but quite thrilling