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The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates
Facts are everything to eleven-year-old Freddie Yates: once you know a fact it’s yours to keep. After his grandmother dies and Freddie discovers his biological father might be alive and well in Wales, he decides to follow the facts. Together with his best friends Ben and Charlie, he sneaks off on the adventure of a lifetime (or at least, the summer holidays) to track down Freddie’s father.
Freddie doesn’t expect any miracles—they’re not real, after all. But when the three unwittingly set off a chain of inexplicable events via an onion-eating competition, a couple of superhero costumes, and some very angry antique thieves, Freddie discovers that some things can’t always be explained—and sometimes what you’re looking for has been with you the whole time.
Propulsive and hilarious, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of family.
Freddie doesn’t expect any miracles—they’re not real, after all. But when the three unwittingly set off a chain of inexplicable events via an onion-eating competition, a couple of superhero costumes, and some very angry antique thieves, Freddie discovers that some things can’t always be explained—and sometimes what you’re looking for has been with you the whole time.
Propulsive and hilarious, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of family.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published May 12, 2020
19 people are currently reading
1462 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
April 19, 2020
A funny, entertaining, and heart-warming adventure about the true meaning of family, and what's important in life!❤️
Eleven year old Freddie's beloved grandmother has just died, when he finds a letter from her revealing who his biological father is. He has a loving step father, but has lost both his mother and grandmother, so he sets off on an mission to Wales, with his best friends Ben and Charlie, to find his dad. What follows is adventures featuring raw onion eating, mistaken identities, superheroes, sheep, thieves, as the boys make mistakes, discover coincidences, and possibly miracles...
I read this with my seven year old son, and we both really enjoyed it! He found it hilarious, as all the slapstick humour was right at his level! He loved the adventures and the suspense! He couldn't wait to read it at bedtimes, and even made me put him to bed for a few nights running (my husband and I usually alternate between him and his sister)!
Even though my son really loved this and gave it five stars, some of it went over his head, so I think that this book would be best suited to children between the ages of 9-13.
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates was well written, and was very engaging. The vocabulary was mostly simple, so that children can easily follow, but there were some challenging words, which were good to discuss. It was a fun, and entertaining read, but also was surprisingly emotional, as it took an age appropriate look at death and grief. My son and I did talk about these themes as they came up quite often in the story. I found myself close to tears several times reading this, and the ending gave me a lump in my throat.
The characters in the story were very likeable and relatable. Freddie loved facts, and we got to learn some fun ones, which my son keeps telling people, like a shrimp's heart is in it's head! He had a lovely relationship with both his father and his grandmother, and was heartbroken about losing her. Ben was a fun and sensitive boy, whose family has been separated because of his parents divorce, and who doesn't like his new stepmom Becky. Charlie had weight issues, and struggled with self confidence. Together they had such a supportive and loyal friendship, and I really liked them all.
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates was a fun and entertaining story following Freddie and his best friends' escapades, but also a touching look at family and true friendship.
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Reading with my son ❤️
Many thanks to W. W. Norton and Edelweiss for my DRC in exchange for an honest review
Woop! This is the debut from a friend of a very good friend of mine, and there was a bidding war for it!
Eleven year old Freddie's beloved grandmother has just died, when he finds a letter from her revealing who his biological father is. He has a loving step father, but has lost both his mother and grandmother, so he sets off on an mission to Wales, with his best friends Ben and Charlie, to find his dad. What follows is adventures featuring raw onion eating, mistaken identities, superheroes, sheep, thieves, as the boys make mistakes, discover coincidences, and possibly miracles...
I read this with my seven year old son, and we both really enjoyed it! He found it hilarious, as all the slapstick humour was right at his level! He loved the adventures and the suspense! He couldn't wait to read it at bedtimes, and even made me put him to bed for a few nights running (my husband and I usually alternate between him and his sister)!
Even though my son really loved this and gave it five stars, some of it went over his head, so I think that this book would be best suited to children between the ages of 9-13.
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates was well written, and was very engaging. The vocabulary was mostly simple, so that children can easily follow, but there were some challenging words, which were good to discuss. It was a fun, and entertaining read, but also was surprisingly emotional, as it took an age appropriate look at death and grief. My son and I did talk about these themes as they came up quite often in the story. I found myself close to tears several times reading this, and the ending gave me a lump in my throat.
The characters in the story were very likeable and relatable. Freddie loved facts, and we got to learn some fun ones, which my son keeps telling people, like a shrimp's heart is in it's head! He had a lovely relationship with both his father and his grandmother, and was heartbroken about losing her. Ben was a fun and sensitive boy, whose family has been separated because of his parents divorce, and who doesn't like his new stepmom Becky. Charlie had weight issues, and struggled with self confidence. Together they had such a supportive and loyal friendship, and I really liked them all.
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates was a fun and entertaining story following Freddie and his best friends' escapades, but also a touching look at family and true friendship.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading with my son ❤️
Many thanks to W. W. Norton and Edelweiss for my DRC in exchange for an honest review
Woop! This is the debut from a friend of a very good friend of mine, and there was a bidding war for it!
August 4, 2020
What an enticing and fun cover for a delightful book!
Following the death of his beloved Grams, eleven year old Freddie discovers that his biological father might still be alive so he and his friends Charlie and Ben set off on a quest to find him. The characters they meet and the events they’re caught up in were wonderfully imaginative and clever. Advertised as a middle grade book, I found it very appropriate for that age group and a great deal of fun for adults too. Enjoy this rollicking, hilarious journey with Freddie and his friends as he discovers what really constitutes a family.
Thank you to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Following the death of his beloved Grams, eleven year old Freddie discovers that his biological father might still be alive so he and his friends Charlie and Ben set off on a quest to find him. The characters they meet and the events they’re caught up in were wonderfully imaginative and clever. Advertised as a middle grade book, I found it very appropriate for that age group and a great deal of fun for adults too. Enjoy this rollicking, hilarious journey with Freddie and his friends as he discovers what really constitutes a family.
Thank you to W.W. Norton and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 9, 2020
The story of Freddie Yates and friends super miraculous journey is as bright and beautiful as it's cover!!! Charming, funny, unique and heartwarming novel, sure to please kids of all ages. My grandchildren love it too. It makes for great family time during this quarantine.
Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!
Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read!
May 5, 2020
Heartwarming and hilarious. Freddie, Ben, and Charlie are fast friends and their Wales adventure is so much fun to read. In the midst of his grief over losing his grandmother and only known biological relative, Freddie feels compelled to hunt down his birth father in Wales. In a show of solidarity (and attempt to avoid their own summer plans), Ben and Charlie join him. Three twelve-year-old boys leave their homes with a spare pair of underwear and one destination. What will happen when they realize that the person they are looking for is not found using their only plan? Cue the onion contest and a scheme to make more travel money. We watch the events unfold like a runaway train. Love, love, love the cover! Would make a really fun classroom read aloud. Reminds us of the blessings/miracles all around us -- we just have to look for them.
Thank you to Norton Books and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Norton Books and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
No joo. Sellainen semikiva kohellusseikkailu.
Positiivista on poikapäähenkilöt, ei yhtään kiintiötyttöä matkassa. Positiivista myös se, että vaikka meininki on raamit kaulassa koheltamista, mukana on myös elämän tummempia sävyjä. Päähenkilöiden perhesuhteet ovat vähintäänkin monimutkaiset tai ainakin haastavat. Asioita tapahtuu, ikäviäkin, ja sitten niistä selvitään ystävien avulla. Kun oikein tarkkaan nuuskii, haiskahtaa hitusen ammattikasvattajalta, mutta ei onneksi häiriöksi asti.
Tarpeetonta ja vähän päälle liimattua on naurujen lypsäminen mainitsemalla erikseen ääneen suunnilleen jokainen vessakäynti. Hauskaa taas on aika ennakkoluuloton ja avoin asenne ihmeisiin. Uskonto kun tuntuu olevan lastenkirjoissa aika tavalla tabu nykyään.
Vinkkaukseen kolmosesta ylöspäin, voisi mennä neropattinsa lukeneille. Layout on kevyt ja kirjassa on jonkin verran mustavalkoista kuvitusta.
Positiivista on poikapäähenkilöt, ei yhtään kiintiötyttöä matkassa. Positiivista myös se, että vaikka meininki on raamit kaulassa koheltamista, mukana on myös elämän tummempia sävyjä. Päähenkilöiden perhesuhteet ovat vähintäänkin monimutkaiset tai ainakin haastavat. Asioita tapahtuu, ikäviäkin, ja sitten niistä selvitään ystävien avulla. Kun oikein tarkkaan nuuskii, haiskahtaa hitusen ammattikasvattajalta, mutta ei onneksi häiriöksi asti.
Tarpeetonta ja vähän päälle liimattua on naurujen lypsäminen mainitsemalla erikseen ääneen suunnilleen jokainen vessakäynti. Hauskaa taas on aika ennakkoluuloton ja avoin asenne ihmeisiin. Uskonto kun tuntuu olevan lastenkirjoissa aika tavalla tabu nykyään.
Vinkkaukseen kolmosesta ylöspäin, voisi mennä neropattinsa lukeneille. Layout on kevyt ja kirjassa on jonkin verran mustavalkoista kuvitusta.
March 23, 2020
Thanks to Edelweiss for an ARC of this book.
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read and I absolutely loved it!! By funny, I mean tears rolling down my face funny. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the humor. This would be perfect for fans of Ms. Bixby's Last Day. I will be recommending this one to students and upper elementary teachers as a read aloud. The kids will be laughing so hard they won't want the teacher to stop reading. Loved this!!!
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read and I absolutely loved it!! By funny, I mean tears rolling down my face funny. Loved the characters, loved the story, loved the humor. This would be perfect for fans of Ms. Bixby's Last Day. I will be recommending this one to students and upper elementary teachers as a read aloud. The kids will be laughing so hard they won't want the teacher to stop reading. Loved this!!!
February 16, 2020
I absolutely loved this book ! It made me laugh out loud on the train :-), as an adult reading it I found it gripping, funny, sensitive and unpredictable ! I shall definitely be ordering this for my 11 year old god-daughter - I imagine it will appeal to all age groups - parents everywhere will be stealing it to read :-)
April 22, 2025
Super miraculoasa călătorie a lui Freddie Yates -Jenny Pearson.
✍️Lumea e un loc minunat, Freddie! E plină de aventuri, eroi, miracole, pentru cine le caută.
Nici nu știu de când nu am mai râs citind o carte, este super amuzantă...și smart.
✍️Unii colecționează cartonașe Pokemo, alţii abtipilduri, eu colectionam informații. Vedeti voi, odată ce afli o informație anume, aceasta rămâne a ta pentru totdeauna. Nu te poate părăsi și nici nu ți-o poate lua cineva. Dar în vara asta mi s-a întâmplat să vad ceva cu adevărat miraculos, ceva care m-a făcut să pun la îndoială tot ce știam.
Nu știu cum reușesc autorii cărților pentru copii, dar până și la situatiile în care ar trebui să fii trist, tot reușesc să te facă să îți apară un zâmbet în colțul gurii. Să vă spun un secret, cărțile pentru copii sunt mult mai #smart comparativ cu cele pentru adulți..
După cum reiese din titlul cărții, Freddie urmează să călătorească, până în Tara Galilor cu trenul, autobuzul, bicicleta ..alături de prietenii săi, Ben si Charlie, pentru a-și întâlni tatăl biologic..Și bineînțeles, pentru a nu-și răni tatăl special, ca să o parafrazez pe mama lui Charlie, copiii au de gând să ascundă părinților despre aceasta călătorie.
Mama lui murise la nașterea lui Freddie, tatăl adoptiv suferise un accident (stupid) de mașină (l-a călcat propria mașină), iar bunica din partea mamei -cu care locuia împreună, tocmai murise intr-un accident de mașină. Se speriase, se simtea fără familie, dacă murea si tatăl adoptiv, el cui rămânea? De accea decide să plece în căutarea tatălui biologic.
Caută informații pe Google, află unde lucrează, dar site-ul nu fusese actualizat, el plecând de 2 ani de la acea firmă, reîntorcandu-se in zona de baștină, în St Davis. A fost o călătorie cu peripetii, au rămas fără bani, au participat la un concurs de mancat cepe pt a castiga niste bani, au innoptat pe un vapor si au descoperit acolo obiecte furate, au dormit într-o biserica,sunt urmăriți de hoți etc.
Finalul este despre înțelegerea conceptului de familie, despre prietenie...călătoria i-a adus o nouă membră în familie...
✍️Un om la maturitate are 32 de dinti, melcul de grădină are peste 14.000
✍️Sunt mai mult de 5000 de chimicale în fumul de țigară. Cel puțin două sute cincizeci dintre ele sunt substanțe dăunătoare, printre care acid cianhidric, monoxid de carbon și amoniac. Iar dintre cele 250 de substanțe dăunătoare din fumul de tutun, cel puțin șaizeci si nouă cauzează cancer.
✍️Stiai că plicurile de chinezi în secolul al -II-lea I.H
✍️Știați ca Joseph Henry a inventat soneria în 1831?
✍️Prima pereche de chiloți bărbătești, purtați în urma cu 7000 de ani, era făcută din piele
✍️Suntem făcuți din parf de stele. Practic toate elementele ce sa găsesc pe Pământ au fost facute în inima unei stele.
✍️Porcii nu pot privi stelele...
✍️Crevetele are inima în creier..?!?!
✍️Prima mașină cu motor a fost făcută de Karla Benz, cofondatorul Mecedes-Benz, încă din 1886.
Familia=nu sângele ce ne curge prin vene ne aduce laolaltă, ci iubirea pe care o avem in inimile noastre
✍️Lumea e un loc minunat, Freddie! E plină de aventuri, eroi, miracole, pentru cine le caută.
Nici nu știu de când nu am mai râs citind o carte, este super amuzantă...și smart.
✍️Unii colecționează cartonașe Pokemo, alţii abtipilduri, eu colectionam informații. Vedeti voi, odată ce afli o informație anume, aceasta rămâne a ta pentru totdeauna. Nu te poate părăsi și nici nu ți-o poate lua cineva. Dar în vara asta mi s-a întâmplat să vad ceva cu adevărat miraculos, ceva care m-a făcut să pun la îndoială tot ce știam.
Nu știu cum reușesc autorii cărților pentru copii, dar până și la situatiile în care ar trebui să fii trist, tot reușesc să te facă să îți apară un zâmbet în colțul gurii. Să vă spun un secret, cărțile pentru copii sunt mult mai #smart comparativ cu cele pentru adulți..
După cum reiese din titlul cărții, Freddie urmează să călătorească, până în Tara Galilor cu trenul, autobuzul, bicicleta ..alături de prietenii săi, Ben si Charlie, pentru a-și întâlni tatăl biologic..Și bineînțeles, pentru a nu-și răni tatăl special, ca să o parafrazez pe mama lui Charlie, copiii au de gând să ascundă părinților despre aceasta călătorie.
Mama lui murise la nașterea lui Freddie, tatăl adoptiv suferise un accident (stupid) de mașină (l-a călcat propria mașină), iar bunica din partea mamei -cu care locuia împreună, tocmai murise intr-un accident de mașină. Se speriase, se simtea fără familie, dacă murea si tatăl adoptiv, el cui rămânea? De accea decide să plece în căutarea tatălui biologic.
Caută informații pe Google, află unde lucrează, dar site-ul nu fusese actualizat, el plecând de 2 ani de la acea firmă, reîntorcandu-se in zona de baștină, în St Davis. A fost o călătorie cu peripetii, au rămas fără bani, au participat la un concurs de mancat cepe pt a castiga niste bani, au innoptat pe un vapor si au descoperit acolo obiecte furate, au dormit într-o biserica,sunt urmăriți de hoți etc.
Finalul este despre înțelegerea conceptului de familie, despre prietenie...călătoria i-a adus o nouă membră în familie...
✍️Un om la maturitate are 32 de dinti, melcul de grădină are peste 14.000
✍️Sunt mai mult de 5000 de chimicale în fumul de țigară. Cel puțin două sute cincizeci dintre ele sunt substanțe dăunătoare, printre care acid cianhidric, monoxid de carbon și amoniac. Iar dintre cele 250 de substanțe dăunătoare din fumul de tutun, cel puțin șaizeci si nouă cauzează cancer.
✍️Stiai că plicurile de chinezi în secolul al -II-lea I.H
✍️Știați ca Joseph Henry a inventat soneria în 1831?
✍️Prima pereche de chiloți bărbătești, purtați în urma cu 7000 de ani, era făcută din piele
✍️Suntem făcuți din parf de stele. Practic toate elementele ce sa găsesc pe Pământ au fost facute în inima unei stele.
✍️Porcii nu pot privi stelele...
✍️Crevetele are inima în creier..?!?!
✍️Prima mașină cu motor a fost făcută de Karla Benz, cofondatorul Mecedes-Benz, încă din 1886.
Familia=nu sângele ce ne curge prin vene ne aduce laolaltă, ci iubirea pe care o avem in inimile noastre
October 22, 2020
A Fine Middle Grade Buddy Comedy, With Heart
Right off the bat I was partial to this book because the action takes place in Wales, and I don't think nearly enough books are set in Wales. But put that aside.
This is an excellent road trip comedy. Our three middle grade heroes are bright, funny and engaging. They have been given three distinct and appealing personalities, quirks and all, and they feel authentic enough to carry the action along. The plot is wildly implausible, and becomes more and more manic as the story progresses, but that's par for the course in this sort of rollicking adventure and for the most part it works just fine.
There's a bit of fart and toilet humor, but just for a bit of a lark. Most of the jokes are smart and the boys' banter is clever. Our first person narrator, Freddie, has a rather dry sense of humor and there's a good bit of off-the-cuff deadpan humor. The author doesn't mock the genre and she plays straight with the reader, but there are a few throwaway lines and bits of business that make it clear we're here just to have a bit of fun. What more could you want from a very fast paced Boy's Own adventure comedy?
Well, to top it all off there's a kind and warm beating heart at the center of the fun. Freddie has lost his Mum and Grams, and it's that loss that propels him to try to find his missing biological Dad. His pals Ben and Charlie have issues of their own, though not in that league. We come to a resolution by the end, but little bits of sad pop out throughout the tale. That adds more weight than expected to the otherwise raucous and slightly unmoored adventure.
So, good fun wrapped up in a decent and rather lovely light message. Bonus - lots of fun Wales bits without the all too common English disdain of "rural" types.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Right off the bat I was partial to this book because the action takes place in Wales, and I don't think nearly enough books are set in Wales. But put that aside.
This is an excellent road trip comedy. Our three middle grade heroes are bright, funny and engaging. They have been given three distinct and appealing personalities, quirks and all, and they feel authentic enough to carry the action along. The plot is wildly implausible, and becomes more and more manic as the story progresses, but that's par for the course in this sort of rollicking adventure and for the most part it works just fine.
There's a bit of fart and toilet humor, but just for a bit of a lark. Most of the jokes are smart and the boys' banter is clever. Our first person narrator, Freddie, has a rather dry sense of humor and there's a good bit of off-the-cuff deadpan humor. The author doesn't mock the genre and she plays straight with the reader, but there are a few throwaway lines and bits of business that make it clear we're here just to have a bit of fun. What more could you want from a very fast paced Boy's Own adventure comedy?
Well, to top it all off there's a kind and warm beating heart at the center of the fun. Freddie has lost his Mum and Grams, and it's that loss that propels him to try to find his missing biological Dad. His pals Ben and Charlie have issues of their own, though not in that league. We come to a resolution by the end, but little bits of sad pop out throughout the tale. That adds more weight than expected to the otherwise raucous and slightly unmoored adventure.
So, good fun wrapped up in a decent and rather lovely light message. Bonus - lots of fun Wales bits without the all too common English disdain of "rural" types.
(Please note that I received a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
August 16, 2021
4.5
Die Geschichte rund um Fredddie, seine zwei besten Freunde Ben und Charlie und der Suche nach Fredddies leiblichen Vater liest sich leicht, schnell und unterhaltsam.
Alles beginnt damit, dass Freddies Großmutter stirbt. Dies ist natürlich sehr traurig, auf Grund der Art des Erzählens in dem Buch ist es jedoch kaum dramatisch. Freddie als Ich-Erzähler, der die Leserschaft direkt anspricht, ist intelligent und dabei aber lustig und mit einem Talent für unglückliche, jedoch unterhaltsame Situationen, ausgestattet (so kuschelt er zu Beginn des Buches z.B. mit der Unterhose seiner Großmutter im Glauben es sei ein Taschentuch).
Dass Freddies Vater nicht sein leiblicher Vater ist, ist ihm bekannt, jedoch wusste er bis dato nicht, wie sein leiblicher Vater heißt. Seine Großmutter hat hat ihm jedoch seine Geburtsurkunde hinterlassen. Nach einer kurzen Google-Recherche, einer kleinen Lüge und dem Versuch einen Plan zu schmieden, machen sich die Freunde auf nach Wales, um besagten leiblichen Vater zu finden. Der Plan war an sich nicht schlecht, jedoch zu wenig durchdacht, ohne Plan B und vor allem schwer umsetzbar ohne Reservegewand, wenn man seine eigene Kleidung mitsamt dem Boot eines bewaffneten Verbrechers abfackelt.
Ein lustiges, sympathisches Kinderbuch, welches sich schnell liest, einige sehr komische Szenen bereithält und auch ein wenig Weisheit.
Die Geschichte rund um Fredddie, seine zwei besten Freunde Ben und Charlie und der Suche nach Fredddies leiblichen Vater liest sich leicht, schnell und unterhaltsam.
Alles beginnt damit, dass Freddies Großmutter stirbt. Dies ist natürlich sehr traurig, auf Grund der Art des Erzählens in dem Buch ist es jedoch kaum dramatisch. Freddie als Ich-Erzähler, der die Leserschaft direkt anspricht, ist intelligent und dabei aber lustig und mit einem Talent für unglückliche, jedoch unterhaltsame Situationen, ausgestattet (so kuschelt er zu Beginn des Buches z.B. mit der Unterhose seiner Großmutter im Glauben es sei ein Taschentuch).
Dass Freddies Vater nicht sein leiblicher Vater ist, ist ihm bekannt, jedoch wusste er bis dato nicht, wie sein leiblicher Vater heißt. Seine Großmutter hat hat ihm jedoch seine Geburtsurkunde hinterlassen. Nach einer kurzen Google-Recherche, einer kleinen Lüge und dem Versuch einen Plan zu schmieden, machen sich die Freunde auf nach Wales, um besagten leiblichen Vater zu finden. Der Plan war an sich nicht schlecht, jedoch zu wenig durchdacht, ohne Plan B und vor allem schwer umsetzbar ohne Reservegewand, wenn man seine eigene Kleidung mitsamt dem Boot eines bewaffneten Verbrechers abfackelt.
Ein lustiges, sympathisches Kinderbuch, welches sich schnell liest, einige sehr komische Szenen bereithält und auch ein wenig Weisheit.
July 31, 2021
After Freddie’s grandma passes away he decides to go on an adventure to find his biological father. Armed with his two best friends but no plan it is unsurprising that the adventure is not smooth sailing! This book follows the classic structure of “a journey with lots of bumps along the way” but yet it is still entirely unique. A truly funny tale that is utterly bizarre whilst still speckled with moments of seriousness and honesty that many children will relate to – it is guaranteed to make you laugh whilst simultaneously warming your heart.
This story of friendship, family, loss and adventure is incredibly engaging and I think would be great for Year 5 and 6. I think it would be a fun task to get the children to try and write their own wacky adventure story to help encourage enthusiasm towards writing.
My only critique would be that some of the moments that try to hint at how the children are feeling about different issues in their life can be a little heavy handed. However, this isn’t always the case and other than that I think the book is fab and thoroughly deserving of it’s position on the UKLA 2021 book awards shortlist!
This story of friendship, family, loss and adventure is incredibly engaging and I think would be great for Year 5 and 6. I think it would be a fun task to get the children to try and write their own wacky adventure story to help encourage enthusiasm towards writing.
My only critique would be that some of the moments that try to hint at how the children are feeling about different issues in their life can be a little heavy handed. However, this isn’t always the case and other than that I think the book is fab and thoroughly deserving of it’s position on the UKLA 2021 book awards shortlist!
February 27, 2021
Yllättävän hauska, mutta myös vakava kertomus kolmen ystävyksen matkasta kohti Walesia, ilman rahaa, ilman suunnitelmaa ja kännyköitä. Kansi ei ihan anna kuvaa siitä kuinka isoja asioita huumorin varjolla kirjassa käsitellään, mutta samalla saa monet tarttumaan kirjaan, toisin kuin vakavammalla kannella.
Eihän tämä mikään angstikirja ole missään nimessä: pieruja, kalsareita, kakkahuumoria ja ganstereita on tässäkin ihan hihitykseen asti ja kun kaikki on vielä kirjoitettu vetävästi ja kiinnostavasti on tämä mielestäni erittäin hyvä kokonaisuus. Vinkkaisin ehkä kolmosista ylöspäin ihan vitos-kutosiin asti, sen verran tunteelliseksi menevät menetykset kirja lopussa.
Eihän tämä mikään angstikirja ole missään nimessä: pieruja, kalsareita, kakkahuumoria ja ganstereita on tässäkin ihan hihitykseen asti ja kun kaikki on vielä kirjoitettu vetävästi ja kiinnostavasti on tämä mielestäni erittäin hyvä kokonaisuus. Vinkkaisin ehkä kolmosista ylöspäin ihan vitos-kutosiin asti, sen verran tunteelliseksi menevät menetykset kirja lopussa.
March 7, 2021
When something sad happens at the beginning of Freddie's summer holiday he makes a plan to go on a quest with his friends...but they hadn't planned for an onion-eating competition, losing their clothes, being chased by criminals or being mistaken for superheroes. Freddie doesn't believe in miracles, but will his super-miraculous journey change his mind?
I loved this laugh-out-loud hilarious, madcap romp with a surprisingly warm heart.
I loved this laugh-out-loud hilarious, madcap romp with a surprisingly warm heart.
September 10, 2025
Funny without being too silly, and still wholesome
June 4, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from W.W. Norton through Edelweiss+.
The book opens with Freddie losing his grandmother. He's already lost his mom and isn't sure how life will move forward as his stepdad is recovering from an accident. His Grams leaves him a letter and a copy of his birth certificate. Both identify his real dad who left before he was born. In the midst of processing emotions, he decides it's a great idea to head for Wales and meet his dad. His two best friends - both having their own family struggles - come along.
Middle grade readers will enjoy the hilarious adventures along the way. From accidentally burning their clothes, to stealing heirloom rings from a thief, to superhero costumes, to being mistaken for angels, these three young men are survivors and actually make it to Fred's father's town. Under the humor, is the sadder side as all three come to terms with their emotional battles and continue to mature together.
The book opens with Freddie losing his grandmother. He's already lost his mom and isn't sure how life will move forward as his stepdad is recovering from an accident. His Grams leaves him a letter and a copy of his birth certificate. Both identify his real dad who left before he was born. In the midst of processing emotions, he decides it's a great idea to head for Wales and meet his dad. His two best friends - both having their own family struggles - come along.
Middle grade readers will enjoy the hilarious adventures along the way. From accidentally burning their clothes, to stealing heirloom rings from a thief, to superhero costumes, to being mistaken for angels, these three young men are survivors and actually make it to Fred's father's town. Under the humor, is the sadder side as all three come to terms with their emotional battles and continue to mature together.
March 9, 2021
Dieses Buch hat mir ein Buchvertreter empfohlen und gemeint, dass es eine total witzige Abenteuergeschichte ist und ich es unbedingt lesen soll. Ich muss ihm zustimmen, dass es echt witzig ist. Oft musste ich mein Lachen zurückhalten, da die drei so viele seltsame Sachen erleben, aber es sich trotzdem immer zum guten wendet. Ich habe es genossen und kann es Kindern wirklich nur empfehlen. Es lässt sich schnell lesen und unterhaltet auch noch nebenbei.
4 Sterne
4 Sterne
October 15, 2020
This is one of my favourite book this year.
It follows Freddie who decide to find his real dad after his nan dies.
He convinces two friends to travel to Barry with him.
I was laughing out loud by the first chapter.
Brilliant book
It follows Freddie who decide to find his real dad after his nan dies.
He convinces two friends to travel to Barry with him.
I was laughing out loud by the first chapter.
Brilliant book
April 10, 2023
Honestly this book surprised me, I think it’s a great option to try to teach the younger generations about deep topics such as death or mental health without being too analytical. All of Jenny Pearson’s books focus on a human issue, but tries to do it in a more sympathetic way.
December 6, 2020
A brilliant yomp with fart and poo jokes a plenty!!!!!
February 27, 2020
This is a must-read for children who love funny books - or in fact for anyone who loves to laugh. Kids on a mission, mistaken identities, raw onion eating contests, taxi-driving-criminals-busting-through-the-rolling-Welsh-landscape and sheep aplenty are all thrown into a melting pot of gaff-a-minute adventuring and stirred through a warm-hearted narrative that focusses on themes of friendship, identity, family and grief.
Eleven-year-old Fred is heartbroken when his grandmother dies. When he finds a letter from her revealing details of his own biological father, Alan Froggley (who abandoned his mother before Fred was born), Fred ups and leaves on a mission to seek out Alan for himself. With his two best friends in tow (both of whom have their own reasons for wanting to escape home for a few days), Fred heads to Wales on an adventure of a lifetime.
It’s not clear what Fred is expecting to happen when - or if - he finds his dad. Perhaps he wants an explanation, or simply a connection. Maybe it’s curiosity - or maybe his answer to the sense of loss he feels over his grandmother is to complete this particular part of his family puzzle. Either way, Fred is certain of one thing - he absolutely must find Alan Froggley. What follows is a slapstick romp across Wales, where a wild goose chase powered by a series of incredible co-incidences leads Fred and his friends to re-assess the things that really matter in life.
The narrative is full of fun - from humorous insights into the quirky characters (and the aspects of family life that drive them nuts) to the endless run of blunders by the trio of friends, like accidentally cooking their clothes and ending up on the news wearing superhero costumes. Jenny Pearson’s brand of observational humour is perfectly pitched for the 8-11 readership. But what gave the story a real edge for me was its heartfelt warmth - shown through the authenticity of the boys’ relationship and the value the story places on family life.
A frolic-filled laugh-a-minute tale that will no doubt be in high demand in KS2 classrooms.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a proof copy. Review to appear on our website closer to publication.
Eleven-year-old Fred is heartbroken when his grandmother dies. When he finds a letter from her revealing details of his own biological father, Alan Froggley (who abandoned his mother before Fred was born), Fred ups and leaves on a mission to seek out Alan for himself. With his two best friends in tow (both of whom have their own reasons for wanting to escape home for a few days), Fred heads to Wales on an adventure of a lifetime.
It’s not clear what Fred is expecting to happen when - or if - he finds his dad. Perhaps he wants an explanation, or simply a connection. Maybe it’s curiosity - or maybe his answer to the sense of loss he feels over his grandmother is to complete this particular part of his family puzzle. Either way, Fred is certain of one thing - he absolutely must find Alan Froggley. What follows is a slapstick romp across Wales, where a wild goose chase powered by a series of incredible co-incidences leads Fred and his friends to re-assess the things that really matter in life.
The narrative is full of fun - from humorous insights into the quirky characters (and the aspects of family life that drive them nuts) to the endless run of blunders by the trio of friends, like accidentally cooking their clothes and ending up on the news wearing superhero costumes. Jenny Pearson’s brand of observational humour is perfectly pitched for the 8-11 readership. But what gave the story a real edge for me was its heartfelt warmth - shown through the authenticity of the boys’ relationship and the value the story places on family life.
A frolic-filled laugh-a-minute tale that will no doubt be in high demand in KS2 classrooms.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending me a proof copy. Review to appear on our website closer to publication.
August 22, 2022
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates was brilliant, hitting that sweet spot between funny and sensitive.
At its heart, (and it has a lot of heart!) this is a road-trip story. It has a lot in common with that genre of comedy films where a group of buddies hit the road to an unknown destination and face a variety of increasingly ridiculous encounters along the way. The big difference is that these three are young children, travelling the length (or maybe the width) of Wales to find the biological father of Freddie Yates. Along the way they face an onion eating competition, armed robbers, an abandoned church, buses, boats and bikes.
One of the genius elements of this is how ridiculous things are allowed to get, without it actually crossing that line into total fantasy. There's a logical progression to it, you can see how one mistake leads into the next, into the next, until by the end they're a long way from where they expected to be. I'm not saying it's believable, but yeah, you can see how it makes sense, sort of.
The second genius element of this is how much heart it has. It deals with grief and loss, with difficult relationships with a father who is drinking, with the sense of loss of family and not fitting it. It deals with body issues, which can be particularly cruel when a child is deemed to be too large. It deals with the difficult relationships with a stepmother and the pressure that can put on a child. It deals with all of these things and it deals with them incredibly respectfully and sensitively. It's an out-and-out comedy, but Jenny Pearson really does know when to stop laughing at her characters,
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a super miraculous combination of laughs and love.
At its heart, (and it has a lot of heart!) this is a road-trip story. It has a lot in common with that genre of comedy films where a group of buddies hit the road to an unknown destination and face a variety of increasingly ridiculous encounters along the way. The big difference is that these three are young children, travelling the length (or maybe the width) of Wales to find the biological father of Freddie Yates. Along the way they face an onion eating competition, armed robbers, an abandoned church, buses, boats and bikes.
One of the genius elements of this is how ridiculous things are allowed to get, without it actually crossing that line into total fantasy. There's a logical progression to it, you can see how one mistake leads into the next, into the next, until by the end they're a long way from where they expected to be. I'm not saying it's believable, but yeah, you can see how it makes sense, sort of.
The second genius element of this is how much heart it has. It deals with grief and loss, with difficult relationships with a father who is drinking, with the sense of loss of family and not fitting it. It deals with body issues, which can be particularly cruel when a child is deemed to be too large. It deals with the difficult relationships with a stepmother and the pressure that can put on a child. It deals with all of these things and it deals with them incredibly respectfully and sensitively. It's an out-and-out comedy, but Jenny Pearson really does know when to stop laughing at her characters,
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a super miraculous combination of laughs and love.
June 16, 2020
While some children collect pokemon cards or stickers, Freddie Yates collects facts. He has a fact on hand for any conversation topic, and loves to share his facts with his best friends, his Dad and his Grams... Until one day he can’t share them with his Grams anymore. As Freddie comes to terms with his loss, he is given a letter from Grams containing a secret which has been kept from him his whole life—the name of his biological dad. With his friends roped in and a very ill-thought-out plan, Freddie heads to Wales to track him down. Along the way, Freddie, Charlie and Ben take part in Barry’s famous onion-eating competition, perform heroic deeds and even witness a miracle or two! With such an early loss in the book, my heart went out to Freddie, and the description of his feelings and grief are real and relatable. It’s so important that readers have the opportunity to experience and practise these emotions through books.
Their enthralling escapade is a laugh a minute, but there are also touching moments of sincerity, including a poignant moment where the issue of body image and self esteem are discussed, and many moments considering the meaning of family and the stresses and strains that families can experience. Including these very relevant issues gives readers the opportunity to think about their own experiences. I’ll be whole-heatedly recommending this to my Y5 children, but could be shared with all of KS2. Perfect for fans of David Walliams, fans of funny books and fact fans! Grab your superhero costume, pack yourself a pear and potato turnover and buckle up for a summer like no other!
Their enthralling escapade is a laugh a minute, but there are also touching moments of sincerity, including a poignant moment where the issue of body image and self esteem are discussed, and many moments considering the meaning of family and the stresses and strains that families can experience. Including these very relevant issues gives readers the opportunity to think about their own experiences. I’ll be whole-heatedly recommending this to my Y5 children, but could be shared with all of KS2. Perfect for fans of David Walliams, fans of funny books and fact fans! Grab your superhero costume, pack yourself a pear and potato turnover and buckle up for a summer like no other!
December 22, 2024
Very Jenny, very funny. One off my TBR pile, y4 plus. This is also on the bookshelf for one of the class reads and in the Y3/4 classroom.
When Freddie's gran dies, his Dad gives him an envelope which she had left with him, to give to Freddie. It contains his birth certificate - and the name and birthplace of his biological dad.
Just so you know Freddie's mum got pregnant -biological dad scarpered and Mum met his Dad. Mum died when Freddie was born leaving Dad and Gran to raise Freddie. Now Gran is dead too Freddie feels the need to find his biological dad - after all he doesn't have many relatives. And Dad just broke his leg being run over my his own van!
Freddie's friends Ben and Charlie are persuaded to help him in this quest - to go to Cardiff where his "Dad" works - Freddie found him on the internet. Seemingly Freddie's Dad was a fact man too and worked for an Analytics company. But Dad doesn't work there any more, the security guard said he went back home. well, back home means St David's. So they continue, but were only supposed to be one night...can they keep lying to their parents? Hmm...depends on their disguise...
Can they find Freddie's Dad?
Properly funny, I laughed a lot! What with breaking and entering, fire, odd clothes and onion eating!
Rob Biddulph has as expected made a fabulous job of the illustrations! Big Trev and his onion belt and cowboy boots, Sheila the sheep and three choirboys on odd bicycles are just a few.
When Freddie's gran dies, his Dad gives him an envelope which she had left with him, to give to Freddie. It contains his birth certificate - and the name and birthplace of his biological dad.
Just so you know Freddie's mum got pregnant -biological dad scarpered and Mum met his Dad. Mum died when Freddie was born leaving Dad and Gran to raise Freddie. Now Gran is dead too Freddie feels the need to find his biological dad - after all he doesn't have many relatives. And Dad just broke his leg being run over my his own van!
Freddie's friends Ben and Charlie are persuaded to help him in this quest - to go to Cardiff where his "Dad" works - Freddie found him on the internet. Seemingly Freddie's Dad was a fact man too and worked for an Analytics company. But Dad doesn't work there any more, the security guard said he went back home. well, back home means St David's. So they continue, but were only supposed to be one night...can they keep lying to their parents? Hmm...depends on their disguise...
Can they find Freddie's Dad?
Properly funny, I laughed a lot! What with breaking and entering, fire, odd clothes and onion eating!
Rob Biddulph has as expected made a fabulous job of the illustrations! Big Trev and his onion belt and cowboy boots, Sheila the sheep and three choirboys on odd bicycles are just a few.
March 31, 2020
I've just finished reading this & have tears in my eyes because the story behind the Miracles that happen in this book is so touching. It is about grief & how to see all the little Miracles if you know how.
Freddie Yates and his 2 best friends have left year 6.
His dad has had a fall, his mum died when he was young & he is not going to have a good start to the summer holidays he was dreading without his friends either.
The Neighbour with a dog called Lady Gaga starts us with a few laughs.
There is a letter, a revelation & a quick journey is planned by the boys.
Andover to St David's in Wales should be a quick trip there & back in one day, maybe a sleepover? Well.... It was a quick plan, no time for a plan B!
An Onion eating competition, superhero action & hauntingly good night near a graveyard, and sheep called Sheila, are just a few escapades Freddie, Ben and Charlie get up to.
It's a crazy, funny read that has warmth, family and friendship at its heart.
I can't wait for another adventure as this was onion packed with fun.
Freddie Yates and his 2 best friends have left year 6.
His dad has had a fall, his mum died when he was young & he is not going to have a good start to the summer holidays he was dreading without his friends either.
The Neighbour with a dog called Lady Gaga starts us with a few laughs.
There is a letter, a revelation & a quick journey is planned by the boys.
Andover to St David's in Wales should be a quick trip there & back in one day, maybe a sleepover? Well.... It was a quick plan, no time for a plan B!
An Onion eating competition, superhero action & hauntingly good night near a graveyard, and sheep called Sheila, are just a few escapades Freddie, Ben and Charlie get up to.
It's a crazy, funny read that has warmth, family and friendship at its heart.
I can't wait for another adventure as this was onion packed with fun.
April 21, 2020
Sometimes with books for younger readers, it's challenging to figure out if the book will actually appeal to those readers or if it's just written in a way that an adult team thinks will appeal to them. The story hits plenty of hot button kid topics (e.g. underwear, farts, poop, boys dressing in girls clothes) but feels sort of as if it's a little paint by numbers, like it's somewhat performatively silly. That it doesn't have a ton of emotional heft isn't super surprising or even necessary, but might be notable, considering the book starts with a death. I also wasn't entirely comfortable with the way Charlie's size/weight was emphasized more and more as the book went on, especially since his character is also fairly foolish and often lazy - it comes together in a bit of a caricature. Can likely find an audience looking for a slightly goofy adventure, though, and might be a choice for adults and kids to read together as it has some humor that will go over the heads of younger readers.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
May 12, 2020
The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a story about three friends on an adventure to find Freddie’s biological dad after his Grams passes away. The only family he has is his adopted dad, and he fears losing him too, so Freddie seeks to find a back-up dad. Along the way, the friends get into more than a few scrapes and are credited for a few heroic and miraculous events. Ultimately Freddie learns a valuable lesson about family and how he sees the world.
I absolutely loved this book. Freddie’s friends, Charles and Ben, are super funny (Charles especially), and the situations they find themselves in are hilarious. Freddie’s voice throughout is almost like you’re reading his journal or sitting down with him for a cup of tea. It’s fun and it carries you along throughout the story. The secondary characters they meet along the way are colorful and interesting, and how it all ties together at the end was really fun to see. I highly recommend this delightful read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I absolutely loved this book. Freddie’s friends, Charles and Ben, are super funny (Charles especially), and the situations they find themselves in are hilarious. Freddie’s voice throughout is almost like you’re reading his journal or sitting down with him for a cup of tea. It’s fun and it carries you along throughout the story. The secondary characters they meet along the way are colorful and interesting, and how it all ties together at the end was really fun to see. I highly recommend this delightful read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 21, 2021
Freddie asuu yhdessä isänsä (oikeammin isäpuolensa) ja mumminsa kanssa. Kesäloma kolkuttaa ovella, mutta Freddien kesästä uhkaa tulla tylsä sillä isä on katkaissut jalkansa eikä pääse liikkumaan ja Freddien parhaat kaverit Charlie ja Ben ovat lähdössä loman alkupuolella matkoille perheidensä kanssa. Lisäksi Freddien mummo kuolee heti kesäloman aluksi, joten loma muuttuu entistä synkemmäksi. Mummo jättää kuitenkin jälkeensä kirjeen, jossa hän paljastaa Freddielle tämän oikean isän nimen: Alan Froggley. Samalta istumalta Freddie päättää etsiä Alanin käsiinsä ja värvää mukaansa kaverinsa, jotka tahoillaan tahtovat välttää perheidensä lomasuunnitelmat. Alkaa eeppinen seikkailu kohti Walesia, josta muodostuukin aivan odottamaton seikkailu.
Tarina on ihan hauska, mutta lievästi ylipitkä ja osa vitseistä alkaa maistua puulta lievän toiston jälkeen. Sinne tänne ripotellut kuvitukset antavat tarinalle eloa. Kokonaisuutena ihan ok kirja, joka kärsii lievästä ylipituudesta ja osittaisesta saman vitsin kierrätyksestä. 3 tähteä.
Tarina on ihan hauska, mutta lievästi ylipitkä ja osa vitseistä alkaa maistua puulta lievän toiston jälkeen. Sinne tänne ripotellut kuvitukset antavat tarinalle eloa. Kokonaisuutena ihan ok kirja, joka kärsii lievästä ylipituudesta ja osittaisesta saman vitsin kierrätyksestä. 3 tähteä.
June 13, 2020
Following the death of his Gran, Freddie decides to go on a search for other members of his family. His two best mates agree to go with him. This is where their adventure begins.
The story is a fast moving romp around the south of England and large parts of Wales. They meet a host of colourful characters and get themselves into lots of bother. I love the author’s voice; she really wants to take the reader on the journey with her. Throughout, Freddie’s reasoning is presented in such a childlike, endearing way, you can’t help but like him and want him to succeed on his mission.
The three main characters all learn something about themselves on their journey but it is Freddie who learns the biggest lesson of all; what makes a family. This book has a positive message about step families, delivered in a delightful manner.
Don’t start reading just before bed though - you won’t want to put it down!
The story is a fast moving romp around the south of England and large parts of Wales. They meet a host of colourful characters and get themselves into lots of bother. I love the author’s voice; she really wants to take the reader on the journey with her. Throughout, Freddie’s reasoning is presented in such a childlike, endearing way, you can’t help but like him and want him to succeed on his mission.
The three main characters all learn something about themselves on their journey but it is Freddie who learns the biggest lesson of all; what makes a family. This book has a positive message about step families, delivered in a delightful manner.
Don’t start reading just before bed though - you won’t want to put it down!
June 30, 2020
Freddie Yates has been bereaved of all of his family apart from his biological dad. So he went on a heroic journey to find his real dad, but little did he know he was dead too. Nevertheless, he dragged his friends along too, but they ran into trouble along the way. Ever since they stowaway-ed on the Gaffer's yacht, and stole his priceless swan rings.
I like the character Iris, she made me cry when she came down from heaven, I think the writer did a good job of describing her and used good vocabulary to explain the dead wanderer. The character made me want to read on, and I think the writer did an exceptionally good job of explaining the details of the story. It has good suspense, and the chapters made me keen to read on.
I find it hard to find any faults with the writer, it was a great book. I would definitely recommend this book and I will keep looking out for this author's books.
I like the character Iris, she made me cry when she came down from heaven, I think the writer did a good job of describing her and used good vocabulary to explain the dead wanderer. The character made me want to read on, and I think the writer did an exceptionally good job of explaining the details of the story. It has good suspense, and the chapters made me keen to read on.
I find it hard to find any faults with the writer, it was a great book. I would definitely recommend this book and I will keep looking out for this author's books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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