The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks

by Emily Kenny

“Has heart, soul and so much spirit.” Lindsay Galvin, author of Darwin’s Dragons

“Disappearing animals, twists and turns, and an amazing autistic protagonist.” Rashmi Sirdeshpande, author of Dosh

“Exciting, deftly plotted and full of surprises.” Sinéad O'Hart, author of The Eye of the North

“It’s not your chips I’m after, Alice Tonks,” the seagull said sternly. “We’ve got a job for you.”

After a rather strange encounter with a seagull on her first day of boarding school, Alice Tonks is left with a lot of questions.
Why does the bird need her help? And WHY can she talk to seagulls?
Alice is used to being by herself but she can’t solve the mystery alone. With new friends behind her, can Alice harness her magic powers and become the hero she never imagined?

A story about finding your voice, friendship and unlikely heroes, for fans of A Kind of Spark

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Mystery, Fiction, Adventure, Cats

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and main character/characters and settings hooked me from the start.

I don’t often like talking animals but here it worked for me because I was able to experience the animals from Alice’s point of view.

The characters are believable. I fell in love with Alice and felt affection for many of the others, especially her two best human friends and her grandmother. Alice is autistic, as is the book’s author. I appreciate how autism is shown here, how it’s both a challenge and a strength. I admire Alice’s bravery and her kindness & tenderness.

I did guess the identity of the villain of the central mystery but there were a lot of plausible red herrings and I can’t claim that I was certain that I was right.

It was scarier than I’d been expecting. When I haven’t read any for a while I forget how frightening children’s fantasy books can be.

The (mostly junk) food mentioned was so appealing, as is true in many boarding school stories. I always veganize things in my mind!

At ages 9-10+- I would have desperately wished to be part of Alice’s family and would have loved to have been able to fly. I still think being able to fly would be wonderful.

Highly recommended for all children ages 8 or 9 through 11, and all the way up. This story is especially good for any children who feel different in some way, especially neurodivergent kids and kids who know someone who is neurodivergent. Readers with any sort of experience with bullying or feeling excluded will appreciate this story. I’d love to put it in the hands of bullies and also intolerant and unfeeling adults, especially those who work with children. It’s also a great story for readers who love animals. This novel would make a great classroom or family read aloud book and it’s also great for independent readers to read on their own. It’s a great discussion book; I’m finding myself wanting to talk about it with others who have read it. I think this story has the power to make the reader more empathetic and compassionate.

This must be the start of a series! The book’s ending works fine as the story’s ending but this story screams series. I’m hoping for at least a second book and if there are any more books I plan to read them.

Thanks to Kathryn’s recommendation and review I discovered this book and borrowed the e-book Kindle edition and Hoopla audio edition same day from the library. He paper copy wasn’t available until I was almost done reading the Kindle edition. I’m really glad that I had the audio edition to read simultaneously as I read the words on the screen/page. The audio retains the original British English but the Kindle edition & the paperback translated many words to U.S. English. I want to read British English when the book is written that way!!! Most of the changes in this book didn’t make any sense at all. A lot of the words aren’t even specific to only British vs. U.S. English. When they were I knew all but a couple of the British words and those I could easily look up. I feel motived so I have to get up the energy and make some time to write publishers about this annoying translating issue. I don’t know anyone who likes it.

4-1/2 stars

[Lizzie Huxley-Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh I loved this. A charming adventure, filled with the kind of magic I wished for as a child, with an autistic protagonist. A great addition to the magical school stories shelf, absolutely chock full with animals.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks by @Emilie_London follows autistic Alice who struggles to make friends at her new boarding school, until she discovers she can talk to animals. But as she does, she discovers that creatures are going missing!

It has a great central mystery — animals are disappearing, but no one knows why — combined with secret organisations, shadowy figures running the school, smugglers in boats, and the difficulties of just trying to fit into a new school and make friends!

For me it’s the wild thornberries and farthing wood, a dose of animorphs but made quintessentially British— especially the snacks! Full of heart and love for the animal world, and wonderfully honest about the realities of being an autistic kid.

An absolutely charming story of an autistic girl, her magic, and friendship — I loved it.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Random Things Tours.

The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks is an absolutely beautiful and fun story with cute illustrated chapter headings and a delightful, likeable and realistic main character!
Alice Tonks has started at a new boarding school and is struggling to make friends. Alice then discovers she is a switcher which means she can talk to animals. Alice's help is desperately needed as animals are going missing. Alice instills the help of her new friends Tim and Ottie to solve the mystery. This book is jam packed with adventure: secret organisations, secrets, smugglers and shadowy figures to name a few. I loved how the book included topics many children can relate to or have experienced such as making new friends, moving schools, bullying, and self discovery. I also loved that the main character Alice is a girl with autism and feel rejoiced at this representation is included. Written by an author who also has autism helps make Alice realistic and relatable!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story with an autistic main character and written by an autistic author, that feels authentic and relatable, and lovely to see a young female neurodivergent lead character. She’s often misunderstood and stands out, but she really finds her feet and friends in this charming and magical tale.

Alice discovers she is a Switcher, someone who and can understand and talk to animals. I would love this power! Animals are being snatched, and they need Alice’s help them. Whilst discovering things about herself and family, dealing with bullies and making new friends along the way.

Alice, Ottie and Tim are a delightful trio, and I loved seeing their friendship develop and grow throughout the story. They all have their own unique personalities and secrets, but they really have each other’s backs and as they get to know one another better it’s a joy to read and makes me want friends like them in my life!

The illustrations throughout and the cover art by Flavia Sorrentino is simply gorgeous. There’s plenty of action and twists in the plot that will keep you guessing. Set in a boarding school by the sea, this mystery has plenty of adventure, animals, and an authentic autistic main character, this is a joy to read!

[InkyFrog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes all it takes is a little magic to find your voice ...

What a magnificent debut book this is. Emily Kenny has crafted a fantastic tale of friendships, adventures, betrayal, mystery, and peril, hitting the right tone at every stage of the story.

Alice is a truly relatable character and Kenny has tapped into the inner workings of Alice's mind with real skill as we are introduced to her world and the impact autism has on her day-to-day life.

I was rooting for Alice from the very first lines – perhaps due to our shared dislike of sand and seaweed. The same can be said of Tim and Ottie as they both struggle with the challenges of family and friendship, coming out the other side stronger and braver than ever.

The book is packed full of twists and turns that kept me guessing right up to the end. Emily Kenny masterfully unveils the different layers of the story, with subplots, revelations and parallel action which make the story rich and consistently enjoyable.

With breathtaking artwork from Flavia Sorrentino, this is a book that needs to be on bookshelves and in school libraries up and down the country. We can't wait for future instalments in this series!

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A neurodiverse heroine for our times.

What a joyous thing that the central character of this book is autistic. I love the way that the author combines adventure with information about how it feels to be autistic. I'm sure that many of us will learn a lot from reading it.

The story itself is perhaps a teensy bit overlong, but it is fun and invites wild speculation until the villain is finally revealed. I enjoyed reading it and will look forward to the next Alice Tonks story.

[Kirsty Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, thrilling and tense middle grade adventure! Kenny has created a novel full of magic and wonder that deals with themes of friendship, belonging and good vs evil! I adored the fact that the MC is a representative of the neurodivergent community, highlighting Alice’s difficulties (and strengths) of a teenage girl with autism. I almost enjoyed reading about Alice overcoming her obstacles with relationships etc more so than the talking animals and the mystery surrounding their disappearances (almost 😉). Such a heartfelt, magical and fun read!

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful story with charming characters, setting, and a fun and unique plot! I think as a kid I would have loved this and would have wanted to be a Switcher myself! It's also lovely to have an autistic protagonist. I can't speak to the validity of what the character feels or senses, but I liked that the trials weren't shied away from, but that it never felt like Alice was "less than" because of it. It's also not the main focus of the book, just one aspect of Alice, which is nice (but it also didn't feel dismissed). So a nice balance I felt.

The story itself was nicely multilayered. The animal peril may be too much for readers who are extra sensitive to it (I would have been at a young age). And a few of the "revelations" I saw coming. But overall I really enjoyed stepping into this world and appreciated the uniqueness and charm. Looking forward to the next one! :D

***Note: I listened to the audio version***

[Ocean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alice's adventures are so exciting to read about! I love her friendship with Tim and I enjoyed the plot twists throughout the story. Starting a new school (especially as an autistic person) is extremely difficult, and Alice's struggles were relatable. But when animals go missing and secrets are revealed, the adventures become dangerous and there are lives on the line. This is a fantastic story of friendship, camaraderie, and good triumphing over evil.

[Tim Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

An autistic heroine should stick to the plot and pass over the puff pastry in silence.

[Tracey Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off I would like to thank Random Things Tours for giving me a spot on the tour and to the publishers Rock The Boat for sending me a copy of The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks written by Emily Kenny. Alice is Emily's Debut Novel so I was excited and intrigued to read another author who was Autistic like Alice as there not enough books out there covering Disability and being Different.

I did like the Boarding School Setting and see how someone like Alice would get on but I think more could of happened in the story and as for her 'Friends'' Tim and Ottie really at first did not deserve the title as they both deserted her. Some of the story I felt like the reader was being told instead of shown what was happening. For example when Alice is told she was a Switcher she just accepted it I just felt that could of been done better. I found the first half of the book the pacing was very off and not much happened. It was not until the second half when it started cooking on gas but for me it was a bit late if only the action went throughout the book this could of been something. You had shapeshifters, animals who could talk, a mystery and magic which all are the ingredients for a great series. Unfortunately for me I will not be continuing on with the Series but I wish Emily all the best and for all these reasons I am giving The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks 3 Stars

[mrs hayley mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book you can easily lose yourself in. I can't help but think, if I could shapeshift, what would I become. The bravery, courage and tenacity of Alice is something to be admired. If I can inspire pupils to be half as determined as she is, I'll have done a good job.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and cute story. I really need to check out more middle grade books because there are some really good stories being told. I loved the characters of this one and the fun adventure/mystery.

[marGarita✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ho apprezzato molto la protagonista Alice, intelligente e ben descritta. Anche il focus sui suoi amici, Ottie e Tim, mi è piaciuto molto.

Purtroppo si "sente" che è un libro per bambini: ci sono molti buchi nella trama, un finale prevedibile, personaggi adulti che casualmente non fanno niente, ecc.
Penso che ai lettori dell'età target questo libro piacerà sicuramente di più.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Kenny does not waste a single second in her debut novel The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks, introducing us to Alice, an autistic 11-year-old we instantly believe in and root for, and a story that quickly takes off, soaring through narrative twists and turns, as nimble and clever as the animals that populate its pages.

Alice’s worst day begins on a beach – which she hates – on the first day of school – which she also hates. Pebblewood School, according to Alice’s Gran will be a fresh start, but Alice’s attempt to be Nice Alice, the smiley, worry-free version of herself who does normal things, like shake hands, ‘even though the teacher had sweaty palms and smelled faintly of boiled ham’, is failing, the noise of the beach, the people, the seaweed that coils around her feet, the octopus ‘squirming in her belly’, becomes too much. Alice shouts at her Gran, running past her new classmates and their parents, her cheeks burning ‘with fury, shame and embarrassment’. After a brief interaction with Timothy Crossley-Herbert the Third, a kind, awkward boy who has troubles of his own, Alice sits on the rocks, staring up at her new school ‘perched high on the clifftop like a bird of prey about to swoop.’ Except the bird that does swoop down, the actual bird, the acting talking bird, is a seagull. And it needs Alice’s help. A talking seagull. A secret mission. Alice’s extraordinary adventures have begun!

Talking animals are my literary catnip. Give me a talking cat – ideally one with a sardonic side – and I am in heaven. Luckily for me, Alice Tonks, much to her surprise, is a Switcher. As Constance, the imperious library cat (heaven), puts it, ‘a switcher is that extraordinarily rare thing: a useful human’. Alice can talk to animals. All kinds of animals. Alice’s arrival at Pebblewood School could not have come at a better time: animals are being taken from the school grounds, snatched ‘on a scale that’s never been seen before.’ Led by Constance and Agent T (the seagull), the Loyal Society for the Prevention of Danger to Animals (LSPDA), ask Alice for help. In her investigations, Alice comes across a variety of animals, including Red, a wild fox wary of humans, and Ebenezer, a streetwise rat I can see happily scurrying through a Terry Pratchett novel, who learn to trust in Alice’s bravery and strength, even as she struggles to trust in herself.

Alongside her new animal friends, Alice also forms friendships with Tim and Ottie, her seemingly posh and perfect roommate. Both of these relationships are skillfully drawn, capturing the petty jealousies and uncertainties of new friendship, especially at a time in life when being popular, that easy pass, can become more important than being yourself. Alice, Tim and Ottie eventually establish a bond that comes from accepting themselves and each other, free of masks and free of secrets. The theme of masking your true self – whether it is Alice having to control her stimming, Ottie living up to her family’s grand reputation, or certain characters (ahem) assuming new identities – is prevalent throughout the novel. As with Ramya, the protagonist of Elle McNicoll’s Like A Charm, Alice’s autism does not make her an unlikely hero. Instead, it makes her uniquely capable of being a hero. Alice’s great empathy for animals is part of her gift. Her experience as an autistic person is an essential part of her. She can handle it.

“But I am different,” Alice said. “I’ve always been different, and I always will be. Autism is who I am. Switching could be too. You should have trusted me.” (The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks, p. 228)

Flavia Sorrentino’s jacket art and chapter headings are a joy, adding beauty and wildness to a book that already feels so alive. In The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks, Emily Kenny has refreshed the classic boarding school story, taking us on a jaunty adventure that is full of charm, mystery, humour, and – most wonderfully – talking animals.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animals are basically my favourite thing in the world, as some of you may know, so when this book about a girl who goes to boarding schools and discovers not only that she can speak to animals, but that they need her help, was always going to be a huge win for me. As I’ve told you, it follows Alice as she starts at Pebbles, a boarding school, and her quest to help the local animals who are vanishing at a rapid rate, and desperate to solve the mystery. I think it’s important to mention that Alice is autistic and that very much informs the book, and I loved the discussions about how it makes certain things (like making friends, I found the storyline with Ottie particularly interesting) more difficult, while also being a strength in some situations throughout the story. The animal characters are of course an utter delight, my personal favourites being Constance and Red, and I liked Alice’s human friend Tim very much as well. Based on the ending, I suspect a sequel is on the cards, and I am already very excited about it. Essentially if you love animals and wish you could talk to them, get this on your TBR.

[Roberta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Kenny is a new author for me, but I loved the cover and the title, so I gave it a go.

I really enjoyed this book. Alice is a great character, and one that it’s easy to empathise with. There are also a whole host of other characters, animals and humans, who all feel very real.

I really liked the setting of the boarding school by the sea too. There were lots of little bits of description that really brought the locations to life, without distracting from the pace of the story.

I found the gradual discovery of Alice’s abilities was very well done, and they’re ones I would have loved to have at her age! I thought she was very courageous trying to solve the mystery, often on her own.

The illustrations and other artwork are just lovely too. I especially love the images at the start of each chapter.

Overall, this was a really fun adventure. I’m hoping there will be a sequel, as I’d love to explore this world and its characters further.

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

[Carlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and from the beginning you feel a connection to Alice who is a complex main character. She's a very likeable character and, with her autism making her sometimes feel different, I know lots of children will relate to her situation and feel comforted/inspired.

There were some great twists and turns in the plot, and Alice's growth in confidence, friendships and abilities are really well done. I would highly recommend for anyone who likes to read stories with a sprinkling of magic, animals, friendships and boarding schools! I'm already looking forward to the next in the series!

**Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read an advanced e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own **

[Rachel Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not like in a story that is set in a boarding school and involves talking animals ,magic and a rescue? Alice Tonks is a little worried when her Gran sends her to Pebblewood School as being autistic she sometimes finds it hard to make friends and fit in. Imagine her surprise, therefore, when Alice finds that not only can she talk to animals but that fellow new pupils Tim and Ottie want to be her friend. All is not well however as Alice discovers that animals are being snatched and mysterious happenings at school cast suspicion on some of the teachers.
This book will have a wide appeal to middle-grade readers. The pace is fast, it is full of twists and turns and Alice herself, is a very engaging character. I would love to read more about Pebblewood school and Alice Tonks.

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was very excited for this book since I love reading books with autistic characters. However, I'm not sure of the importance of it in this story and I also found the ending to be a bit too chaotic and ridiculous. The author made being a Switcher seem very rare and I almost figured it would be connected to Alice's autism and for it to have some sort of connection with being autistic and masking = becoming different animals. Unfortunately, revealing so many characters to also be Switchers and there even being a special board, prison etc. just didn't fit in at all in my opinion. And as I touched on earlier, I could barely even tell that Alice was autistic.

[Shelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Main character is an autistic girl written by an autistic author. I'm beginning to regret letting my son choose the star ratings. It makes sense since he is the target audience, but he's too stingy with stars. I would give this book 4 stars. I thought it was a very good book, but he thought it was only okay. And it's not bias against a female main character. Two of his all-time favorite books have female protagonists.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful middle grade novel ! This book is so heartwarming and has a lovable and brave main character that will you rooting for her. Hoping this is the first in a series. Would love to spend more time with Alice and her friends Tim and Ottie! A new favorite of mine! Five well earned stars!

[Les McFarlane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous, rip roaring, pacey adventure. For all this children who think talking to animals is only a heartbeat away - I was that child!
Twists and turns, friends and enemies, half hidden secrets and half hidden truths, this book has it all!

[Elizabeth P · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3 to 3.5 for me. Cute story and I liked the focus on animals. I may be burned out on boarding school books though.

[Sofannabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey - Dieser Vogel kann sprechen!
In dem Buch geht es um Alice Tonks welche neu in einem Internat beginnt. Eigentlich führt sie auch ein normales Leben doch als dann auf einmal eine Möwe anfängt mit ihr zu sprechen stellt sich ihr ganzes Leben auf den Kopf. Denn die Sprechenden Tiere sind in Gefahr und nur Alice kann sie retten, zum Glück hat sie ihre Freunde Ottie und Tim, doch sind die beiden auch wirklich auf der richtigen Seite?

Kommen wir zuerst einmal zu dem Cover welches mir wirklich sehr gut gefällt! Ich finde es wurde sehr einladend gestalten und jedes Kind wird sofort darauf aufmerksam. Ich finde ausserdem auch dass das Cover sehr gut zu der ganzen Geschichte passt.

Das Thema der Geschichte wurde auch sehr gut umgesetzt und es hat sehr spasse gemacht die Geschichte zu lesen. Es war ein spannendes Thema und man wünscht sich sofort Alice zu sein denn wer will nicht mit Tieren reden Können!?

Der Schreibstill fand ich auch sehr toll denn die Geschichte wurde nie langweilig. Ausserdem wurde das Buch auch so geschrieben das man nie herausfinden konnte was als nächstes passiert, und es passierten sehr oft Dinge die man absolut nicht erwartet. Diese Tatsache gefällt mir sehr gut!

Die Figuren haben mir am besten gefallen und ich bin ein Fan von allen! Doch am meisten hat mir das Freundestrio gefallen. Denn man wünscht sich sofort eine Freundschaft wie diese, denn sie ist nicht nur gestellt, da man auch nicht immer weiss wer wirklich treu ist, und trotzdem so perfekt! Man kann sich sehr gut in sie hineinversetzen und man hat auch sehr viel Spass dabei. Auch die Grossmutter von Alice, welche noch eine wichtige Rolle spielen wird, hat mir sehr gut gefallen und ich wünsche mir eine Grossmutter wie sie!

Mir hat das ganze Buch sehr gut gefallen und ich habe nun ein neues Kinderbuch zum empfehlen! Es ist gemacht für junge Leser*innen welche es lieben in ein neues Abenteuer mit einzusteigen!

[Floronaldweasly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein neues Internat und viele Abenteuer!
In dem Buch geht es um Alice Tonks welche auf den Wunsche ihrer Grossmutter auf ein Internat wechselt. Dort hat sie zuerst ein bisschen Mühe reinzukommen, doch dann lernt sie Ottie und Tim kennen und alles wird. Doch die Abenteuer fangen erst an nach dem auf einmal ein Tier mit ihr spricht und ihr erklärt das sie die einzige ist die die Welt retten kann. Nur kann Alice jedem trauen oder ist der Feind näher als sie denkt?

Im grossen ganzen hat mir das Buch sehr gut gefallen, ich finde es ist sehr toll geschrieben und es bleibt auch immer spannend. Sehr gut gefällt mir auch das Cover und überhaupt die Gestaltung, Kinder werden sehr schnell darauf aufmerksam und fragen sich auch sofort was alles noch dahinter steckt.

Das Thema der Geschichte wurde ebenfalls sehr gut umgesetzt und der Spannungsbogen war immer sehr weit oben. Ausserdem kann man immer wieder lachen und dies macht auch den Kindern mehr spass. Ausserdem erleichtert dies auch die Kinder zu überzeugen zu lesen.

Auch die Figuren wurden super umgesetzt und man konnte sich auch sehr in sie hineinversetzten. Am besten umgesetzt fand ich Ottie, denn bei ihr weiss man bis zum Schluss nicht ob Alice ihr vertrauen kann und ich finde es macht die ganze Figur viel spannender. Aber auch Alice hat mir sehr gut gefallen da sie auch eine spannende Wandlung durchgemacht hat.

Wie gesagt bin ich ein grosser Fan des Buches und empfehle es auch sehr an junge Mädchen weiter welche gerne Internatsgeschichten haben und auch bereit für ein kleines Abenteuer sind! Ausserdem ist es auch sehr gut zum vorlesen in Schule oder vor dem einschlafen!

[Tigs_bookcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Title:The Extraordinary Adventures of Alice Tonks
Author: Emily Kenny
Genre: Middle Grade | Children’s Fiction
Format: Print Copy
Publisher: Rock The Boat
Publication date: 26/05/22
Ad|PR Gifted

What a book! A truly magnificent debut by Emily Kenny.

Boarding school + magic + animals = the perfect formula.

Throughout my childhood, I pestered my mum and dad to send me to boarding school, but alas, they never did. I always thought it would be such fun to live most of the year with your friends (picture St Trinians). When the opportunity to read this book arose, I jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed.

Alice is a very relatable character, who, like the author, is autistic. She is brave, clever, determined and “different”. And I love, love, love her!🧡

Alice Tonks will be a big hit and a firm favourite for young readers. I know lots of children will relate to her situation and the impact autism has on her day-to-day life. And I’m also certain they will take inspiration from Alice’s heroism.
This book deserves to be on every child’s bookshelf and in every school library across the land!

I can't wait for future instalments in this series!

I highly recommend this book👌

It’s a strong 5🌟 review from me.

Thank you to Random Things Tours and Rock The Boat for providing me with a print copy in exchange for my own honest review.

[Lesemaus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mit Tieren sprechen und Freundschaften finden

In "Die außergewöhnlichen Abenteuer der Alice Tonks" werden die Gefühlswelt und die Reaktionen der Protagonistin Alice, die im Autismus-Spektrum liegt, sehr authentisch dargestellt. Ich habe gelesen, dass die Autorin selbst Autistin ist, man spürt, dass sie sich gut in Alices Situation einfühlen konnte.
Die Geschichte beginnt spannend: Alices Eltern sind seit ihrem Babyalter verschwunden, und nun wechselt sie auf eine entfernte Schule, die bereits ihre Mutter und Großmutter besucht haben. Dort entdeckt Alice eine besondere Fähigkeit – sie ist ein sogenannter Switcher und kann mit Tieren sprechen. Schon bald erhält sie von einer Möwe einen wichtigen Auftrag: Sie soll helfen, einen Fall von Tierschmuggel aufzudecken, da immer wieder Tiere in Pebblehampton verschwinden.
Während Alice sich in ihrer neuen Umgebung einlebt, erlebt sie nicht nur freundschaftliche, sondern auch konfliktreiche Begegnungen, unter anderem fiese Kommentare und Mobbing. Themen wie Toleranz, Freundschaft und psychische Erkrankungen der Eltern werden angesprochen.
Obwohl die magische und spannende Handlung mitreißend war, gab es einige Momente, in denen sich die Geschichte für mich nicht ganz rund anfühlte. Ich vergebe daher 4 von 5 Sternen.

[Bibibabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Internat-Geschichte, die mich nicht wirklich packen konnte

"Die außergewöhnlichen Abenteuer der Alice Tonks" fängt wie eine gewöhnliche Internat-Geschichte an. Die Protagonistin, Alice Tonks, ist elf Jahre alt, eine Waise (obwohl ihre Eltern "nur" verschwunden sind) und wird zu einem Internat geschickt. Dort entdeckt sie plötzlich eine neue Fähigkeit: sie kann mit Tieren sprechen. Mit ihren neuen Freunden Otti und Tim erlebt sie ein kleines Abenteuer. 

Was dieses Buch von anderen des Genres abhebt ist, dass die Protagonistin autistisch ist. Leider bin ich ziemlich enttäuscht, wie dieser Aspekt im Buch behandelt wird. Alice wirkt wie ein gewöhnliches Mädchen. Sie knüpft Freundschaften, macht sich Sorgen, dass andere Leute sie nicht mögen, lügt und verbirgt ihre Gefühle. 

Ich hätte gerne einen besseren Einblick gehabt in die Gefühle oder Wahrnehmung einer autistischen Person. Stattdessen wird nur erwähnt, dass sie autistisch sei und dass einige Schüler sie schräg finden, ohne jegliches Verhalten zu beschreiben, welches das Urteil (oder Diagnose) begründen könnte. Am Seite 200 wird zum Beispiel erwähnt, dass Alice das Lügen hasst, jedoch hat sie bis dahin ohne Problem gelogen. Durch diese Unstimmigkeiten wirkt Alice dann nur jämmerlich und es entsteht der Eindruck, dass sie ihren Autismus als Ausrede für ihre eigenen Schwächen nutzt.

[Sinéad O'Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and her publisher, Rock the Boat/Oneworld Books, for the gifted proof of this book.

Alice Tonks is (reluctantly) starting at a new school, one her mother and grandmother both attended before her, so she's expecting things to change - but when she's trying to get some space during a disastrous induction day, and a a seagull *speaks* to her, it's a bit more change than she's ready for. An amazing adventure unfolds, involving a host of brilliant animal characters, a selection of nefarious schemes (including animal snatching and potential smuggling), some new human friends (who come with complications of their own), and a mystery to solve, all before it's too late...

I loved this heartfelt, fun, satisfyingly twisty tale, which kept me glued to the pages throughout, but especially as the thrilling conclusion began to build. Alice is a great character who, like the author, is autistic, and she is an excellent, brave, clever, and determined heroine. Highly recommended.