The First Year

This is the sequel to The Final Year which has deservedly received much acclaim. Ideally, it is necessary to have read the first volume in order for this second book to have as powerful an effect as it should.

When we re-encounter Nate and his family, it is at the very end of Year 6 when we witness Nate and his friends walking out of primary school for the last time. We follow them throughout the summer before Year 7 and all the way through Nate’s tumultuous first year at senior school. For any readers who were worrying about the fate of Nate’s younger brother, Dylan, and whether his health remains stable, in this narrative, Dylan stays well.

And we are introduced to Nate’s estranged father. How will his return affect Nate and his family’s dynamics? And what exactly does Nate’s dad do for a job? Both of these questions are answered in Goodfellow’s trademark verse in a nuanced and emotional way.

Readers will slip easily into Nate’s world again and will be rooting for him from the first to the last page. The illustrations by Todd-Stanton in the proof copy were stunning and I wish there had been more.