MG, YA and Adult new book out 25 August 2015 Buy
Friends for Life is the American Edition of Jessica’s Ghost.
Publisher’s Weekly Best Middle Grade Books of 2015!
Parent’s Choice Awards Recommended 2015
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‘Do you have any idea,’ Jessica said eventually,
‘why you can see me, when no one else can?’
When Jessica sits next to Francis on a bench during recess, he’s surprised to learn that she isn’t actually alive — she’s a ghost. And she’s surprised, too, because Francis is the first person who has been able to see her since she died.
A timeless and uplifting book about friendship, filled with humor and heart by a master storyteller, about the power of friendship to shine a warm light into dark places.’ Scholastic/David Fickling Books
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‘Light of touch and yet rich in depth.’
‘What a wonderful story and set of characters and a very sensitive and accessible discussion of a serious theme for young people.’Shortlisted for Costa Book Awards 2016, Longlisted for 2016 UKLA Book Awards, and Longlisted for THE CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2016
Resources
Read Chapter 1 here
Study Notes for Teachers – pdf file to download
Scholastic Book Club Discussion Questions
Book Trust School Library Pack – (Free) Questions for Discussion – (pdf download)
Reviews
‘This memorable story will leave readers thinking about how small actions can have a significant impact.’ moreKirkus Review ‘A phantom friend makes a life-changing difference in the lives of three English middle schoolers.’ more
Reading Style Guide ‘Told with humor and warmth, this exploration of the important ways that that friends are connected continues to haunt my thoughts.’ more
Children’s Atheneum ‘There is a good deal of power in these pages and as truths are revealed, a great deal of revelation too.’ more
Goodreads Reviews 5 Stars
Amazon.com – Excellent reviews!
UK Reviews and Blogs about Jessica’s Ghost
Wondrous Reads
If you are wondering whether to read Jessica’s Ghost, this is the review that may help you decide…
“As with most of the books published by David Fickling, Jessica’s Ghost is unusual, important and quietly powerful. It holds within its pages a message that teenagers need more than any other, and it delivers that message with great sensitivity and understanding. It’s not at all what I was expecting…” more
Serendipity Reviews (My personal favourite!)
‘This is one of those books, that you can tell that every word written has been carefully selected. There isn’t any extra waffle, just a beautifully crafted tale...’ more
Books For Keeps – Book of the Week
“Andrew Norriss perfectly describes the transforming power of friendship, it’s a heart-warming, uplifting read. Funny, clever, beautifully written, this wonderful book also shows how quickly life can change, so that it can appear impossible one moment, but be full of hope and possibilities the next. There should be a copy in every school and library.“ more
Bart’s Bookshelf
‘I thought Jessica’s Ghost sounded like a really nice, light read, I could not have been more right, and yet more wrong at the same time…’ more
Snuggling on the Sofa
‘First and foremost, this book is fun… The story surprised me, and I love the perspective it gave.’ more
The Guardian – ‘Witty and wise. for teenagers who are lucky enough, and unlucky enough, to be unconventional.’
Visits from the Black Dog – a blog for @thebookseller about depression and children. It’s beautifully done.
Finding Your Inner Compass – Review and conversation with Beth Kemp
ReadingZone Author Interview about writing in general and Jessica’s Ghost in particular.
Jessica’s Ghost – a book review for #worldbookday
An interesting review that compares and contrasts Jessica’s Ghost with John Green’s Looking for Alaska.
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If you would like Friends for Life postcards in your bookshop, library, school or for your friends just let me know. I haven’t actually made them yet but happy to take requests! @thewriterswife
‘A wonderful novel for young readers; which tackles a difficult subject with the perfect mix of empathy and humor.
Friends for Life by Andrew Norriss
- Hardcover – Aug-2015
- Publisher: Scholastic/David Fickling Books
- ISBN: 0545851866
- ISBN13: 9780545851862
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