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The Final Year
Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS at his side - they’ ve been inseparable since Nursery. But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, his world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’ s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital. His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’ s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to make sense of what’ s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough? This powerful and lyrical story, told in verse, about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it explores themes of family, identity, belonging, navigating friendships and the hardships of everyday life in a working class family in the North of England. With line drawings by award-winning illustrator, Joe Todd-Stanton.
288 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 1, 2025
About the author
Matt Goodfellow
15 books17 followersMatt Goodfellow was a primary school teacher for more than ten years before becoming a full-time poet and author. Shu Lin’s Grandpa is his first book with Candlewick Press. He lives with his wife and children in Manchester, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
April 25, 2024
This book has changed me.
Often we read a story, enjoy it and move on.
Sometimes we read a book that makes us think, and make a small change.
Occasionally we read a book that impacts is and changes the way you think.
And rarely, a book comes along and whacks you so hard in the chest you have to catch your breath, that so profoundly impacts you, you are a different person than the one who just a few hours before sat down and picked up a book.
This is one of those books. I had to catch my breath. And I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
Such a powerful story.
It’s Nate’s final year of primary school and there’s a lot going on - tests, high school looming, the pressure of being the role models in school. Nate feels like everyone’s eyes are on him and he’s worried that he won’t be able to manage The Beast - the outbursts of destructive behaviour - inside him.
Nate’s life isn’t easy - he has two younger brothers who he does a lot of the caring for, absent father(s) and a mother who has her own demons. But he has his best friend to rely on. Until they are put in different classes. And then his littlest brother gets sick. Really sick.
I have taught kids like Nate, kids whose lives are so much harder than their peers. Kids who might be labelled ‘challenging’ until you realise that it’s their lives that are challenging, and they are coping with much more than any child ever should.
This is a story about coping. About strength. About grief. About loss. And above all about hope.
I have never read a page more powerful than the two blank (yes blank) pages in this book. They completely winded me.
It’s also a story about the power of poetry, about the power of words. About friendship and family. A story which shines a light on the value of a caring and passionate teacher who sees, really sees, each child.
It’s a story about growing up. About finding your voice. Finding your people.
It’s a story that will change you.
Often we read a story, enjoy it and move on.
Sometimes we read a book that makes us think, and make a small change.
Occasionally we read a book that impacts is and changes the way you think.
And rarely, a book comes along and whacks you so hard in the chest you have to catch your breath, that so profoundly impacts you, you are a different person than the one who just a few hours before sat down and picked up a book.
This is one of those books. I had to catch my breath. And I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
Such a powerful story.
It’s Nate’s final year of primary school and there’s a lot going on - tests, high school looming, the pressure of being the role models in school. Nate feels like everyone’s eyes are on him and he’s worried that he won’t be able to manage The Beast - the outbursts of destructive behaviour - inside him.
Nate’s life isn’t easy - he has two younger brothers who he does a lot of the caring for, absent father(s) and a mother who has her own demons. But he has his best friend to rely on. Until they are put in different classes. And then his littlest brother gets sick. Really sick.
I have taught kids like Nate, kids whose lives are so much harder than their peers. Kids who might be labelled ‘challenging’ until you realise that it’s their lives that are challenging, and they are coping with much more than any child ever should.
This is a story about coping. About strength. About grief. About loss. And above all about hope.
I have never read a page more powerful than the two blank (yes blank) pages in this book. They completely winded me.
It’s also a story about the power of poetry, about the power of words. About friendship and family. A story which shines a light on the value of a caring and passionate teacher who sees, really sees, each child.
It’s a story about growing up. About finding your voice. Finding your people.
It’s a story that will change you.
December 13, 2023
Simply gorgeous.
This was an empathetic, compassionate, heartfelt and stunningly illustrated read and one I will be happily recommending to readers young and old. It felt almost nostalgic in the way it perfectly encapsulated the British primary school experience. It was also beautifully written exploration of topics such as class, friendships, family dynamics, mental health and the academic pressures placed upon young children. This was absolutely superb.
This was an empathetic, compassionate, heartfelt and stunningly illustrated read and one I will be happily recommending to readers young and old. It felt almost nostalgic in the way it perfectly encapsulated the British primary school experience. It was also beautifully written exploration of topics such as class, friendships, family dynamics, mental health and the academic pressures placed upon young children. This was absolutely superb.
December 9, 2023
Wow - for a girl who doesn’t like poetry, I sure do love a verse novel. Especially this one. It will make you cry. Read it.
July 5, 2024
Goodfellow's verse-novel, beautifully illustrated by Todd-Stanton, is a poignant tale that captures the tumultuous final year of primary school through the eyes of ten-year-old Nate. The narrative explores Nate's journey as he faces the challenges of Year Six, from the pressure of exams to the emotional turmoil of friendship changes and family struggles.
Nate's life is thrown into disarray when he is placed in a different class from his best friend, PS, who then befriends the school bully. This shift leaves Nate feeling isolated and struggling to control his anger, symbolized by "The Beast" within him. The novel also delves into Nate's home life, where he takes on significant responsibilities in a chaotic household with his younger brothers and a loving but overwhelmed mother.
The story's authenticity is enhanced by Goodfellow's use of dialect and first-person narration, making Nate's voice resonate deeply with readers. The character of Mr. Joshua, Nate's empathetic teacher, plays a crucial role in guiding Nate through his struggles by encouraging him to express himself through writing, drawing parallels to David Almond's Skellig.
The book is both accessible and impactful, making it a valuable read for UKS2+ who may be experiencing similar transitions and emotions.
Nate's life is thrown into disarray when he is placed in a different class from his best friend, PS, who then befriends the school bully. This shift leaves Nate feeling isolated and struggling to control his anger, symbolized by "The Beast" within him. The novel also delves into Nate's home life, where he takes on significant responsibilities in a chaotic household with his younger brothers and a loving but overwhelmed mother.
The story's authenticity is enhanced by Goodfellow's use of dialect and first-person narration, making Nate's voice resonate deeply with readers. The character of Mr. Joshua, Nate's empathetic teacher, plays a crucial role in guiding Nate through his struggles by encouraging him to express himself through writing, drawing parallels to David Almond's Skellig.
The book is both accessible and impactful, making it a valuable read for UKS2+ who may be experiencing similar transitions and emotions.
December 16, 2023
Gosh, this made me cry! Beautiful.
October 5, 2023
If I could give this book 10 out of 5 I would. It is wonderfully powerful, heart wrenching but also joyful. Incredible writing.
September 17, 2023
I LOVED this verse novel. I love the representation, the authenticity of it, the writing. I read the whole thing with my heart in my throat. Joe Todd Stanton’s illustrations are brilliant too ⭐️ 5/5 ⭐️
October 18, 2024
An absolute must read for any year six class. Definitely read up on the subject matter beforehand as this may trigger upset for some children and will need to be approached sensitively.
My class loved this and now lots of them are desperate to read Skellig! 🪽
My class loved this and now lots of them are desperate to read Skellig! 🪽
October 6, 2024
Astoundingly moving.
November 12, 2023
WOW! What a beautiful book, written as a story in poems for children about a kid going through so much, a must read for anyone working in with children or in a school.
October 19, 2023
A stunning book
Poetic
Heartbreaking
Wonderful
I wonder how a reader who does not love , or hasn't read, Skellig by David Almond would react.
It's almost as much an homage to Almonds writing as it is an original piece of superb writing
Just one thing, it's apparently intended for 9-11 olds but...I feel a reader needs to have experienced 2 things before reading this.
They should have read and understood Skellig and completed the final year in Primary school.
So I think Y7 would be the place I'd use it.
Just my opinion.
Poetic
Heartbreaking
Wonderful
I wonder how a reader who does not love , or hasn't read, Skellig by David Almond would react.
It's almost as much an homage to Almonds writing as it is an original piece of superb writing
Just one thing, it's apparently intended for 9-11 olds but...I feel a reader needs to have experienced 2 things before reading this.
They should have read and understood Skellig and completed the final year in Primary school.
So I think Y7 would be the place I'd use it.
Just my opinion.
October 29, 2023
Absolutely brilliant. Read it in one sitting. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Will stay with me for a life time.
April 18, 2024
Just read it. It's brilliant. Have tissues to hand
March 7, 2024
A powerful and touching novel in verse. I was expecting a story dealing with transitioning to high school, celebrating the end of primary school and the friends, celebrations and challenges that entails. This touches on those themes but it's much, much more about the kids in our schools who are dealing with so much more at home than we often realise.
I think a lot of my students will see themselves in this book. Some may relate to the working class background, money struggles and tricky family life. Some will relate to the need to control The Beast. Some with the friendship issues. Some with the pressure of needing to look after their siblings. Some with dealing with serious illness or loss of loved ones.
Overall this didn't quite hit 5 star heights, but it probably hit 4.5.
I think a lot of my students will see themselves in this book. Some may relate to the working class background, money struggles and tricky family life. Some will relate to the need to control The Beast. Some with the friendship issues. Some with the pressure of needing to look after their siblings. Some with dealing with serious illness or loss of loved ones.
Overall this didn't quite hit 5 star heights, but it probably hit 4.5.
September 13, 2024
I have no words. I’m in tears. A masterpiece. A must read for children (9+) and for every adult with a beating heart.
“In the darkness you will find yourself
and your people
those who have seen it too
those who navigate and find a way.
Stick with those people, Nate.
Stick with yourself
your pen
your dreams.
Ideas will guide you.
You can’t ever change
things that happen around you
all you can do is continue your journey.
Whatever happens
don’t fear the darkness.”
“In the darkness you will find yourself
and your people
those who have seen it too
those who navigate and find a way.
Stick with those people, Nate.
Stick with yourself
your pen
your dreams.
Ideas will guide you.
You can’t ever change
things that happen around you
all you can do is continue your journey.
Whatever happens
don’t fear the darkness.”
March 13, 2024
What a niche and fabulous book for kids. Written in poems/verse but with a lot of depth, it’s a beautiful story of growing up and facing life’s changes at a young age. We follow Nate as he navigates year 6, focussing both on his home life and school. I’m so glad we have shortlisted this for the Sheffield children’s book awards shorter novel category!
March 29, 2024
We read this book in my year 6 class in their reading comprehension lessons. They absolutely loved it. I missed some bits of it so brought it home to read again. It’s such a fab book. I love poetry and this novel, written in verse, was both captivating and emotional. Highly recommend. Only took me an hour or so to read earlier today.
November 1, 2024
Like nothing I've read before and definitely not just a book for children - I would recommend this to anyone who works with children in any capacity. Plus for my RMCH colleagues, this is Manchester based and, without giving too much away, gives a little insight into our families.
This was highly recommended to me and I can totally see why, it's special 💚
This was highly recommended to me and I can totally see why, it's special 💚
March 5, 2024
A cute little class read.
At first, I worried about how the children would get on with a story told through verse but they seemed completely unfazed! I personally loved all the links to Skellig🪽
7.5/10 (no clapping this time ...)
At first, I worried about how the children would get on with a story told through verse but they seemed completely unfazed! I personally loved all the links to Skellig🪽
7.5/10 (no clapping this time ...)
October 24, 2023
LOVE LOVE LOVED THIS STORY! So well written and a gorgeous way to show how impactful voice and sense of place is to a person (especially a child). As a teacher, this book really pulled on my heart strings and reminded me why I do what I do!
This is going into my personal library and my classroom library. Well done Matt Goodfellow, well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This is going into my personal library and my classroom library. Well done Matt Goodfellow, well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
October 26, 2023
An outstanding book!
November 5, 2023
Couldn't put it down! Brilliantly unique and powerfully captures life.
January 22, 2024
What a truly beautiful book.
February 7, 2024
What a stunning book. Powerful and moving.
February 8, 2024
Wow! A beautiful story, told in poetic form. This will stay with me for a long time.
February 15, 2024
This book broke me and fixed me! As a teacher it made me think about my students and as an adult, about all the children in my life. Everyone MUST read it!
March 5, 2024
Read this in an hour and I’m in pieces. The Skellig references nearly finished me off.
March 24, 2024
Would give it more stars if I could . Brilliant content and style. Made me laugh and cry. Covers a lot of feelings so well without being preachy. Reminds me of Malorie Blackman's Cloudbusting.
May 26, 2024
Wow what a series of emotions!
June 22, 2024
Love this book from page 1 till the end.
This book shows that a teacher role is a child life is not to teach, but also to care and to motivate. I cried reading this book, it was very touching.
This book shows that a teacher role is a child life is not to teach, but also to care and to motivate. I cried reading this book, it was very touching.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews