Charlie and Me: 421 Miles From Home

Description

Thirteen-year-old Martin and his younger brother Charlie are on a very special journey. They're going to be travelling 421 miles all the way from Preston to the very tip of Cornwall. By train, bus and taxi, they are determined to get there in the end; and they're hoping to catch a glimpse of the dolphin that regularly visits the harbour there. But is that the only reason they are going? It's a journey that's full of challenges and surprises. Martin adores his brother Charlie but he's not like ordinary kids. He's one in a million. He was born far too early, and ought to have died. And cheeky, irrepressible, utterly unique Charlie is always keeping Martin on his toes - especially on this crazy trip they are now on. Martin is doing his best to be a good big brother, but it's hard when there's something so huge coming once they get to Cornwall ... An unforgettable novel that is by turns funny and heartbreaking.

Mark Lowery grew up in Preston but now lives near Cambridge with his young family. Some of the time he is a primary school teacher. In the olden days he used to spend his time doing lots of active stuff like running, hiking, snowboarding and swimming but now he prefers staying in and attempting to entertain his children. He plays the guitar badly and speaks appalling Italian but he knows a lot about biscuits. In his mind he is one of the great footballers of his generation, although he is yet to demonstrate this on an actual football pitch. He has an MA in Writing for Children and his first two books - Socks Are Not Enough and Pants Are Everything - were both short-listed for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. Mark is also the author of the Roman Garstang series (The Jam Doughnut that Ruined my Life; The Chicken Nugget Ambush; Attack of the Woolly Jumper, The Great Caravan Catastrophe). He is yet to find a cake that he doesn't like. Follow Mark on www.marklowery.co.uk or on Twitter: @hellomarklowery

A marvellous novel, by turns funny and sad ....an empathetic story of kindness and loss * The Sunday Times * Yes, this book is emotional but it is also heart warming and has elements of humour thrown in too. The narration of Martin is simply wonderful and I completely fell in love with charming, quirky Charlie, what a lovely little boy * Askews Newsletter * The style is easy to read, the plot paced beautifully, and yet the book is also emotionally sophisticated. In turns, light and deep, this is an inspiring read * Minerva Reads * This is a absolute gem of a book and must admit i had tears in my eyes towards the end .This is a story about the bond between siblings and all that entails.I found it so enlightening and endearing to capture a glance into their world. Especially as a mum and a mum to autistic children. Just like Charlie my youngest is more demanding than his elder sister . This is a sweet funny tale that takes you on a emotional adventure.Beautifully written and i look forward to discovering more from this author * Supermum, Where's My Cape * Powerful and moving, 'Charlie and Me' is a story about love and family. Well worth a read * North Somerset Teachers' Book Award * Funny, sad but ultimately uplifting, 'Charlie and Me' is a truly special book that I just want to press into the hands of children and encourage them to read * Book Lover Jo * Mark Lowery has delivered a very special story. Readers will cry with laughter and sadness in equal measure * Books for Keeps * A heart-warming story of family love and loss, full of humour and heart * WRD Magazine * A really lovely book * Four Shires Magazine * The style is easy to read, the plot paced beautifully, and yet the book is also emotionally sophisticated. In turns, light and deep, this is an inspiring read * Minerva Reads * It's absolutely hilarious and heart-wrenching in equal measure * Night Resplendent * By turns funny and sad, this is a wonderful story of loss and hope * Inis Reading Guide * This novel is sure to please... full of humour, and has an unexpected, heart-stopping finale * The School Librarian * It's funny for the first half and a little bit sad for the second but the author keeps you on your toes for the whole duration -- Rocco aged 10 * National Geographic Kids *