Meet 10-year-old Zac – a boy on a mission – in Katy Regan’s new novel Little Big Man . . .
You can't see the truth from the outside, that's what I've worked out.
Ten-year-old Zac has never met his dad, who allegedly did a runner before he was born. But when his mum lets slip that he’s the only man she’s ever loved, Zac turns detective and, roping in his best friend, hatches a plan to find his father and give his mum the happy-ever-after she deserves. What he doesn’t realize, though, is that sometimes people have good reasons for disappearing . . .
Little Big Man is a story about family secrets and fierce, familial love. It's about growing up and being accepted; grief and lies, and the damage they can do. Most of all though, it’s about a little boy determined to hunt down the truth; a boy who wants to give the Dad he’s never met a second chance to be a father – and his mum a second chance at love.
Review: I just loved this story so much! I love a dual narrative, but multiple narratives where we get to hear from a ten year old, his mother and another family member? Sign me up! The fact that this was a multiple narrative story meant that the pace of the novel was always brisk and kept me turning the pages. I have a physical copy but I also listened to this one on audio and the narrators did a fantastic job so I can recommend all formats of this book!
I also loved the setting. The fact that this one is set in Grimsby, a northern seaside town is brilliant and I don't think I've ever read another book set here. This author did a great job of getting across the grim feeling that poor weather and poor mood in a northern seaside town can bring, I loved it!
Zac is a great character, he is determined to find his Dad and find out why he left. He enrolls, his best friend, as 10 year olds do and turn detective. I love the fact that the main narrator here is a ten year old boy. I have worked with many many 10 years olds in my years of teaching and they're very much an underrated group. They're honest, they'll tell you what they think and Zac in particular just has so much heart.
Juliet is also a great character to be sharing this story with. She wants to do her best for Zac and so tries to keep him from getting hurt by the missing dad in his life. Her family are also in a similar position but don't always do what is best for her and Zac. Juliet is a great mum but it was really real and really relatable hearing about her life struggles and her worries.
I can't say too much about the storyline at all because I don't want to give away spoilers but this is just a massive recommendation from me to read this book now because I loved it and I think you will too!
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