The Super-Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates: Winner of the Best Laugh Out Loud Book for 9 -13-year-olds

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The Primary School Library Alliance is calling on the government to match-fund the private investment it has brought into helping primary schools c... Amongst all the funny moments, a touching message about dealing with grief and supporting one another through tough times shines through. Freddie learns a lot about family, friendship and miracles. It is clear that the journey through life never takes us where we think it will but that is what makes it all the more special. Freddie Yates likes facts. Just not the one staring him in the face - that his secret plan is not, in fact, secret. This brilliantly engaging story will have you laughing out loud while the tears stream down your face. Onion eating contests, compromising clothing issues, valuable heirlooms, naked scarecrows and superhero miracles. This story makes for a highly entertaining read, while tearing at heart strings as it explores the importance of family, friendships, and understanding that it is those things we sometimes take for granted that really matter.

I loved this book! The cover and look of the book made me wonder if it would be similar to various of the books already popular with young boys (Wimpy Kid, Tom Gates, Captain Underpants etc) but in fact, this is a far more thoughtful book, which is genuinely moving, and also really funny. A big-hearted comic journey about friendship, family, and a miraculously well-timed seagull." David Solomons, author of My Brother is a Superhero

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The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, the first children's fiction book written by teacher Jenny Pearson, is a fabulous story of family and friendship. The winners of the Diverse Book Awards 2023 have been announced, with one winner from each of the four categories announced: Picture book, Children... Miracles may or may not happen, although coincidences do, but the laugh-out-loud story is, in the end, heartwarming about all kinds of families." The Sunday Times Because Freddie's journey wasn't meant to involve Big Trev and the onion-eating competition or the loo-exploding pear-and-potato turnovers. And Freddie definitely didn't expect to end up, with his two best friends, on national television in a supergirl costume.

The adventure the boys take is ridiculous but without any totally unbelievable plot leaps. Their relationship is well-drawn, with realistic ups and downs. The problems each boy is dealing with are relevant and sensitively described, from their own perspective. If I had any criticism, it would be that the problems of Freddie's friends were rather conveniently solved at the end without any detail, but as Freddie was the main character, I suppose his story was bound to take priority. My only other doubt (and I may be wrong) is whether some of the writing is perhaps too subtle for the intended age of readership. Some of the lines which brought a lump to my throat or made me laugh out loud may go over the heads of the younger readers. Each can get their own enjoyment out of the book though. But journeys never take you where you think they will. And for Freddie, that fact might just have to be enough...

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Freddie’s journey wasn’t meant to involve Big Trev and the onion-eating competition or the loo-exploding pear-and-potato turnovers. And Freddie definitely didn’t expect to end up on national television in a Supergirl costume. Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12... The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is the debut novel of Jenny Pearson who is regarded as the ‘Best Teacher in the World’ according to the six mugs she has received from her students. And it’s not hard to see why her class enjoyed her lessons. Freddie Yates is one of the funniest children’s books I have read in ages. Propulsive and hilarious, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of family. This story is funny from the start. My 10-year-old son and I were giggling to ourselves as we followed Freddie, Ben and Charlie from one haphazard antic to the next. As a long-time Year 6 teacher, I recognised the fallible logic, misunderstandings and blurting out random thoughts that is so typical of these big kids – so charming in their desire to be grown-up even though they still have so much to learn. Freddie and his friends are no different. They are determined to journey all the way to Wales to find Freddie’s father with no real idea of the challenges they will face. The result is the ultimate pre-high school adventure with one hilarious mishap after another!