Jimmy has been thrust into a very awkward situation. He has to give a eulogy at the funeral of his cousin, Patrick. The trouble is, he can’t think of anything nice to say. Let’s face it, Patrick was a bit of a nightmare. Jimmy used to dread family gatherings where Patrick would be, because it meant something bad would happen. Patrick had a way of ruining everything. Now Jimmy, wearing pants that are too tight, has to stand up in front of everyone and share a ‘happy memory’ of his annoying cousin. Jimmy tries to tell his parents, and other family members, about his fear and anxiety but no-one will listen to him.

This is a brilliant and deeply moving debut novel by a man who works with young people and who understands them. He is speaking on behalf of all the children who don’t fit in; all the children who are seen as nuisances and brats. Jimmy learns a very important thing from his cousin: to listen. We need to do the same.

Reviewed by Wendy Noble
Age Guide 10+