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The 1,000-year-old Boy

A journey of friendship and acceptance across time

Ross Welford author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:11th Jan '18

Should be back in stock very soon

The 1,000-year-old Boy cover

This enchanting story follows Alfie Monk, a 1,000-year-old boy, as he seeks friendship and acceptance while grappling with his desire to embrace mortality.

In The 1,000-Year-Old Boy, readers are introduced to Alfie Monk, a nearly teenage boy with a remarkable secret—he is actually 1,000 years old. Alfie's extraordinary life includes vivid memories of the last Viking invasion of England, a fact that no one believes. This story is not about the pursuit of immortality; rather, it explores Alfie's desire to embrace the concept of mortality and find a way to live a full life before he ultimately dies.

When tragedy strikes and everything Alfie holds dear is lost in a fire, he finds himself thrust into the modern world, a place that feels alien and overwhelming. As he navigates this new reality, Alfie embarks on a quest not only for friendship and acceptance but also for a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live. His journey is filled with challenges that force him to confront his past and consider his future.

The 1,000-Year-Old Boy is a captivating tale of self-discovery and the bonds of friendship, ideal for readers aged 10 and over. It highlights the importance of connection and the beauty of embracing life’s fleeting moments, making it a poignant read for children and adults alike.

‘Boasts all the ingredients of a great book: brave kids, bold storytelling and a blistering plot. Full of humour and heart’ Abi Elphinstone, author of The Dreamsnatcher

‘The 1000-year-old Boy is a breathtakingly epic story that you won’t be able to put down. In Alfie, Ross Welford has created an unusual and fascinating boy who you are rooting for right from the first word. An original, surprising, moving and compelling read – I loved it’ M. G. Leonard, author of Beetle Boy

‘A wonderful story told with Welford’s trademark warmth, wit and cleverness. Another great read from one of my favourite middle-grade writers’ Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars

‘A cracking story about family and friendship that spans all ages’ Christopher Edge, author of The Many Worlds of Albie Bright

‘Delightful, charming and filled with humour. This is a unique and uplifting tale of a boy who lives a thousand years, yet still remains young at heart’ Peter Bunzl, author of the Cogheart Adventures

ISBN: 9780008256944

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 26mm

Weight: 280g

400 pages