Tin Boy

A journey of courage and discovery in the mining world

Steve Cole author Oriol Vidal illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:4th Sep '19

Should be back in stock very soon

Tin Boy cover

A young boy's life as a tin miner changes dramatically in Tin Boy, revealing the hidden costs of the materials in our devices.

In Tin Boy, the harsh realities of tin mining are brought to life through the eyes of a young boy named Tono. Living in a world dominated by perilous trenches, Tono works tirelessly each day, pushed to his limits. His only solace comes from the cherished comics left by his father, which offer him a brief escape into a realm of heroes and adventure, far removed from the dangers that surround him. The juxtaposition of his mundane existence and the vibrant stories he reads highlights the stark contrast between dreams and reality.

As Tono navigates his challenging life, everything changes when an underwater avalanche occurs, revealing a mysterious flash of red beneath the sandy seabed. This unexpected event sets off a chain reaction that will alter Tono's future in unimaginable ways. With the help of a clever sidekick, he embarks on a journey that not only tests his courage but also challenges the very nature of his existence. The story delves into themes of resilience, friendship, and the quest for a better life, making it a captivating read for young audiences.

Tin Boy is particularly suitable for readers aged 9 and up, with a reading age of 8. The narrative is crafted to be dyslexia-friendly, ensuring that the adventure is accessible to a wider range of readers. Through Tono's journey, readers are invited to reflect on the true cost of the materials that power their everyday lives, all while being swept away in an engaging story.

"Brave, committed and necessary" – The Letterpress Project

"A powerful and inspiring story, and one that will get children thinking about the world and their place in it" – LoveReading4Schools

"Cole's prose is vivid and visceral, with nuanced characterisation and evocative descriptions that make a global issue feel deeply personal" – CBI, Recommended Reads

"A brilliant, diverse, and truly original book" – Askews and Holts Library Services

  • Short-listed for Wolverhampton Children's Book Award 2019

ISBN: 9781781128725

Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 14mm

Weight: 200g

120 pages