Sofa Surfer
Understanding homelessness through the eyes of a teenager
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:7th Jan '21
Should be back in stock very soon
A powerful YA novel, Sofa Surfer explores homelessness through the eyes of Tyler as he navigates friendship and empathy in difficult circumstances.
In Sofa Surfer, readers are introduced to 15-year-old Tyler, whose life takes a drastic turn when his family relocates from London to Yorkshire. Filled with teenage angst and rebellion, Tyler grapples with the emotional turmoil of losing his home. With only his dog to confide in, he feels isolated and frustrated. However, his life changes when he meets a girl named Spider, who is sofa surfing and living a life of uncertainty and fear. This chance encounter opens Tyler's eyes to a world he never knew existed, filled with challenges and struggles faced by those without a permanent home.
The narrative explores themes of empathy, friendship, and the importance of taking action to help those in need. Tyler's journey is not just about understanding Spider's circumstances, but also about confronting his own feelings of anger and loss. As he becomes entangled in a web of lies to protect Spider, he learns valuable lessons about compassion and the healing power of true friendship. The story is infused with humor and heart, making it a relatable and poignant read for young adults.
Malcolm Duffy's Sofa Surfer resonates with readers by highlighting the realities of homelessness while also showcasing the warmth of human connection. This novel serves as a reminder that, even in dire situations, there is hope and the potential for change. Duffy's ability to balance serious themes with lighthearted moments makes this book both relevant and rewarding for its audience.
This story about homelessness is truthful and compelling, and Duffy has a talent for imparting serious ideas entertainingly * Book of the Week, Sunday Times *
A crusading novel on a topic that sadly looks to be timeless * Financial Times *
Duffy confirms the promise of his debut Me Mam. Me Dad. Me. in a pertinent and empathetic novel * The Bookseller *
A story with great heart, and wisdom, which shows the healing power of true friendship -- Ele Fountain, author of Boy 87
This is a book which sadly is all too pertinent to the lives of young people today and in the foreseeable political future. A crusading novel that more than lives up to the promise of that powerful debut. Highly recommended -- Joy Court, LoveReading
A glorious, soaring voice telling an important story. Made me guts feel funny, like I was on a rollercoaster -- Joanna Nadin, author of Joe All Alone
This powerful and insightful story highlights the rise of homelessness while never losing humour or heart. It's about family, belonging and the importance of kindness and understanding. Great for book clubs and topical discussion in class * South Wales Evening Post *
A compelling story about homelessness that manages to be very entertaining * Sunday Times *
Shines an uncompromising light on the plight of homeless teenagers and the dangers faced by them on the streets. This is a book that will make you think about how far you would be prepared to help someone like Spider. And in today's troubled times, the ending is particularly poignant and apt * Crime Review. *
A touching, relevant story of the hidden homeless... Duffy's writing is touching, considerate and illuminating, carefully avoiding negative stereotypes or unrealistic rescues. This is a fast-paced story with real heart that will leave all readers ever-changed. A must for all school libraries' * The School Librarian. *
As thoughtful as it is eye-opening, Duffy, with great consideration and sensitivity, refuses to give space to the negative stereotypes and connotations associated with homelessness... A courageous coming-of-age tale of belonging, friendship, and the importance of empathy and understanding... Truthful, compelling and fearlessly insightful, Sofa Surfer, without any shadow of a doubt, lives up to the promise of Duffy's acclaimed and powerful debut, Me Mam. Me Dad. Me. Duffy has once again showcased his talent for writing timely and topical narratives whilst never losing humour and heart' * Armadillo *
ISBN: 9781786697684
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
336 pages