Max Kowalski Didn't Mean It

Nov 18, 2024 3:17 PM

Author:Susie Day

'A beautifully written emotional story to make you laugh and cry'- Jacqueline Wilson

The problem with Wales, he thought, was that it was too far away.

But that was the point. To leave Southend behind. To get so far that no one would think to look for them there.

Max wants to be just like his dad - fun, loud and strong.

Instead, he always seems to be accidentally getting into fights and breaking things.

But when his dad starts bringing home mysterious boxes, even more mysterious wads of cash starts turning up.

Then Dad disappears. And it's up to Max to look after his sisters until he comes home.

When they run away to a remote village in Wales, he's convinced that no one will find them.

He's Max Kowalski. Of course he can look after three kids with no grownups around!

Although, he can't stop thinking about where Dad really went. And the whispers of a golden dragon, asleep under the Welsh mountains...

A funny and exquisitely written story, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Ross Welford.

Reviews

A beautifully written story to make you laugh and cry

—— Jacqueline Wilson

Utterly lovely . . . Enid Blyton meets Jacqueline Wilson meets Jenny Nimmo, with all the humour and warmth you'd expect in a Susie Day novel

—— Sally Nicholls, author of Things a Bright Girl Can Do

If Jacqueline Wilson ganged up with Alan Garner and remixed A Monster Calls, with dragons. Powerful and deep.

—— Louie Stowell, author of The Dragon in the Library

"Wonderfully diverse and effortlessly entertaining, Susie's books are a must for all school libraries"

—— BOOKLOVER JO, BLOGGER AND LIBRARIAN

A talented, engaging new voice. A brave, compassionate, and lovable heroine

—— Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Ghost Boys

As compelling as Brown Girl Dreaming, as character-driven as One Crazy Summer, and as historically illuminating as Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry... A riveting read, this novel masterfully presents Southern and Northern conflicts through the perspective of a no-nonsense kid who is trying to find her place in the world. Ella's realistic voice and passionate responses to injustices make her a credible, flawed, and likable character who sees the truth in front of her but often doesn't recognize it. A captivating novel that sheds new light on black childhood

—— Kirkus (Starred Review)

In How High the Moon, Karyn Parson brings the same verve, timing, and emotive brilliance that she brought to the screen. Equal parts mystery, historical fiction, and coming-of-age, this is a story full of warmth and light and drama that will captivate you. That will haunt you. And that will ultimately enlighten you

—— Kwame Alexander, author of The Crossover

A tender and compelling story about loving and belonging. Parsons masterfully takes us on a journey where the political is personal, where the most heartbreaking moments are also profound and beautiful. Ella is a character readers will care about, cry with, and cheer for. How High the Moon is a stunning debut that promises to have readers wanting more and more from Parsons

—— Renée Watson, author of Piecing Me Together

A stirring, emotionally resonant debut, How High the Moon opens a fresh and sensitive window on a terrifying time, even as it introduces us to a lovable new heroine

—— Tony Abbott, author of Firegirl and The Great Jeff

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