Pat Barker meets Michelle Magorian . . . Comic as well as poignantly enlightening

John Boyne’s children’s novels tackle difficult subjects . . . and this latest book looks at the horrors of trench warfare in World War 1. With the anniversary of that war next year, this is a timely examination of moral, physical and mental bravery and pain

Beautifully paced and affecting

Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is beautifully written, as are all John Boyne's books for children. Although it's a book aimed primarily at younger readers, it's equally as satisfying for adults, and should be widely read by everyone

A beautifully paced and affecting tale

John Boyne is clearly unafraid to tackle the big subjects in his fiction for children . . . A good, solid, engaging read

Wonderful . . . One of the best books of the year. An instant classic

Leaves the reader with a greater sense of how war changes people and their communities, and reminds us that sometimes, the ordinary acts of courage that get a child and his family through each day are as valuable, rare and life-changing as any along the front. Alfie inspires us to be more courageous than we’re used to and to do right by others even when the world is tense around us

A beautifully paced and touching tale

Stay Where You Are and Then Leave is a work of tender beauty and real lives. It is an instant classic that, once read, will never be forgotten. I loved the voice and the people. John Boyne has recreated a world that deserves to be remembered for ever. Children's minds and lives will be richer for reading this wonderful story. The forgotten victims of the Great War finally have their stories told

A poignant, timely novel

A lovely book . . . filled with a real sense of humanity

The way the two strands of narratives entwine is skillfully and sensitively done. Boyne has interesting things to say about identity, self knowledge and how we cope with life's travails and the book really does benefit from a second reading. Oliver Jeffers has produced beautiful cover artwork and his line drawings are suitably enigmatic helping to make this both an attractive and desirable package

The end of the story is particularly glorious as the reader finds out why Noah chose to run . . . Beautiful, haunting and a book that can be enjoyed by adults

A journey that will change [Noah's] life. And it could change yours too

Boyne has written a magical new story that will melt the hearts of children everywhere

Boyne's is no simple fairy tale. Enchantment is intertwined with realism, and while a suspension of disbelief will stand readers in good stead, so will the inevitable recognition that sadness is the flip side of joy, and death an inevitable part of life