Today is my stop on the blog tour for the new book by Malcolm Duffy, Sofa Surfer. A story of one boy and his friendship with a girl called Spider; about family and belonging and what it means to be homeless.  I am totally delighted to be hosting such a brilliant book on my first blog tour of the year. Malcolm Duffy is the author of the award winning Me Mam, Me Dad, Me, which was inspired by his work as Creative Director with Comic Relief.

When 15-year-old Tyler meets Spider at the pool, he is led into a dark and dangerous world he never knew existed….

Sofa Surfer by Malcolm Duffy is fantastic, the perfect balance of a heartfelt story and gritty plot. The story tells of 15-year-old Tyler, who is furious when his parents decide to move from the only home he has ever known in London, to a small Yorkshire village.  Upheaval beckons and no amount of encouragement from his parents will persuade Tyler to embrace the change – even the new family dog can’t remove his loneliness. Enter a strange and skinny girl called Spider, who Tyler meets at the local lido and through whom he learns what having a home really means.

Totally absorbing, Tyler’s voice echoes throughout the engaging narrative, drawing you in to his world of frustration and ever increasing desire to help Spider, no matter what the cost.  Sofa Surfer shines a light on the reality of homelessness, family ties and what empathy in action really looks like. You cannot fail to be moved by Spider’s situation and Tyler’s response, nor the prejudice shown by so many that readers will all recognise. I loved the added plot twist showing Spider getting the help she needs from someone who themselves had been given a second chance. Sofa Surfer is a simply a really great read – one I’d highly recommend for all young people aged 12+ (and older people too!).

With thanks to Zephyr for sending me a proof copy for review.

Find out more at www.malcolmduffy.com and follow the author on Twitter @malcolmduffyUK. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the blog tour: