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The Boy with Big Decisions

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Book Synopsis

Fred can’t make a decision about anything –

his parents always tell him what to do, from what to eat every day to which secondary school to choose.

that’s how Fred has found himself a pupil at the high-pressure, strict Gains School, when he’d much rather be going to Browtree, with its brilliant art department and kind teachers.

As Fred waits for the bus to his new school, he sees the bus for Browtree pull up – and a wild, thrilling, thought strikes him. Should he jump on this bus and pretend he’s a new student at Browtree?

Will he be brave enough to follow a different path for once?

You, the reader, will stand in Fred’s shoes and make decisions alongside him throughout this story. You’ll help him stand-up for what he believes in, learn what he truly loves to do, make good friends and face choices about whether to swerve or walk into drama.

YOU are in charge of The Boy With Big Decisions!

An interactive book with multiple pathways for kids to follow – Sliding Doors for a younger audience!

A book to encourage empathy and kindness in young readers

Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Lisa Thompson and Jenny Pearson.

Our Review Panel says...

A choose-your-own-adventure style story with important, contemporary themes.

Fred is due to start secondary school, and his parents have a controlling nature that doesn’t allow him to be himself – he is often incapable of making even small decisions about his life. They all visit two prospective secondary schools. On his first day, two different school buses pull up to the stop. This becomes the first point at which the reader influences the story as Fred asks which bus he should catch; the two decisions lead to different pages in the story.

Depending on the choices made, there are alternative routes through the book, and various characters are introduced at the two locations. There are eight possible endings, and the length of the whole story depends on the decisions made. It is perfect for year 6 and transitions in general. It emphasises the importance of making good choices and taking responsibility for your actions.