The Final Year
Subjects
- Poetry - rhyme, rhythm and rap
Average rating
See that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his hand
sayin see ya later to his mate?
That’s me:
Nathan Wilder
Nate.
10 years old
and a week away from the end of Year 5.
Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side – they’ve been inseparable since Nursery.
But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate’s world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital.
His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough?
A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.
Reviews
This book is everything you want. It has intelligent lyrical verse, a boy who is surviving inner city life, challenging friendships, family drams and this is all happening whilst finishing primary school. I loved it! I have read it many times. Absolutely amazing!
General Bunny Foxtail
The Final Year is accessible and life-affirming novel-in-verse about finding yourself during a difficult transition period, the end of Year 6. The book does a great job presenting Nate, especially his responsibilities of caring for his younger brothers. Nate is kind and creative, and very wise for his age. The author shows how he is build up by his circumstance and the resilience he find in his community. My favourite poems were the ones Nate dedicates to specific characters in the book, as their lyrical qualities made them feel very personal. The scenes between Nate and his teacher are very inspirational, especially for budding writers who might use this book to find the last bit of courage they needed. The pace of the book plot felt a bit rushed, even for a verse novel. Also there are many references to David Almond's books and specific songs that require outside knowledge and can be a bit confusing for readers. This book reminded me of another verse novel, Punching The Air, in that it showed how creativity can be healing. Nate's kind form teacher also felt reminiscent of Wonder. I would recommend this book to anyone preparing for tests, especially if they feel under a lot of stress. A lot of the poems are very aspirational and therapeutic.
librarian42na
Worth all the hype. A brilliant read. If nothing else, the description of the Leavers' Assembly ought to make any Y6 teacher weep.
anastasiakrupnik
Written in poetry verse, this books takes children on the journey of Year 6 and the emotions and friendships. Great to read aloud and very relatable. I have bought the follow up ‘Six Weeks’!
kmwestbury
An absolutely fantastic, thought provoking book. Perfect for P7! Loved everything about it
mrssmithreads36
Moving and real. A fantastic book to read with older children approaching the transition to secondary school.
missmcgin
Love Matt Goodfellow’s work but devoured this in less than a day and it inspired me to write some of my own poetry. Perfect for a year six class.
MissVParker
A brilliantly-written story perfect for year 6. Written in verse, it is an accessible, authentic and powerful story with beautiful illustrations by Joe Todd-Stanton.
hfj0108
A must read for year 6 students or anyone who works with them
lilyrose89
Brilliant!
Phil2000
It conveyed the feelings and experiences of starting a new journey. I would recommend for Y7, those starting at a new school, or any new environment.
lruttenberg
Read aloud to y6. Content warnings for mentions of alcohol, cigarettes and illness.
MissHoal
My Year 6s have loved this book and tackles some hard topics with sensitivity!
peggypatch216
Entirely in verse and a very easy read indeed. Compelling, recommended.
lizziemartin
A thoughtful and kind story about the final year of primary school. There were a lot of references to Skellig and it would be helpful to be familiar with it. Being a verse novel, a lot of meaning and story is conveyed in fewer words. I would recommend this to any young person who wants the sophisticated content of a standard novel delivered in fewer words.
c.kelleher@hernebayhigh.org
Standing on the shoulders of Skellig, this book is beautiful and in amongst it all; the most arresting grammar lesson I have ever read.
Capaduff
Here's an acclaimed book that really did match the hype. It's just a great style to quickly engage readers and encourage more reading. I loved the references to David Almond's books too, what a great way to let kids know what to read next :)
AbbyAlessandrelli
A truly beautiful book - bold, brilliant and unapologetic. Tackles some really sensitive topics with humour and honesty.
MissJMY
A coming of age poetic narrative book. Will draw in even the most reluctant of readers and is sure to tug on the heart strings. A must read for year 6 children and parents. There won't be a dry eye in the house.
reader girl
This is a powerful story told through a variety of poetic forms. With engaging illustrations and a thoughtful layout, it draws the reader in to a story many children will relate to. A book I would wholeheartedly encourage all children to read.
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