• Felix Fredrik Knutsson
• Almost 13
• 50% Swedish, 25% Haitian, 25% French = 100% Canadian
• NFA

These are a few of the things we learn about Felix. He’s lived in many places with his mum who he calls Astrid, but they soon find themselves living in a van. It’s pretty cool at first with its pop up roof section that hides a bed, its fold out awning, little cooker and no wasted space inside.

Life in the van during the summer months is awesome, but as the cold creeps in and Astrid loses yet another job, things aren’t so nice. Felix loves his mum, but as he grows he realises that her ‘strong principles’ , dislike of the police, and ‘working for the man‘, has negatively affected their lives. Her fear of the MCFD (Ministry of Children and Family Development), from past experience in her own childhood, is now strong in Felix. Despite everything, the last thing he wants is to be taken away from his mum.

School is the only semblance of normal in his life, and he reconnects with an old friend and makes a new one in Winnie Wu, another strong-willed, smart girl in his life. Astrid helps him hide their NFA status from his friends for a while, but most of the time Felix is on his own in this and has to lie. He’s watched Astrid lie to friends, family, and people of authority most of his life, and dislikes having to do so himself, but needs must.

Their NFA life begins to show and his friends and teachers have noticed. There is one positive thing happening as Felix struggles to hold everything together and his secret safe. He’s applied to be on a junior version of his favourite game show – Who, What, When, Where. The prize money could change their lives.

Astrid’s lies, pride, and bouts of depression take them both to breaking point, and Felix does the previously unimaginable – involve others in their secret. Will he ever live a normal life again?

Felix Knutsson is a likeable character, navigating school, friends, puberty, and the realisation that his parent isn’t perfect, all while living in a tiny space with his mum (Astrid) and keeping his NFA status a secret.

His homelessness is a constant strain and the lies to hide it cut deep. His initial positivity and belief in his mum, then gradual eroding of this belief is authentic and sobering.

For all of his mum’s faults, Felix is kind and smart. Smart enough to enter a competition that may just change their lives. The conclusion made me both happy and sad, as things don’t quite go to plan. Astrid’s mistrust of authority and others is not quite broken, but certainly on its way.

Left with the reminder of how homelessness is common across the world, often through no fault of their own, is thought provoking. Loved the ending.

Author – Susin Nielsen

Age – 10+

(Homeless, Friends, Game Show, Competition, Quiz, Van, Secret, Realism, Parent, Hiding, Poverty, Lies, Family)