What is A The Final Year about?
A boy in the last year of primary school, dealing with friendship, family and health challenges in his life.
Plot summary of A Final Year (No Spoilers)
Nate has two younger brothers aged 5 and 8. They live with their mum and don’t know their fathers. The brothers are all very different, but a tight knit group.
It’s the final year of primary school, and with his best mate Parker, they are looking forward to the future. They spend all their time together, but when Parker returns from a summer holiday, Nate and Parker begin to drift apart.
Nate is hurt but makes a new friend in Caleb. Nate is a talented poet, and Caleb an artist, and with their new teacher’s encouragement, their friendship and creativity flourishes.
Being the oldest, and with mum often hungover after Bingo nights, Nate looks out for his younger brother’s needs at home. But when one falls sick, life is even messier.
The Final Year of primary school is the hardest and most complicated of Nate’s life yet.
My thoughts
What a beautiful story. This verse novel has won over a dozen awards, and was shortlisted for 7 more!
The Award image on the front cover drew me to this novel, as I hadn’t seen it before in NZ. I’m so glad I got to read it, because it truly is worth every accolade.
I felt for main character Nate and the struggles he faces in the final year before high school. There’s lots of love at home, but not much structure or support and he looks out for his younger sibling’s needs along with his own. Messy friendship dynamics challenge him further, but he takes it all in his stride.
His new teacher Mr Joshua is a powerful force and guiding light in the novel, helping Nate find himself and his people through his writing. Inspiring teachers always strike a chord with me because they truly have the power to change young lives. This story tells it like it is for this boy and his family, with the way he thinks, speaks and lives.
The Final Year will make a great gift for students in their final year of primary, wherever they live.
An inspirational read with an authentic delivery.
Main Characters
Nate – 10 years old, loves football, words and books. Is a talented poet, but he’s not aware of it until a new teacher sees him writing. Nate is responsible, thoughtful, and loving with his younger brothers, but does have darker feelings sometimes that threaten to appear as ‘The Beast’. He has had counselling to learn to control it.
Parker – Nate’s best mate. Parker is an only child and unlike Nate, his family can afford better food, clothing and family holidays. This isn’t a problem until one summer holidays in their final year.
Mr Joshua – New teacher who is also a musician with many years of trying to make it big behind him. This teacher is kind, insightful and supportive of Nate and his creativity. He is also there when Nate needs him when his family is truly struggling.
Writing Style
Verse novel told in 6 parts. The 1st part introduces the characters and sets the scene for the reader, to fully appreciate time and setting.
What age is it for?
Ages 9-11 – for those leaving Primary school and going to Intermediate (NZ) or High school.
Where & When is it set?
Manchester, England / Present
What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?
First person / Past tense
Is there Violence?
A few punches thrown in a school fight
What genre is The Final Year?
Middle Grade Verse Novel
Themes
School / Family / Change / Social challenges
Is it part of a series?
Yes – The sequel The First Year, covers Nate’s 1st year of High School
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Author
Matt Goodfellow
Illustrator
Joe Todd-Stanton
Publisher
Otter-Barry Books
(2023, Otter-Barry Books, Verse Novel, School, David Almond, Skellig, Poems, Poetry, Social challenges, Poverty, Friendship Dynamics, Change, Siblings, Brothers, Multi Award Winning. Series, Duology)