Despite one in three children in the UK estimated to be living in poverty, the realities of growing up poor just aren't reflected in the majority of books for children and teens. Except for Frank Cottrell-Boyce. His characters don't live in fancy houses or go to smart schools; they live in ex-mining communities (Framed), or deprived Northern towns (Millions) and more often than not come from families who are struggling for money (such as in Noah's Gold where Noah's family's reliance on foodbanks is referenced a number of times). However, if that makes his books sound dour and serious - 'issues' books about poverty - they couldn't be anything further from that. Instead, Cottrell-Boyce finds the magical in the mundane.

In Noah's Gold, a school field trip to an online retailer's warehouse (the humorously named Orinoco Company, in a nod to the behemoth online company named after another South American river) goes awry when the satnav attempts to direct them to the Orinoco River, leading the minibus off the coast of Ireland and via ferry to a deserted island. Why is a ferry running to a deserted island, you ask. All becomes clear later in the novel. In common with some of his previous books, there is some mild peril involving dastardly criminals up to no good, whom - in the manner of Scooby Doo - the meddling kids thwart. Themes of isolation and survival run through the book, which felt particularly fitting for our current circumstances. A modern Famous Five adventure which will be thoroughly enjoyed by middle grade readers.

Noah's Gold is a fantastic tale of survival told through a series of letters from main protagonist Noah.  Noah stows away on a school trip that goes disastrously wrong through the ineptitude of a shoddy Satnav and teacher Mr Merrimen who has clearly ignored any requirement to complete a full risk assessment prior to this trip! The children end up stranded on an island (in the middle of the sea) and Noah describes their adventures in letters to his mum & dad - their replies to him were absolutely hilarious!

I couldn't put this book down - pure entertainment from start to finish. Frank's incredibly witty writing style and characters had me smiling the whole way through. I just wanted to be on the island too, out in the wild poking my head through a waterfall. Noah's Gold provides some much needed humour and escapism, complemented brilliantly with Steve Lenton's illustrations. This book is going to be enjoyed by so many children! Great stuff.

Noah’s Gold is another absolute triumph by the genius that is Frank Cottrell-Boyce. Yet again, using his unique brand of writing magic, Cottrell-Boyce manages to make another far-fetched tale seem completely credible and entirely plausible. The sublime way that he weaves words brings his creation to life and the reader is utterly immersed in the seemingly-impossible, without stopping to even consider suspending their disbelief.

When eleven-year-old Noah accidentally stows away on his sister’s field trip, the last place he expects to end up is marooned on an uninhabited island, having broken the internet! As the smallest (and most disaster-prone) child, can he really save his friends and restore connectivity to the world?

Noah’s Gold packs a mighty punch: it has a whole lot of heart, and sends a powerful message about the world’s over-reliance on technology. It’s witty, packed full of wisdom and shows that even the smallest person can make the biggest difference. Written in the form of letters, it is a fresh, clever and utterly charming addition to the world of children’s fiction.

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every word of this story - from Granny Nuala’s wise sayings, to Noah’s inspired recipe choices and all the letters in between. The relationship between Noah and Eve made me want to reach out and contact my own siblings, as it is a powerful reminder of the importance of family. I very much look forward to adding this book to my classroom when it is released, as well as enjoying the undoubtedly fantastic illustrations by Steven Lenton.
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this piece of literary gold!