The Astonishing Future of Alex Nobody is a book I’d willingly travel through time in order to read again!

This debut novel from Kate Gilby Smith is a sensational addition to the world of children’s fiction. It’s inventive, full of heart and very cleverly written. The premise is unique and feels weirdly plausible.

Alex has spent her life being observed by random strangers. A seemingly chance encounter with a new friend leads Alex on an adventure beyond her wildest dreams.

I thoroughly enjoyed this time travelling adventure, so much so that I went out and bought a copy immediately after finishing the NetGalley proof. Kate Gilby Smith has found a relatively unpopulated corner in children’s literature and I very much hope there is more to follow in the adventures of Alex and Jasper. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC - I will be sharing this tremendous tale with my class very soon!

Loved my time-travel adventure with # Alex Nobody in this debut MG novel by Kate Gilby-Smith.
Perfect for a London/History topic across KS2, warm weird characters we want to champion & tidbits of life across the ages merged with a neat scientific explanation. Hope to see more from Alex & Jasper soon, this could be the start of a fantastic series!

A terrific time-travel mystery!

This was a really fun read about how Alex solves the mystery of why coach-loads of people always seem to know who she is after she becomes a stowaway on the time-travelling coach.

I like how any potential time-paradoxes were explained well to tie-up all the questions I had as I was reading about potentially interfering with time and the characters were well-written with lots of depth to them.

On the day she was born, a coach of tourists appeared at the hospital - was it just a coincidence or is there something special about Alex? To her friends and teachers, Alex is a nobody - but what does the future hold for her?

Alex is a unique, brave and intelligent protagonist who doesn’t feel like she fits in with her peers. That is, until the appearance of Jasper. Jasper arrives just when Alex is feeling extremely alone and most in need of a friend. Alex can’t help wondering where Jasper came from, especially as she knows so little about him. Then Jasper mysteriously disappears and Alex decides she has to find a way to save her friend.

When she discovers that the only logical explanation for the sudden disappearance is time travel, Alex becomes focussed on finding a way to follow Jasper. Alex’s only option is to become a stowaway on the coach of tourists outside her school. With the help of an interesting cast of characters, Alex begins her journey through the future to locate and rescue Jasper, but she is also determined to uncover the truth - why was Jasper sent to watch and protect her?

This is Kate Gilby Smith’s debut novel, and after thoroughly enjoying this thought-provoking read, I am intrigued to see what comes next. Time travelling is a fascinating subject, and this is a gentle enough introduction to excite young readers by the concept without leaving them scratching their brains in concussion at the metaphysics - especially as Alex's back-story is really her future-story. This is a super-fun and original story that celebrates difference, friendship, family and determination. It does also include a number of interesting historical references, through Gerty’s collection of stolen historical items from Martin Luther King to Cleopatra. This would make a fabulous class read, as they are plenty of talking points throughout the story.

On the day she was born, a coach of tourists appeared at the hospital - just a coincidence or is there something special about Alex? To her friends and teachers Alex is a nobody but what does the future hold for her?

Alex is a unique, brave and intelligent protagonist who doesn’t feel like she fits in with her peers, that is until the appearance of Jasper. Jasper arrives just when Alex is feeling extremely alone and most in need of a friend. Alex can’t help wondering where Jasper came from, especially as she knows so little about him. Then Jasper mysteriously disappears and Alex decides she has to find a way to save her friend. When she discovers that the only logical explanation for the sudden disappearance is time travel, Alex becomes focussed on finding a way to follow Jasper. Alex’s only option is to become a stowaway on the coach of tourists outside her school. With the help of an interesting cast of characters, Alex begins her journey through the future to locate and rescue Jasper, but she is also determined to uncover the truth - why was Jasper sent to watch and protect her?

This is Kate Gilby Smith’s debut novel, and after thoroughly enjoying this thought provoking read, I am intrigued to see what comes next. This well written book (with its strong female lead) celebrates difference, friendship, family and determination. It does also include historical references through Gerty’s collection of stolen historical items from Martin Luther King to Cleopatra. This would make a fabulous class read, as there are plenty of talking points throughout the story.