Shortlisted for the 2011 Costa Children's Book Award.

A gem of a story by award-winning Frank Cottrell Boyce, this is sure to make readers laugh and cry and to go away changed when they have finished it. Looking back on an extraordinary incident that happened when she was in Year Six, Julie tells the story of the unexpected arrival at the school of Chingis and Nergui, two brothers from Mongolia. When they ask her to become their  ‘Good Guide’  Julie gets completely caught up their stories and the imaginary and all too horribly real dangers they face. Frank Cottrell Boyce tells an important story, without ever preaching, with humour, warmth and brilliance of detail which characterizes his writing.  This magical and compelling story is enriched by stunning and atmospheric Polaroid photos.

Titles shortlisted for the 2011 Costa Children's Book Award:

Flip - Martyn Bedford

The Unforgotten Coat - Frank Cottrell Boyce

Small Change for Stuart - Lissa Evans

Blood Red Road - Moira Young

Synopsis

This is a stunning magical story of a summer of friendship with darker undertones of refugees. Two refugee brothers from Mongolia are determined to fit in with their Liverpool schoolmates, but bring so much of Mongolia to Bootle that their new friend and guide, Julie, is hard-pressed to know truth from fantasy as she recollects a wonderful friendship that was abruptly ended when Chingis and his family were forced to return to Mongolia.

About the Author

Frank Cottrell Boyce is the Carnegie Medal winning author of Millions and an award-winning screen and TV writer. He has also been short-listed for the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year, the Blue Peter Book Award and the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. His books include the bestselling Framed and Cosmic. None of this has helped him discover why all of his socks seem to disappear, how anyone can hate marmite, or love brussels sprouts! He lives in Liverpool. More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation