The First Year

What do our readers think of The First Year? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children respond warmly to Nate’s emotional story, vivid poetry and realistic experiences of school, friendship and family.

What does the Pageticker team say about The First Year?

The First Year is a thoughtful, emotionally charged verse novel about starting secondary school, managing anger and finding your people when life refuses to stay simple. Matt Goodfellow gives Nate a brilliantly authentic voice, balancing humour, tenderness and some properly difficult moments.

Genres

What is The First Year about?

Nate, 11, is excited to start secondary school with his best mates after a tough final year at primary. With his brother's health improved and family bonds strong, things are looking up. However, new challenges arise including making friends, facing old bullies, and dealing with a strict teacher. When an unexpected figure from his past reappears, Nate's inner 'Beast' (his struggle with anger) resurfaces. Can he navigate these trials to keep his family together?

About the author

Matt Goodfellow is a poet from Manchester who loves writing fun and thoughtful poems for children. His books, like 'Bright Bursts of Colour' and 'Caterpillar Cake', are filled with imagination and creativity. Matt enjoys visiting schools to inspire young readers and writers, sharing his love of poetry with everyone he meets.

Discussion ideas around The First Year

Starting secondary school: What changes most for Nate when he moves to secondary school, and which parts of his old life help him cope?

The Beast: How does Nate’s idea of ‘The Beast’ help him understand his anger, and what other ways might people describe strong feelings?

Being understood: Which characters really see Nate, and what do they do that makes him feel understood?

Family bonds: How does Nate’s family support one another when life becomes difficult, and what makes a family feel strong?

Second chances: When someone from the past returns, what should people consider before deciding whether to trust them again?