Changes

Hooray! Bookbag favourite Rob Keeley is back with a return to the short story format! ''The Boy Who Disappeared'' treats us to eleven new tales, each as fun to read as his previous offerings.

Several of the stories in this collection have a theme of change or moving on in some way and I particularly enjoyed two which talk about the move from primary to secondary school. The very first story, ''The Boy Who Disappeared'', charts Isla's frustrations with prankster Ellis which come to a head just as covid hits and school is suspended. Sometimes, you know, a pencil sharpener is more than just a pencil sharpener. And I loved ''Last Day'' in which Justin has to find a way to tell Liam that he won't be joining him at Sansford High because his family is moving away. It's a delicate look at friendships between boys and the wish not to appear vulnerable. Fans of Rob will already know Liam and Justin.