So many of our EL kids have to cover for their parents. This story of a kid who covers for his disabled parents might resonate with them. AJ's PE teacher is realistically complex, seeming at first indifferent and mean, but really just making his best assumptions based on the information he has at the time. It's what we all do. When we know better, we do better. The stress and grief AJ feels after his grandfather's death seem very realistically portrayed.

A heart-warming story about AJ, an eleven-year-old boy who lives with his parents, both of whom have learning difficulties. The three of them are struggling to adjust to life without recently-deceased Grandad, a man who helped, supported and guided them.

The family begin to spiral into debt, and AJ’s passion for running dwindles when he realises his trainers no longer fit and he can not afford new ones.

AJ’s narration is honest, showing his confusion and sadness now that Grandad is absent, and for me the story has a message of the redemptive nature of sport, particularly with regards to mental health.

Realistic narrator in a tale of dreams and realities.

4.5 stars

A boy with dreams to run, the granddad who encourages him... AJ is talented, but he has things holding him back - both his parents have learning disabilities, there is little money, he can't get inside the local Olympic stadium to train. And then his world falls apart when his beloved granddad dies, leaving both himself and his family without its centre.

With worries about the bills at home, no running trainers to wear at school, the embarrassment but love he feels for his parents, AJ is a boy with more cares than most his age.

I was touched by this story, and by the unusual inclusion of two parents such as AJ's. Their portrayal was very sympathetic and would make an excellent discussion topic. AJ himself is a conflicted but worthy young man, who has both talent and ambition, but requires the mentor and backing to be able to utilise them.

The Audible narrator telling the story gave an appropriately young-sounding voice to AJ, slightly inexperienced and yet mature at the same time. The book worked well as a 'listen', with AJ's voice telling us his story. A very easy-to-follow narration.

Would work well with the age group portrayed here - 11-13 in particular. Could be used in classroom settings for discussions in PSHE and English, and by book groups.

Uplifting and sweetly moving.

With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.

A family on the edge of poverty (they have barely enough) because the parents both have some mental disability and the grandfather who looked after things financially has died doesn't have the money for extras, like good running shoes. But A.J. needs those shoes because he's a runner, just like his grandfather way. Maybe he's even good enough to, as his grandfather was, run in the Olympics... but he needs those shoes. A.J. is also aware enough that his family's situation needs to be kept from others, but there are some who see what's going on an offer help, however slyly. The London setting means that the systems US readers might assume are in place aren't there, and I often wished we got more about A.J.'s parents.

ARC provided by publisher.

A sweet and occasionally tear-jerking story of a boy who loves to run, dealing with the struggles of growing up and acting as a young carer for his parents who have special needs. AJ's an engaging hero and I loved how the book went from hilarious moments to touching emotional sections.

AJ's family has always relied on his grandfather to help them with things as his parents have some disabilities (these are never really defined by the author, more explained as they would be by a child who sees them as being different from other people but also used to them as they are). When grandfather dies AJ and his parents must learn to cope with the loss and learn to deal with things without his help. AJ and his grandfather had enjoyed running and AJ uses that as a means for coping but when his shoes becomes too small he doesn't know what to do and finds he cannot participate with he track team he had so looked forward to joining. Then red letter bills start arriving and the power gets cut off. AJ takes it upon himself to deal with the issues as he fears anyone else's involvement will result in a call to social services which could mean that he can no longer live with his parents.
Good for ages 10 and up