A review by thereadingmum
The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

John Boyne is the king of poignant middle-grade books. Although not as heart-wrenching as The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Terrible Thing that Happened to Barnaby Brockett is very emotional. It deals with outcasts and not being deemed "normal" by those who are supposed to love you the most. What is normal anyway? Is not wanting your child not normal? This book will sit with me for a long time.