The Rollercoaster Boy: the Sunday Times' Children's Book of the Week by the award-winning Lisa Thompson Paperback – 6 Jan. 2022

I am a huge fan of Lisa Thompson , as are many of the children in the school I work in. Lisa is an absolute expert at creating compelling mystery/adventure stories that entertain alongside handling real human issues and dilemmas that the reader can empathize with and relate to in so many ways.Todd and his little sister are taken on an unexpected, unplanned and uneasy last minute holiday by their dad, whose moods seems to dictate the way in which the family live their lives . Dad is either full of high energy and enthusiasm to a manic level or completely disengaged, lethargic and retreats from his children and the world to his bed. Dad’s mental health status is the rollercoaster in his children’s lives.So, alienated from his school friends who are off having carefree holidays, taking charge of his little sister, worrying about his dad and staying in a run- down hotel is not what Todd wants, needs or deserves from his holiday experience.The hotel, however , has a mysterious past as well as a seemingly doomed future , and Todd strikes up a tentative connection with another parentally neglected young guest and the quirky, fiercely independent daughter of the owner who is desperately trying to help her worn out mother fight to save the ailing family business. The group unite and begin to build a friendship as they try to solve the hotel mystery of a missing guest from many years ago and discover if there really is a werewolf in one of the guest rooms too.The “ escape room “ theme of the mystery gives a classic sleuthing plot a modern, fresh and relatable setting. The treasure hunt of solving clues showcase the different strengths and skills of the group and empower each of them with a sense of purpose in the midst of family and home lives that currently seem so perilous and beyond their control.Rollercoaster Boy is a great, engaging adventure story with huge warmth and heart within it. It has a mystery that the reader wants to help solve and characters that we want to see finding strength and friendship in each other and ultimately experiencing happier family times ahead. A real pleasure to read.

I read this first myself, then again to my eight year old son who enjoyed it every bit as much as I did. It’s a clever mystery, but also a sensitive depiction of mental illness in the family. There is plenty to enjoy, learn and discuss. The parts about Dad’s bipolar condition are explained in an age appropriate way for children and are countered by the lightness of little sister Laurie, who is funny and adorable. Recommended, along with The Goldfish Boy by the same author.

Lisa Thompson excels in creating compelling stories and characters. In The Rollercoaster Boy she bring her trademark sensitive storytelling featuring children who stand out from the crowd for the wrong reasons. She shines a spotlight on the issues they face in a thoughtful way allowing the child reader to understand their experiences without feeling overwhelmed. Set alongside a really intriguing mystery that the characters must solve, she has created a really wonderful plot that keeps the reader guessing all the way to the end. Like of all Lisa's stories, I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will be highly recommending it to the children at my school. I think this is my new favourite book by Lisa!

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I really love all of Lisa Thompson's books for the way they incorporate real issues with high drama and mystery.In the rollercoaster boy we meet Todd and his little sister as they go on a last minute holiday with their father to a rundown hotel on the coast.Todd is struggling with friendships at school and is also worried about his dad's mental health.The last thing he wants is to be stuck at the Paradise Hotel but it turns out to be exactly what he needs.With escape room type mystery, quirky new friends and a potential werewolf involved there is something new and exciting in every chapter.

My sons and I really loved this book. Tenderly depicting the twists and turns of family love and relationships, told through an exciting, brilliantly-plotted adventure that pulls at the heart-strings, makes you feel warm, and has plenty of giggles. I really rooted for the children at the heart of the story, and their quiet devotion and loyalty - the book lingers long after you've finished it.

Really enjoyed the rollercoaster boy.