The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is the kind of story I would devour if I was a kid, and have devoured now as an adult. Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12... Dapo Adeola, Tracy Darnton, Joseph Coelho and Chitra Soundar are among the 19 authors and illustrators longlisted for the Inclusive Books for Child...

The Primary School Library Alliance is calling on the government to match-fund the private investment it has brought into helping primary schools c...The end of Year 6 is supposed to be exciting – the start of a new adventure – but for Freddie Yates, a sudden turn of events causes him to question everything he knows. For someone who loves facts, this is very unsettling. He decides to set off on his greatest adventure to find a father he’s never known with his best friends by his side. Through a series of mishaps, best intentions and almost unbelievable miracles, Freddie finds far more than he ever expected.

The super funny, heart-warming adventure of three boys, one summer holiday, and a few miracles along the way, from breakout talent, Jenny Pearson, illustrated by award-winning Rob Biddulph. Because Freddie's journey wasn't meant to involve Big Trev and the onion-eating competition or the loo-exploding pear-and-potato turnovers. And Freddie definitely didn't expect to end up, with his two best friends, on national television in a supergirl costume. Jennny Pearson has created such recognisable, dimensional characters here, and their relationships feel so real too. What is particularly nice is the relationship between the three main boys - it is both humourous and heartfelt, flawed and feeling. MG needs more of these kinds of friendships, especially between boys.Propulsive and hilarious, The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is a heartwarming story about the true meaning of family. This brilliantly engaging story will have you laughing out loud while the tears stream down your face. Onion eating contests, compromising clothing issues, valuable heirlooms, naked scarecrows and superhero miracles. This story makes for a highly entertaining read, while tearing at heart strings as it explores the importance of family, friendships, and understanding that it is those things we sometimes take for granted that really matter. The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates, the first children's fiction book written by teacher Jenny Pearson, is a fabulous story of family and friendship. The adventure the boys take is ridiculous but without any totally unbelievable plot leaps. Their relationship is well-drawn, with realistic ups and downs. The problems each boy is dealing with are relevant and sensitively described, from their own perspective. If I had any criticism, it would be that the problems of Freddie's friends were rather conveniently solved at the end without any detail, but as Freddie was the main character, I suppose his story was bound to take priority. My only other doubt (and I may be wrong) is whether some of the writing is perhaps too subtle for the intended age of readership. Some of the lines which brought a lump to my throat or made me laugh out loud may go over the heads of the younger readers. Each can get their own enjoyment out of the book though. Amongst all the funny moments, a touching message about dealing with grief and supporting one another through tough times shines through. Freddie learns a lot about family, friendship and miracles. It is clear that the journey through life never takes us where we think it will but that is what makes it all the more special.

Having lost his mum when he was much younger, when Freddie's Gram dies unexpectedly, it leaves just Freddie and his Dad. However much Freddie may love his Dad, his Dad is currently 'laid up' with a broken leg and at the best of times seems lost in his own grief. So when Freddie finds out that his Dad is not his 'real' Dad, he recruits his best friends to go on a journey in search of his biological father, Alan Froggley (who abandoned his mother before Fred was born). But journeys never take you where you think they will. And for Freddie, that fact might just have to be enough...

Reviews (7)

Freddie doesn’t expect any miracles—they’re not real, after all. But when the three unwittingly set off a chain of inexplicable events via an onion-eating competition, a couple of superhero costumes, and some very angry antique thieves, Freddie discovers that some things can’t always be explained—and sometimes what you’re looking for has been with you the whole time. Freddie’s journey wasn’t meant to involve Big Trev and the onion-eating competition or the loo-exploding pear-and-potato turnovers. And Freddie definitely didn’t expect to end up on national television in a Supergirl costume. Miracles may or may not happen, although coincidences do, but the laugh-out-loud story is, in the end, heartwarming about all kinds of families." The Sunday Times

The winners of the Diverse Book Awards 2023 have been announced, with one winner from each of the four categories announced: Picture book, Children... Jenny Pearson’s exceptional debut delivers laugh-out-loud calamity, high-stakes adventure, and the warmth of family. Bestselling author Alexandra Christo, author of TikTok sensation To Kill a Kingdom, introduces her new book, The Night Hunt (Hot Key Books), a dark...

Featured Reviews

This is definitely a must-read for younger readers who love funny books or anyone with a good sense of humour. An ideal book for for a class read aloud or whole class discussion text, it will no doubt be flying off the shelf in any lower KS2 (middle grade) classroom. A big-hearted comic journey about friendship, family, and a miraculously well-timed seagull." David Solomons, author of My Brother is a Superhero The Super Miraculous Journey of Freddie Yates is the debut novel of Jenny Pearson who is regarded as the ‘Best Teacher in the World’ according to the six mugs she has received from her students. And it’s not hard to see why her class enjoyed her lessons. Freddie Yates is one of the funniest children’s books I have read in ages.