An Unexpected Hero

‘Linda Hansen’s novel is a mischievous, affectionate story of a very likeable, very credible young boy, who startles everyone, including himself, by what he proves himself able to do. There’s tension, trouble and triumph, all authentically rendered. Young readers will know people just like Matt, will recognise his world and his problems, and will delight in the success of this genuinely unlikely hero.’ David Hill, author of more than 40 books, winner of the HELL Children’s Choice Award for Junior Fiction (2016), both the Junior Fiction and the Children’s Choice Junior Fiction: NZ Post Awards (2013) and many other honours.

‘This is one of those books where you only have to read one page and you are hooked. The story is set in the present but the reader ends up knowing a great deal about what happened to so many New Zealanders one hundred years ago. It’s a book for lovers of the popular My Story series of books, presenting history through the eyes of a child.’ Barbara Murison, who worked with children, young people and books for over 60 years.