A tale of acceptance from the bestselling author of* The Boy in the Striped Pajamas*.

Barnaby Brocket is an ordinary eight-year-old boy in most ways, but he was born different in one important way: he floats. Unlike everyone else, Barnaby does not obey the law of gravity. His parents, who have a fear of being noticed, want desperately for Barnaby to be normal, but he can't help who he is. And when the unthinkable happens, Barnaby finds himself on a journey that takes him all over the world. Drifting from Brazil to New York, from Canada to Ireland, and even to space, the floating boy meets all sorts of different people--and discovers who he really is along the way.
     This whimsical novel will delight middle-graders, while readers of all ages will find themselves questioning what it means to be "normal."

Review

Shortlisted for the Letterbox Library Little Rebels Award

“[The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket is] a fun and thought-provoking story of self-discovery, and the humor and gentleness with which Boyne delivers his message make it both unforgettable and delightful.”
—Publishers Weekly

About the Author

JOHN BOYNE was born in Ireland in 1971 and is the author of six novels for adults. His first novel for children, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, won two Irish book awards, was shortlisted for the British Book Award, reached the top spot on the New York Times bestseller list, and has been made into a film. His novels are published in more than forty languages. He lives in Dublin. Visit him on the web at JohnBoyne.com.