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The Song from Somewhere Else
Frank doesn't know how to feel when Nick Underbridge rescues her from bullies one afternoon. No one likes Nick. He's big, he's weird and he smells – or so everyone in Frank's class thinks.
And yet, there's something nice about Nick's house. There's strange music playing there, and it feels light and good and makes Frank feel happy for the first time in forever.
But there's more to Nick, and to his house, than meets the eye, and soon Frank realises she isn't the only one keeping secrets. Or the only one who needs help …
And yet, there's something nice about Nick's house. There's strange music playing there, and it feels light and good and makes Frank feel happy for the first time in forever.
But there's more to Nick, and to his house, than meets the eye, and soon Frank realises she isn't the only one keeping secrets. Or the only one who needs help …
216 pages, Hardcover
First published November 10, 2016
50 people are currently reading
1979 people want to read
About the author
A.F. Harrold
32 books125 followersA.F. Harrold is an English poet. He writes and performs for adults and children, in cabaret and in schools, in bars and in basements, in fields and indoors. He was Glastonbury Festival Website's Poet-In-Residence in 2008, and Poet-In-Residence at Cheltenham Literature Festival in 2010. He won the Cheltenham All Stars Slam Championship in 2007 and has had his work on BBC Radio 4, Radio 3 and BBC7. He is active in schools work, running workshops and slams and doing performances at ungodly hours of the morning, and has published several collections of poetry. He is the owner of many books, a handful of hats, a few good ideas and one beard
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 270 reviews
April 7, 2019
I remember being friends with him, and how we were both two pieces of a strange puzzle - two pieces that complemented each other; two people that were best of friends and had the same mutual bullies. Until, that is,
That's not a quote from the book - that is a friend I lost because I was too afraid of being best friends with the "smelly, large kid"
So this book hit me hard. Review to come.
That's not a quote from the book - that is a friend I lost because I was too afraid of being best friends with the "smelly, large kid"
So this book hit me hard. Review to come.
December 16, 2016
I didn't think that A.F.Harrold could write something better than The Imaginary but he did. I didn't think a partnership between him and Emily Gravett could be equalled or bettered...but it has been. Harrold's story of an unlikely friendship between the young, female protagonist, Frank and the class misfit, Nick is one which is cleverly and neatly woven. As with The Imaginary, if not more so in this story, you are left asking more questions that when you start the book and believe me, this is a very good thing indeed.
A.F.'s writing borders flits between witty and sinister and this is why Pinfold's partnership is a masterstroke. His eerie and uncomfortable illustrations throughout leave you with the same sense of unease as A.F.'s narrative. For me, the story was just as dark as The Imaginary with the same strong sense of character and place. I loved The Imaginary but it feels, with The Song from Somewhere Else, that the author is finding his stride, flexing his writing muscles and continuing to take his readers to worlds and ideas which have hitherto stayed hidden and uncovered.
On the back of my proof copy, it states that fans of Gaiman and Dahl will like this book and whilst I can see the connection to the former, I do think that this is a writer who has his own voice and style. His ideas are different...strange and almost elusive in their themes: this is why I keep being drawn back to them.
A.F.'s writing borders flits between witty and sinister and this is why Pinfold's partnership is a masterstroke. His eerie and uncomfortable illustrations throughout leave you with the same sense of unease as A.F.'s narrative. For me, the story was just as dark as The Imaginary with the same strong sense of character and place. I loved The Imaginary but it feels, with The Song from Somewhere Else, that the author is finding his stride, flexing his writing muscles and continuing to take his readers to worlds and ideas which have hitherto stayed hidden and uncovered.
On the back of my proof copy, it states that fans of Gaiman and Dahl will like this book and whilst I can see the connection to the former, I do think that this is a writer who has his own voice and style. His ideas are different...strange and almost elusive in their themes: this is why I keep being drawn back to them.
November 12, 2016
This book was sent to me by the publisher, Bloomsbury, at no cost. It will be out in Australia in December 2016; RRP $24.99 (hardback). Recommended ages 9-12.
Uh, wow. This book is utterly beautiful and wonderful. Both the prose and the object itself.
The story: bullied girl one day gets rescued by the weird, despised kid. She goes back to his house where she hears haunting, enchanting music, so she goes back the next day. Things get weirder over the next couple of days - and worse, and better. There's kind-of magic, and real friendship, and problems to overcome.
I smiled. I had tears. I audibly gasped.
This is one of those gentle, insistent, wonderful books that make me happy to be reading. It kinda reminded me of Patrick Rothfuss' Slow Regard of Silent Things - there's more plot here, but the sensibility somehow feels similar.
This is also one of those books where I think "by golly I hope I'm not one of those sorts of adults." Harrold has captured Frank's voice wonderfully, and an attitude towards adults - their jokes are embarrassing, they can't or won't help with bullies, they're basically oblivious - that feels all too real.
Other things I love about Frank: she has regular cranky discussion with her stomach, which tells her to ignore interesting-if-maybe-dangerous things, points out that things are about to go badly, and occasionally ostentatiously ignores proceedings and reads a newspaper instead. Pure magic. Also, her name is Francesca Patel. One old lady makes some passing comment about "do they have tuna where you're from?" but otherwise, that's just her name and I have no idea what she or anyone in her family looks like.
Oh yes - she has a family. There was a slight undertone of Archer's Goon here; not that the family gets involved, but that they're present and loving. This is a really nice take on the 'weird things are happening to the kid but the family has no idea' trope, without the family seeming evil for their ignorance.
And the book itself? The version I have is a smallish hardback. The pictures, by Levi Pinfold, are gorgeous. Many of the pages have story-appropriate shadows about the edges, and the text largely stays away from them, which is really cute. The front cover gives you an idea of what the internal illustrations look like: as if they're maybe done in pencil? I don't know, I'm no artist, but they're delicate and rely on shadow and light and they're a wonderful complement to the text.
One slight warning: if you are distressed by descriptions of bullying then this may be just a bit too much for you. I have horrible memories of The Chocolate War and usually hate those sorts of books... and I found the treatment of Frank by the bullies quite nasty. But what makes it work here is that Frank, while definitely and understandably affected, isn't completely ground down. She doesn't pretend that everything is ok, and some days it affects her more than others, but she ends up coping. And my heart sang when, seeing one of the bullies having been attacked, she decides to help him: "This wasn't about him, was it? It was about her and who she wanted to be. She wanted to be a better person. Better than him at least. And not because it was a competition, just because" (161). YES. Just because. I love it.
I have every intention of holding onto this book (... I don't keep every book...) and putting it into the hands of any kid (and possibly adult) I can.
Uh, wow. This book is utterly beautiful and wonderful. Both the prose and the object itself.
The story: bullied girl one day gets rescued by the weird, despised kid. She goes back to his house where she hears haunting, enchanting music, so she goes back the next day. Things get weirder over the next couple of days - and worse, and better. There's kind-of magic, and real friendship, and problems to overcome.
I smiled. I had tears. I audibly gasped.
This is one of those gentle, insistent, wonderful books that make me happy to be reading. It kinda reminded me of Patrick Rothfuss' Slow Regard of Silent Things - there's more plot here, but the sensibility somehow feels similar.
This is also one of those books where I think "by golly I hope I'm not one of those sorts of adults." Harrold has captured Frank's voice wonderfully, and an attitude towards adults - their jokes are embarrassing, they can't or won't help with bullies, they're basically oblivious - that feels all too real.
Other things I love about Frank: she has regular cranky discussion with her stomach, which tells her to ignore interesting-if-maybe-dangerous things, points out that things are about to go badly, and occasionally ostentatiously ignores proceedings and reads a newspaper instead. Pure magic. Also, her name is Francesca Patel. One old lady makes some passing comment about "do they have tuna where you're from?" but otherwise, that's just her name and I have no idea what she or anyone in her family looks like.
Oh yes - she has a family. There was a slight undertone of Archer's Goon here; not that the family gets involved, but that they're present and loving. This is a really nice take on the 'weird things are happening to the kid but the family has no idea' trope, without the family seeming evil for their ignorance.
And the book itself? The version I have is a smallish hardback. The pictures, by Levi Pinfold, are gorgeous. Many of the pages have story-appropriate shadows about the edges, and the text largely stays away from them, which is really cute. The front cover gives you an idea of what the internal illustrations look like: as if they're maybe done in pencil? I don't know, I'm no artist, but they're delicate and rely on shadow and light and they're a wonderful complement to the text.
One slight warning: if you are distressed by descriptions of bullying then this may be just a bit too much for you. I have horrible memories of The Chocolate War and usually hate those sorts of books... and I found the treatment of Frank by the bullies quite nasty. But what makes it work here is that Frank, while definitely and understandably affected, isn't completely ground down. She doesn't pretend that everything is ok, and some days it affects her more than others, but she ends up coping. And my heart sang when, seeing one of the bullies having been attacked, she decides to help him: "This wasn't about him, was it? It was about her and who she wanted to be. She wanted to be a better person. Better than him at least. And not because it was a competition, just because" (161). YES. Just because. I love it.
I have every intention of holding onto this book (... I don't keep every book...) and putting it into the hands of any kid (and possibly adult) I can.
March 18, 2019
Reseña completa: http://anitavelabooks.blogspot.com/2019/03/una-cancion-de-muy-lejos-f-harrold.html
Una canción de muy lejos es una aventura con un toque de fantasía que trata temas como el bullying en el colegio y también nos transmite el valor de la amistad de una forma diferente y muy tierna. Es una lectura perfecta para leer entre lecturas, porque se lee en nada, y para toda las edades, en especial, a los pequeños que ya están en el cole.
En el BLOG os cuento más. ¿Te pasas?
Una canción de muy lejos es una aventura con un toque de fantasía que trata temas como el bullying en el colegio y también nos transmite el valor de la amistad de una forma diferente y muy tierna. Es una lectura perfecta para leer entre lecturas, porque se lee en nada, y para toda las edades, en especial, a los pequeños que ya están en el cole.
En el BLOG os cuento más. ¿Te pasas?
March 5, 2017
Quietly beautiful. A fairytale whispered in the concrete yards of terraced houses, this book grows and grows as AF Harrold leads us through a story about friendship. Levi Pinfold's illustrations capture the fantasy in our reality too, making this an extraordinary and unique experience.
November 14, 2016
This book is beautiful and terrifying; the perfect read for kids who like things a little creepy and different. Things I loved: talking cat, friendship, overcoming bullying, gorgeous illustrations.
March 10, 2019
Es un libro que debería ser leído por mucha gente por todo lo que trasmiten sus páginas. Es una historia dura que te rompe el corazón en muchos momentos por la realidad tan cruda que viven muchos niños en sus días. La parte de fantasía me ha gustado mucho pero me hubiera gustado que se profundizará más en ella, ¡me he quedado con ganas de más! El final de la historia me ha parecido perfecto, por eso seguro que vuelvo a leer un libro de este mismo género.
"Una Canción De Muy Lejos" es una historia que mezcla la realidad con la fantasía, un libro que tendría que leer mucha gente por el tema principal del que trata y que por desgracia está al orden del día.
Reseña completa: https://aprovechalavidacadadiaa.blogs...
"Una Canción De Muy Lejos" es una historia que mezcla la realidad con la fantasía, un libro que tendría que leer mucha gente por el tema principal del que trata y que por desgracia está al orden del día.
Reseña completa: https://aprovechalavidacadadiaa.blogs...
February 2, 2019
No voy a negar que ha sido una lectura bastante extraña, pero también ha sido fascinante ir descubriendo poco a poco esta historia tan diferente, que trata sobre el amor, la amistad, y la valentía que está dentro de todos nosotros.
January 14, 2019
3,75 / 5
¿No deberías estar agradecida a quién te salve del matón de la escuela y sus secuaces? Eso se pregunta Frank, nuestra protagonista, cuando Nick la rescata de Neil Noble y sus acólitos Rob y Roy. Pero resulta que Nick Underbridge, grandote, feo y con mal olor, no es alguien con el que deban verte. Cuando Frank tiene la intención de dar las gracias e irse de la casa de Nick tan rápido como pueda, una música comienza a sonar. Es reconfortante, hermosa y dulce. Frank no quiere dejar de escuchar esa música. Por ello volverá a la casa de Nick. Todo esto llevará a nuestra joven protagonista a descubrir los secretos que oculta la casa de Nick.
A.F. Harrold escribe una historia simple pero efectiva, repleta de encanto, imaginación, algún momento chistoso y otros espeluznantes. Un libro para todas las edades, escrito de forma casi poética en ocasiones, creando un velo de fantasía alrededor de la pura cotidianidad. Lo más interesante de 'Una canción de muy lejos' es que trata al lector de forma sincera. Casi tanto, que uno no puede más que sentirse identificado. No deja de hablar sobre los prejuicios y lo equivocadas que son las primeras impresiones. También presenta una visión clara sobre las consecuencias del bullying, pero a la vez, plantea a través de Frank un viaje de transición y superación.
Engrandece la novela las ilustraciones a pluma y tinta de Levi Pinfold. Cada una de ellas sabe capturar el aire tétrico y mágico que rodean las palabras de A. F. Harrold. Permite a los lectores imaginar y meterse de lleno en la historia. Oscuras y misteriosas, siniestras e ingeniosas, nos dejan constantemente ese halo de inquietud que nos envuelve a seguir leyendo con cierta tensión cada vuelta de hoja. Es cierto que no me ha terminado de calar tan hondo como Los imaginarios, pero Una canción de muy lejos es otra novela middle grade de A. F. Harrold de lo más recomendable.
Reseña en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
¿No deberías estar agradecida a quién te salve del matón de la escuela y sus secuaces? Eso se pregunta Frank, nuestra protagonista, cuando Nick la rescata de Neil Noble y sus acólitos Rob y Roy. Pero resulta que Nick Underbridge, grandote, feo y con mal olor, no es alguien con el que deban verte. Cuando Frank tiene la intención de dar las gracias e irse de la casa de Nick tan rápido como pueda, una música comienza a sonar. Es reconfortante, hermosa y dulce. Frank no quiere dejar de escuchar esa música. Por ello volverá a la casa de Nick. Todo esto llevará a nuestra joven protagonista a descubrir los secretos que oculta la casa de Nick.
A.F. Harrold escribe una historia simple pero efectiva, repleta de encanto, imaginación, algún momento chistoso y otros espeluznantes. Un libro para todas las edades, escrito de forma casi poética en ocasiones, creando un velo de fantasía alrededor de la pura cotidianidad. Lo más interesante de 'Una canción de muy lejos' es que trata al lector de forma sincera. Casi tanto, que uno no puede más que sentirse identificado. No deja de hablar sobre los prejuicios y lo equivocadas que son las primeras impresiones. También presenta una visión clara sobre las consecuencias del bullying, pero a la vez, plantea a través de Frank un viaje de transición y superación.
Engrandece la novela las ilustraciones a pluma y tinta de Levi Pinfold. Cada una de ellas sabe capturar el aire tétrico y mágico que rodean las palabras de A. F. Harrold. Permite a los lectores imaginar y meterse de lleno en la historia. Oscuras y misteriosas, siniestras e ingeniosas, nos dejan constantemente ese halo de inquietud que nos envuelve a seguir leyendo con cierta tensión cada vuelta de hoja. Es cierto que no me ha terminado de calar tan hondo como Los imaginarios, pero Una canción de muy lejos es otra novela middle grade de A. F. Harrold de lo más recomendable.
Reseña en el blog: https://boywithletters.blogspot.com/2...
October 14, 2018
I rarely use the word ‘love’ about a book, but this one has a place in my heart. Harrold manages to capture both the mundane and magical concerns and conflicts of a young girl who must navigate herself through a remarkable series of events. It is also not often that I find myself ‘unable to put the book down’ (I hate this cliche) but I was able to put my trust fully into the thoughtful, unpredictable and well rounded plot, feeling a wonderful sense of clarity, resolution, and coming full-circle at the ending that I had missed with The Imaginary.
The characters were each complex and faintly familiar- they could have been any number of nondescript people from my own childhood. I thought Harrold’s decision to treat Frank’s conscience/stomach as it’s own character was an ingenious device to allow her internal struggles to play out for the reader, who grow ever more sympathetic to her as she becomes increasingly and unapologetically more honest with herself and her decisions.
Several tropes reminded me of The Imaginary, and I enjoyed these elements in both stories: the cat bridging/protecting the entrances to two (or more) worlds; dark, shadowy, greedy villains who try to seep into worlds in which they don’t belong; and of unlikely / unorthodox friendships.
This was truly a heartwarming and enriching read. I would recommend this to children and adults alike, especially to the many children who like Stranger Things, as I believe this book would provide them with a similar dose of other worlds, unlikely friendships, and children coming to the rescue.
The characters were each complex and faintly familiar- they could have been any number of nondescript people from my own childhood. I thought Harrold’s decision to treat Frank’s conscience/stomach as it’s own character was an ingenious device to allow her internal struggles to play out for the reader, who grow ever more sympathetic to her as she becomes increasingly and unapologetically more honest with herself and her decisions.
Several tropes reminded me of The Imaginary, and I enjoyed these elements in both stories: the cat bridging/protecting the entrances to two (or more) worlds; dark, shadowy, greedy villains who try to seep into worlds in which they don’t belong; and of unlikely / unorthodox friendships.
This was truly a heartwarming and enriching read. I would recommend this to children and adults alike, especially to the many children who like Stranger Things, as I believe this book would provide them with a similar dose of other worlds, unlikely friendships, and children coming to the rescue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2017
"Stomachs don't lie."
A beautifully written, captivating story about a main character who discovers new, mysterious worlds outside of herself and new worlds inside of herself as she learns to love and value someone different and listen to her gut.
A beautifully written, captivating story about a main character who discovers new, mysterious worlds outside of herself and new worlds inside of herself as she learns to love and value someone different and listen to her gut.
February 19, 2019
SINOPSIS: El libro nos habla de dos niños, Frank es una niña que se siente sola, sus amigas están de vacaciones y solo quedan los niños abusones que le hacen bulling. Nick, es un chico de su colegio, al que todo el mundo aparta por ser distinto, es alto, el más alto de todos y muy grande, él esconde un secreto que no debe saber nadie.
Frank y Nick se hacen amigos, es verano y tienen todo el tiempo del mundo, podemos decir que no se hacen amigos en seguida, Frank y sus miedos por quedarse sola hacen que sea reticente a la hora de asentar su amistad con Nick, pero realmente se lo pasan bien juntos y a Frank le gusta la música que suena en casa de él, le hace sentir bien, feliz, así que necesita descubrir de donde viene...
OPINIÓN: Me ha gustado mucho, es una historia en que los dos protagonistas sufren bulling por unos niños abusones. Es verano y Frank está sola, sus amigas no están y solo está Nick y los abusones, Nick la ayuda cuando se meten con ella y allí empieza una aventura mágica de amistad y fantasía.
Se lee muy rápido, creo que es una historia muy original, trata el bulling que es un tema del que hay que hablar y visualizar y de cómo la amistad puede romper barreras pero de una forma que te hace concienciar de lo que está mal y lo que está bien. Es un cuento mágico y muy bonito.
Frank y Nick se hacen amigos, es verano y tienen todo el tiempo del mundo, podemos decir que no se hacen amigos en seguida, Frank y sus miedos por quedarse sola hacen que sea reticente a la hora de asentar su amistad con Nick, pero realmente se lo pasan bien juntos y a Frank le gusta la música que suena en casa de él, le hace sentir bien, feliz, así que necesita descubrir de donde viene...
OPINIÓN: Me ha gustado mucho, es una historia en que los dos protagonistas sufren bulling por unos niños abusones. Es verano y Frank está sola, sus amigas no están y solo está Nick y los abusones, Nick la ayuda cuando se meten con ella y allí empieza una aventura mágica de amistad y fantasía.
Se lee muy rápido, creo que es una historia muy original, trata el bulling que es un tema del que hay que hablar y visualizar y de cómo la amistad puede romper barreras pero de una forma que te hace concienciar de lo que está mal y lo que está bien. Es un cuento mágico y muy bonito.
November 2, 2018
I thought it was a very interesting book. I think it will be great for children to discuss the theme about bullying. I found it quite odd and surprising how the mother turned out to be a troll. I liked how the friendship grew between Nick and frank; great moral message of don't judge a book by its cover. The illustrations were great, I think it was a great addition to break up the chunks of text. I would highly recommend this book to children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2019
Una canción de muy lejos ha sido una lectura algo rara, pero genial, muy diferente y conmovedora, sobre la amistad, el amor, y lo importante que es creer en uno mismo.
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
Reseña completa: https://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/20...
February 24, 2019
3.5/5
Una canción de muy lejos tiene una trama que facilita que te cale, y además las ilustraciones de Levi Pinfold convierten la historia en una obra de arte, potenciando la intensidad de la historia y dándole aún más emoción.
Reseña completa en THE BEST READ YET BLOG
Una canción de muy lejos tiene una trama que facilita que te cale, y además las ilustraciones de Levi Pinfold convierten la historia en una obra de arte, potenciando la intensidad de la historia y dándole aún más emoción.
Reseña completa en THE BEST READ YET BLOG
March 19, 2022
Đẹp, vui tươi. Tình bạn kỳ diệu. Một câu chuyện xen kẽ yếu tố kỳ ảo canada.
September 8, 2018
Levi Pinfold's art is beautiful as always, but I think the story's more enjoyable for folks who responded to childhood bullying very differently than I did. Since most of the plot occurs as an outgrowth of Frank's inability to cope with her bullies, I spent most of the plot feeling irritated and frustrated with Frank instead of charmed and intrigued by the peculiar goings-on surrounding her.
October 29, 2018
Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Disclaimer: A physical copy of the book was provided via Bloomsbury India as part of the Bloomsbury Award Winning Readathon. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.
Actual Rating 4.75 Stars
This was my first book for the amazing month long readathon hosted by Bloomsbury India for its Award Winning books starting from October 15th to November 15th.
The Song From Somewhere Else by A.F. Harrold and Illustrated by Levi Pinfold is the winner of THE AMNESTY CILIP HONOUR 2018 & KATE GREENWAY MEDAL.
The Song From Somewhere Else by A.F. Harrold is a beautifully illustrated middle grade fiction that had me enthralled right till the last page.
Told in the POV of Francesca aka Frank Patel – the story follows her through the summer holidays; she is a young girl who is bullied constantly by a group of boys form her school; has lost her cat and talks constantly with her “stomach” – which is her connection to a part of herself that makes her strive to be the best of who she can be!
During one of the bullying incident; it is the class “freak” – a giant, bumbling boy, Nick saves her. While she does take his help, she knows befriending this boy would also end becoming one more reason for the boys to bully her.
But it’s Nick gentle attitude and the mystery of the gentle music in his house that keeps her rooted to Nick – because being in his house and listening to that music is the only way she feels peaceful and happy.
I adored the way the author has penned down this story – it is mysterious, spooky and unnerving yet it is also one of the most arresting plotlines in a middle grade fiction about family, friendship and loyalty with a hint of paranormal – it is the secret behind the music in Nick’s house that could prove disastrous, if it ever came out.
Most of all, Frank is you and me as tween – the anxiety of finding out your identity, to the pressures that a kid usually under, to knowing that the choices you have made could prove disastrous to finally believing in your own self.
I understand why this book won awards – because it reminded me why I keep falling in love with middle grade fiction, even as an adult.
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March 11, 2018
2018 CARNEGIE LONGLIST BOOK 12/20
This is definitely one of the better books on this list. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was my favourite, but it was different from what I thought it would be, and I did enjoy reading it. The illustrations really made the book that much more magical - they are so gorgeous, all in black and white and haunting. They suit the tone and atmosphere of the book perfectly.
This book follows the story of Frank. So, I will make the embarrassing confession that I thought Frank was a boy. For the first page! Then I got myself sorted out. Everything is fine, okay?
*nervous laughter*
Moving swiftly on, as I was saying, this book is about Frank, who is victimised by the bullies of her town. I’m not sure how old she is, but I think somewhere about 12? Possibly. That is how I imagined her anyway. The bullying she experiences is horrific and awfully realistic. I think this was a very big part of the book and focuses a lot on that. One day, she is rescued by this boy named Nick, who is the strange boy in the class and relatably, Frank doesn’t want to be associated with him, for fear of further bullying. But they end up becoming friends. I feel like the character of Nick wasn’t terribly fleshed out, and the things that Frank found in his house were far more interesting than him. There was a bit of magic in this book, which isn’t very well explained or shown in the blurb. If you are interested in a heart warming story of friendship and all that, go check this out.
The writing is very nice. It has a beautiful flow, and the whole book is one smooth read. Probably one of those that you can read in one sitting. The story is simple but effective, the characters fit it well. There were some humourous moments, such as the times when Frank seems to have long conversations with her stomach, who doesn’t really like doing anything dangerous or intimidating. There are also sad moments as well, and I think this book carries lots of important messages about fitting in and family and friendships, and not caring about what other people think about you. People of all ages would enjoy it.
I think this book deserves at least a place on the shortlist. It is on the better end of the scale out of the books that I have read so far. And I love the illustrations! It is very simple but not forgettable, and the story is unique and carries beautiful undertones. Definitely recommend to anyone who likes a heartwarming story, with a small touch of magic.
This is definitely one of the better books on this list. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was my favourite, but it was different from what I thought it would be, and I did enjoy reading it. The illustrations really made the book that much more magical - they are so gorgeous, all in black and white and haunting. They suit the tone and atmosphere of the book perfectly.
This book follows the story of Frank. So, I will make the embarrassing confession that I thought Frank was a boy. For the first page! Then I got myself sorted out. Everything is fine, okay?
*nervous laughter*
Moving swiftly on, as I was saying, this book is about Frank, who is victimised by the bullies of her town. I’m not sure how old she is, but I think somewhere about 12? Possibly. That is how I imagined her anyway. The bullying she experiences is horrific and awfully realistic. I think this was a very big part of the book and focuses a lot on that. One day, she is rescued by this boy named Nick, who is the strange boy in the class and relatably, Frank doesn’t want to be associated with him, for fear of further bullying. But they end up becoming friends. I feel like the character of Nick wasn’t terribly fleshed out, and the things that Frank found in his house were far more interesting than him. There was a bit of magic in this book, which isn’t very well explained or shown in the blurb. If you are interested in a heart warming story of friendship and all that, go check this out.
The writing is very nice. It has a beautiful flow, and the whole book is one smooth read. Probably one of those that you can read in one sitting. The story is simple but effective, the characters fit it well. There were some humourous moments, such as the times when Frank seems to have long conversations with her stomach, who doesn’t really like doing anything dangerous or intimidating. There are also sad moments as well, and I think this book carries lots of important messages about fitting in and family and friendships, and not caring about what other people think about you. People of all ages would enjoy it.
I think this book deserves at least a place on the shortlist. It is on the better end of the scale out of the books that I have read so far. And I love the illustrations! It is very simple but not forgettable, and the story is unique and carries beautiful undertones. Definitely recommend to anyone who likes a heartwarming story, with a small touch of magic.
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January 16, 2018Πρόκειται για ένα middle grade μυθιστόρημα, που θα μπορούσε να διαβαστεί και από μεγαλύτερους. Έχει ήρεμο ρυθμό και εστιάζει στη σχέση δύο παιδιών. Η Φράνκι "αναγκάζεται" να κάνει παρέα με τον Νικ, που όλοι τον αποφεύγουν λόγω παράξενης εμφάνισης, και ανακαλύπτει το μυστικό του, που την φέρνει σε επαφή με έναν άλλο κόσμο. Μου έδωσε την αίσθηση ότι γράφτηκαν πολλές επιπλέον σελίδες για να προκύψει ένα βιβλίο 220 περίπου σελίδων, αλλά αυτό είναι, ίσως, θέμα γούστου. Ξεχωρίζει η εικονογράφηση που ακολουθεί τη "σχολή"/ "ύφος" της σκέψης και όχι του εντυπωσιασμού. Οι εικόνες σε κάνουν να σκέφτεσαι, να προσπαθείς να δεις μέσα τους, κάτι σπάνιο, που συνήθως ξενίζει τους αναγνώστες που έχουν συνηθίσει σε πιο "εύκολα" στιλ εικονογράφησης.
Είναι ένα βιβλίο που το αγόρασα από το τμήμα με τα ξενόγλωσσα χωρίς να έχω διαβάσει καμία κριτική ή να γνωρίζω τον συγγραφέα. Γενικά, θα ακολουθήσω αυτό το σύστημα για ένα διάστημα για να βγάλω κάποια συμπεράσματα.
Είναι ένα βιβλίο που το αγόρασα από το τμήμα με τα ξενόγλωσσα χωρίς να έχω διαβάσει καμία κριτική ή να γνωρίζω τον συγγραφέα. Γενικά, θα ακολουθήσω αυτό το σύστημα για ένα διάστημα για να βγάλω κάποια συμπεράσματα.
May 25, 2019
Supongo que Los imaginarios habían dejado el listón muy alto. En está ocasión sigue contando muy bien la historia, es un buen cuentista y de eso se trata en gran parte. Tiene algunos recursos y detalles originales pero sin embargo no acaba de cuajar.
La parte de fantasía al principio es original pero luego flojea y le queda un tanto facilón el desenlace.
Pero lo que me ha parecido más decepcionante es como presenta y trata el problema de Frank; resalta y parece que apruebe el que ella no cuente nada a nadie. Quizás se podría ver como un espejo y que nos quiera decir justo lo contrario, pero el caso es que no sólo no lo dice sino que Frank está como orgullosa de no contárselo a sus padres ni a nadie. Y siendo un libro dirigido también a niños me parece un mensaje confuso.
Añadir que el libro es muy bonito y las ilustraciones muy a tono y acertadas. Esas sombras en las páginas es como si se enredasen en los dedos al pasar página.
La parte de fantasía al principio es original pero luego flojea y le queda un tanto facilón el desenlace.
Pero lo que me ha parecido más decepcionante es como presenta y trata el problema de Frank; resalta y parece que apruebe el que ella no cuente nada a nadie. Quizás se podría ver como un espejo y que nos quiera decir justo lo contrario, pero el caso es que no sólo no lo dice sino que Frank está como orgullosa de no contárselo a sus padres ni a nadie. Y siendo un libro dirigido también a niños me parece un mensaje confuso.
Añadir que el libro es muy bonito y las ilustraciones muy a tono y acertadas. Esas sombras en las páginas es como si se enredasen en los dedos al pasar página.
March 11, 2019
Reseña completa en el blog: http://elviajeporunlibro.blogspot.com...
August 17, 2017
I didn’t know what to think about this novel, the more that I read it. The story seemed typical until I started to know Nick and his situation. Nick was like an outcast for he was different but he didn’t seem to let that bother him much as he kept to himself. Nick didn’t have to go in and save Frank from the bullies that were bothering her but he did and that confrontation was just the beginning of what was going to occur. Frank was a victim of bullying, an act her father knew nothing about it but I felt it changed her personality. Frank seems scared of these boys, she tries to dodge them whenever she saw them because she knew they would harass her, they always did. It just so happens that Nick is around when Frank is being bullied and he steps in and provides some relief from the bullying. Frank doesn’t know what to think of Nick’s actions because now she feels a connection to him, a connection that will draw attention. It was nice to see these two individuals coming together but I had to wonder which one would walk away from their connection first. Frank didn’t want the added attention and Nick is keeping a secret, something so wild and extreme, I didn’t know what to think of it. Frank and Nick are alike yet they feel they have so much to lose by forming an honest relationship with each other. What is the future of this relationship and does Frank’s bullying go away because of her relationship with Nick or does it escalate? I found that I liked this novel more after I was finished reading it, when I could put everything together than when I was reading it. A novel about bullying, friendship and family, this novel is entertaining and full of surprises.
October 10, 2016
A F Harrold weaves a beautiful tale. There is mystery, friendship and love.
The Song From Somewhere Else portrays bullying in a way that I think would bring a lot of understanding to readers. If you’ve been (or are being) bullied that Frank will be someone who you sympathise with, I saw so much of my school years reflected in her that it was quite eerie, but also really good because I think if you’ve been there you’d find sympathy in this story. For those readers who aren’t in Frank’s shoes or know somebody like her and don’t understand why that person isn’t ‘speaking up’, The Song From Somewhere Else reminds you that bullying is so complicated.
Nick and Frank’s friendship isn’t instant. Frank goes to his house because of the mysterious music, not because of Nick. As she gets to know him it becomes a real friendship, one that can stand up to a lot. Then there is the revelation to the secret of the music, a talking cat and of course beautiful artwork that accompanies this story.
All of it makes The Song From Somewhere Else a highly recommendable book.
The Song From Somewhere Else portrays bullying in a way that I think would bring a lot of understanding to readers. If you’ve been (or are being) bullied that Frank will be someone who you sympathise with, I saw so much of my school years reflected in her that it was quite eerie, but also really good because I think if you’ve been there you’d find sympathy in this story. For those readers who aren’t in Frank’s shoes or know somebody like her and don’t understand why that person isn’t ‘speaking up’, The Song From Somewhere Else reminds you that bullying is so complicated.
Nick and Frank’s friendship isn’t instant. Frank goes to his house because of the mysterious music, not because of Nick. As she gets to know him it becomes a real friendship, one that can stand up to a lot. Then there is the revelation to the secret of the music, a talking cat and of course beautiful artwork that accompanies this story.
All of it makes The Song From Somewhere Else a highly recommendable book.
October 7, 2018
I’m not going to tell you about this book. You need to read it! If I reveal the story it will spoil your experience. Suffice to say I was reading at a pace toward the end- scrabbling to find out what would happen! I know it’s been a great story when I feel like that. This book deals with lots of issues but not least bullying.....no more, Les,no more...
Read it then let’s talk.
But, can I just say Pinfold’s illustrations are truly outstanding. They add to the book in the most delicate, subtle way. They interpret the story beautifully.
For me, this book is a complete, all round winner" I’m off to find more from Harrold.
Read it then let’s talk.
But, can I just say Pinfold’s illustrations are truly outstanding. They add to the book in the most delicate, subtle way. They interpret the story beautifully.
For me, this book is a complete, all round winner" I’m off to find more from Harrold.
November 11, 2016
I loved this engaging, beautiful, dark and amusing book that was surprisingly full of adventure and light.
February 18, 2017
Review to come!
November 14, 2020
If your child is getting a bit bored with children's stories and they've got to that age where they are looking for something a bit darker, something that could scare them just a little bit, then the books of A. F. Harrold are perfect for them. Guaranteed to have them on the edge of their seat and inspire them to take that next step and start reading slightly more grown up books. I read The Imaginary and The Afterwards to my daughter and had some great discussions about the story, alas by the time I got a copy of The Song From Somewhere Else she had stopped me reading to her....it didn't stop me from picking it up and having a read on my own.
This was another fantastic book by Harrold, a story featuring many of the everyday problems a child faces, embarrassing Dads, absent parents, fitting in at school, bullies, trolls and weird creatures from another dimension, I remember all these things from my childhood. Whilst this one wasn't as moving as the previous two books I read it was still a very good story and it was nice to read as the friendship between Frank and Nick developed. To read about all the inner turmoil that Frank was experiencing, the fear she dealt with each time she went near the park where the bullies hang out was awful, it was all the more awful because there are kids made to live like this everyday.
This is a great little book full of amazing illustrations, an incredible amount of detail in the images, I would consider each of these three books a piece of art that would look great on anybody's shelves.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
This was another fantastic book by Harrold, a story featuring many of the everyday problems a child faces, embarrassing Dads, absent parents, fitting in at school, bullies, trolls and weird creatures from another dimension, I remember all these things from my childhood. Whilst this one wasn't as moving as the previous two books I read it was still a very good story and it was nice to read as the friendship between Frank and Nick developed. To read about all the inner turmoil that Frank was experiencing, the fear she dealt with each time she went near the park where the bullies hang out was awful, it was all the more awful because there are kids made to live like this everyday.
This is a great little book full of amazing illustrations, an incredible amount of detail in the images, I would consider each of these three books a piece of art that would look great on anybody's shelves.
Blog review: https://felcherman.wordpress.com/2020...
January 22, 2023
A dark story to read. I love how unpredictable this story is and how different the characters are.
It is the story of a girl who’s being bullied. It is also the story of an unexpected friendship between two lonely people who do not seem to fit in.
The plot is based on their interactions and the big secrets they are both hiding.
The uncertainty in what we are scared of and how we are afraid of the unknown shown perfectly in the writing.
Lots of bullying going in and I would say it’s triggering.
If at all you plan to read this short but dark read, feel okay to put it down when it feels like it’s too much. Please do take your time.
It is the story of a girl who’s being bullied. It is also the story of an unexpected friendship between two lonely people who do not seem to fit in.
The plot is based on their interactions and the big secrets they are both hiding.
The uncertainty in what we are scared of and how we are afraid of the unknown shown perfectly in the writing.
Lots of bullying going in and I would say it’s triggering.
If at all you plan to read this short but dark read, feel okay to put it down when it feels like it’s too much. Please do take your time.
July 30, 2018
I am lost for words with this incredible book. A story that sees the collision of multiple different worlds, and one that was brooding, troubling and totally cathartic. Harrold merges fantasy with bullying so fluidly, and the inner turmoil experienced by the protagonist was without a doubt one of the best that I have ever read. It is this book that speaks for those living in fear and who find it difficult to be brave. A stunningly dark collaboration that was peppered with glimmers of light, and made for truly atmospheric reading.
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