The Final Year

The highly anticipated debut verse novel from poet Matt Goodfellow, and the winner of the CLiPPA Poetry Award 2024. The action takes place over the course of Nate's final year at Primary school, a time of stress and change for many students. On top of this, Nate is frequently caring for his two younger brothers while his mum's out of the house, grappling with the changing dynamics of his friendships, managing his internal anger which he refers to as 'The Beast', and his world is further rocked by a disaster that befalls his family. 

Nate is a lover of words, who finds solace in the works of David Almond, encouraged by his new teacher Mr Joshua. A profound love and appreciation of the power of words, language and voice also permeates the narrative, encapsulated in the voice of Nate which is partially written in Mancunian dialect. Joe Todd-Stanton's poignant greyscale artwork interplays beautifully with the text, in this accomplished novel of finding your people and finding your voice. 

Winner of the CLiPPA 2024.