Sofa Surfer

Description:

'A story with great heart, and wisdom, which shows the healing power of true friendship' Ele Fountain, author of Boy 87.

Written with humour and heart, Sofa Surfer looks at what it means to be homeless.

Malcolm Duffy's debut novel Me Mam. Me Dad. Me., about domestic violence, won the YA category of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2019, the Redbridge Children's Book Award 2019, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Prize 2019 and selected for World Book Night.

15-year-old Tyler's teenage angst turns to outright rebellion when his family leave London for a new life in Yorkshire. He's angry with his parents about the upheaval and furious at losing his home. With only the dog to confide in, Tyler has no idea that a chance meeting with a skinny girl called Spider will lead him into a world he never even knew existed. Spider is sofa surfing and Tyler finds himself spinning a tangled web of lies in his efforts to help her escape her world of fear and insecurity.

Sofa Surfer shows how empathy and action can help those without a home to go to. As with his widely praised debut Me Mam. Me Dad. Me., Malcolm Duffy finds humour and heart even in dire situations. Relevant, warm and rewarding Sofa Surfer is about what happens when going home isn't an option.

Review: This story about homelessness is truthful and compelling, and Duffy has a talent for imparting serious ideas entertainingly * Book of the Week, Sunday Times *

A crusading novel on a topic that sadly looks to be timeless * Financial Times *

Duffy confirms the promise of his debut Me Mam. Me Dad. Me. in a pertinent and empathetic novel * The Bookseller *

A story with great heart, and wisdom, which shows the healing power of true friendship -- Ele Fountain, author of Boy 87

This is a book which sadly is all too pertinent to the lives of young people today and in the foreseeable political future. A crusading novel that more than lives up to the promise of that powerful debut. Highly recommended -- Joy Court, LoveReading

A glorious, soaring voice telling an important story. Made me guts feel funny, like I was on a rollercoaster -- Joanna Nadin, author of Joe All Alone

This powerful and insightful story highlights the rise of homelessness while never losing humour or heart. It's about family, belonging and the importance of kindness and understanding. Great for book clubs and topical discussion in class * South Wales Evening Post *

A compelling story about homelessness that manages to be very entertaining * Sunday Times *

Shines an uncompromising light on the plight of homeless teenagers and the dangers faced by them on the streets. This is a book that will make you think about how far you would be prepared to help someone like Spider. And in today's troubled times, the ending is particularly poignant and apt * Crime Review. *

A touching, relevant story of the hidden homeless... Duffy's writing is touching, considerate and illuminating, carefully avoiding negative stereotypes or unrealistic rescues. This is a fast-paced story with real heart that will leave all readers ever-changed. A must for all school libraries' * The School Librarian. *

As thoughtful as it is eye-opening, Duffy, with great consideration and sensitivity, refuses to give space to the negative stereotypes and connotations associated with homelessness... A courageous coming-of-age tale of belonging, friendship, and the importance of empathy and understanding... Truthful, compelling and fearlessly insightful, Sofa Surfer, without any shadow of a doubt, lives up to the promise of Duffy's acclaimed and powerful debut, Me Mam. Me Dad. Me. Duffy has once again showcased his talent for writing timely and topical narratives whilst never losing humour and heart' * Armadillo *


Author Biography: Malcolm Duffy is a Geordie born and bred. His debut novel, Me Mam. Me Dad. Me., inspired by his time at Comic Relief visiting projects that support women and children who have suffered as a result of domestic abuse, was published by Zephyr in 2017. It has so far won the YA category of the Sheffield Children's Book Award 2019, the Redbridge Children's Book Award 2019 and was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Prize 2019, the Bristol Teen Book Award 2019 and a host of other prizes.