*for Welsh review, see language toggle switch*
Interest age: 12-14
Reading age: 12+
Genre: #fiction #ADHD #neurodiveristy #mystery
A REVIEW BY BECA JONES, YEAR 9
YSGOL Y CREUDDYN.
‘Gan Bwyll a Gwyddbwyll’ is a hefty novel about a schoolboy called Felix Schopp who has ADHD. The original author of the novel is Stewart Foster, but the book has been adapted into Welsh by Bethan Gwanas.
Felix Schopp is the boy who is constantly in trouble in school, and is always in the detention room. Felix finds it difficult to concentrate and to sit still in lessons. But one day Felix's parents go for a short holiday over the weekend and he has to go and stay with his grandfather. His Taid has been very sad since Nain died, and the only thing he was doing was playing chess. Of course, Felix wasn't looking forward to the weekend, but he didn't know how great his grandfather was at playing chess. He insists on teaching Felix how to play!
There’s a clear and powerful message in this novel, namely that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and not everyone excels in everything. Because Felix has ADHD, he's always in trouble for lack of work and concentration. Still, there’s a happy turning point in the novel, as Felix has discovered his inner strength. There are also themes of self-confidence, determination and perseverance in the novel.
In my opinion, unfortunately this novel is not to my taste. This book is a little bit flat, as not much actually happens in it. But maybe that's just my opinion, because normally I love exciting, action-packed and adventurous novels.
So, if you're looking for an exciting and adventurous novel, I wouldn't recommend you buy it. However, this novel is an interesting and calming read, so I don't want to give you a poor impression of the book. I would say it’s suitable for year 7-9 children and young people, as it’s easy and enjoyable to read.
Publisher: Y Lolfa
Released: 2021 Price: £6.99
ISBN: 978-1-80099-066-1
More reviews and info about the book on the BookTrust website:
