Suck a good book both from the perspective of the boy and the mother. Being a special needs parent you truly have to become your child advocate. Very well written couldn’t put it down once I started

What a beautiful, well written and emotional book. I fell in love with Jackson and his unusual ways as he tries to live in a world where no one quite understands him. It tells the story of a mother struggling to cope while a husband is working and Jackson who is neurodivergent faces his own daily struggles

Told in the perspectives of Julia, his Mum and Jackson himself, it highlights how people can interpret a situation differently from the truth based on their own experiences and perspective. It was heart breaking at times and I longed to jump into the story, grab and hold Jackson tight to take him away from situations especially when it veered in a direction I was not expecting. In contrast, there were moments of fun and uplifting emotions. The topics covered were dealt with sensitively and well researched.

I didn’t want to leave Jackson behind because I felt I knew the family as a friend and wanted to keep in touch.

Fiona Higgins An Unusual Boy is an impressive and thought provoking read. 

The writing is absolutely fabulous. With the story told from two povs, Jackson and his mother Julia, both characters and their family life are wonderfully developed. And the storyline is one hell of a difficult subject.

Jackson is a young boy with special needs. He lives in his own very literal world. His story, and the way he views and interacts with the world, was a very difficult read for me. I was worried throughout and my heart hurt so badly for Jackson. As a boy often stuck in his own head, unable to communicate fully with the world as a whole, I dreaded where this story was going. 

Julia's pov, fully illustrating how all consuming and difficult it can be to raise such a child, is amazingly well done. I appreciate the small moments when she can break through to what he's thinking and appreciate this special child. And damn, one can easily relate to some of her thoughts that if only the other people knew how tough every damn day is for her. And that, damn, it can always be worse.

I don't want to give away the twists and turns. This story definitely gets serious and hits on some harrowing subjects. Go into this story with an open mind, knowing you will be unable to put down this riveting tale. That said, I did want to put it down. I wanted to stop reading because I couldn't take the pain anymore. But I couldn't actually put it down. And I am glad. 

I can't recommend An Unusual Boy enough. Every single moment of this Fiona Higgins story is making an important point. Every single moments is telling a tale of extremely important issues, and some of the problems in our society with dealing with children such as Jackson.

I read this book very quickly thanks to such an engaging talented author! Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Great characters, setting and storyline. Would highly recommend.

I wanted to carry on reading this book but things got in the way last September with over commitments so I picked this book book a couple of days ago and finished it in a flash. Such a well written book with a subject matter that really keeps your attention, not only that, you’re emotions are going to be wrecked. I kid you not when I say how all over the place I was with my feelings.

I’m with the majority, it’s a book you shouldn’t miss.

Some books had to be read to really understand the beauty of it. This one by author Fiona Higgins blew me away with the concept where a boy on the spectrum was accused of an unmentionable incident.

My first foray into the author’s writing, I got a vivid picture of how life was for a mother with 3 kids, with an absentee father, and who was working too. Life was a matter of dealing with the individual mini-crisises of the day and keeping them safe.

Jackson, the middle child, was different from birth. He did headstands; he remembered some things suddenly; he phoned his dead granny. He was pure innocence as his brain was wired that way with inane curiosity at times.

The author slowly built up their lives with alternate chapters from Mother Julia and Jackson’s POV, until the day when Jackson diverted from his path.

With the cops involved, the story turned. I was ready to throw my fists at the mother for not understanding how to get the truth from the son, the cops at their slip-shoddy methods, and the absentee father who suddenly appeared to lord over them.

The writing brought out the hidden nuances. It was enlightening to see how the mind of a child so different from others worked. But there was a niggle or two. The chapters didn’t have a heading, I didn’t know whose POV I was reading. I found that distracting to switch over. I wanted more of my emotions to be evoked.

The story transformed beautifully when the family finally settled and the truth was laid bare. Jackson truly was an unusual boy, an angel from heavens, with the blessing of his granny.

A sweet read. Go on… Try it.

I was totally drawn into this story and really identified with Julia. She is a mum who is trying her best to keep going, even when everything is falling apart around her. She makes mistakes, she gets things wrong, she doubts herself but every decision she makes is to protect her family. 

I must admit that there were times that I had to put this incredible book down. I could sense where things were going and just wasn't ready to go there too. An Unusual Boy is a story of how quickly and dramatically things can go wrong when we do not see the whole picture, when we make assumptions and hear what we think we are going to rather than the words that are really being said. 

Jackson is different, and sometimes that can seem difficult. He often struggles to express himself and lashes out because no-one seems to understand him. He knows that his family love him, but his relationship with his dad is fraught with misunderstandings and disappointments. Jackson has the most incredible memory but often can't find the right words. I loved Jackson, his sisters and his mum right from the beginning. The author made me care and then made me cry with sadness and rage. 

I really like that the perspective changes throughout, between Julia's and Jackson's. Julia shows us just how hard but how incredibly rewarding being a parent is and Jackson gives us his unique perspective of the world. 

An Unusual Boy is brilliantly written, intriguing, full of realistic characters and has a storyline that will break your heart.

I saw a review of this book on social media and it sounded like something I really needed to read. 
I wanted to read this as the subject was something close to my heart, I have family members with Autism, ADHA, Aspergers along with friends whose children also have  issues. 
This book was brilliantly written, and could be an eye opener for a lot of people who don't understand. This book is warm but heartbreaking. this book shows just what a family can go through. Spending years trying to find reasons, diagnosis or even any for of help. You would jump through hoops for your children, but how much do you have to Jump to get the correct help and care. 
This book was real, this book come alive, this book could be about any one of our familes. 

A fantastic read. 

This is one of those books that could cause debates, one that you could talk about a long time after reading it. There maybe things you don't agree with, there maybe moments that 'you could have written those words' don't hold it in, talk.

Jackson is an unusual boy & his behavior is misunderstood. After a significant incident at school causes him to be in the middle of a legal case, his mom and family have to go to bat for him- in order for others to finally understand how his brain works.

What a wonderful story highlighting the struggles a Neurodiverse person faces. I loved how the narrative switched between Jackson and his mum. 

This a wonderful story, heart warming and often humorous with a range of well depicted characters which made me smile and made me cry. Highly recommend as a winter snuggle into book. 

 As Nana Pam says to Jackson's sister "Normal doesn't exist, darling" "It's just a cycle on the washing machine." 4.5★

I picked this book as stories with neurotypical characters interest me, especially as I have 2 children with autism. But I don’t think I was ready for how dark this story got. Jackson has an undiagnosed condition, he is different to other kids his age, he gets unsettled easily, and remembers everything from his life - he calls himself a memory magnet.

This story shows just how easily manipulated children be, especially if they are easily impressionable like children with special needs. The story delves into the life of Jackson, his mum Julia, dad Andy, and 2 sisters 9 year old Ruby and 14 year old Milla. Jackson befriends a boy from soccer who is also in his class at school, but things aren’t as they seem and it gets a bit scary. Especially when the ‘toilet incident’ happens and the police come calling. 

My heart broke for the family and poor Jackson going through this awful ordeal. And Julia, I can’t even imagine, going through something like this as a mother must be horrendous, especially when your child doesn’t understand fully what’s even happening. The shoe phone was a lovely touch and made me feel like Jackson had somewhere he could escape and talk about things. There were a few times I gasped, and other times I sat with my hand across my mouth as I read.

I rated this book 5 stars as I just could not put it down, but be warned there are trigger warnings in this story before you read.

Thanks again to Boldwood Books, Netgalley and as always, the author Fiona Higgins.

Jackson is the middle child, he has an elder sister & a younger one. However he is very different from them He has a great memory, likes things to be black & white & often gets overwhelmed by all the thoughts in his head ( he finds headstands help- no matter where he is!) Having recently moved to a new area & new school he struggles to make friends. His dad works away a lot & he misses him. When he gets invited back to Digby's house after a soccer game he & his mum are delighted! However something upsets him there. An incident in the school toilets results in unimaginable consequences. 

The story is told alternately from Julia & Jackson's perspective which gives the reader an insight the narrators don't have. I really liked the family. I loved Jackson & his trains of thought. The sisters were great- it must be hard living with someone who is different. I really wanted to shake some sense into the father! This gave an insight into how life might be for families who struggle on trying to find answers. 

Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this unusual book.

5☆ A Thought Provoking, Poignant and Unforgettable Read! 

An Unusual Boy is a story that not only got under my skin, it was poignant, thought provoking, a roller coaster of emotion and quiet frankly an unforgettable read! 

This is the first time when writing a review I'm stumped at what to write....and believe me it's nothing to do with anything wrong it's because this book was so brilliant I don't know where to start. But what I do know is that you need to read this book for yourself!! 

I adore reading books where disabilities are featured, and I've watched many a crime tv show and some not dissimilar to this story.
But what I will say is this book is in no way predictable, Higgins made this book come to life.
I could feel Jackson's Mum (Julia) anguish and heartbreak trying to find the truth whilst fighting.
At times Jackson's quirks and innocence made me want to hug him.
As I said before this book is a roller coaster of emotion and every bit deserving of 5☆ I would give 10☆ if I could! An Unusual Boy is a book that will stay with me for a very long time! 

Just one last thing, the book cover is absolutely stunning, in some ways haunting, and draws you in. I loved it! 

I don't think I have anything left to say except You Need To Read This Unputdownable Book ASAP!!! 

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

A beautiful and heartbreaking book. Jackson is an unusual and unique boy who struggles to fit into a society that doesn't have the time to deal with anyone who doesn't conform. Julia is a Mum who would give anything to make her son's life easier and wants the world to understand her son for the beautiful soul he is. An incredibly well written book that will keep you gripped throughout.

Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books of the arc of An Unusual Boy by Fiona Higgins.

4 star read for me, this was a very heartwarming emotional and sensational read for me, this was an amazing book and this is a heart stoppable read in which i really enjoyed this book so much and I recommend for all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐

An Unusual Boy recounts the struggles of Jackson, a neurodiverse tween boy, and his family after he is accused of a terrible action against a younger girl. Higgins takes readers through strong emotions including regret, anger and helplessness, but also demonstrates love, acceptance, and justice. 

I like that each character faces both joys and challenges, and through this, each character was developed well. I especially liked to see the growth of Julia and her mother-in-law's relationship, and how the family truly gathered around to support Jackson. This book didn't take me too long to read at all, and held my attention throughout.

Note: I was given a free ebook copy of An Unusual Boy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Jackson is ‘neurodiverse’, which means he is different or unusual, as the title states. He is also loving, kind and wants to do the right thing. I found this book heart breaking as injustice was meted out. His mother was struggling with the demands of life, and his father was in denial. I really enjoyed the writing style, and connected with all the characters. Kept me engaged throughout. If only life really worked out as well as this book did.

I felt so emotionally involved in Jackson's story, and that's what made this book such a winner for me. Impeccable writing from Fiona Higgins, I would recommend this book to anyone. A great story about people and what makes them different, I loved it.

This is a highly emotional and thought-provoking story of a family struggling with the growing distance between them caused by mounting work and life pressures including the  complex special needs of one of their children who is misunderstood and misdiagnosed as well trying to cope as a lone parent whilst the other always seems to be away on business.  This is a rollercoaster of a book, disturbing, shocking and upsetting at times but ultimately heartening end enlightening.

What a beautiful and heartbreaking book that ultimately is about love and family and how sometimes being different is not a bad thing but actually an amazing blessing. This book is about a families love and learning to accept each other even if you can’t always understand each other. Everyone of us is magical and amazing just as we are and that’s what matters.