"The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling" by Cara Thurlbourn is an insightful novel into the struggle of homelessness and how one teen's desperation gave him the opportunity of a lifetime.

Freddie and Violet form an unlikely friendship due to Freddie's split-second decision to take refuge off the streets in Violet's family home. As the two become close, they realize they are both hurting in ways only the two of them can understand. Together, the two find a way to help one another despite all the odds against them, including their strange living situation.

This novel touches on some difficult topics, such as substance abuse, depression and anxiety, sudden death, sexual assault, and homelessness. While there's a lot to grapple with, the story has light-hearted moments that highlight the unique friendship Violet and Freddie find with one another. The novel focuses on learning to cope with mental illness, overcoming one's situation, and how to rely on others for support. It's a touching story with lots of laugh-out-loud moments mixed in with some heartbreak.

Though the novel touches on some heavy topics, the mystery behind Freddie's homelessness and Violet's own issues keeps the story moving at a fast pace. Despite the rough life he's led, Freddie has a very upbeat and optimistic attitude. Not only does Freddie's personality create some hilarious moments but he also highlights the prejudices of society and the way people discriminate against the homeless. Violet is his opposite in some ways. She can be upbeat but she's also sensitive and very artistic which creates some deep moments between the two where they can really connect with one another.

The ending felt a little rushed as everything seemed to come together all at once and there wasn't much of a chance to sit with the mysteries that unraveled. Even still, this was a touching story that fans of teen fiction or contemporary fiction would really enjoy. It's well worth the read! Look for the book on its expected publication date of July 8th, 2021!

Thank you to Netgalley and Wise Wolf Books (IBPA) for providing me with a free e-arc of this novel and the opportunity to share my honest opinion in this review.

Freddie has been alone on the streets for a long time, ever since being kicked out by his alcoholic father. He has nothing to his name except for a couple of pounds and his backpack. When he sees a family leave on vacation, he only means to close the banging front door for them so that no one breaks in. The allure of warmth is too much for him, and the next thing he knows, he is inside the house. With strong convictions about what is allowed, he only eats some food that is turning bad and doesn’t allow himself to sit on the sleep in the beds. He gives up his last two pound to their money jar for the water and soap he uses. Seeing on the calendar that the family will be gone for three weeks, Freddie comes up with a plan to use the few weeks of break from the cold to get himself off the streets for good. However, when the family comes back a week early, he must run and hide in the attic.

Cara Thurlbourn’s The Boy Who Lived in the Ceiling is a fantastic YA novel coming out in July 2021. While there is a slight romance aspect to it, the book is a coming of age story about finding oneself. It highlights the very real problem of homelessness and the great need for compassion.

I was very surprised how much I enjoyed The Boy Living In The Ceiling. This book grabs you from chapter one and you just can't put it down. This story follows two teens Freddie a homeless boy and Violet the girl whose house Freddy is hiding in. When Freddie stumbles across a family leaving on a trip and noticed their front door is open, He decided to live in their house till they return. But when they arrive early he is forced to hide in their attic. This story is told from Freddie and Violet. point of view and you really connect with these two teens. The only thing I didn't like was the story tied up the ending too quickly and I felt I needed more details on what happened.

In the blink of an eye, through no fault of his own, teenage Freddy is suddenly homeless. His path crosses with Violet’s in the most unimaginable way. Helpful, kind, and compassionate, she’s everything that’s been missing from his life. But will she feel the same when she finds out his deepest secret? Definitely a story that tugged at my heartstrings even if pieces of the plot were a bit far fetched

Love, love, loved this book! 💛

A beautifully written, moving story of friendship, relationships & the meaning of life.

Homelessness, mental health & death are touched upon in a sensitive, yet realistic manner.

'𝘼 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙙𝙤𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙞𝙡, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝!'

Freddie is homeless, very alone & carrying a big secret. Violet is beginning to find life a struggle, what with her Grandmother dying, her younger brother becoming mute & her parents always arguing.

Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

A beautiful tale of friendship told from the two perspectives of Freddie, a boy who feels invisible, and Violet, a girl whose world is falling apart. Dealing with the sensitive issues of homelessness, bullying and mental health, Cara Thurlbourn's wonderful novel serves as an emotional reminder that children and teens can feel the pain of living just as much as any adult. I suggest you buy this book to gift to any young person in your life who may be struggling.

Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A story unlike any other, Freddie and Violet will renew your faith in human kindness, friendship and love.

I try to reserve 5 stars for stories that will stay with me for years to come. Sometimes, one gets so caught up in a story we think it will last forever. But it fades. This one will not fade.

To be honest, it started out slow for me. The uniqueness of the storyline kept me going. And then, BAM, I was hooked. I had to know Freddie’s story. What was his past? What caused his pain and how did he end up where he was?

I can’t answer these questions for you. You have to get inside of him. Meet Violet and spend a night in the attic.

Read this book. See the pain we overlook everyday as we self absorb in our own lives. Find hope in the people who dare to take chances and look beyond themselves. I was left starry eyed and longing for more.

What a beautiful tale of friendship out of the most unusual of circumstances. Freddie was such a lovable character, and one I was rooting for since the first time he walked into Violet’s house. I so badly wanted him to move past his hurt to realize his potential in this world. And then there’s Violet, like many other girls that age who are shunned by people they thought were friends due to distance or social norms. I did not expect the ending, although it’s what I’d secretly hoped for all along.

Perfect read for young adults!

I really enjoyed the story line, and parts of The story very relatable to the problems teenagers face.

The way they story tackles homelessness is really good and made me think as a grown adult about it more, so hopefully bring this awareness to the younger generation will be really good.

It was an easy read and I was engrossed right from the start.

I will be recommended this to friends, especially those with children the book is aimed for

This is the kind of book I would have adored when I was fifteen. I could definitely see the appeal for younger YA readers and I think this book and author has clear potential. Whilst I enjoyed this book, it did read very young for me but that’s probably because of the age range this book is targeted at.

I thought the concept was good and the premise had a strong storyline. It reminded me of the less creepy version of Tarryn Fishers book and this was good.
I liked how the author tackled homelessness and the subject was approached both sensitively but didn’t shy away from the topic either.
The characters were developed and relatable and I liked how the romance side took a backseat and they both built a friendship first.

This is definitely the kind of book I’d recommend for younger readers and it was a sweet and fast read.
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Seriously loved this book! This is an emotional story following the perspectives of two young people, Violet and Freddie. It covers a wide variety of sensitive subjects including homelessness and drug taking. Was sad when it came to an end. Definitely going to purchase this book as a gift for friends.

Having been on a real non-fiction kick at the moment to prep myself for up-coming exams, this book was truly a breath of fresh air. It is a beautifully written YA novel, with engaging and interesting characters (which is honestly something I think multiple YA novels I’ve read in the past have somehow managed to miss the mark on) and the story really tastefully tackles many different issues like homelessness, mental health issues etc. Really, really enjoyable read and I can’t wait to get my hand on a physical copy to lend out for my friends to read to!

A great book for YA. The storyline was inventive. I liked both the main characters and felt they acted and spoke how teens often do. A good balance of humour, sadness and coming-of-age issues. Recommended.

The story of Freddie and Violet.

Freddie being homeless was hard to read. Seeing how he suffered with being invisible to everyone when he was seen as unkempt. Then learning how and what it took to be seen.

Violet sacrificing for her brother and finding out relationships are not always what they appear to be.

This book was heartbreaking to me. It is tough knowing there are people out there similar to Freddie that needs a Violet in their life. I would recommend reading this book.

This is a wonderful book. I finished it in almost one sitting, reading late into the night. It tackels themes of grief and kindness well, and also gives some valuable insight into homelessness, (in particular, how people see - or don't see- the homeless, and how reactions vary according to perception). The two main characters, Freddie and Violet are beautifully created and despite some minor implausibilities, the story is nonetheless easy to fall into and believe in. I was rooting for both characters from early on in the story, (I initially expected Violet to be an unlikeable character and was pleasantly surprised by her) and was impressed by the strong role models both characters present without being stereotypically good. Violet lies; Freddie steals, but both do it for good reason and I was on their side throughout. Their is much sadness in the book, but the overwhelming message is friendship. love and compasion, kindness of strangers, and understanding. I highly recommend this book and it should be given shelf space in every school library.

What a beautiful story.
It's been a while since I read any YA and well, I enjoyed every second of this.

Freddie's story is heart-wrenching and touching and warm and just... ooof I want to give him a cuddle! The relationship he builds with Violet and her family is so sweet. I genuinely would read a sequel to this because I so want to see them living a happy life.

Written in 3rd person narrative, but with a dual POV (alternating chapters), we get to see how both Freddie and Violet develop and help each other grow. Freddie learns to open up and accept help. Violet (who comes from a wealthier background) learns to see past outward appearances and the meaning of true friendship.

"Being homeless, that's kind of what you become: invisible. In a way, that's the worst thing about it."

Although not going into too much detail, the book accurately and honestly tackles the issues of homelessness, depression, grief, and bullying. Not something I would usually pick up, but I'm so glad I did. Thurlbourn's style of writing is clear with steady pacing, wonderfully descriptive (she picks out little details from everyday scenes), and emotive.

"Surely, people wouldn't give more money to someone who looked as if they needed it less?"

A definite recommendation from me!

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC copy.

With raw emotion from the first page The Bot Who Lived in the Ceiling is a poignant examination of grief and how it manifests in different ways.

Freddie, abandoned by his father and step mother, is living on the streets just trying to scrape by while shouldering an unknowable pain. In a chance encounter he witnesses the Johnson family leaving for vacation. When Violet Johnson’s notebook stops the door from closing properly Freddie only means to close the door but is easily tempted by the warm empty house. What follows is a heartbreaking story of people coming together and falling apart. Thurlborn does an excellent job at painting the intricacies of grief, homelessness, depression, and addiction.

This is an emotional story following the perspectives of two young people, Violet and Freddie. Violet is a girl who recently moved schools and has parents who argue quite frequently. Freddie is a homeless boy who finds himself living in Violet’s house while she and her family are on vacation. When they come back sooner than expected, Freddie becomes trapped in the attic. The two grow close after Violet discovers Freddie.

Due to its short length, this was a quick read. However, this doesn’t mean it was completely lighthearted. As mentioned before, this story does deal with homelessness, but sexual assault and grief were also topics discussed in this novel. What I loved about this book is the importance it placed on such topics, the lovable characters, and the relationship between them.

I thought this book was lovely. Freddie was my favorite POV because he was the underdog and I related to that. The only thing that I did not like was the narration. I just couldn’t fully get into it because of it. But the storyline was really cute and I would probably try to read again but in physical form because I might be able to get into it better. But overall it was a lovely book.

Freddie is a homeless teenager whose family has rejected him. He feels hopeless and unworthy. Violet had been happy and popular until she had to leave her friends and go to a new school and is bullied. Due to circumstances that you can read about, Freddie winds up living in Violet's attic, although she and her family are not aware that he is there. When they do meet, they slowly become friends and help each other with their problems. The story is heartwarming and it takes on the issues of bullying and homelessness.