You Won't Believe This

🏫💥🕵🏼‍♀️

by Adam Baron

★★★-

Review

You Won’t Believe This by Adam Baron is a heartwarming and entertaining book that blends humor and charm with important messages about family, friendship, and the challenges faced by refugees. Told from the perspective of Cymbeline Igloo, a lively and relatable child narrator, the story is filled with modern references to football teams, singers, and school life, making it feel fresh and current for young readers. The short chapters and occasional illustrations keep the story engaging, while the creative use of fonts and capital letters gives readers a fun insight into Cymbeline’s thoughts and feelings.

The book skillfully weaves two storylines together, bringing them to a neat and satisfying conclusion. While Cymbeline’s humorous and often mischievous perspective keeps the tone light and fun, the story also introduces readers to deeper issues, such as the refugee crisis. Adam Baron highlights the perilous journeys taken by those fleeing Vietnam and sheds light on the hardships and bravery of those seeking safety. This makes the book both an enjoyable read and a meaningful way for children to learn about history and compassion.

One of the story’s strengths is its celebration of diversity and the way it shows how the UK has provided refuge to many people. Through Cymbeline’s adventures, readers gain an understanding of the struggles and resilience of refugees, both in the past and in the present. Despite these serious themes, the humor and lighthearted narrative ensure that the book never feels too heavy or overwhelming for young readers.

You Won’t Believe This is the second book in the Cymbeline Igloo series, but it works perfectly as a standalone story. Confident readers aged 8 and up will love its fast-paced, funny, and heartfelt style. Some themes, such as the experiences of refugees, may spark questions, making this a great book to discuss with an adult. Whether you’re a football fan or not, there’s plenty to enjoy in this brilliant and thought-provoking story!

Dive Deeper

At a glance

Author: Adam Baron

Illustrator: n/a

Release Date: 27th June 2019

Book type: Chapter, 400 pages

Reader level: Confident reader, Shared read 7+

Blurb

Here’s something you won’t believe: someone is doing TERRIBLE things to Mrs Martin, Cymbeline Igloo’s favourite teacher of all time.

Cymbeline has to find the culprit (after he’s learned what ‘culprit’ means). He’s also got to help his friend Veronique, whose grandma is dangerously ill. It seems Nanai has a secret, connected to her arrival in the UK as a Boat Person from Vietnam, a traumatic journey in which she lost her twin sister. Can Cymbeline figure out the mystery in time?

One thing is for sure: even the most unexpected people can change your life in wonderful ways . . .

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