Six Weeks
🚲💔🌅❤️
by Matt Goodfellow
★★★★
At a glance
Things I loved:
✍🏼 Author: Matt Goodfellow
🎨 Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton
📅 Release Date: 4th June 2026
📚 Book type: Verse novel, 304 pages
🌟 Reader level: Growing
⚠️ Content: 10+ (death of parent)
💙 Honest exploration of grief
❤️ A brilliantly relatable protagonist
📖 Gripping from the first chapter
🖤 Powerful use of black and white
🎨 Beautiful, touching illustrations
🥹 An emotional, unforgettable journey
Dive Deeper
My Thoughts...
I read Six Weeks with my class as part of the Verse Novel Awards, and I was super excited to share it with them as I’ve loved Matt Goodfellow’s other books! I had a feeling this one was going to be an emotional read, and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
In this book, we follow Alfie Piper as he navigates life after the death of his mum. With the summer holidays approaching and the anniversary of her death looming, Alfie is struggling with his grief and the growing distance between himself and his stepdad. But when he comes face to face with the one person he never wanted to see again, Alfie must decide whether he can put his anger aside to fulfil his mum’s dying wish.
I absolutely love an emotional book, and this one grips you from the very first chapter! Alfie is raw, honest and open, giving readers a powerful insight into the highs and lows of grief. My class were completely invested in his journey and were rooting for him the whole way!
Another highlight is the way Matt uses black and white to communicate Alfie’s emotions, alongside Joe Todd-Stanton’s gorgeously touching illustrations. They add so much depth to the story and help readers connect with Alfie’s feelings, even when he struggles to express them himself.
🌟I would absolutely recommend this to UKS2 readers, particularly those who enjoy honest, real-life stories or want to develop their empathy and understanding of other people’s experiences. It’s a beautiful, emotional read that offers plenty of opportunities for discussion. Keep the tissues handy!🌟
Blurb
Alfie Piper has six weeks of summer - and nothing left to lose.
Since his mum died, Alfie's world has unravelled. The silence between him and his stepdad roars louder than ever.
So he does the only thing that makes sense: grabs his bike, and rides.
In these long summer days, can Alfie rebuild what was broken?
Should I read this book?
You should read this book if you...
❤️want to learn about the lives of other children❤️
❤️love real life stories❤️
❤️enjoy honest and emotional reads❤️
Verse Novel Layout
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