After inventing a fake and impossible classmate called Sebastian Cole to trick their substitute teacher, Oleg and Emma are surprised to find that Sebastian, his TARDIS-like spaceship, bottomless backpack and crazy stories are actually very real and to be found in their secret space at school the very next day. But before they can enjoy his company for too long, strange crow-masked people start appearing and asking very prickly questions.

The Impossible Boy is exactly the kind of book you want from the man who wrote Stories for Boys Who Dare to be Different. It’s also full of great lines that blend seamlessly with the story, lines such as ‘Bossy was exactly what a leader needed to be, it was just a word that seemed designed to stop girls taking charge’ and ‘Feeling bad doesn’t help the other person. Feeling bad just proves you knew you shouldn’t have done it in the first place’.

As well as having all these beautiful, thoughtful lines, The Impossible Boy is also a very fun, imaginative and silly book, perfect for all kids aged 7+.

Dani Solomon is the assistant manager at Readings Kids.