By Rob Harrell (author)
"A comic, compassionate account of a 12-year-old’s battle with maddening Middle School troubles (fallings-outs and not fitting in) while also battling cancer"
Paperback In Stock £7.99 £7.19
View All Editions (3)
April 2020 Book of the Month
Twelve-year-old Ross is dealt a devastating blow when he’s told he has an extremely rare form of eye cancer and is likely to lose sight in both eyes. Based on author Rob Harrell’s personal experience of eye cancer, and spiced with his cool comic-strips of Ross’s Battbutt and Batpig characters, Wink has all the freshness and pitch-perfect narrative voice of a Louis Sachar story, with its own unique warmth and wit.
As Ross struggles with the strangeness of undergoing immediate radiation treatment, he also faces a terrible time at school. Cruelly called the “Cancer Cowboy” on account of having to wear a hat, he’s also the subject of malicious memes. While Ross’s personal plight is at the huge heart of this novel, it’s equally as powerful in its portrayal of the wider impact of devastating diagnoses, most poignantly when Ross’s friend Isaac distances himself from their Oreo-sealed friendship pact.
But as Isaac retreats, he makes life-changing new friends as a result of his treatment. First there’s fellow patient Jerry, a wise-cracking old guy who rebuffs Ross’s desire to be normal. According to Jerry, “Different moves the needle. Different is where the good stuff happens. There’s strength in difference.” Then there’s Frank, the adorable radiation tech guy who teaches Ross to play guitar, which has tear-jerkingly transformational effects.
What an authentic, emotional, amusing and all-round awesome read this is.
Ross Molloy just wants to be normal. He doesn't want to lose his hair, or wear a weird hat, or deal with the disappearing friends who don't know what to say to 'the cancer kid'. But with his recent diagnosis of a rare eye cancer, simply blending in is no longer an option. Ross - and his friends and his family - all need to work out how to deal with this devastating challenge that Life has thrown down. Maybe Batpig can come to the rescue?
Read the full description
Based on Rob Harrell's own real life experience of eye cancer, and including amazing comic-strip artwork, this poignant and authentic novel is unforgettable, hilarious and uplifting.
'I loved Wink ! Heartbreakingly funny, this book is proof that laughter is the best form of medicine. A smart, likeable story that's full of heart.' - Meg Cabot, author of The Princess Diaries
Rob Harrell is a syndicated cartoonist (Adam@ Home) and his illustration clients include Mad magazine, Time Inc. and Volkswagen. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and dogs.
Books for Visually Impaired Children for World Braille Day and Every Day
Be Kind: Children’s Books That Teach Kindness and Anti-Bullying
Our favourite children's books of 2020
the best books for 9-12 year olds
How to Roller-Skate With One Leg
Wink manages to combine humour, depth and a superhero Batpig. Older children will love diving into this relatable, laugh-out-loud book that doesn't shy away from the heavier aspects of life. Caution: Reading this book could also lead to excellent music taste.
Wink is a book full of heart that does not shy away from the big issues: friendship, health, family, cyber-bullying... But thanks to a joyful cast of characters, none of these topics feel insurmountable: Abby, the best friend with the dry one-liners; Frank, the music-mad tech; Jimmy, the multi-layered tough-nut you can't help but root for; and of course Ross, whose Batpig cartoons will appeal to all ages. This book is a great next-read for older readers (11+) who enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid, 13 Storey Treehouse and so on; although the themes are much more mature than these reads, the humourous and relatable character of Ross makes this an accessible and hugely enjoyable read.
Teachers: This book offers fantastic links to PSHEE topics and technology safety, in a similar vein to Wonder.... Read Full Review
This is a great book for anyone who wants to understand Ross's world.
I really enjoyed this book because it showed what is was like from Ross's point of view and shows just how mean people can be sometimes.... Read Full Review
The book wink is a great read. You just do not want to put the book down as you want to discover what happens to the main character Ross-as he goes through many challenges in life but always pushes through.
I really enjoyed reading the book wink because it explored difficult subjects like going through cancer but managed to portray it was a positive twist to life.... Read Full Review
Ross Molloy just wants to be normal. He doesn't want to lose his hair, or wear a weird hat, or deal with the disappearing friends who don't know what to say to 'the cancer kid'.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Wink and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
Wink features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 9+ readers, Funny, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), PSHE: Bullying and Discrimination, PSHE: Special educational needs and disability (SEND), School Stories, Star Books, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Wink was written by Rob Harrell and published by Hot Key Books
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
©PTC International Ltd T/A LoveReading is registered in England. Company number: 10193437. VAT number: 270 4538 09. Registered address: 157 Shooters Hill, London, SE18 3HP. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer
The National Year of Reading starts here. Join thousands of families and schools supporting reading for pleasure across the UK.