By Gregory Hughes (author)
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Winner of the Book Trust Teenage Book Prize 2010 and shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2010 . Shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase Award 2011.
One absolutely, indisputably MEGA story! This highly recommended title is a beautifully written, utterly original, funny and bittersweet tale about two newly orphaned kids who embark on an epic road trip to New York to find their long lost uncle.
Chair of the BookTrust Teenage Book Prize and author Tony Bradman said:
"All of us felt that Unhooking the Moon stood out from the beginning of our discussions. As a writer Gregory Hughes has a genuinely unique voice. Unhooking the Moon is original, poignant and funny and full of terrific characters and gripping storytelling, while also managing to explore the kind of themes teenagers will find engaging."
The shortlist of six on the teenage Book prize included: Halo by Zizou Corder, Nobody's Girl by Sarra Manning, The Enemy by Charlie Higson, Revolver by Marcus Sedgwick, Out of Shadows by Jason Wallace and Unhooking the Moon by Gregory Hughes.
Titles shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2011:
The Teenage Book Prize 2010 shortlist:
Nobody's Girl - Sarra Manning
The Enemy - Charlie Higson
Revolver - Marcus Sedgwick
Out of Shadows - Jason Wallace
Unhooking the Moo n - Gregory Hughes
Meet the Rat: A dancing, football-playing gangster-baiting ten-year-old. When she foresaw her father's death, she picked up her football and decided to head for New York. Meet her older brother Bob: Protector of the Rat, but more often her follower, he is determined to find their uncle in America and discover a new life for them both.
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On their adventures across the flatlands of Winnipeg and through the exciting streets of New York, Bob and the Rat make friends with a hilarious con man and a famous rap star, and escape numerous dangers. But is their Uncle a rich business man, or is the word on the street, that he something more sinister, true? And will they ever find him?
Hughes has created a funny, warm, unique world that lives and breathes. Like I Capture the Castle, Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Curious Incident, Hughes' story and characters will resonate for many and for years to come.
Gregory Hughes was born and lives in Liverpool. After being expelled from Jesuit school, he went to a home for wayward boys, where he spent some very happy times. After some madcap years in his youth, he went to University to study computers. He has worked as everything from a dishwasher to a deep sea diver, and has worked in many countries including Norway, Canada and America.
What was your inspiration for this book?
I would say my god-kids and my favourite books: The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Catcher in the Rye.
Which character was the most fun to write?
The Rat. She is the wayward daughter I never had.
Did you always want to be a writer?
From the age of 24 I did. But I did nothing about it for a long time.
If you got in Doctor Who’s tardis, where (or when) would you go?
To the nearest planet that has life.
What’s playing on your iPod right now?
Bob Marley’s Redemption Song.
Who would you choose to be if you could be a celebrity for the day?
Marc Anthony because he’s with JLo!!
the best books for teenagers
Meet the Rat: A dancing, football-playing gangster-baiting ten-year-old. When she foresaw her father's death, she picked up her football and decided to head for New York.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Unhooking the Moon and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
Unhooking the Moon features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Recommendations, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback. Not Available.
Unhooking the Moon was written by Gregory Hughes and published by Quercus Publishing Plc
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