Glitter Boy

A brilliant, powerful, emotional and important story, even more so because it was influenced by the author's own experiences. A number of important messages presented such as the importance of giving yourself time to consider how you feel, who you are, to grow; an understanding that sometimes mistakes are made through the lens of trying to be protective, but recognising those mistakes just the same; be kind. I liked the inclusion of poetry as the protagonist's way of exploring their feelings. The characters were likeable and I enjoyed their growth through the story. I also needed some tissues - quite emotional at points! Would recommend to others.

James is a fabulous dancing glittering shimmering bundle of happiness (who although is trying to deal with them) has little small dark problems creeping into his life. How will James deal with these problems? Will he carry on shining? Well, read it to find out.

I absolutely loved this book because it's written really well and although it is fiction it could be true. It's a fun book and I would recommend this book to 10+.

WARNING! It's to good to put down.

I loved this book so much because it was all about accepting people from an LGBTQ+ community and accepting people for who they are. This boy got bullied for being gay and he has to face up to the person and show him that it’s okay to be gay - it was fantastic!

Another top book which should be in every Y6 classroom and Y6+ library shelves. I personally know of friends who said they wish a book like this had been around when they were that age, to help them make sense of some of what they were going through and realise they were not alone.

The characters are well portrayed and the relationship between James and his nan is is so touching.

I loved the inclusion of lots of different types of poetry and that Mr Hamilton encourages him (and the class) to put pen to paper and create their own poems, especially about themselves.

I thought it covered the theme of bullying & cyberbullying well and really brings to the fore how much this impacts on the bullied person and even those around them.

Above all, I liked that it shared the message of being proud of yourself, no matter who you are and where possible, standing up to those who would try to belittle you and make you feel worthless. Not just for yourself but for other people who are going through similar situations (hence the importance of the projects on lesser-known significant persons).

A must-read for those who want to share the message that intolerance of this sort is not acceptable and why kindness is key.

Sensitively written book giving children an insight into coping with bullying and the importance of respecting everyone's uniqueness.

What a truly wonderful book! I looked every minute of it.

I read this with son - also a dancer, also facing some of the issues explored here. Fantastically helpful, as well as a great read.

This book certainly gives you pause for thought.
Would recommend for KS2 and all teachers.

A thought provoking, powerful, emotional read.

James is bright, he sparkles, he shines, he is Glitter!
But, when Paul the class bully repeatedly pokes fun, kicks and uses *that word*, James starts to retreat into himself. Add to this, Nan passing away and a growing distance between James and his best friends, he needs help to find himself again.

A story that explores finding yourself, friend and family relationships and how others perceive who we are/“what we should be”. It’s superbly written and explores each aspect of the story, sensitively, with love and humour. James is a beautiful character and the messages within the book should be taken has a learning opportunity for all who read it - allowing each other to embrace who we are, our differences and the importance of listening to each other.
A highly recommended read, a hugely important book.

I absolutely loved this book. A heart wrenching story (I cried on several occasions) of a young boy's struggle to come to terms with his sexuality. James loves dancing, singing and Mariah Carey! His Nan means everything to him and is the only person in his life to accept him for himself. But James is bring bullied at school and whilst his friends stick up for him, he just can't seem to confront things head on. Themes of diversity and difference, bullying and self worth, plus friendship and teamwork. Great for discussion and as a class read. Be good for transition too. I wish my son could have had this book when he was in Year 6.

I love this book because James is brave and stands up to his bully Paul. James nana dies and he thinks his dad doesn’t understand him. He likes Joel and thinks he might be gay. I recommend this book so mucj