Title: Cosmic
Author: Frank Cottrell Boyce
First published May 15, 2008
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781405054645 (ISBN10: 1405054646)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
Meet Liam, the towering eleven-year-old who can’t seem to fit into anything. But don’t let his height fool you, because Liam is about to embark on the ride of a lifetime.
From driving a Porsche to riding the Cosmic rollercoaster, Liam is no stranger to thrilling adventures. But nothing compares to the opportunity he’s given to compete against a group of adults for a chance to go into space.
Will Liam prove that he’s the best candidate for the job? Join him on his out-of-this-world journey as he shows us that being big isn’t always about being a grown-up.
About the Author
Meet Frank Cottrell Boyce, a talented British writer who wears many hats – he’s a screenwriter, a novelist, and even an occasional actor!
Apart from writing original scripts, Frank is also known for his adaptations of novels for the screen and his children’s fiction. In fact, his debut novel, Millions, which was based on his own screenplay for the film of the same name, won the prestigious Carnegie Medal in 2004.
His novel Framed was also a finalist for the Carnegie Medal and shortlisted for the Whitbread Book of the Year. He even adapted the novel into a screenplay for a BBC TV film in 2009.
In addition to these accomplishments, Frank’s 2009 novel Cosmic was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal.
Despite his busy career, Frank is a dedicated family man – he’s married and has seven children.
Editoral Review
Frank Cottrell Boyce’s Cosmic is a delightful and inventive children’s book that will leave readers both young and old feeling fulfilled. Boyce, a British screenwriter and novelist, infuses his tale with imaginative concepts and charming humor, making it a standout in its genre.
Cosmic follows the story of Liam, a 12-year-old boy who discovers that pretending to be an adult can lead him on an extraordinary adventure. When Liam and his equally youthful friend, Florida, are mistaken for adults, they are whisked away to a luxury space hotel, where their pretend identities quickly become reality.
Liam must then navigate the difficult situation of keeping his true identity a secret while trying to save the day and make it back home. Despite being a children’s book, Cosmic is far from immature in its exploration of themes.
Boyce deftly handles issues such as identity, trust, and the often blurry line between childhood and adulthood. The book also provides an engaging commentary on society’s obsession with youth and how it has affected the way we see and treat children today.
At the same time, however, Cosmic is a fun, playful adventure story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character development.
Liam is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist who is easy to root for, while Florida provides a great dynamic as the spunky sidekick. The supporting characters are also well-crafted, each with their own motivations and quirks that add depth to the story.
The pacing of the book is also on point, with Boyce keeping the plot moving at a steady clip while still allowing for moments of reflection and introspection. While Cosmic is not without its flaws, they are minor and do little to detract from the overall quality of the book.
Some readers may find the ending a bit too neat and tidy, with resolutions that feel too easy or convenient. Additionally, some of the humor may not land with all readers, as Boyce’s style can be a bit hit-or-miss at times.
Overall, Cosmic is a charming and entertaining children’s book that will leave readers satisfied. Its blend of humor and heart makes it a perfect choice for young readers, and its exploration of deeper themes ensures that it will resonate with adults as well.
Frank Cottrell Boyce has crafted a story that is well worth the read, and it’s easy to see why Cosmic has become a modern classic in its genre.
Rating: 4/5
