The Books

Finn Jones Was Here

by Simon James Green

ISBN: 9781839942730

Eric's best friend, Finn Jones, was the world's most enthusiastic prankster. Was, because Finn died recently of an illness...Or did he? Finn is sending Eric messages from beyond the grave - and it must be because this is Finn's biggest prank ever, faking his own death! As Eric follows Finn's cryptic instructions for various challenges, he goes down memory lane and through a bucket list that Finn never got to do himself. A story about accepting grief, and ultimately embracing the joys and opportunities of life, making every minute count.

Reviews

Diana - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I really liked this book, and I liked how moving it was, while also being really funny, with a really clever plotline. I liked the twist at the end too. The only things I found less likeable were the illustrations, which didn't really match the rest of the theme of the book, but the writing was good.

Amelie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I really enjoyed this book because it was very moving and funny. I think that it could be improved by not having any illustrations as I think that they were a bit young for this book, it would have been better with no illustrations.

Hana - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

A very heartfelt and moving book but also mixed in with humour

Zitel - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I extremely enjoyed this book. It was very heart warming funny and real. I personally enjoyed the illustration as it adds to the sweet feeling

Susan - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

This book is a brilliant, packed book with a devestating plot from the point of view a person who has lost someone close to them. This is great for readers who enjoy an emotional story - which is me! It's a very mature and sad book but the front cover is quite childish and could be confused as a year Year 4/5 book. Despite that, it is a brilliant and wonderful book. 5 stars!

Jenny - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

The trip he went on was funny especially some parts : dressing as a unicorn at a funeral. But the topic was shown across really well. It was a bit disappointing at the end where all through the book a sense of hope is captured but at the end it all comes shattering down and he realises the truth. I think that the pictures in the book where a bit young for the topic it makes it seem like a book aimed at year 4 or year 5 but it is not.

Hawwa - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

Sad, heart warming book the pictures definitely gave a nice touch of humour but it seems like something for a 7 year old but it isn't. The book is dedicated to loss and life. Not my normal read but a nice change.

Georgie - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

This book is a brilliant book. It made me laugh and cry at the same time. It's funny but has a sad twist at the end. The author has been extremely creative and imaginative when writing this book the illustrator has drawn some awesome pictures to0 .The only thing was the front cover looks like the book has been made for younger people then it should. It's a sad book and sometimes can be a little challenging, but still great.

Tabi - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

This was a amazing book and I am very happy I read it as it was a emotional rollarcoaster. One second I could be on the brink of tears and the next I was filled to the brim with joy! I am very happy I read this - what an amazing book!

Sarah - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I quite liked this book with the adventure elements and not knowing what’s going to come next.

Charlotte - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

It was an incredibly written book that I really enjoyed. It was an emotional rollarcoaster that was really good and made me realise that different people deal with grief so differently and that Finn Jones must have been a very good friend.

Hoorain - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I really enjoyed this book because of the inside jokes that Finn and Eric had between each other like at Finns "funeral" when Eric has to read out the goofy speech filled with laughter and memories of their time together . The main mystery itself I could predict but all the funny clues (like the messages from men in suits or having to dig up his front yard) for his journey made him realise how great his friendship was. I also loved how it was very relatable to my age group (the main characters are the same age as me) so that's why I got everything such as the jokes ,references and everything. It was a plesure reading this book. Thank you!

Emily - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I loved this book because it held a lot of suspense along the journey and It was very funny but also heart breaking. I got quite into it as well.

Miriam - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I actually liked this book. I thought it was a bit sad and also funny.

Kristen - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I like sad stories and I think that this one was really deep and sad

Milena - Nottingham Girls High School - 2025

I really liked how even though Finn is dead, Eric doesn't believe it and he thinks that at the end of the treasure hunt Finn will be there but he can't because Finn is dead. But I thought it was quite a somber topic because it involves death and sadness but it is a really nice story and I really enjoyed it.

Jemimah - Magnus Church of England Academy - 2025

This a very funny book but it might also make you cry as it can be sad in places.

Jaxon - Magnus Church of England Academy - 2025

This book was so sad, but I still loved it a lot.