The Books

Owen and the Soldier

by Thompson, Lisa

ISBN: 9781781128657

A boy decides to try and save a statue of a soldier in his local park when he hears that it is going to be scrapped when the park is revamped. Owen and his mum are struggling. It's just the two of them at home now and they're finding it difficult to ask for the help they need. When Owen discovers a crumbling stone soldier in the local park, it feels like he finally has someone he can talk to about his worries. But the town council can't see how important the soldier is and they want to remove him. Owen's scared that he'll be left on his own again, but can he find the courage he needs to save the soldier before it's too late?

Reviews

William - Rushcliffe Spencer Academy - 2021

This book was a bit too short for my liking, and it seems to be slightly underwhelming at first. But underneath that, you see a book that has some shining characters, just not given enough time to jump out and make you interested. This book is sweet and is quite a nice story, but it just isn't as good as any of the other books shortlisted for the competition, and I just couldn't justify putting it over any of the other books.

Nancy - Nottingham Girls High School - 2021

I really enjoyed reading Owen and the Soldier! It was such a good book. It shows how someone really shy can speak up and make their voice heard. I think that Owen and the Soldier is really inspirational.

Grace - Outwood Academy Kirkby - 2021

Owen and the soldire is a really good book . Though it is small it has a really good message and I think Owen is really brave for facing his fears and reading out loud. It gives off a positive message of bravery and sticking up for what you think is right.

Ruqaiyah - Nottingham Girls High School - 2021

Owen and the Soldier was a thoughtful, moving book about a shy boy who doesn’t want a stone soldier to get demolished. I liked how Owen stood up for what he believed in even though he found it hard. For me, this book was too short; the storyline was really good but if this book was a bit longer it would’ve been better.

Karen - Nottingham Girls High School - 2021

Owen and the Soldier was a very nice, heartwarming book! It’s pace was laid out well and amazing. You can really empathise with Owen and that element really helps the story flow. I think this is a very good book! I think that the ending might have been more settling if a maybe Owen learned to move on from the soldier.

Isabel - Nottingham Girls High School - 2021

It was a well written book however, it wasn’t for me. It wasn’t very exciting. The ending was very obvious.

Jess - Nottingham Girls High School - 2021

I liked this book. It as a nice story and was a quick read. This book was enjoyable but it wasn't mostly my type of story. I liked the storyboard and how the story was set.

Anjali - Nottingham Girls High School - 2021

Owen and the soldier is a thoughtful book with a nice meaning to go with it. Although it is quite short and slightly unrealistic, I feel as if the book was a bit longer it would be more enjoyable!