«One of the most well-written teen novels published this year... a book about struggle and survival, escape and travel - ultimately an uplifting and hopeful novel»

Sarah Crossan, Irish Independent

«By turns heart-wrenching and uplifting, Ele Fountain's powerful debut is a celebration of the human spirit against all odds»

Matt Whyman, author of 'Boy Kills Man' and 'The Savages'

«A remarkable story... a powerful book, and a compelling read»

Carousel

«A very important and timely book written with passion and deep knowledge. A breathlessly exciting story with a great heart to it. Shif is an unforgettable character, and his story should be read by everyone who cares about one of the unfolding tragedies of our time. Ele Fountain has walked the ground and it shows. She brings to life the sights, smells, sounds - and the terror - of Shif's epic journey»

Award-winning author Elizabeth Laird

«Full of tension, fear, heartbreak and hope, it conveys both the bitterness of having family, home and identity stolen away piecemeal, and a courageous determination to survive»

Guardian

«A remarkable debut novel... while being an incredibly timely read, above all, Boy 87 is about friendship and hope»

iNews

«Ele Fountain conjures up the terrifying world of the African refugee with great skill and empathy, in this timely antidote to the tabloid narrative»

Paul Dowswell, author of 'Auslander'

«A fantastic achievement. Fountain transports us into the life of Shif, expertly conveying the horrors that so many child refugees face today by creating wonderful, believable characters and a gripping, fast-paced narrative. She demonstrates a deep understanding of the motivations and realities of global migration, and succeeds in the crucial task of returning humanity to the thousands of children forced to flee their homes every day»

Charlotte McDonald-Gibson, author of 'Cast Away'

«A timely and important book which illuminates the realities of life as a refugee... the horrors [Shif] is escaping are all too real, but this is ultimately a story about the power of kindness and the strength of the human spirit»

BookTrust

«Moving and very timely... a worthy read for young and old alike»

The Lady

«Fantastically written... This is a striking book that will stop you in your tracks... it's essentially a modern story of our times. The hopelessness, and the hope, are what I will take from this book. It made me feel lucky... A book that skilfully explores the current refugee crisis and will answer many of the questions children might want to ask about. It is also a vivid and beautifully-written story; I'm looking forward to seeing what Ele Fountain writes next»

Reading Zone

«A devastating and powerful story»

Turn2page1

«An eye opening read... a great read for young readers as it explains the human side of a story that can seem so complex and unknowable. Fiction allows us to travel alongside somebody and empathise in a way that facts and figures printed in a newspaper column will never do»

Dog Eared Reads (blog)

«Action-packed... This book sucked me into the story and kept me guessing. Shif felt so real I thought I could touch him. My favourite was the ending with its amazing cliffhanger»

Spencer Humphrey, 10, National Geographic Kids

«Vivid, tightly-plotted page turner... Boy 87 does what every worthwhile novel should do - it creates a sense of empathy»

Armadillo Magazine

«The plight of refugees is made personal by Shif's powerful first-person narrative, giving voice and heart to the tabloid depiction of the displaced. An assured and thought-provoking debut»

The Bookseller

«Exceptional... vivid, convincing and empathetic... it grips us with the need to know how the heart-stopping events will turn out... a tale of our time, imparting understanding and sympathy... powerfully told, without sentimentality»

Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week

«Boy 87 is an original and beautifully written page-turner of a novel about love, survival and the strength that can be found in a hopeful human spirit»

Sarah Crossan, Carnegie Medal Winner