What do you think?
Rate this book
Finn Jones Was Here
Eric's best friend, Finn, was the world's most enthusiastic prankster. Was, because Finn died recently of an illness. ...Or did he? At Finn's funeral, Eric receives a message 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 scavenger hunt that will change Eric for ever. A story about accepting grief, and ultimately embracing the joys and unexpected opportunities life offers, making every minute count.
- GenresMiddle GradeContemporary
About the author
Simon James Green
16 books656 followersSimon James Green grew up in a small town in Lincolnshire that definitely wasn’t the inspiration for Little Fobbing – so no-one from there can be mad with him, OK? He enjoyed a classic British education of assorted humiliations and barbaric PE lessons before reading Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he further embarrassed himself by accidentally joining the rowing team despite having no upper body strength and not being able swim. When it turned out that being a lawyer was nothing like how it looks in Suits or The Good Wife, and buoyed by the success of his late night comedy show that involved an inflatable sheep, he travelled to London to pursue a glamorous career in show business. Within weeks he was working in a call centre, had been mugged, and had racked up thousands of pounds worth of debt. Finding strength and inspiration in the lyrics of "Tubthumping" by Chumbawumba, he eventually ended up working on a range of West End shows and UK tours, co-wrote a feature-length rom-com for the BBC and directed Hollyoaks for C4 / Lime Pictures. After trying really, really hard, he also managed to write Noah Can’t Even. If you are interested in stalking him, he still lives in London, where he spends a lot of time telling people that Noah Can’t Even is only partly autobiographical, and his mum has definitely never done a Beyoncé tribute act.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 26, 2023
I absolutely fell in love with Simon James Green’s latest middle-grade book, and I can’t wait to snatch up all of his other middle-grade books. This one truly resonated with me, managing to be both sweet and funny while also tugging at my heartstrings. Simon’s writing is simply fantastic, skillfully blending serious topics with a perfect touch of humor. I might be a bit biased as a fan of his books, but it’s hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this gem. Trust me, you need to grab a copy as soon as possible because it’s an absolute must-read. It’s not only an easy and engaging read, but it also teaches valuable life lessons that both you and I, as readers, can learn from. I won’t spoil the plot, but let me just say that this book had me completely hooked. By the end, I found myself shedding a few tears—I was so emotionally invested! I approached it with little prior knowledge, and boy, was I unprepared for the profound impact it would have. Without hesitation, I give it a 5-star rating! If it were possible, I’d even go as far as giving it 6 stars.
August 15, 2023
I loved Simon James Green going into this book. Heartbreak Boys and Boy Like Me are two of the best books I've read this year. Finn Jones Was Here serves as further proof of how versatile a writer the Simon is. What is most impressive about his writing is his ability to tackle different genres, different tones, and stories -- aimed at different audiences - i.e., YA and middle grade audiences.
Heartbreak Boys is a light-hearted, low-stakes, feel-good book filled to the brim with wit, levity, and love. Boy Like Me is a somber, introspective, often heartbreaking novel that is hopeful.
Finn Jones Was Here is a middle grade book that invites the reader to laugh, to cry, and to dream. It is a story that is ultimately about living your life in absence of fear and cherishing the time you have with your loved ones.
Eric learns to do the things that terrify him -- a lesson that his best friend, Finn, teaches him posthumously. The book illustrates a 12-year-old learning to deal with grief for the first time. Watching Eric compartmentalize that grief so that he doesn't have to face the reality of his friend no longer being with him was so emotionally affecting.
I was a wreck for the last 2 chapters of the book -- the message that Finn left for Eric was beautiful. I cried the entire time I read it. And then I read it again, and kept crying. It was a brilliant reflection on life and a reminder to Eric that he doesn't need to be afraid to live. And the final chapter, showing us how the boys first met and became friends? Had me in tears as well. The final illustration of Eric and Finn hugging made me cry, too. Can you tell this book affected me to my core?
It's a quick read, but in the short period of time it'll take you to get through it ... you will become attached to Eric and root for him. It's hard not to.
Overall, this was a joy to read. A lovely story that will no doubt help middle grade readers understand the grieving process and how to manage those emotions.
Also, the illustrations add to the story and the art is just delightful. Truly an added bonus of the book.
Simon James Green has done it again. Over and out. / Roger that.
Heartbreak Boys is a light-hearted, low-stakes, feel-good book filled to the brim with wit, levity, and love. Boy Like Me is a somber, introspective, often heartbreaking novel that is hopeful.
Finn Jones Was Here is a middle grade book that invites the reader to laugh, to cry, and to dream. It is a story that is ultimately about living your life in absence of fear and cherishing the time you have with your loved ones.
Eric learns to do the things that terrify him -- a lesson that his best friend, Finn, teaches him posthumously. The book illustrates a 12-year-old learning to deal with grief for the first time. Watching Eric compartmentalize that grief so that he doesn't have to face the reality of his friend no longer being with him was so emotionally affecting.
I was a wreck for the last 2 chapters of the book -- the message that Finn left for Eric was beautiful. I cried the entire time I read it. And then I read it again, and kept crying. It was a brilliant reflection on life and a reminder to Eric that he doesn't need to be afraid to live. And the final chapter, showing us how the boys first met and became friends? Had me in tears as well. The final illustration of Eric and Finn hugging made me cry, too. Can you tell this book affected me to my core?
It's a quick read, but in the short period of time it'll take you to get through it ... you will become attached to Eric and root for him. It's hard not to.
Overall, this was a joy to read. A lovely story that will no doubt help middle grade readers understand the grieving process and how to manage those emotions.
Also, the illustrations add to the story and the art is just delightful. Truly an added bonus of the book.
Simon James Green has done it again. Over and out. / Roger that.
May 9, 2023
Absolutely brilliant book. Full of humour and heart, this book will help anyone who has lost someone they care about.
Written with Simon James Green's trademark humour, fans of his funny books will not be disappointed.
Eric's friend Finn Jones, has died after a long illness. Finn LOVED to prank people and Eric is certain that is all part of a giant prank that Finn has planned - ULTIMATE PRANK - and Finn is going to revel that he is cured and surprise everyone... Especially as he keeps getting messages from Finn leading him on a scavenger hunt adventure.
Eric follows the breadcrumbs expecting to Finn, but is he prepared for what he really finds along the way?
Another total classic from Simon James Green, I can't sing it's praises enough!
Written with Simon James Green's trademark humour, fans of his funny books will not be disappointed.
Eric's friend Finn Jones, has died after a long illness. Finn LOVED to prank people and Eric is certain that is all part of a giant prank that Finn has planned - ULTIMATE PRANK - and Finn is going to revel that he is cured and surprise everyone... Especially as he keeps getting messages from Finn leading him on a scavenger hunt adventure.
Eric follows the breadcrumbs expecting to Finn, but is he prepared for what he really finds along the way?
Another total classic from Simon James Green, I can't sing it's praises enough!
May 12, 2023
4.5*
I know and appreciate Mr. Green as the author of enjoyable and oft-ridiculous queer YA novels, so I bought this book unaware that Mr. Green also writes middle-grade stories.
Eric's best friend Finn has died, but Eric refuses to accept it. He argues with anyone who suggests that Finn is dead and sets off on a rollicking adventure/scavenger hunt that Finn had set up for him, which he cites as proof that Finn is still alive. Along the way to gradual acceptance, people are extremely kind and Eric gains a probable new best friend.
I hadn't read a middle-grade book since I was probably in a primary grade, and I don't remember any ever making me cry so unexpectedly hard. I don't have kids, and it's been a long time since I was a kid, but this seems a very age-appropriate tale of loss and acceptance.
I know and appreciate Mr. Green as the author of enjoyable and oft-ridiculous queer YA novels, so I bought this book unaware that Mr. Green also writes middle-grade stories.
Eric's best friend Finn has died, but Eric refuses to accept it. He argues with anyone who suggests that Finn is dead and sets off on a rollicking adventure/scavenger hunt that Finn had set up for him, which he cites as proof that Finn is still alive. Along the way to gradual acceptance, people are extremely kind and Eric gains a probable new best friend.
I hadn't read a middle-grade book since I was probably in a primary grade, and I don't remember any ever making me cry so unexpectedly hard. I don't have kids, and it's been a long time since I was a kid, but this seems a very age-appropriate tale of loss and acceptance.
June 27, 2023
Eric is very similar to Riley from Life Of Riley: Beginner's Luck. Very timid, and scared to do anything. But at his best friend’s funeral when he gets a know for a wile scavenger hunt from that same bestie, he knows this is the most epic prank ever. And all he has to do is follow the instructions and he’ll be reunited with his bestie again.
The blurb is a giant spoiler for how the book ends: not that you don’t already know, but it removes even a glimmer of possibility.
It’s full of all the usual Simon James Green shenanigans, while still managing to be more serious than his other books.
The blurb is a giant spoiler for how the book ends: not that you don’t already know, but it removes even a glimmer of possibility.
It’s full of all the usual Simon James Green shenanigans, while still managing to be more serious than his other books.
September 21, 2023
I loved this book! Eric is such a sweet character and the author handles the theme of bereavement with incredible sensitivity. I can completely understand his disbelief, it is one of the hardest parts of coming to terms with death. To live through Eric's slow acceptance is heartbreaking and you just want to give him a hug. One of the better books I've read this year and one that will stay with me.
May 20, 2023
WOW! What a book? From beginning to end it was just full of laughter and hope. Seeing Eric go through all of the challenges left for him was a true honour. Such an amazing book to represent loss and grief. Just WOW!
May 14, 2023
A truly beautiful story by Simon James Green.
It was equal parts funny and heartbreaking. A beautiful read and an important one for children out there
It was equal parts funny and heartbreaking. A beautiful read and an important one for children out there
May 29, 2023
Simon James Green's best book so far. As wonderful as it is heartbreaking.
September 5, 2023
That was the saddest, sweetest, funniest kids book I have read in a while ... I was weeping over my desk in front of a very surprised looking Year 9 student!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews