De dag dat ik verdween

by Lisa Thompson, Mike Lowery (Illustrator), Anneke Bok (Translator)

Max werkt zich voortdurend in de problemen. Hij is een waanzinnige lastpost voor zijn leerkrachten en zus, maar hij heeft ook een zachte kant: hij redt een hond die bijna overreden wordt, en hij bezoekt bijna dagelijks zijn demente buurman, Reg, na schooltijd.

Wanneer alles helemaal misgaat en hij per ongeluk een groot schoolfeest verpest, verschuilt hij zich bij Reg. Daar kijken ze samen in diens rariteitenkabinet. Wanneer Max vervolgens wenst dat hij nooit had bestaan, komt diens wens uit: het lijkt alsof hij zichzelf uitwist uit diens leven en alsof hij nooit is geboren. Eerst vindt Max het geweldig. Hij kan overal zijn zonder dat mensen zuchten wanneer ze hem zien, maar daarna begint hij zijn oude leven te missen. Zijn familie, vrienden, school. En... als hij nooit had geleefd, dan zou zijn hond ook nooit op tijd weg zijn gegaan voor de auto op de weg. Is er een manier om zijn leven terug te krijgen?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Childrens, Fiction, Mystery, Magical Realism, Friendship

360 pages, Hardcover

Published August 7, 2019

Reviews

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell Beckett does not have an "off" switch. His boundless energy pushes him past the point of no return on the night of his school's Hundred Year Celebration. Max takes refuge with old friend Reg and sinks into the pit of despair. Would it be better if there was no Max? An old artifact on Reg's shelves makes that wish come true. Much of the book shows the somewhat unlikable Max attempting to get someone in his old life to believe in his plight and help him get his life back. Things I loved about this book: 1) Max LOVES his dog Monster. 2) He genuinely cares about his family members and seeks them out to help them even when though they don't know him or really want to help him. 3) This is like a kid's version of "It's a Wonderful Life." 4) There is a mystery surrounding the egg-shaped box that grants Max's wish (like Zoltar in the movie "Big." 5) Reg is a calming influence on Max in both lives and provides a refuge. I did not find Max's parents to be at all likable. They are putting post it notes on the food they want to eat showing their lack of care and concern for each other which trickles down to the kids. The cover is fantastic and I hope this will prove to be a popular summer read.

Thank you to Scholastic Press and Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Lisa Thompson book another 5 stars!

Lisa writes such amazing mystery middle grade books and this one was no expectation.

This book tackles such wonderful themes of friendship, divorce, unhappiness and so much more in an accessible and child friendly way suitable for the audience.

But even though I'm an adult i still loved every second of it! The characters, the plot and the messages interwinded throughout.

If you are looking for a middle grade book recommendation, you've got to check out Lisa's middle grade Books!!!

[Odette Brethouwer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dit boek is GOED.

Ik was al weg van De goudvisjongen. Waarom ik De nachtlantaarn gemist heb geen idee, maar die ga ik ook binnenkort lezen. Want nu heb ik dus dit boek gelezen en ik vind hem net zo geweldig als De goudvisjongen dus dan ben ik officieel fan van deze auteur :)

Dit boek is fijn geschreven qua schrijfstijl. Het verhaal is pakkend vanaf het begin en goed spannend gedurende het hele boek.

Ook zit er goede karakterontwikkeling in, en ook andere goede en belangrijke onderwerpen, zoals pesten en ruziënde ouders.

Je leert van dit boek echt hoe het is om in Max z'n schoenen te staan. Je leert waarom hij doet zoals hij doet en waarom hij zich voelt zoals hij zich voelt. Dit soort boeken lezen vergroot je mensenkennis en je sociale vaardigheden enorm, denk ik, vind ik. Dat verwoordt de uitgever ook heel goed in het nawoord, dat vind ik ook erg leuk.

Kortom: dit boek is leuk en spannend om te lezen, en je steekt er ook nog wat van op. Ideaal dus ook voor een boekbespreking!

[❤Amy and Sofie❤ · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I wish I was never Born "

I'm sorry Lisa Thompson but what kind of a kid would say that? How sad do they have to be to say something like that?

Well meet Maxwell Beckett.

Maxwell is always getting in trouble at school and home and calls is best friend ' Charlie Geek '. One day, he is banned from going to the school ball on Saturday. He freaks out all annoyed and says ' Hmm well if I get no ball then nobody does. What he does causes trouble for him and then he erases himself thinking the world will be better without him.

Well my reading group at school and I we were all meant to discuss this and write down a review in our notepads. I just kinda hate Charlie ' Geek ' for starters. He listens to the sound of the sun on his way to school!

Lisa Thompson also took a little to long to erase Maxwell. And it was a bit complicated, I didn't get the Rej bit at the end either. And Maxwell was saying to Rej " I want to go back home. My dog is dead cause of me! " He prefers his dog to his family? My reading group always groaned when they heard Maxwell say that. Me too.

I'm also disappointed about what happened with Maxwell's parents at the end.

But I really enjoyed the ending most. We all found it was a much better ending than any other ending in Lisa Thompson's books. I was thrilled with it. It wasn't the happiest ending, but it was satisfying.😢

Anyway Lisa Keep up the good work! Your starting to thrill me a little more.
I had a load of dissapoints so 2 stars only ☆☆ ☺

[Sue Bridgwater · Rating 3 out of 5]

'It's a wonderful life' - junior version!

[Kirsten Paoline König · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik had me verheugd op dit boek, maar het viel me wat tegen na de impact die 'De Nachtlantaarn' had. Deels heeft dat wellicht te maken met het precies daarvoor uitlezen van 'De Veger' (blew me away!) en het aan het lezen zijn van David Arnolds 'Noah Hypnotik' (YA over een jongen die na een hypnose-poging rimpelingen in de werkelijkheid ervaart - briljant boek).

Ik ergerde me er bij dit verhaal vanaf het begin aan dat ik als lezer blijkbaar de hoofdpersoon een irritante jongen moet vinden. Ik lachte me juist suf om zijn gedrag toen hij per abuis de flamingo van de buurvrouw onthoofdde - en er is zoveel reden om te begrijpen waarom hij zich chronisch unheimisch voelt.

In het hele 'weg-denk/wilde dat ik er niet was/oeps de wereld bestaat zonder mij'-gegeven kon ik niet meekomen of -voelen. Ook niet zo goed met de ingewikkelde oplossing met gekrompen hoofden en speeldoosjes. Just not my cup of tea - maar fijn voor iemand vanaf 10 die lichte humor en een speelse omgang met de werkelijkheid kan waarderen. Het boek voelt nadrukkelijk minder melancholisch dan 'De Nachtlantaarn'.

[Joshua Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my top 20 favourite books. It's a warm story about the meaning of life and what it would be without you. It makes me feel very unique and special.

The main character, Maxwell, goes to his friend's house and finds an egg. When he turns it, he finds out what the world would be without him. He was shocked and sad but couldn't get back. With the help of his old friend and his sister, they solve the problem and Maxwell never felt uncared for anymore.

I would recommend this awesome book to anybody over 8 years old since the story might not be easy to understand for people younger than that. Overall, this is a wonderful, heart-warming book to read!

[Eve beinguniquebeingme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxwell adores his dog Monster and annoys his sister Bex and elderly next door neighbor. While his parents always argue and label their food to show how they are separate from each other one thing they can agree on is when Maxwell has been bad.



Reg is an elderly neighbour who Maxwell gets on well with and often goes to his to hideaway and relax while Reg unfortunately suffers with dementia never knowing who Maxwell is but the pair admire Reg's collection of treasures which is where things go awry...



After a bad day at school and realising no one likes him or wants to be round him Maxwell wishes himself not to exist and just like that he ends up in the same world only a version where he hadn't even been born and no one there knows him.



I really loved the concept of the book and how Maxwell realises that he's not been the nicest kid around. There was a good twist with Reg towards the end that made the book have a good ending and it was sadly relatable as I'm sure at some point as a kid we all want to disappear for whatever reason.

[Alice Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book about Maxwell, a boy who is a consistent troublemaker and seeks to make others miserable. His only real friends are Charlie, the geeky boy who is too afraid of Max to stay away, and an elderly man named Reg who Maxwell confides in as a third paternal figure. With family troubles at home, a looming divorce and friendship issues, Maxwell feels misunderstood and starts to wish that he was never born.

As if by magic, he wakes up the next day to find that he has been erased from people's memory, giving him free rein to understand their inner feelings and learn that it takes losing everything to realise how much you have, and how much you are valued. Will Maxwell make it back to his real-life or will he settle for a life of loneliness and uncertainty?

This could inform a PSHE lesson where the children could consider what they would do if they could turn back time in their lives and have another chance at something. What would they change, how might it feel to start over again and how can they show kindness to others?

[XOX · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell is a bit of a trouble maker. He is not bad but he seems to get into trouble, of being naughty but not in a mean way.

He has a dog that he has saved named Monster. He has an older sister Bex who is a nerd. He has a best friend called Charlie but he is not really that nice to him.

One very bad day, he made a series of mistakes and bad decisions. He was so upset that he wished he was never born.

So he was transport to the world when he was not even born. No one knows him. He got a hard re-set to the world.

But then, he regret his decision. The world is not really better without him. He was important, even if it is very localized and in a small way. He is still important. And he missed his dog.

The story is a good one. And it play on the thoughts that many people, young and old feel sometimes when they made mistakes.

Very sensitive and in a way through the eyes of a kid.

[Ariya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art cover quite toned down the heavy subject matters the book take on: loss, depression, anger issue, dysfunctional family and even existentialism. When you're adult and read children's book, it's quite refreshing to see this genre covers the adults' mental issues. I've read Jacqueline Wilson's The Illustrated Mum when I was so young, and it wasn't actually a good reading experience (quite traumatic tbh) This book, though, combines with magical realism and little quest for the main characters which helps children engage with the story and root for the Maxwell to find his way back to his old life. The ending is also beautiful, kinda bittersweet rather than just a simple happy ending. It's a harsh world we live in today, kids.

[Khanh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love children's books… Well, I love children. This was an interesting one with a touch of fantasy and magic in it. I really liked the main character, and typical of these storylines, things turned out well. However, when is someone going to write a book where in the adults aren't unsympathetic morons and they actually help the kids? I'd love to read a story where the kids don't have to figure everything out for themselves, and where everyone works together. I know that adults being obnoxious, unsympathetic, and uncaring is a common trope for stories, but this is the one element that gets really old. ::Looks grumpy::

[Lesley Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one from Lisa Thompson, I will definitely be promoting her books to my Year 5s. What she does so well is describe what it's like for children living in difficult home backgrounds, which may well help children to open up if their lives are similar. In this one, Maxwell's parents argue constantly which has a negative impact on Maxwell's behaviour at school. He's in so much trouble and has no friends, so one day he makes a wish that he had never been born. And suddenly, he has been erased. I loved his relationship with his elderly neighbour, Reg.

[Joost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ik wist niet dat Lisa Thompson zichzelf kon overtreffen, maar dit was echt een geweldig, ontroerend en mooi verhaal! Zo blij dat ik hem heb gekocht met wat boekenbonnen voor mijn verjaardag. Deze behoort tot mijn favoriete Middle Grade verhalen! Recensie volgt op mijn blog.

[Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Força divertit. El procés d'en Maxwell, molt catàrquic.

[Naomi Forrest · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first discovered my passion for middle grade novels, it was because of Lisa Thompson's The Goldfish Boy, gripping me from the very first page. Now, two years on, I have just devoured her third novel in one sitting and it certainly did not disappoint.
I have to admit, I didn't like Maxwell in the beginning as much I liked the previous protagonists but I could see quickly his behaviour seemed to stem from an unhappy home life. This actually comes at a time when I am writing an essay on behaviour management and dealing with similar situations and behaviours in a class of year 6s and it truly added another dimension to the whole thing. I did enjoy seeing Maxwell's soft side through an interaction with his sister at the school centenary ball, just before the things go disastrously wrong for him.
When Maxwell wishes he had never been born, he obviously never expects it to come true. How could it? He believes it must be an elaborate prank but quickly comes to realise it isn't and has to figure out to get home with the help of the people in his real life that no longer remember him. The only safety net he has is an elderly neighbour, Reg, who suffers from memory loss (I won't say much more in case of spoilers).
Being erased really causes Maxwell to evaluate and grow as he comes to see what impact he has had on various people in his life and I loved seeing the development in his character. Thompson has such a lovely written style that just flows so easily; you just fall into her novels and they are have such an authentic voice, which is really important to young readers.  Another brilliant aspect of this novel (and all of Thompson's stories) is her subtlety; the problem isn't just served up straight away and you get given parts of the jigsaw chapter by chapter. This paces the story perfectly.
The themes are really relevant to modern day children, this time focusing on the breakdown of a parental relationship and the feelings that come with it. I also love that, while the ending is happy, it's not perfect and Maxwell still has to face the consequences of his actions. I always think stories that resolve in a fairy tale manner do modern day children a disservice; they can deal with more than we think and we shouldn't underestimate that or try to shelter them from the real world completely. Thompson ends appropriately but in a gentle and compassionate manner and again shows she is not afraid to tackle hard hitting themes, pitching superbly to the intended audience.
I adored the relationship between Maxwell and Reg. It was really heartwarming to see how Maxwell comes to consider the feelings of Reg and grow as a character. Reg was also intriguing and throughout the novel, I thought I knew what the problem with Reg was but the storyline cleverly takes you down a route you do not expect!
This novel is clearly going to be another huge hit for Lisa Thompson and rightly so. She writes with such warmth, humour and poignancy and her books are just perfect for the issues and feelings that surround modern day children. I think for any child that thinks they might be a bit different or they don't fit, that life is hard or they are doing it wrong, Thompson's books are perfect for telling them they aren't alone. Perfect for PSHE topics and just to read for pleasure, it is clear to see Lisa Thompson is here to stay and I for one am overjoyed. I'd love to see a female protagonist in future but whatever Thompson writes next, you can be assured it will be worth reading!

[A Severs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Thompson does it again. Hilarious and... I don't like to use this word but it's the right one... Poignant. So so so good!

My full review from my blog:

As a relatively new author on the children's publishing scene Lisa Thompson sure has made a splash. 2017's 'The Goldfish Boy' immediately caught the attention of readers and the follow up, 'The Light Jar', was eagerly anticipated and devoured by all who had read her debut. Exactly a year later Lisa is back with 'The Day I Was Erased'.

And first of all, it is definitely her funniest yet. The humour matches Mike Lowry's cartoonish illustrations making this a perfect pickup for children who are into the Diary Of... style books. They will certainly laugh along, but I'd like to think that they will get a little more from Thompson's writing.

Maxwell's parents are not happy - to an adult reader it's pretty obvious they're 'staying together for the kids' - and Maxwell's behaviour, particularly at school, is affected by it. For many children, this will be their reality and it is important that they see this reflected in the books they read. It's also a huge lesson in empathy for children who come from more stable homes, and who don't present challenging behaviour - here Thompson draws back the curtain and provides an insight in to the struggles of a naughty boy.

In fact, the whole book is about how one aspect of our character need not define us. Maxwell is a deeply caring, loving child - he loves the dog he rescued, he provides great comfort to his sister when she is bullied and he has befriended a forgetful old man, Reg.

The story really gets going when our main man Maxwell outdoes himself by ruining a huge school event which is being televised. With nowhere else to turn he heads to Reg's house where he wishes he'd never been born. Maxwell's wish comes true... in a way: he's still alive and so are all the people in his life, but none of them know him and their lives are very different.

This simple concept introduces children to the concept of the butterfly effect and is a perfect vehicle for exploring the positive impact that even the naughtiest of boys has had on the people in his life. Maxwell discovers that he has worth, he has value and that the people in his life really do need him - a fantastic thing for readers to realise about themselves, especially at moments when they are feeling underappreciated.

For Maxwell, this awakens in him a desire to return to his old life and to repent of his former ways (quite A Christmas Carol-esque, in that respect). But he doesn't really know how to get back. Thus, we have an adventure on our hands. Maxwell somehow convinces his sister and best friend (both of whom don't know him at all) to help him find out how to get back, which thankfully, they do. The ending is suitably bittersweet yet ever so satisfying.

Here we have another fantastic book from Lisa Thompson - probably my absolute favourite new author of the last few years. Fans of her previous work will love this and I suspect it will win over some new converts too. If you are a serious lover of children's fiction, don't hesitate to get hold of it. I already know who I'm going to lend my copy to - I think he'll get it.

[Keira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a brilliant book and is for all ages. It has humour but is also sad. Still a amazing book though. Definitely recommend reading it!

[Eloise Vanbrabant]

It was ok 👌.

[Maia Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was amazing. I read it with my mum every night and we both enjoyed it. I would recommend it for all ages that can read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book. You may not be happy with your life but that doesn’t mean another life will be better. A life without you in it may be a poorer place for others.

My Year 6/7’s loved it

[Amelie Place · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing!! I love Lisa Thompson's book, they are so imaginative!

[Sonia Donelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/d...

Era diverso tempo che volevo leggere qualcosa di questa autrice e l’occasione perfetta è arrivata con questa nuova pubblicazione. Posso affermare con assoluta certezza che da oggi non mi perderò più nulla di suo perché Da domani non esisto più mi ha davvero colpito per l’originalità della storia e per il suo giovane protagonista che non si può certo dire sia perfetto, anzi Max è molto lontano dall’idea che tutti noi abbiamo della perfezione.

Lo sappiamo tutti che l’adolescenza è un periodo parecchio complesso, lo è per chi la vive e lo è per chi ti sta accanto, nulla è scontato, ogni piccola difficoltà pare insormontabile e di certo non può essere d’aiuto avere due genitori che si fanno perennemente la guerra tra le mura di casa. La pace e la tranquillità Max non sa nemmeno cosa siano, costretto ad assistere ogni giorno alle litigate dei genitori e trovandosi il frigo pieno di post-it che identificano quale cibo sia della mamma e quale del papà. Ovviamente non si può imputare solo a questo la voglia di Max di combinare guai, ma credo che possa influire non poco su un ragazzino di dodici anni il clima che si respira a casa. Certo ognuno reagisce a modo proprio Max ama essere al centro dell’attenzione e ottenere tutto ciò che vuole nel modo che gli sembra più utile alla causa, mentre sua sorella maggiore Bex è il suo opposto, studiosa, tranquilla, chiusa nel suo guscio e molto timida.

La nota lieta di tutte le sue giornate è Mostro, il cane che ha salvato da morte certa qualche tempo prima Io e Mostro abbiamo un legame molto speciale. Davvero speciale. Quando non sta mangiando, dormendo o leccandosi il sedere, di solito è al mio fianco e mi segue come un’ombra. Mi guarda con i suoi occhioni castani e sono sicuro che capisca che è per merito mio, se oggi è vivo. Esatto: io, Maxwell Beckett, ho salvato la vita a Mostro. Il loro rapporto è stupendo e Max non potrebbe mai immaginarsi una vita senza Mostro nei paraggi. Certo se avesse le stesse attenzioni e accortezze per il suo ‘migliore amico’ sarebbe giusto, ma Max fatica a capire cosa è giusto e cosa sbagliato, tanto che gli sembra normale chiamarlo Charlie Nerd e dire che è un vero sfigato. Sul fronte amicizia c’è parecchio lavoro da fare mio caro Max. Sarà proprio un incidente tra Max e Charlie a scatenare una punizione esemplare: non potrà partecipare al ballo scolastico.

Max è disperato e va subito da Reg a sfogarsi, non è possibile che dopo tutto ciò che ha fatto per la scuola gli venga impedito di prendere parte al ballo del Centenario. Ora vi starete chiedendo chi sia Reg e cosa abbia fatto Max per la scuola. Reg è un vicino di casa di Max che ha problemi di memoria, Max trascorre spesso del tempo con lui e ogni volta deve spiegargli chi è per farsi riconoscere, Reg è anche il protagonista del quadro disegnato da Max che ha fatto vincere un cospicuo assegno alla scuola per effettuare lavori di ristrutturazione, quadro che Reg ha in casa sua.

Ora, secondo voi Max può davvero saltare il ballo scolastico? Lui non ne ha nessuna intenzione e così finisce per combinare l’ennesimo casino e, a rischio sospensione, si rifugia da Reg ed esprime un desiderio che purtroppo si avvera “Vorrei non esistere più”. Max, uscendo da casa di Reg, si rende subito conto che c’è qualcosa che non va, ma la conferma arriva quando scopre che mamma, papà, Bex e Mostro non ci sono più, si sono trasferiti e lo hanno lasciato lì. La sua salvezza è la mancanza di memoria di Reg, almeno ha una casa in cui dormire, ma deve capire cos’è successo al più presto per poter sistemare le cose. Perché non esistere non è così divertente come pensava, fa sentire incredibilmente soli e in questa realtà in cui lui non è mai esistito sono tutti davvero strani, irriconoscibili, perché forse Max, nonostante combinasse parecchi guai ogni giorno era importante. Ora sta a voi scoprire le differenze tra i due ‘mondi’ e per farlo non vi resta che correre a comprare Da domani non esisto più, un regalo perfetto per i ragazzi delle medie, che permetterà loro di capire che non bisogna dare gli altri per scontati, che la famiglia è il perno della nostra esistenza e che per essere dei veri amici bisogna mettere molto impegno e esserci sempre. Buona lettura giovani lettori!

[amber_reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxwell è il classico ragazzino sveglio, scaltro ma che non riesce proprio a stare lontano dai guai e soprattutto a non combinarne di nuovi, è più forte di lui e di qualsiasi altra cosa.
Narrativa per ragazzi ad alto gradimento e soprattutto qualità.
Dietro ad una divertente e abbastanza quotidiana commedia, i messaggi importanti sono molteplici che spingono a riflettere su tutto ciò che ci circonda.
Le gesta di questo inarrestabile e intelligente ragazzino dodicenne inducono a considerazioni ben più elevate dell’età anagrafica.
Ma se un giorno, tutto ad un tratto Max non esistesse più? Anzi e se non fosse mai esistito?
“Io, Maxwell Beckett, ero stato cancellato.”

Bullismo, senso di inadeguatezza, famiglia, rispetto per gli animali, amicizia, fratellanza e tanti altri valori sono soltanto alcuni degli elementi racchiusi in questa storia narrata in prima persona direttamente da Max ai giovani lettori, per far comprendere un senso più grande di noi e del mondo che ci sta attorno.

I capitoli sono brevi con dialoghi chiari e frizzanti, perfetti per l’età consigliata.
Quello che accade a Max è di facile immedesimazione in modo da indurre inevitabilmente il lettore ad un pensiero più profondo.
Un romanzo decisamente divertente ed emozionante che insegna a non arrendersi mai e ad imparare dai propri errori.

Dalla quarta di copertina:
“La Thompson ha una penna che tocca il cuore e che prende alla pancia. I suoi romanzi parlano di amicizia, di famiglia e dell’affrontare le proprie paure.
Parlano a ognuno di noi.” The Observer

Non mi resta che confermare questa esegesi e consigliarne la lettura o l’eventuale idea regalo. Adorabile!

[litwithneha ( Neha Modi ) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxwell Beckett always lands in trouble even when he has the best of intentions. Be it school or neighbours, be it with friends or family. He feels miserable when one of the most awaited events in school goes haywire because of his mistake.

Accidentally, he finds himself erased from his life while looking through some mysterious contents in a cabinet at a neighbour's house. He now misses his old life and repents all the mistakes. Will Maxwell ever be able to find his way out of this strange problem, forms the main plot of the story.

The story explores some important themes for children in the age group of 9-12 years. It emphasizes on relationships between children and their parents, among siblings and friends. The story will certainly help in opening conversations with children about bullying and the ways to handle it. It will help the children to understand that they are important to the people around them.

The story also focuses on imbibing values such as empathy, courage and perseverance among children. It is also commendable how the author has handled the delicate concept of separation among parents. It was neither glorified nor shown in a bad light.

It's important to build narratives around topics that are difficult to talk about openly with children. And stories can be a great medium to handle them if done correctly.

#bookhoarderrecommendation - An important book to read for children as well as adults.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Doesn’t reach the level of The Light Jar or The Goldfish Boy. It’s an average read.

Maxwell is a troublemaker. His neighbor thinks he’s the worst kid ever and he’s on thin ice at school. When he head butts his best friend, no one believes it’s was an accident as he claims. As punishment, he’s banned from attending the school’s anniversary celebration. Of course, a troublemaker goes anyway and, well, causes trouble. Fearing his parent’s reaction, he detours to his elderly neighbor’s home to wait it out. As he bemoans his life, wishing he’d never been born, he heads home to find a different family living in his house, his beloved dog missing, and his best friend and family not recognizing him. The world is altered, as it would be, if he had not been born.

I didn’t find the altered life all that exciting. He tracks people down, tries to talk to them. Of course, they just think he’s a weirdo. The worst part was the rationalization for how he came to be erased. I never quite got it. An antique egg with items from 4 missing famous people had the power to do this. It was a bit too hokey. I guess it would be hard to come up with something that isn’t hokey. Anyway, neither bad, nor fantastic, so I’ll pass on recommending.

[Amy (Golden Books Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Lisa Thompson`s third book, and she just keeps getting better every time. The plot- which is quite reminiscent of “It`s a Wonderful Life” but is also totally unique from that- focuses on a boy called Maxwell who is constantly in trouble at home and in school, who wishes that he didn`t exist and then has to undo his erasion. First of all, I loved Maxwell. He is not always the kindest and doesn`t make the best choices sometimes, but I think it`d be impossible not to sympathise with him as you read because he has a heart of gold deep down (his relationships with Reg and Monster melted me) and his behaviour makes perfect sense when you hear his reasons for doing certain things/examine the subtext. His development throughout was fantastic too. I also thought the mystery was fantastic, as was the magical realism element. The mystery was so intriguing, with a perfect resolution and the way the magical realism tied in felt so believable and I loved uncovering its secrets. My other favourite thing was the ending in general rather than just that of the mystery plot strand, as it was perfect and made me cry! A thoughtful, interesting middle grade that crosses into several genres and does a great job in all of them. 4.5/5

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Lisa Thompson’s earlier books, The Goldfish Boy and The Light Jar, have been very well received and we feel that her new book The Day I Was Erased will also be popular. Maxwell is truly a troubled youth - he is one of those kids who is always at the centre of trouble and he seems to go out of his way to pull pranks, humiliate others and generally spoil the fun for everyone else; yet there is a reason for this terrible behaviour. When he does his final terrible act, a wish on a curiosity from old Reg’s cabinets brings about his greatest wish; “I wish I’d never been born”. Once his wish is fulfilled, as he wanders around in a world where he no longer has a place or home, he realises that perhaps his life does have meaning and purpose. He learns that although he can’t justify his terrible behaviours of the past he can make amends and make others understand why he behaves in such ways. Full of warmth and humour this is a wonderful book about understanding the impact that family disharmony has on individuals and what motivates people to act the way they do. Friendship, accountability, bullying, dementia, family breakdown are all themes of this book.

[(a)lyss(a) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review.

I'm not the target demographic and I think that's largely why this book doesn't speak to me.

The 'I wish I'd never been born' story is a hard one to write in a way that's unique and captivating. There are some really great twists and the ending was good - Reg was a great touch. But I had a hard time rooting for Maxwell. The crux of the story is Maxwell is acting out because he doesn't have the tools to process his home life, but by the end he hasn't really changed. He does some pretty wild things, as do many of the kids in this book such as stealing, intentionally shutting off the power of a school full of kids during a live event, and making fun of supposed friends, and there are no consequences. I feel like we don't actually see Maxwell learn from his experience, it's more his circumstances change which is a less compelling resolution for me.

Overall it's a cute idea and has some interesting twists but wasn't for me.

[Jenny Staller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maxwell Beckett is a kid who is always getting in trouble--he lashes out at school and is constantly getting in trouble because his life at home is complicated. After a particularly bad day, he wishes that he never existed, and his wish comes true. He then spends the rest of the book seeing what the world would be like without him and trying to get his life back.

Maxwell was a truly unlikable protagonist, and throughout most of the book I felt like the world actually was better without him in it (which is terrible to say, but he really rubbed me the wrong way). I wanted him to have some sort of a revelation about his awful behavior (the way he treats his best friend is appalling, he's rude to his neighbor for no reason, he ruins a school function for all of his classmates, etc) but he never really takes responsibility for his actions, and instead blames outside forces for the way he acts. The book is a quick read though, and could appeal to reluctant readers.