The Ice Boy [Paperback]

Patricia Elliott (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Edward's vision of a land far across the sea brings him hope that his father is alive and well, and didn't perish in the storm. If only he could reach the island and look for Dad. When he rescues Bur, the mysterious young man from the waves, Edward is given the chance to attempt the perilous quest, but time is fast running out.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Elliott is one of [the Fidler Award's] worthiest winners. This atmospheric debut novel [is] heavy on Kleenex' -- The Glasgow Herald 20020907 'an entertaining and intriguing read ... a stirring adventure story, with lots to grip the imagination and set the mind thinking.' -- Carousel 20060601 'I've just read this book, which is sooo good ... I couldn't put it down.' -- Mizz magazine reader review 20020901 'The standard of writing displayed by the winners of the Fidler Award is high, and 'The Ice Boy' is no exception.' -- Writers' News 20030101 'A remarkable first novel ... here is a writer whom you can trust.' -- Armadillo 20021201 'gripping to say the least!' -- Artsline UK.com 20021201 'gripping ... impossible to put down.' -- The Hounslow Chronicle 20020805

About the Author

Patricia Elliott was born in London, but grew up in Europe and the Far East. A voracious reader since childhood 'where she had the resources of ten different school libraries', she also made up ghost stories to scare her friends! As an adult, she worked in publishing in London and in a children's bookshop in New York. She now teaches a course in children's literature at an adult education college, and is writing further novels. She lives in Barnes with her husband and two sons. Her first book, The Ice Boy, won the Fidler Award for a first novel, was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award and the West Sussex award. Her second novel, Murkmere, was longlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Award.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 261 pages
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340854243
• ISBN-13: 978-0340854242
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,042,391 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An absorbing fantasy, winner of the last Fidler Award (2001), June 27, 2005

By 

Laraine A. Barker "Laraine A Barker" (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Ice Boy (Paperback)

A year after his father perished at sea, Edward returns to where it happened, staying with his Uncle Hodder. He still hopes to find his father because, although the boat was salvaged, no body was recovered. Straight away strange things happen. Edward meets a mysterious old man who gives him a one-word message for his son. Edward can't read it; it's in a foreign language. "My son will know you," he tells Edward. Then Edward helps an exhausted swimmer to shore and takes him to the home of the three elderly Newnes sisters, who run a B&B but are still waiting for their first guest. Over the sea Edward sees a vision of a land of ice and snow that nobody else can see and sometimes even he can't. He becomes increasingly sure he will find his father there. The swimmer gives him the opportunity to visit the land. But time is fast running out ...

This absorbing fantasy won the last Fidler Award (2001). Woven in with Edward's story is the Norse myth of the Death of Baldur. Each of the characters in the story has a counterpart in the Baldur legend.

I very much doubt this is Patricia Elliott's first book, though it's obviously her first for children or it wouldn't have been eligible for the Fidler. She has the gift of highly detailed characterisation that isn't likely to make a middle-grade reader impatient with all the description. The book is also extremely well written. I don't think there was one point in which I was jerked out of the story by bad grammar or clumsy punctuation--something that happens all too frequently these days.

Finally, as a writer for children myself, I must express my concern that the Fidler Award has been discontinued. There are already few enough awards for children's writers.