Two Weeks With the Queen (Galaxy Children's Large Print) [Large Print] [Paperback]

Morris Gleitzman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2002 | Series: Galaxy Children's Large Print

When Colin's brother Luke becomes seriously ill with leukemia, he is determined to get the best help possible. He's sent to stay with relatives in London and works to go to the very top - the Queen first and, failing her, the best cancer doctor in the world. He is helped by a young man whose partner is dying of Aids - the ending cannot be happy, but is joyous in a way because it offers comfort and truth. The story is told with a wonderfully humorous touch.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This isn't at all the carefree story implied by the title and cover artwork--terminal cancer, AIDS, gay-bashing and death are treated tenderly here, in appropriate middle-reader fashion. Colin Mudford, an Australian boy, suspects that his parents favor his younger brother, Luke. When Luke collapses suddenly and is hospitalized, Colin wistfully imagines he has a malady of his own. Yet upon hearing that Luke will die of cancer, Colin sets out to find a doctor to cure him. Sent to live with relatives in England, Colin first tries soliciting the Queen's help, then approaches hospital physicians. He eventually meets Ted, a homosexual whose lover is dying of AIDS. Colin and Ted support one another through a difficult time (including Ted's assault by homophobic thugs), which enables Colin to shed his self-centered ways and allow a brave, resourceful and loving person to emerge. Gleitzman's liberal sprinkling of humor prevents the novel from becoming too dark. While the progression is slow at first, and several Australian expressions ("sooky," "sticky-beaking") may perplex readers, the material's topicality makes this a special book. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-- After the sudden diagnosis of his younger brother's cancer, Colin is sent from his home in Australia to relatives in England. Once there, he tries to contact a number of venerable institutions--including the Queen--in order to obtain the best possible medical assistance for his brother. He fails in these efforts, but eventually receives some help and understanding from a homosexual couple--one of whom has AIDS. The novel ends with Colin fleeing his dreary relatives in England and flying back to Australia to be at his dying brother's bedside. Despite the gloomy subject matter, this book does have some funny moments, and Colin is incredibly feisty and brave--although not all of his actions are plausible. The British and Australian words are few and shouldn't deter readers. However, the plot's breakneck pace results in a lack of sufficient detail in many scenes. The effect is sketchy and undermines the more serious aspects of the story--it's like looking at the countryside from a fast-moving car. Readers won't be able to wholly sympathize with Colin's plight, or the life-and-death issues he faces, because they just haven't had a chance to know him very well. --Todd Morning, Schaumburg Township Public Library, IL
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Galaxy (July 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0754078167
• ISBN-13: 978-0754078166
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An uplifting tale of a young boy's acceptance of death, April 22, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Two Weeks With the Queen (Paperback)

Colin's parents don't know how to explain what's going on with his brother. He was too sick too eat their Christmas dinner, and Colin quickly learns there is a more serious problem. That problem is called cancer, and
this Australian family and their doctors can do nothing to save the boy. Colin's parents decide that he would be better off in London, with his Aunt and Uncle where he won't have to see his brother suffer. Colin disagrees, but he knows that if he can get to London, maybe the Queen will send her best doctor to cure his brother.
After a couple of thwarted trips to Buckingham Palace and a trip to the finest hospital in London, Colin is feeling a bit useless. No one seems to want to help his brother. Then he meets a new friend,Griff,who helps him to understand the importance of being with the person you love when they are ill. Griff teaches Colin through example, as his partner suffers from cancer and the AIDS virus. Learning about relationships and the importance of supporting those you love helps Colin to accept his brother's forthcoming death. Colin realizes that the way he can most help his brother is by goin home to be by his side till the end.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, January 7, 2000

By 

Rhiannon (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Weeks with Queen (Hardcover)

Morris Gleitzman is the best Australian author ever. His books are so realistic in a warped sort of way. Two weeks with the queen is about a boy called colin who is sent to england to stay with his aunt, uncle and cousin. While he is there he tries to find a doctor who can help his brother who is dying of cancer. All Morris Gleitzman's books are really cool. I should know, I've read them all about 3 times. I recommend this book for people between the ages of 9 and 14. Read it today you'll love it!

5.0 out of 5 stars very very sad., August 18, 2004

By 

theshortmad1wivmessyhair "Amy" (essex, england) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Two Weeks with Queen (Hardcover)

I must have read TWO WEEKS WITH THE QUEEN about 6 years ago now (I was about 10) and where I might have forgotten details of the plot and the names of some of the characters it's still a book that I remember and love.

It has a strong, charismatic and honest main character (Colin) that's little brother is currently dying of cancer. He is sent away to England, as his parents think it will be less stressful than watching his brother die. Colin resolves to find the Queen's own doctor and cure his little brother. On the way he meets a gay man who's lover is also dying. A strong friendship begins as they each face the worst.

It's a story with relationships, love, death, prejudice, terminal diseases and hope. Told with humour and honesty through the eyes of a young boy just trying to save his brother.

A must read for anyone.