The Light Jar

Praise for The Light Jar: A thoughtful and hugely empathetic book: a consolation for readers who, for whatever reason, might be feeling a little out of place in the world. -- The Guardian Tense and threaded with mystery... Thompson adeptly draws the storylines into a cohesive whole that rewards readers with a satisfyingly hard-won resolution. -- BooklistThis is the kind of book that will matter most to kids facing loss and family disruption themselves, letting them know that imagination is a useful tool for developing courage in difficult times and that sometimes you need to go back in time in order to move forward. -- Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksA witty and courageous book. Carefully and beautifully written, this is a book that will appeal to readers who enjoyed Ann M. Martin's Rain Reign and David Almond's Skellig. -- School Library Journal Praise for The Goldfish Boy: * Thompson strikes the perfect balance, seemingly without compromise, between an issue-driven novel and one with broad, commercial appeal. This empathetic debut is a middle-grade whodunit with a very special heart. -- Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewA multilayered mystery at once suspenseful and heartrending. -- BooklistThe novel successfully weaves Matthew's personal struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder and the search for the missing toddler into a compelling story with a hearty dose of mystery and adventure. -- School Library JournalThis book is filled with intriguing characters and tragic, mysterious pasts. Thompson has created a modern teenage tale interwoven with classic literary themes like loss, guilt, neglect, and loneliness. This is a story for everyone, featuring mystery, drama, and enough realism to inspire students to research and understand the complexities of the mind. -- School Library ConnectionHeart and humour, along with a strong message about the value of family, friends and facing fears... make this assured debut stand out. -- ObserverBoth a genuine mystery and an emotionally charged examination of fear and loneliness, this is a terrific read with warmly engaging characters. -- Daily MailThis carefully judged, poignant story should help those with OCD feel less alone -- and help others to understand the impulses behind painful acts of repetition. -- GuardianA genuinely clever mystery. -- Robin Stevens, author of the Murder Most Unladylike seriesA great cast of characters and an intriguing mystery -- I loved it! -- Ross Welford, author of Time Travelling with a Hamster