All the Things That Could Go Wrong

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With a forward plot through the two main characters' perspectives, the stories in this book try to explore how pre-teens face life's problems that they have to find solutions for on their own. I’d tell him I wouldn’t dare put my hand in there. Ben said he wouldn’t either. The last time we came here he told me how the biggest fish got to be so big. One good quote that I highlight in this book is when Alex, in another scene when he is being bullied, looks very worried about Dan, the bully who gradually becomes his friend when he suddenly leaves school due to the stress climax he experiences losing his older brother. An exciting depiction of how pre-teen relationships, no matter how tough, are always filled with sincerity, tenderness, and warmth--something that might be difficult to find in our adult days. I feel this is the right time to mention this book had so many references. One that really stood out to me was the Horrible Histories reference, which I fully appreciated. I'm not a huge fan of Star Wars, but if you are then, you 're in for a treat, since this book is practical filled with Stars Wars (though not to an extent where it's boring to those who don't like Star Wars. I didn't necessarily understand some parts of it, but it didn't drag on, if you get what I mean) since Alex (and Dan) are Stars Wars fans. Deeply moving and utterly gripping . . . Stewart Foster carries off an astonishing feat of storytelling in this exceptional book' Julia Eccleshare, lovereading.co.uk

All The Things That Could Go Wrong | Book by Stewart Foster All The Things That Could Go Wrong | Book by Stewart Foster

That’s not to say there is anything wrong with the portrayal of Alex. In fact, Stewart Foster has depicted Alex’s struggles skillfully. By writing in the first person, the reader is invited into Alex’s confused mind. We see his internal struggle laid bare, realizing how debilitating his condition can be. It is a highly accomplished piece of characterisation.If you are struggling with OCD or bullying, be aware that these are subjects handled within the book. Alex’s thoughts felt very real and honestly scared me so consider if you’re in the position to read this. It’s amazing! Such a bold idea to have a character like Dan… you pulled it off brilliantly.’ Ross Welford, author of Time Travelling with a Hamster Like Alex, Dan’s life is not straight forward either. Since his older brother left home, everything in Dan’s world feels different. Dan plays out his frustrations at school, messing around in class and finding easy targets at school to bully with his friends. Alex’s OCD makes him see and feel germs everywhere, so he wears gloves in public, which often makes him a target of bullying—his private “Worry Lists” don’t seem to keep his phobias from multiplying. Meanwhile, Dan adores and always followed his big brother, Ben, but when Ben had to go away (exactly why and where become a light mystery), Dan fell under the spell of bully Sophie, who makes Alex her primary target. Dan unconsciously tries to hide his hurt and anger about Ben by working on a raft the two had begun. In short, alternating first-person chapters, the two Year Seven British boys give readers access to their inner thoughts and pain. When their friendly mums arrange for them to work on Dan’s raft together, Alex must confront his debilitating phobias and Dan must hide the relationship from Sophie. As work together slowly turns into mutual understanding and finally, friendship, readers also see the causes and effects of both bullying and empathy. The high tension and realism (including pop culture, family dynamics, etc.) will keep the interest of avid and reluctant readers alike. Alex, Dan, and Sophie all appear to be white, and the book assumes the white default. Consequently, Dan’s aggression and annoyance is taken out on the vulnerable target in his year group: Alex.

All The Things That Could Go Wrong - Stewart Foster - Google All The Things That Could Go Wrong - Stewart Foster - Google

No, Alex, it’s me. Hurry up, I need to pee.’ It’s my little sister, Lizzie. ‘Come on. I’m going to do it. I’m going to do it!’ I’ll just have one last wash before I go. I rub my hands together; they sting and they’re red-raw like a pomegranate. Now let me introduce Dan. Things aren’t easy for Dan either. His brother has left and everything has changed. His only option is to take out his frustrations on easy targets such as Alex. Both boys’ are tested when their mothers, oblivious to the tensions at school, arrange for the boys to meet up at weekends. Alex is being bullied and he doesn’t know what to do. He struggles anyway because of his serious OCD condition, and has sworn to the bullies that he won’t tell anyone what they’re doing to him. If he does, they say they’ll kill him. I cheered and cried and hoped – for Joe, and for the amazing people in his life who care enough to be heroes right alongside him. Simply wonderful.’ Jenn Bennett, author of Night Owls

Then the boys’ mums arrange for Alex to help Dan with a raft he was building with his brother. Ever since Ben went to prison, Dan has had angry outbursts and spends all his time in a lonely cave by the seafront, working on Shooting Star. The last thing he wants (and the last thing Alex wants) is for “that weird kid at school” to come and mess it up for him. Business coach Bob Reish says, “ If we spent more time excited about what will go right, we would not have time to dwell on why it won’t work. Don’t assume you will fail. Celebrate your victory as you run toward the destination.” Johnny Orlando is launching head first into the next chapter of his career, this time with the announcement of his long-awaited debut album All The Things That Could Go Wrong. The record is set to arrive via Republic Records and Universal Music Canada on August 19. This is such an important story. It's easy to have compassion for Alex, but this also helps the reader have compassion for Dan. Yes, he's a jerk. But there's so much going on with his life that it's easy to understand why he's so awful. (Also, he gets better and I'm a huge fan of personal growth.) But nothing. This is a school trip; we’re not going to be allowed to visit these places if you misbehave. You’re here to learn, not be the joker. Do you understand?’