The 10pm Question by Kate De Goldi

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 The 10pm Question strikes me to be an immensely innovative, realistic and witty novel as it thoroughly explores the ideas behind the conventional experience of one understanding or adapting to life’s complex and intricate ways. Frankie is a sensible, thoughtful and intelligent young character whose every waking second is invaded by worries about whether the batteries in the smoke alarm are working, if “The Fat Controller” has enough cat food or if the world with explode due to the rising cases of bird flu. Most of the people that Frankie’s world seems to revolve around seem to keep untroubled, whether that is his irritating sister, his adventurous brother or his fat whiskey-swilling aunts, it is only his beloved Ma that handles his never-ending persistent questions. However out of all of his 10pm questions, there is one that he is hesitant to bring himself to ask. 


The protagonist of the book, Frankie Parsons is driven by control, organisation and structure as he starts the day by reciting his school items protractor, calculator, oxford dictionary, PE Kit, Lunch, School Project and so on, Frankie and his friend Gigs follow a particular path to school down the zig-zag and then into the bus with the secret code where they occupy their usual left corner of the long bench at the back of the bus. Therefore, when the new girl, Sydney Vickerman strolls up to Frankie and Gigs with her own relentless and inevitable questions, their world is upended into chaos. Personally, I found this book extremely fascinating as I believe that the author displays a deeper connotation of growing up as the captivating storyline progresses and Frankie’s carefully controlled world starts to unravel. Thoughtful readers will enjoy the bittersweet truth in the printed pages as it narrates the story that many young children will fondly relate to. I especially found the front cover enthralling as the position of the title is very significant and the illustration stands out to me to be representing the ideals of growing up and being free of worries as there are two different coloured birds one inside and the other outside the cage. 


This mind-blowing novel investigates all corners of literacy techniques as it is impeccably humorous and heartbreaking and I’m certain that Frankie’s story has a place in every reader’s heart. I would love to recommend Kate De Goldi’s The 10pm Question to all diligent readers that are passionate about reading authentic tales that carry a sense of possibilities and hope. 

Reviewed for Lovereading4kids.co.uk. 

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