The First Year explores the emotional realities of starting secondary school. The sequel to the highly-acclaimed The Final Year follows Nate as he moves from the familiarity of primary school into a bigger and more demanding environment, capturing the uncertainty, pressure and hope accompanying this important transition in a young person’s life.
Told through a series of vivid, accessible poems, the story immerses readers in Nate’s inner world as he navigates new routines, crowded corridors and shifting friendships. Determined to make a positive start, he soon discovers the challenges of secondary school can feel overwhelming - higher expectations, different teachers and routines and an old nemesis intent on causing trouble. At home, the shifting dynamic between Nate and his brothers and the reappearance of his long-absent father add to the emotional complexity of his year.
What anchors Nate are his friends and the discovery that his voice still matters. Writing poetry continues to be both a refuge and a way to articulate feelings that have often been difficult to understand or share, as well as helping him make sense of the changes around him. The novel tackles themes of masculinity, mental health, family responsibility and friendship with sensitivity and realism.
Goodfellow’s verse style is immediate, rhythmic and emotionally honest, allowing readers to experience Nate’s thoughts with clarity and empathy. The poems balance moments of humour, frustration and vulnerability, reflecting the complexity of early adolescence. Joe Todd-Stanton’s illustrations enhance the narrative by adding visual warmth and emotional nuance, offering readers another way to connect with Nate’s journey.
Thoughtful, relatable and ultimately hopeful, The First Year speaks directly to young readers facing change and uncertainty. It highlights the importance of empathy, creativity and supportive relationships while celebrating the courage it takes to grow, adapt and discover where you belong.
Wilson.' School Reading List
