11 year old Jackson Curtis is "neurodiverse". He has a staggering autobiographical memory but his behaviour can be challenging. His story is told in his own voice and that of his mother Julia. The story moves along rather slowly until the pivotal point after a 9 year old girl tells her parents about an incident in the school toilets. Then the pace picks up and zooms along to the conclusion.

The author has a captivating writing style. The book has an almost magical quality. I am sure that it will remain in my memory for some time to come.

I really enjoyed this book because while it was similar to other books that I have read before in the beginning, it also touches on things that I've never even heard of. The book is all about a young boy named Jackson who is a little odd. He doesn't react to things the same way other kids his age do and he has a perfect memory of every event that has ever happened to him. When Jackson becomes friends with a boy named Digby his mother is elated. A new friend could be just what Jackson needs, however it isn't long before we find out that his friends isn't the best influence on him and might be steering him down the wrong path. When an incident occurs involving a young girl and Jackson the whole world seems to turn on them and Jackson being unable to communicate properly what happens makes him enemy number one. The story is written through both the Jackson's eyes as well as his mother Julia. I loved the chance in perspectives because you got to see why Jackson did what he did and what he was thinking at the time but you also go to see it through his mother's eyes. This gave more structure to the novel and let the reader see a more balance between child and adult as well as taking off the glasses that showed his disability. It let you into two very different worlds. I'm amazed that the author was able to pull it off so seamlessly but she did so without a hitch. This book was so moving, I'm very glad I got the opportunity to check it out. If you haven't read this one already then I suggest you do it is
nothing like I've ever read before and I cannot recommend it more.

What a wonderful wonderful book. As a special needs teacher and mum of an undiagnosed ND child myself I couldn’t get enough of this book. I related so much to Jackson and his mum and was practically shouting at the police woman to ‘ask the right questions’. My heart was in my mouth, I cried at times and smiled at times. I wish I could formulate some words for how wonderfully true to life this was.

The wonderful teacher, believing in the ND child. The mum who supports even when she thinks she can’t do it any more and what a charming addition Riley was to the story.

I was surprised by the twist relating to one character - really hadn’t seen that coming.

I could not recommend this book more. I know I will read it again and recommend to friends and colleagues.

A well written and sympathetic story, well researched and relatable.
Written from the narrative of a young 11 year old boy with undiagnosed ‘special’ needs, and his mother Julia.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and it would for sure be a recommendation from me.

An Unusual Boy is the beautiful story of a boy call Jackson who is neurodiverse. He has an incredible memory which means he doesn’t forget anything. The story is about Jackson, his family and the aftermath of a serious crime.

From the beginning you are hooked and invested into Jackson and his family and this makes this book hard to put down. I read it in a day because I couldn’t sleep without knowing what was going to happen.

A quality 5 star read.

Thank you Net Galley for an ARC of An Unusual Boy. This book started off slow for me, but at a quarter it picked right up and never stopped. I loved this story.

Excellent story about an 11 yo middle child, a boy Jackson who is quirky and odd it seems, but his family loves him and does their best to handle his differences with other kids. The book switches back from Jackson's mom's point of view to Jackson's point of view which makes it very interesting. Julia, the mom, works and is raising her three children mostly alone, while her husband spends much of his time working abroad, even though the family has just relocated to a new area. Jackson doesn't have that many friends in spite of school, soccer and his new love for silks that when Digby from his soccer team and class invites him over, he is thrilled. However, Digby and Jackson have a rather perplexing playdate in Jackson's eyes and he is not thrilled about their activities. The net day in school, Digby insists on playing a prank on an unsuspecting 9 year old girl in the bathroom and makes Jackson promise not to say a word, although Jackson is not directly involved, he was there. He does because keeping promises is one of his family's rules. Things spiral out of control after the police are notified and Jackson is questioned and then suspended from school. He does not understand what is going on but he and his mom (who is handling the situation as best she can) are trying to manage the situation with homeschooling, home dance lessons, among other things, as the police continue their investigation. This book is really interesting and well-written, fabulous characters and an intriguing storyline. Loved it! Jackson is such a fascinating young man. Loved seeing things from his point of view!!

What would you do if you had a child who was a bit "different" and that child was accused of a heinous crime?
This book dealt with some difficult circumstances but overall it was well told. There were some parts that were a bit slow and dragged a bit. Overall though, it was a nice story, and handled the issues well. I liked being able to read the story from both Jackson and his mother's perspective, I think it really helped the reader to understand Jackson and how his mind works.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced review copy of this book.

I LOVE Jackson! This kid is amazing and all kinds of emotions got stirred up inside of me as I read this book because I felt so drawn to him. Fiona Higgins did a phenomenal job at creating the characters in this book and it was easy to feel joy and sadness, triumph and defeat, and love and pain over and over again. So much was covered in this book and every topic and issue made me question not only the actions of the characters in the book, but it also made me question what I would do in each situation. I chuckled, I cried, I cringed. There are definitely some dark and disturbing parts but I feel it is important to read about them rather than shy away from them, especially if you are a parent. So much can happen in today’s world, whether we do our best to protect our kids from the bad stuff or not, and maybe gaining even a little insight or knowledge about it can help us if we ever have to face what the kids in this book did. I flew through this book and I absolutely loved it.

I was drawn to this book by the cover. There’s something quite arresting about the look on that boys face. Of course I read it on my kindle and without the cover to view, I pictured Jackson completely differently. I was drawn into this from the start and really enjoyed getting to know the characters. This is an easy read despite the fact that it tackles some rather dark themes. There was a moment about half way through when Jackson’s ‘honest’ answer to a question made this pretty much unputdownable as I had to know what was going to happen. I don’t read many books in this genre but this is a wee gem, heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I’d definitely recommend it.

An Unusual Boy is a heartwarming read. I liked the three children enormously but for some reason I couldn't take to Julia, their mother at all. Mainly because I think the romance potential was too quick and unreal. Surely her focus should have been on Jackson and his sisters. I enjoyed the book regardless.
Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

Jackson is an eleven year old boy who is atypical from his peers socially and emotionally. He has a hard time putting his thoughts into words sometimes so he is often misunderstood. Jackson does not have an official diagnosis of any type but his parents know he is different from his peers. This difference affects his relationships with his peers, siblings, and classmates. The chapters switch back and forth between the mother’s point of view and Jackson’s point of view. I enjoyed this because it led you into Jackson’s mind and his thoughts. Jackson makes friends with a boy named Digby who is not such a good influence. Jackson is involved in an event at school with Digby that could alter the course of his life. The rest of the story revolves around Jackson and his family and community and how they all respond to this event. I throughly enjoyed this book. It was an inspiring story that I would recommend to others. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Jackson is the middle child of three and his mother Julia is aware that he's neurodiverse. She is keen to not have her son labelled and just states that he's an unusual child. There is an incident in school involving a younger girl and Jackson is called in for police questioning. His tendency to be overly literal goes against him and things get a little out of hand. I really enjoyed this book and found it a quick and gripping read. Would definitely recommend to fans of Lianne Moriarty.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood books for my copy.

Fiona Higgins is a new author to me but her style of writing captivated me from the off. This is a beautifully written book about a family raising a neurodiverse boy Jackson.

Jackson spends a lot of time in the handstand position to quell the beans inside him. He has started at a new school and is struggling to make friends because of his strange quirks. He is invited on a playdate by Digby from his soccer team, Digby is allowed unlimited screen time which is completely against what is suggested for Jackson. The next day an incident occurs which quickly descends into a nightmare for Jackson and his family.

The rest of the book deals with the aftermath of Jackson telling his truth in his typical fashion. The book has some fabulously colourful characters in it including Ruby the sister and the dance teacher. I grew to like other characters as the book progressed and although it's a bit of a schmalzy ending I loved it.

Jackson is neurodiverse and has trouble communicating, the book follows the story of an incident which occurs when he follows his friend into the girls toilet. He is unable to communicate effectively and thus further complicates the matter.

The book was a captivating read, it alternates from Jacksons point of view to his mums. There are twists and turns and the ultimate cause of the incident was completley unexpected.

Although the overall theme is upsetting the book was an enjoyable and easy read. It reminded me of Jodi Picoults work although less complex

What a devastatingly beautiful read. I was initially attracted to this novel for its topic of a neurodivergent child, but as a mother of two boys (who at this point can not be labelled as either neurotypical nor neurodivergent) this book speaks to so many of a parent’s worst fears. What are our children being exposed to when we are not with them? How can we best protect them? And what can we do when that protection fails?

I can’t believe I haven’t heard of Fiona Higgins before now! How exciting to discover a “new” Australian author. It looks like I have a backlog to catch up on!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Best book I’ve read all year.

I really enjoyed this book. Julia is a busy mother of 3. Her middle chid, 11 year old Jackson, is different to other children. His brain works differently, although experts have never been able to give a diagnosis. One day Jackson follows his new friend Digby in to the girls' toilets where an incident takes place that plunges the whole family in to a massive crisis. I loved the characters in this book, and found it to be a very moving story. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
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I could not put this down.
When i started it at first i wasn't sure if I could get into it. Wow was I ever surprised!!
Such a heartfelt wonderful powerful story.
Wish I could read it all over again.
The characters are all beautifully written. You don't know who to love more. All the stars for this wonderful book.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for an early release of this book.

This is a brilliantly written, inspiring, love filled and yet a sad story.
Jackson is an interesting, yet challenging young boy who as he says: "I'm a memory magnet".
He truly has a memory like an elephant!
Can you only imagine?
He does not lie, he does not cheat, and he does not tell secrets, and this will create a serious complication for Jackson and his family as he is accused of a heinous crime at eleven years of age.

I read this book in a day!
I was so worried about this family that I needed to know what had happened.
You will definitely love Jackson as I do! Wonderful, touching story!

I really enjoyed An Unusual Boy.

Julia’s son Jackson is different to most children and can be a struggle at times. Julia tries her best to look after him and his two sisters and ensures they take part in extra-curricular activities and are not overlooked despite her husband working away a lot and working herself. She is trying her best.

A devastating incident occurs involving Jackson and completely changes their lives. They must try to come together to work their way through it but more twists and turns in the story make it difficult.

This was a fantastic read and I was eager to read this in one sitting to find out what would happen next.