I really enjoyed the premise of this book, although at times it felt slightly surreal reading the story alongside real life events. Twelve year olds, Willa and Manny discover an alternate world, after following a strange creature into a cave. A world where a drastically changing climate ceases to exist as well as being a world without war. A race against time ensues as the children need to convince the people of their own world that such a place can (and does) exist.

Uplifting, exciting and mind-bending. Another Welford winner!

Every Welford story is just a perfect puller-in of readers. Invisibility, time travel. Now dimension hopping.

On what seems to be the eve of a third world war, two young students, one new to the school, strike up an uneasy connection. Both social misfits of sorts, Willa's parents own a rundown holiday park, Manny lives in the care system.

Searching for a local 'monster' one night at Manny's insistence, they stumble upon a cave that seems to take them to... well, their world... but yet a different one. One where everything just seems 'better'. Not only are people nicer, everything seems to be better for the environment, but Willa's parents are no longer fighting, and the imminent war has vanished.

The children want to share the best parts of this alternative world with their own, maybe stop the war from happening, but how can they do that? And can they even get back?

I had a few 'sciencey' questions as I went along and just hoped Welford had an answer for them - he did. Readers will be astute enough to see flaws in the idea of dimension hopping but the author gives us plausible answers and allows the story to progress nicely, you can enjoy the new world knowing it makes narrative sense.

This had everything, for me. Two different lead characters but both likeable and with their own motivations. A good background family story for them both, and excellent parallels between the worlds, with some lovely touches in the Sideways world creation. It was idyllic to observe.

I really like Maude, and that Willa's family story featured quite strongly. There was even a lump in my throat occasionally.

This kept moving, with some rather adventurous moments, and a very strong ending that satisfied.

Great story, almost hard to let go of the idea of it.

For ages 9-13.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading e-copy.

Amazing story for youngsters. Perfect for independent readers gaining confidence.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Never have we been disappointed by a book by Ross Welford although the 1,000 year old boy is definitely our favourite. This ranks very closely behind though. The story sucks you right in from the beginning and you easily identify with the two main characters. Great family adventure.Another instant classic.

Who wouldn’t want a world where global warming doesn’t exist and war isn’t an ever present threat? It seems like an irresistible lure to Willa and Manny but perfection has its flaws if you look hard enough.

Welford has created an enticing way to impart something very important to his target audience. The parallel world concept draws in the reader into something which initially seems entertaining but with an edge that will make them think about wider subjects in such an absorbing way. I’m a big fan of his books, you know when you delve into one of his stories that you are in for a treat.

This is my first read by Ross Welford and now I need to catch up with the back catalogue. The imaginative storyline made it impossible to put down and I was rooting for the Willa and Manny right from the start but Maudie was my favourite character with her positive view of the world. There were poignant and inspirational moments to celebrate along the way before the action-packed adventure reached its conclusion. Fantastic!

I am a big fan of Ross Welford’s stories. They are imaginative, inventive, beautifully crafted, filled with believable characters, thought provoking, yet very funny. By weaving philosophical questions and scientific concepts through his works, Welford ensures that his readers are informed and most definitely not patronised.
Into the Sideways World is no exception. It is a brilliantly told, well-paced book which will enthral and engage all readers. Although aimed at 10 years +, this rather aged reader read it in one sitting: it is most definitely a page turner.
Without giving too much away (there is nothing worse than a spoiler or two), the story is set a few years into the future and centres on Willa and Manny, two outsiders who strike up a friendship. One night, a strange occurrence thrusts them into an alternative parallel life in an almost Utopian world where there are no wars, no pollution, and no family conflict. When they return to their world, however, no one believes them, apart from the rather marvellous 85-year-old lifelong learner Maude. Maude is a fantastic character, and I defy any reader to find her, and her well-considered views on life, otherwise.
Children, teachers and parents will just fall headlong into Welford’s sideways world.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins Children’s Books, for the ARC.

A mysterious creature is prowling around town and Willa and Manny are determined to find it. They follow it into a cave, transporting themselves to the World Without War, which looks like their world but isn’t. When no one believes their story, Willa and Manny desperately try to gather proof of this other world while catastrophic doom threatens their own. This imaginative, emotional middle-grade is wonderfully thoughtful and full of original ideas. The characters of Manny and Maudie are particularly loveable! With themes of family and friendship, the book serves as a call for change and is a lesson on treating our planet and each other better.

Overall, this story was very, very good, I loved the parallel world aspect and that Willa's world is set in a future we could still recognise. Perhaps I'm pessimistic though, because the world Willa found herself in, the World Without War, seemed to have solved the problems of warring nations far too easily, and I found it a little difficult to believe.

Willa's was a really memorable character, and the explanation of how the sideways world worked made sense to me. I loved that Willa got to meet the brother she never knew, that died in her world, and that he knew she wasn't his sister fairly quickly. These scenes were the most memorable for me, and the most touching.

The ending is action packed, and I found myself turning the pages quickly to find out if Willa and Manny would get back home in time, and how her world may change for the better for what she knew. I felt that the ending was surprisingly realistic, but hopeful for the future.

This is my 7th read by Ross Welford and the 7th I’ve given five stars to. I’ve been lucky enough to have had review copies of this, and the previous, book. I have, however, bought all of his books for my shelves and for future rereads.

I liked the two main characters and enjoyed the story line. The sideways world was a very interesting world and I was hooked until the end. I’m looking forward to reading this to my class (I’m a teacher).

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC of this book.

I have read all of Ross Welford’s books as they are always exciting and thought provoking - Into the Sideways World is no exception.

The characters of Willa and Manny are well- rounded and you are drawn into their stories easily, rooting for them both, even when that is hard. There were so many twists and turns with all of different parts but not in a confusing way - in an exciting way!

The themes of climate change and war/peace make this book very thought provoking and you’re left with hope and what ifs.

I would highly recommend this to year 5/6+ children.

Into the Sideways World is another action-packed adventure from Ross Welford. As with his previous offerings, this book is totally unique, with a very imaginative plot: it’s sci-if meets adventure, with some deeply moving scenes thrown in for good measure.

When Willa and Manny accidentally stumble into an alternative reality, they find themselves in a perfect world. A world without war or pollution, where even their families are happier. Will they trade this perfect paradise for their own reality - a world posed for war, death and destruction?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought the idea was genius and very well executed from Welford. It was an emotional and moving story, made up of likeable characters. Even though the story line is incredibly far-fetched, Welford’s fast-paced and carefully considered writing made it believable. I think this book will be a real hit with UKS2 pupils. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.