Cube, The

A heart-warming adventure tale that sees the underdog come out on top. Join Tyrone as he battles with a strange assortment of fellow contestants - and with himself - in his bid to save the Earth! Suitable for teenage readers. First published September 2006. Play Audio: http://tinyurl.com/43twy4

About the Author :
Paul Manship lives with his wife and three daughters in Rhiwderin Village near Newport. He is a primary school teacher and credits experiences in the classroom with providing inspiration for his stories. His first novel Rewind has been short listed for the Glen Dimplex Children's Book Award 2006. The Cube is his second publication, and is a heart-warming adventure tale that sees the underdog come out on top.

Review :
A very enjoyable read! Manship has set his story in a future that has contact with life on other planets, but just as on earth, fights and arguments arise between planets. The Cube appears suddenly and issues an ultimatum to the squabbling Solar System. One person from each planet will be chosen to take part in a game to decide the future of each planet. Tyrone Davies is an unlikely hero – he's overweight and suffers from asthma. He is a boy that is always going to be picked on, and he's disastrous in goal for his school football team. A cast of beings from other planets is assembled, each with its own individual characteristics. As the game progresses, it becomes obvious that each being's weaknesses cause them to be eliminated – one is too selfish, another too greedy, another arrogant. Tyrone emerges as the winner, although he realises that he is not perfect. Claiming the prize could result in the destruction of six planets – something Tyrone does not want. Ultimately all the beings realise that they have to work together, and each is dependent on the other. So this is a book with a message but told in an entertaining way and with a lot of humour. The author has allowed his imagination to run riot in describing the creatures from other planets – or perhaps he had some help from the children he teaches! A story that I am sure will appeal to many children. Riveting Reads 2008 (Boys into Books) This book from Pont in Wales is written by a teacher, who has based it on his experiences with pupils. The fast-paced dialogue is terrific. The goalkeeper, Tyrone, has not been chosen for his agility but because of his inability to charge around the pitch. One attempt at a save leads to a dive right out of the stratosphere and into a threat to Earth from a strange Cube. Tyrone has a task to complete to prevent catastrophe; he has to face all his own difficulties and struggles yet remain thoughtful throughout. A good, well constructed and pertinent story for underdogs who face everyday problems, as well as for those who might be a touch more understanding. School Library Association