The Boy Who Woke the Sun

Nominated for the 2024 Jean Little First Novel Award (CCBC)

Nominated for the 2024 Silver Birch Fiction Award

Part of the TD Summer Reading Club

”A. T. Woodley has created a fantastical world controlled by evil butterflies but made it utterly believable. The vivid storytelling reminds readers to hang onto the things that bring them joy in the face of despair, that growing up means choosing the path you want to follow, and to always have an octopus as your sidekick. From start to finish, this novel will keep young readers enthralled.”
-Canadian Children’s Book Centre

“An epic fantasy quest about discovering the true path to empowerment and a better world … author A. T. Woodley has created a believable fantasy world that is very nicely supported with occasional back/white illustrations … strongly recommended.”
-The Midwest Book Review

1 of 15 middle grade and YA books to read this summer.
-CBC full article

1 of the 7 best middle grade books for September 2023.
-We Are Teachers

“Although the subject matter is heavy, this well-paced fantasy is full of lighter moments that are enhanced by the black-and-white illustrations. It explores emotional pain while guiding readers to think about who they are and what brings them happiness. Themes of pollution, kids as changemakers, friendship, family, and self-discovery recur throughout, with everything working together cohesively and offering readers new perspectives to ponder … Moving and serious yet leavened with humor.”
-Kirkus Reviews full article

“A. T. Woodley uses fantasy and a large dollop of humour to help readers explore the more difficult feelings they may be contending with. Ultimately, this is a story about finding light when you are in a dark place. As readers follow Elliot along his journey, they are empowered to understand that their own choices, decisions, and actions can have very real and positive consequences.”
-Children’s Book News

“Elliot is sensitive, brave, and persistent. The octopus is intelligent … and Granny Yilba has insights and a sense of humour that keeps the dark at bay for the children in her charge. The characters that the three meet on their trip (including a robot) are all colourful and deftly drawn. And the book’s main message … is empowering for young people troubled by issues such as environmental destruction and global warming. Highly Recommended. 4 stars.”
-CM Review full article

“Some books have it all. Giant kittens, a talking robot, an octopus who wears cowboy boots … what else could you possibly want in a story? Author A. T. Woodley knocks it out of the park … masterful storytelling … a truly satisfying read.”
-Check It Out, WPL full article

“The book is filled with adventurous twists and turns but the author is able to describe a compelling other world and keeps the plot and the characters believable, emphasizing compassion, beauty, and caring for others … Having students identify the crossroads the hero encounters and the paths he chooses and connecting these to crossroads students may encounter in their real world helps solidify the value of good moral choices.”
-Canadian Teacher Magazine full article