The Day I Was Erased

Maxwell lives in London with his mum and sister, frequently getting into trouble at school and home due to his impulsive behavior. His only true friend is his elderly neighbor, Reg, who shares stories about the past and shows kindness to Maxwell despite his mistakes. After a particularly bad day filled with mishaps and conflicts, Maxwell discovers a mysterious object in Reg's house that leads to an unexpected turn of events. He finds himself in a changed version of his world where he never existed, forcing him to navigate familiar places that no longer recognize him. Through his journey to restore his life, Maxwell must confront the impact of his actions on others and understand the value of family, friendship, and personal growth. The story examines themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the ripple effects of individual choices on the lives of others.

Readers connect with the emotional journey of Maxwell, a troubled 12-year-old boy who learns valuable lessons about family and friendship. Many highlight Thompson's portrayal of Maxwell's growth from an impulsive troublemaker to someone who understands the impact of his actions. Liked: - Realistic depiction of family dynamics and school struggles - Strong character development - Incorporation of dementia/elderly care themes - Appeals to both reluctant and advanced young readers Disliked: - Some found the first few chapters slow - A few readers wanted more resolution with certain side characters - Time-travel element felt confusing to younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.6/5 (280+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.5/5 (90+ ratings) "Perfect balance of humor and heart" - Teacher review on Goodreads "Handles complex themes in an age-appropriate way" - Parent review on Amazon "Made me think about how I treat others" - Student review on Toppsta

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🔸 The book explores the concept of parallel universes through a 12-year-old protagonist who magically erases himself from existence, similar to the classic film "It's a Wonderful Life." 🔸 Lisa Thompson drew inspiration from her own childhood experiences of feeling like an outsider and wanting to start over, which she channeled into the main character, Maxwell. 🔸 The elderly neighbor character, Reg, suffers from dementia - a condition affecting over 55 million people worldwide, making this book a gentle introduction to the topic for young readers. 🔸 The author worked as a broadcast assistant for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4 before becoming a full-time children's book writer. 🔸 The book tackles themes of identity and self-worth while incorporating elements of magical realism, a genre that blends realistic settings with supernatural elements.