Millions

A recently bereaved father moves his two young sons to a new housing development near Liverpool just before Britain's planned switch to the euro currency. When a bag full of British pounds literally falls from the sky, the brothers must decide what to do with the money before it becomes worthless. The younger brother Damian, who is fascinated by Catholic saints and often converses with them, believes the money is a gift from God meant to help the poor. His older brother Anthony takes a more practical approach, focusing on real estate and investments. The story unfolds through Damian's unique perspective as the brothers navigate their choices while dealing with mounting pressure, suspicious adults, and the approaching deadline of the currency switch. This middle-grade novel explores themes of grief, morality, and faith while questioning what truly matters in life - money, family, or doing good in the world.

Readers highlight the book's blend of humor, heart, and deeper themes about grief, faith, and morality. Many note how it engages both children and adults through its combination of comedy and serious subjects. Readers appreciate: - The unique narrative voice of young Damian - Balance of lighthearted moments with meaningful messages - Educational aspects about saints and economics - Family relationship portrayals Common criticisms: - Some find the religious elements heavy-handed - The plot resolution feels rushed to certain readers - Younger readers sometimes struggle with British terminology Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Reader quote: "A rare book that makes you laugh out loud while also making you think about big questions." - Goodreads reviewer Parents frequently mention the book promotes discussions about money, ethics, and loss with their children.

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🌟 The book was adapted into a successful film in 2004, directed by Danny Boyle of "Slumdog Millionaire" fame 🌟 Author Frank Cottrell Boyce began his career writing for popular British soap operas, including "Coronation Street" and "Brookside" 🌟 The story was inspired by the real-life transition period when several European countries switched their currency to the euro in 2002 🌟 The novel won the 2004 Carnegie Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature, beating out 60 other nominated books 🌟 Cottrell Boyce wrote the book after completing the screenplay for the film version - a reverse of the usual book-to-film process