The Astounding Broccoli Boy

Rory Rooney turns bright green overnight and finds himself quarantined in a hospital isolation ward. He shares the space with his school nemesis Tommy-Lee, who has also mysteriously turned green. While under observation by medical experts, Rory becomes convinced that his condition must be connected to superpowers. He and Tommy-Lee embark on nighttime adventures around London, testing their potential abilities as newly-minted superheroes. The boys face challenges both inside and outside the hospital as they navigate their unusual situation. Their green predicament forces them to confront their assumptions about each other and their place in the world. This novel explores themes of friendship, identity, and finding strength in what makes us different. Through humor and imagination, it presents a fresh take on the superhero genre while examining how children cope with feeling like outsiders.

Readers describe this book as a humorous story that approaches serious topics like bullying through an absurd premise. The lighthearted tone and quirky events keep children engaged while addressing themes of self-acceptance. Liked: - Comic timing and British humor - Character development of Rory - Positive messages without being preachy - Appeal to reluctant readers - References to superheroes and comics Disliked: - Plot meanders in middle sections - Some found the premise too silly - Secondary characters need more depth - British references may confuse non-UK readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.3/5 (90+ ratings) "Perfect for fans of Roald Dahl - same mix of humor and heart" - Goodreads reviewer "My 9-year-old couldn't put it down" - Amazon review "The ending felt rushed" - School Library Journal reader review

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🥦 Frank Cottrell Boyce was inspired to write this story after his own son turned slightly green from eating too many green vegetables during a health kick. 🦸 The book cleverly references other superhero origin stories, particularly The Incredible Hulk, who also turned green through an unexpected transformation. 🎬 The author is also an acclaimed screenwriter who wrote the screenplay for the 2012 London Olympics opening ceremony directed by Danny Boyle. 🏥 The story's main setting, St. Swithins Hospital in London, is named after a real-life 9th-century Saxon bishop known as the patron saint of Winchester Cathedral. 🔬 The medical condition that turns people green (chlorosis) mentioned in the book is based on a real condition called hypochromic anemia, though it doesn't actually turn people green in real life.