Publishers Group Canada

Swan Boy

Nikki Sheehan

An insightful story about bereavement and bullying.'
-Publishers Weekly

"Sheehan has written an affecting story of one boy's struggles with grieving, trying to be brave, finding himself, and being honest."
-Booklist

When Johnny's father dies, his family must leave their home, move to a tiny apartment in a busy city, and start life over. Without his old friends to support him, he becomes the favorite target of a bully at his new school. When all hope for fitting in seems lost, a chance encounter with a swan sparks a series of events that result in Johnny playing the lead in his school's all-boy version ofSwan Lake. His teacher wants him to live the role, and when feathers start sprouting on his chest, Johnny begins to understand his true potential.

But will he be strong or brave enough to beat his bullies, take care of his brother, support his mother and find a place for himself among all of the chaos in his life?

This magical coming-of-age story will touch anyone who has struggled with insecurity, change, grief, and the difficulty of listening to their inner voice to find the strength to become his or her own unique individual. "

Nikki Sheehan is the youngest daughter of a rocket scientist. Sheehan achieved a first class degree in linguistics and worked as a subtitler onCoronation Street andThe Simpsons. She later studied developmental psychology and journalism and continues to work as a freelance journalist and copywriter, specializing in parenting features. Sheehan has three children and is also a story mentor with Little Green Pig (Ministry of Stories) helping children to access their creativity. In addition, Sheehan is also one of three organizers of Brighton Rocks Books, the first mini festival of children's writing in the area. Sheehan is also the author ofWho Framed Klaris Cliff? published by O.U.P in 2014. She lives in Brighton, U.K.