THE 1000 YEAR OLD BOY
Written by Ross Welford
Published by Harper Collins
This book is about a 1000-year-old boy named Alve Einarsson, also known as Alfie Monk. He is an orphaned “Neverdead” who stopped aging at 11. “Neverdeads” are people who don’t age and therefore don’t die of old age but could die of tragic incidents or severe sicknesses, as they are not immortal.
Alfie was born in the 2nd century and became a Neverdead in the year 1014 AD. His “Mam” as he calls his mother (also a Neverdead), dies in a fire and leaves him to navigate his life alone in the 21st century. He makes two friends, Aidan Linklater, and Roxy Minto. They help him find the last remaining “life-pearl” on Earth. Life-pearls are small glass balls that contain an amber elixir, that makes someone a Neverdead. It can also reverse the effect, making a Neverdead age again. But there are complications.
There is one other Neverdead named Jasper, who is Aidan’s strange uncle. He wants to steal the last remaining life-pearl, so as to receive riches, fame, and recognition. Jasper’s ancestors fought with Alfie’s, and Jasper lost his family’s fortune – the life-pearls. Seeking revenge, Jasper wants the last remaining life-pearl at the same time as Alfie, and they meet at the place the life-pearl is hidden. Alfie and Jasper get into a fight, but Alfie beats Jasper to it with the help of an elderly archaeologist. Alfie starts aging just in time as his social worker, Sangeeta begins to get suspicious of his real age.
I liked that, in the end, Alfie moves in with Aidan who lives next door to Roxy. My favourite character is Roxy Minto because she is caring and understanding, as she helps Alfie adapt to the 21st century.
I would highly recommend this book to 10-year-olds.
April, 2025
