From the bestselling author of Talking to Alaska comes a hilarious, heart-warming summer adventure. For fans of Ross Welford and Helen Rutter. 

THE TIMES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE WEEK

'This funny, award-winning novel by Dutch writer Woltz is original and touching — and has two wonderfully memorable characters…’ Sally Morris, Daily Mail

It’s the first day of the holidays and Sam is roaming the island of Texel, imagining what it’d feel like to be the last person on earth. Then, like a whirlwind, 12-year-old islander Tess swoops into his life. Sam’s only option is to go along for the ride.

Soon he’s dancing the waltz, burying a pet canary and coming up with an especially weird plan to help Tess find her father, who doesn’t even know she exists. Along the way, Sam discovers the true meaning of family and what it is to be alive. One thing’s for sure – this is a holiday he’ll never forget.

"

"[Woltz’s] imagination and ability to convey complicated family dynamics is unmatched in books for this age group… My Especially Weird Week with Tess has already become one of my favourite summer adventure stories."

"

"From one day’s eclectic activities to the next, the story’s pace never falters, while Sam’s observations and earnest, occasionally clueless responses to new situations add to the narrative’s charm...This novel is fresh, amusing, and rewarding."

"

'This funny, award-winning novel by Dutch writer Woltz is original and touching — and has two wonderfully memorable characters… The two complicated children build an unlikely but honest bond... while learning that being different from others can be something to celebrate.’

"

‘Tess’s conflicted feelings about her father and Sam’s preoccupation with death’s realities are deftly handled, and Sam’s relationships with his family, particularly his brother, are realistically flawed and filled with love.'

"

‘What a treat this book is! Vibrant, fast paced, and fresh, its characters leap off the page... A rich and rewarding read that makes me hope to see more of this author’s work becoming available to English readers.’

"

‘A warm-hearted, funny and poignant story that celebrates all things weird and will appeal to a wide range of readers…'

"

'A delightful adventure that will lift your spirits.'

"

'There is something very unique about Anna Woltz’s storytelling style – it’s fantastical yet firmly set in reality, and quirky without being too far-fetched… I’ve come across very few characters who jump off the page like Tess does… an escapist rollercoaster of an adventure that is both deeply charming and at times gently philosophical.’