The Boss of Everyone

Maybe not quite as good as The Day The Screens Went Blank but still an enjoyable and funny read

I think between me and my eldest, we've read all his children's titles (and most of his adult ones). This may be his shortest, but I thought it was brilliant.Joss is a great creation - the perfect (kind of) student - she answers questions, helps the teacher, tries her hardest.... but she also comments on other students' poor performances, doesn't feel there's a place in school for fun ("a classroom pet is not supposed to be fun - it is merely a way of developing responsibility,"), and hangs out with the headteacher in her office as much as possible. And the Head can't easily stop this... as she is Joss's mum.But Joss's (clearly exasperated) Head sees a small ray of sun shining through - a Take Your Child to Work Day. Aha - Dad's turn! Joss reluctantly accompanies Bob (aka Dad) to his office at a toy company. And is dismayed to see how grey and demoralised everyone is. When the Big Boss puts Joss in charge for the day, you can imagine that this model of efficiency and discipline will bring her own take on working life to her dad's workplace.And maybe have some unexpected effects.Oh I did enjoy this. I loved the sly humour here that adults will pick up on if they are reading along with kids, and that some older readers will also see. But there's also a vulnerable little girl here, with her own worries about secondary school, about a lack of friends, about her inability to relate to others. Younger readers will miss that and love seeing Joss apply school principles and techniques (breaktime! toys!) to an adult context.This had moments of great sweetness, and Joss becomes more and more likeable as she herself grows as a character in the slight context of this short novel. I loved that both adult and child preoccupations and problems are aired and discussed here, and handled really well for a child reader to be able to comprehend.I felt for both her parents, but she is sympathetic and this could have very wide appeal in terms of an age range. I'd read this to my nearly 6-year-old but also give it to my 12-year-old to enjoy on different levels.Nice one, Wallace.With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.