Boy vs Reality New by James Fox (author) and Tika and Tata (illustrator)

A funny, relatable, moving story about online fame vs reality.

“A timely book about what social media does to people.” – The Observer

Meet Ethan Lacey, online vlogging sensation alongside his mum, dad and big brother Mason.

They film and upload everyday life for their million subscribers to enjoy – the pranks, the cosy family time, the perks like going to the opening of an epic new theme park. They are the perfect family… aren’t they?

But reality is not all fun and freebies. Mum and Dad have been arguing a lot recently and Mason has been picking on Ethan. When the cracks start to show, can Ethan persuade his family to fix the real world, not fixate on the online one?

• The second book by multi-award-shortlisted (including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize) author James Fox.


• Told with James’ trademark blend of observational humour and glorious heart, with an utterly relatable and loveable main character and a smart, nuanced take on Instagram/YouTube vs Reality.


• The message is about being present and enjoying the everyday moments of life in an authentic, happy way.