Billy is alone. Marty is gone. Billy has nowhere to run... When Billy's best friend moves away his world comes crashing down around him. Between swerving the bullies and looking after Mum, there seems to be no escape from his problems. However, when his mum gives him a second-hand copy of Tom's Midnight Garden, everything changes. He soon realises this is no ordinary book. Billy now has a new friend, James. The previous owner of the book ... The Second-Hand Boy is an emotional middle-grade story of overcoming mental health difficulties and loneliness, tackling life-changing problems head-on. Ultimately, The Second-Hand Boy is about a young boy who must overcome his fear of being different, conquer his demons in order to grow, and realise that only he can take control of his life.