Where in the World

by Simon French

Ari is an ordinary boy with an extraordinary gift for music.

Since moving with his mother from Germany to Australia, Ari feels adrift—cut off from his familiar world, the people he loves most, even his music. For Ari, playing the violin was always the key to his memories of people and places and his connection to the world around him.

But even the music cannot help him now. How is he to find his footing in this new country, accept his new stepfather, and most difficult of all, leave behind his beloved grandfather?

Fearing that his musical talent might separate him from others, Ari tries to keep it hidden. After facing disappointment, confusion, and even the death of someone he loves, Ari realizes that music does have the power to heal him, and perhaps it can be his path to finding his place in the world.

Simon French's emotionally charged story of an adolescent boy trying to find his way in an unfamiliar place will resonate with readers, especially those who may occasionally feel out of step with the world around them.

Genres: Music, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Australia

208 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2002

About the author

Simon French began his writing career as a thirteen-year-old in Sydney's western suburbs, and had his first novel published five years later, while he was still at high school.

In the years since, Simon's writing for children has been published in numerous overseas editions, and in Australia has earned critical acclaim and several awards, including the 1987 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award for All We Know. Change the Locks was an Honour Book in 1992. Where in the World, Simon's first novel in ten years, is published by Little Hare Books.

The characters in his stories often develop from the children he has worked with—from babies and toddlers in an inner-city crisis refuge to the pupils he has taught over many years at primary schools in suburban and rural New South Wales. Simon continues to work as a teacher in a small school in Sydney's rural outskirts.

He is unable to imagine life without good books, interesting music and movies, exotic food, travel to new places, old cars . . . but, most of all, true friends.

Reviews

[Reindert Van Zwaal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute children's read, but not very special. Touched some important topics though.

[Nichole Ostrander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Ari a boy who has moved from Germany to Australia with his mother. The violin is a way of connecting to his memories of Germany and his Grandfather, but he doesn’t share with everyone because he does not want to look weird. He already has accent and does not know the idioms. Then one day his grandfather calls from Germany asking him to play for him over the phone, and even though he has a friend over he plays for him. This opens a door to realizing it does not make him weird to enjoy playing the violin but unique. This is a great coming of age story that shows the importance of music and family. This book is perfect for anyone making a home where they did not grow up. A story that touches kid right where they are. I recommend this book for music lovers and anyone in a new found home.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and simple story about a young and gifted violinist who, with the support of his loving family, learns to let the world see his talents. I loved Ari's relationship with his very cool hippie mother and his musically gifted and sweet grandfather, Opa. I loved that all the people that Ari and his mother met during their travels around the world were such kind and beautiful people. Loved the little love story and the ending just warmed my little heart. I was definitely getting a bit teary and that is the power of music!

[Phughson4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ari is a german boy, who learned violin from his grandfather, who died. All Ari wants is to play violin, but in solitude, and not let anyone know, espesially not the kids at school. Even though he wants this, he comes across times when he needs to play in front of an audience. When he does, he finds that strangers, not only his mother, think that he has a special "gift" for music.

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So tenderly and fairly looks at questions of fitting in, being transnational, a child, agency, talent, grief, friendship. But moves lightheartedly. A good read for a child or adult. Sensitive. Subtle. Sweet.

[Antara Sethumadhavan]

I loved this book. It was about a boys passion for playing the violin. Very touching!!]

[unpeubi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very touching story, perfect for children and adults. The story is well written and drives you to the end smoothly, like traveling in a cloud. I enjoyed reading it.

[Deicyt15 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una historia hermosa que te lleva a las aventuras que vive un niño con su madre y el gusto por la música. Simplemente hermoso, lo leí en tan solo dos días

[Mathew Cheung · Rating 1 out of 5]

understand how people feel when they are in an environment or interacting with new people, I don't think this is npt my genre though.

[Hellas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antipodean

Child prodigy violinist