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Six Summers of Tash and Leopold
Leopold and Alytash – Leo and Tash – are neighbours who used to be best friends, but aren’t anymore, for reasons that Leo doesn’t entirely understand. But now it’s the last week of Year Six and Tash is standing in Leo’s front yard with a misdelivered letter – and a favour to ask.
It’s a request that will set off a chain of events in their little crescent in Noble Park, a suburb that is changing, and fast.
In the process of solving an unfolding neighbourhood mystery and helping Ms Shepparson, a reclusive neighbour with a tragic past, Leo and Tash each have to confront fault-lines in their own recent histories and families. They will discover that friendships can grow and change, that bravery takes many forms, and that, most of all – whatever the future holds – friends and family are what matter.
Six Summers of Tash and Leopold is for fans of Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia and Nova Weetman’s The Secrets We Keep, as well as Danielle Binks’ previous bestseller, The Year the Maps Changed– and for anyone who enjoys a big, hopeful, coming-of-age middle-grade book that features complicated families and life-changing summers.
‘Friendship, family and finding your way. This book perfectly captures the complex world of being twelve. I loved it.’ —NOVA WEETMAN
It’s a request that will set off a chain of events in their little crescent in Noble Park, a suburb that is changing, and fast.
In the process of solving an unfolding neighbourhood mystery and helping Ms Shepparson, a reclusive neighbour with a tragic past, Leo and Tash each have to confront fault-lines in their own recent histories and families. They will discover that friendships can grow and change, that bravery takes many forms, and that, most of all – whatever the future holds – friends and family are what matter.
Six Summers of Tash and Leopold is for fans of Katherine Paterson’s Bridge to Terabithia and Nova Weetman’s The Secrets We Keep, as well as Danielle Binks’ previous bestseller, The Year the Maps Changed– and for anyone who enjoys a big, hopeful, coming-of-age middle-grade book that features complicated families and life-changing summers.
‘Friendship, family and finding your way. This book perfectly captures the complex world of being twelve. I loved it.’ —NOVA WEETMAN
261 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2024
6 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Binks
8 books131 followersDanielle Binks is a Melbourne-based author, and literary agent.
In 2017, she edited and contributed to Begin, End, Begin, an anthology of new Australian young adult writing inspired by the #LoveOzYA movement, which won the ABIA Book of the Year for Older Children (Ages 13+).
The Year the Maps Changed was Danielle's debut middle-grade novel, and The Monster of Her Age will be her first foray into YA, coming 2021.
In 2017, she edited and contributed to Begin, End, Begin, an anthology of new Australian young adult writing inspired by the #LoveOzYA movement, which won the ABIA Book of the Year for Older Children (Ages 13+).
The Year the Maps Changed was Danielle's debut middle-grade novel, and The Monster of Her Age will be her first foray into YA, coming 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 28, 2025
This book really made me feel how the character was feeling when Leo felt grief, I felt grief, when Leo felt over the moon, I felt over the moon. Every chapter was full of its own adventure and I think Danielle Binks is an amazing author. They really set a picture in my mind of the setting and what the characters look like.
I rate this book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars
I rate this book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️stars
October 14, 2024
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, but this book was a really good read, well written, inclusive and engaging. All the characters struggled with an issue in their lives, Leopold the MC had pretty severe anxiety and all the scenes in which he physically couldn’t move because of it I just wanted to reach out and give him a hug. Tash had childhood cancer and cut off Leo during that period so that she didn’t have to associate with that horrible time for her.
This story is so awesome how it has so many features to it that all blend together seamlessly, Leo and Tash’s friendship, Mrs Shepparson, school (Como College vs MCHS), family issues and so much more.
I would definitely recommend this book especially for a bit of an emotional but fun read.
However the reason I gave it 4⭐️ is because the author made a crucial mistake:
SPOILER ALERT
SHE KILLED OFF THE DOG
NEVER. KILL. OFF. THE. DOG.
This story is so awesome how it has so many features to it that all blend together seamlessly, Leo and Tash’s friendship, Mrs Shepparson, school (Como College vs MCHS), family issues and so much more.
I would definitely recommend this book especially for a bit of an emotional but fun read.
However the reason I gave it 4⭐️ is because the author made a crucial mistake:
SPOILER ALERT
SHE KILLED OFF THE DOG
NEVER. KILL. OFF. THE. DOG.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2024
Crying on a plane without tissues, is not a good idea. Was unexpectedly sad.
One of those in between books - is it upper primary? Lower secondary? Lines are blurred.
One of those in between books - is it upper primary? Lower secondary? Lines are blurred.
October 22, 2025
Perfect little palette cleanser before Booker Season starts.
August 23, 2024
Firstly Thankyou Hatchette and Danielle Binks for an ARC copy!
My heart felt every emotion, sadness, happiness, stress and love.
I was reading and felt that there were many relatable moments that any young reader would understand … this book was wonderfully written and the way Danielle Binks describes moments in the book will be forever etched into my mind.
The love I have for Leo and Tash (Rosie too) will always remain, I found myself wanting more
The story shows friendship, heartache, illness both physical and mental. It gives reader and aspect of life teenagers have to go through with friendship and school and the struggles they face in their personal lives, however being brave and strong and strong friendships will always push a person through!
I give six summers of Tash and Leopold 🌊🌊🌊🌊 four waves.
My heart felt every emotion, sadness, happiness, stress and love.
I was reading and felt that there were many relatable moments that any young reader would understand … this book was wonderfully written and the way Danielle Binks describes moments in the book will be forever etched into my mind.
The love I have for Leo and Tash (Rosie too) will always remain, I found myself wanting more
The story shows friendship, heartache, illness both physical and mental. It gives reader and aspect of life teenagers have to go through with friendship and school and the struggles they face in their personal lives, however being brave and strong and strong friendships will always push a person through!
I give six summers of Tash and Leopold 🌊🌊🌊🌊 four waves.
January 16, 2025
This is a story about Alytash and Leopold – Tash and Leo – and their on again off again friendship with a six year break in the middle even though they remain next door neighbours. With the end of year six looming, Tash is standing in Leo’s front yard with an apparently incorrectly delivered letter belonging to the elderly lady who lives across the road, divided by a deep culvert and watercourse.
The story builds slowly with the unpacking of various health and well being issues arising amidst school isolation, loneliness and fear. Parental expectations add pressure to both children as they try to untangle their own challenges. The challenges of starting high school, changing schools, and making friends are an ongoing concern throughout and although issues resolve I felt the idea of 'graduating' was presented in a rather negative light. There are so many traumas in this story with both adults and children dealing with personal problems that I couldn't help but wonder how many young readers would stay the distance. The mystery of the neighbour and the redevelopment of the other side of the road provides a source of tension and eventually draws the community together, but only after tragedy strikes, and with little indication that matters will change for the better.
Binks' writing is fluid and evocative and I can see many teachers seeing this as a great transitional novel for class reading to year six students. Perhaps discussion that could arise from a shared reading could help dispel possible qualms about moving to a new and distant school could arise and encourage open discussions about making and maintaining friendships.
The story builds slowly with the unpacking of various health and well being issues arising amidst school isolation, loneliness and fear. Parental expectations add pressure to both children as they try to untangle their own challenges. The challenges of starting high school, changing schools, and making friends are an ongoing concern throughout and although issues resolve I felt the idea of 'graduating' was presented in a rather negative light. There are so many traumas in this story with both adults and children dealing with personal problems that I couldn't help but wonder how many young readers would stay the distance. The mystery of the neighbour and the redevelopment of the other side of the road provides a source of tension and eventually draws the community together, but only after tragedy strikes, and with little indication that matters will change for the better.
Binks' writing is fluid and evocative and I can see many teachers seeing this as a great transitional novel for class reading to year six students. Perhaps discussion that could arise from a shared reading could help dispel possible qualms about moving to a new and distant school could arise and encourage open discussions about making and maintaining friendships.
November 20, 2024
Danielle Binks does NOT care about my mental health. Except that this book actually does delve into mental health issues in a really beautiful and healing way . . . I just didn't expect it.
I tend to read middle grade books when I'm in the mood for a light story filled with childlike wonder and the perils of becoming a teenager. Based on the cover, title and blurb of Six Summers of Tash and Leopold, I was anticipating a book about two best friends having a childlike summer full of shenanigans and with a bit of focus on community.
Instead, what I got was a deep dive into the nightmare that is anxiety, and the dangers of greed in capitalism (i.e. gentrification). There are so many big, terrifying feelings that come up when you're twelve and the world is crashing on top of you. Because while you're becoming more responsible and have more freedom -- you have to deal with the weight of the knowledge and space you're given.
The depictions of anxiety really hit me. The way school is so absolutely overwhelming when you already have enough stress at home, when you're not getting the support you really need because even if your parents are trying their best, they have to do what they must to survive.
My inner twelve-year-old was screaming the whole time I was reading this book. There were feelings I'd forgotten, aspects of being a middle-schooler that I didn't remember, and all of it came back through reading Leopold's experience. That anxious young girl in me felt so seen and heard in a way she never got at that age.
One of my favourite parts of this book is how timeless it feels, and yet it also sits very nicely in its time bubble of post-pandemic life. I feel like it'll be such a classic in Australian children's literature because of this. Kids can read it now. Adults can read it now. And we could read it in 20 years and still feel all the feelings. It isn't easy to do that in a novel!
In terms of the usual review points: loved the characters, the plot and pacing worked really well for me, and the writing brilliantly depicted the POV of a young boy. This is an expert-level book. I wasn't stuck on thinking about the individual parts or the whole because it was done so well I could just be fully immersed emotionally.
Chef's kiss !
Thank you so much to Hachette for my ARC.
I tend to read middle grade books when I'm in the mood for a light story filled with childlike wonder and the perils of becoming a teenager. Based on the cover, title and blurb of Six Summers of Tash and Leopold, I was anticipating a book about two best friends having a childlike summer full of shenanigans and with a bit of focus on community.
Instead, what I got was a deep dive into the nightmare that is anxiety, and the dangers of greed in capitalism (i.e. gentrification). There are so many big, terrifying feelings that come up when you're twelve and the world is crashing on top of you. Because while you're becoming more responsible and have more freedom -- you have to deal with the weight of the knowledge and space you're given.
The depictions of anxiety really hit me. The way school is so absolutely overwhelming when you already have enough stress at home, when you're not getting the support you really need because even if your parents are trying their best, they have to do what they must to survive.
My inner twelve-year-old was screaming the whole time I was reading this book. There were feelings I'd forgotten, aspects of being a middle-schooler that I didn't remember, and all of it came back through reading Leopold's experience. That anxious young girl in me felt so seen and heard in a way she never got at that age.
One of my favourite parts of this book is how timeless it feels, and yet it also sits very nicely in its time bubble of post-pandemic life. I feel like it'll be such a classic in Australian children's literature because of this. Kids can read it now. Adults can read it now. And we could read it in 20 years and still feel all the feelings. It isn't easy to do that in a novel!
In terms of the usual review points: loved the characters, the plot and pacing worked really well for me, and the writing brilliantly depicted the POV of a young boy. This is an expert-level book. I wasn't stuck on thinking about the individual parts or the whole because it was done so well I could just be fully immersed emotionally.
Chef's kiss !
Thank you so much to Hachette for my ARC.
September 2, 2024
Content warnings: anxiety and panic attacks, vomit, childhood cancer (Tash), house fire, references to child dying (past), , adult with agoraphobia.
Rep: Leo (MC) has a pretty intense anxiety disorder. Several POC side characters. Enby adult.
Words are hard, but Danielle's MG books always have a way of making me bawl my eyes out. This one is so full of heart, amazing characters and so much depth.
My heart is still going !! from this one (that's why it took me so long to write my thoughts down).
But I'll recommend this one to everyone ever.
Edit 02/09
Let's try this review again.
This book is nothing short of phenomenal to me. We open with Leopold, our MC, and it's the end of year six - the end of primary school. Things are about to change in big ways, and bigger than Leo anticipates.
The way that Leo's anxiety was depicted was so incredible to me - the way it absolutely crippled him. I wanted to reach out and hug this little boy because this level of anxiety is something I know all too well. He couldn't even get out of bed, and it was SO wonderful to see it addressed by the adults - not just completely fobbed off. Sure there was the typical adult-ness of "Just pull through" but sometimes you physically can't and it sure isn't for lack of trying!
It was also wonderful to see Leo connect with an adult who has agoraphobia - and how he could relate, but also wanted to help her too.
The plotlines all worked so well together, and tied in so nicely.
As I said above - this book is full of heart. The characters are all fleshed out in wonderful depth, and was such a great story to read.
I'm so glad I came back and wrote this down - I feel like I've achieved a better state of my thoughts for a more semi-coherent review.
Rep: Leo (MC) has a pretty intense anxiety disorder. Several POC side characters. Enby adult.
Words are hard, but Danielle's MG books always have a way of making me bawl my eyes out. This one is so full of heart, amazing characters and so much depth.
My heart is still going !! from this one (that's why it took me so long to write my thoughts down).
But I'll recommend this one to everyone ever.
Edit 02/09
Let's try this review again.
This book is nothing short of phenomenal to me. We open with Leopold, our MC, and it's the end of year six - the end of primary school. Things are about to change in big ways, and bigger than Leo anticipates.
The way that Leo's anxiety was depicted was so incredible to me - the way it absolutely crippled him. I wanted to reach out and hug this little boy because this level of anxiety is something I know all too well. He couldn't even get out of bed, and it was SO wonderful to see it addressed by the adults - not just completely fobbed off. Sure there was the typical adult-ness of "Just pull through" but sometimes you physically can't and it sure isn't for lack of trying!
It was also wonderful to see Leo connect with an adult who has agoraphobia - and how he could relate, but also wanted to help her too.
The plotlines all worked so well together, and tied in so nicely.
As I said above - this book is full of heart. The characters are all fleshed out in wonderful depth, and was such a great story to read.
I'm so glad I came back and wrote this down - I feel like I've achieved a better state of my thoughts for a more semi-coherent review.
June 6, 2024
Danielle Binks has once again cemented her place as a key and accomplished author of Middle Grade Fiction. Danielle writes with a depth of understanding for each of her characters and has the ability for the reader to know it is all right if things aren’t going well in life – there are others who may be feeling the same as you.
Leo, the main character, is a little lost in life. He is about to transition from Primary school to High school and has been awarded a scholarship which will move him away from all that is familiar to him. Leo has struggled with making friends at school and is also grappling with the knowledge that he and his best friend Rami are likely to drift apart. Leo is also dealing with his Dad moving interstate for an indefinite period of time, as he works through some personal issues. When Tash, a girl he was best friends with years ago, makes a reappearance in Leo’s life, their time together and adventures they have, make him reflect on relationships, change and the importance of creating memories.
There are a few issues addressed in this book, which Danielle handles with her signature tenderness and sensibility. Both Leo and Tash are characters who you can’t help but embrace as they each face their own challenges. The theme of creating memories is core to this book and will hopefully inspire Danielle’s readers to reflect on their lives and what is important to share with others.
Highly recommended!
Leo, the main character, is a little lost in life. He is about to transition from Primary school to High school and has been awarded a scholarship which will move him away from all that is familiar to him. Leo has struggled with making friends at school and is also grappling with the knowledge that he and his best friend Rami are likely to drift apart. Leo is also dealing with his Dad moving interstate for an indefinite period of time, as he works through some personal issues. When Tash, a girl he was best friends with years ago, makes a reappearance in Leo’s life, their time together and adventures they have, make him reflect on relationships, change and the importance of creating memories.
There are a few issues addressed in this book, which Danielle handles with her signature tenderness and sensibility. Both Leo and Tash are characters who you can’t help but embrace as they each face their own challenges. The theme of creating memories is core to this book and will hopefully inspire Danielle’s readers to reflect on their lives and what is important to share with others.
Highly recommended!
May 13, 2024
It's mine, it's my book - hi! So take that 5-stars as my one free pass.
Um. Since I'm the author this will (hopefully - but possibly not realistically) be the one time I get to hang out on the Goodreads page guilt-free and just take a look around. And then I promise I shall pack up my bags and leave the readers to it, because once it's out in the world it's not *my* book anymore. It's yours. I don't get any say in how you read it or what you think of it.
But I will say that my intention was to write an ode to history - to encourage kids to document, catalogue and remember this time of precipices when they're on the edge of *so much* but don't even realise it. Write a diary. Make a time-capsule. Take that photo. Write a letter. I promise, you'll miss this version of yourself one day enough to wish you'd documented it.
And it's what I always try and do in my kid's books; grow empathy, give young readers space to feel things deeply and be sad within the safety of a book's pages and take that feeling with them into the real-world and see the world - and other people - a little more deeply and kindly.
That's it. Thank you. I hope you like it.
Um. Since I'm the author this will (hopefully - but possibly not realistically) be the one time I get to hang out on the Goodreads page guilt-free and just take a look around. And then I promise I shall pack up my bags and leave the readers to it, because once it's out in the world it's not *my* book anymore. It's yours. I don't get any say in how you read it or what you think of it.
But I will say that my intention was to write an ode to history - to encourage kids to document, catalogue and remember this time of precipices when they're on the edge of *so much* but don't even realise it. Write a diary. Make a time-capsule. Take that photo. Write a letter. I promise, you'll miss this version of yourself one day enough to wish you'd documented it.
And it's what I always try and do in my kid's books; grow empathy, give young readers space to feel things deeply and be sad within the safety of a book's pages and take that feeling with them into the real-world and see the world - and other people - a little more deeply and kindly.
That's it. Thank you. I hope you like it.
February 10, 2025
Oh, this beautiful and poignant book tugged at my soul and predictably I was wiping my eyes on my sleeve at the end. Leo is such a relatable character. As a teacher-librarian who works with the whole school cohort, I can pick out the Leo’s out there. So glad from personal and general perspectives that Danielle Binks championed Librarian Chambers (a subsidiary character in the book) as someone Leo felt comfortable around.
As for Alytash … she’s feisty and courageous, wise beyond her years. And Mrs Shepparson … oh my heart ached for you and I hoped you found a place to be safe and belong in the aftermath of this book.
There is so much sadness and tragic drama in this book, with complex themes addressed, and yet the novel ends on a hopeful note. I would recommend it for mature upper primary and lower secondary readers as well as for adults.
Brava, Danielle Binks, for tackling confronting themes head on and for bringing to life a selection of sympathetic characters who transition to ultimately heal by supporting one another.
As for Alytash … she’s feisty and courageous, wise beyond her years. And Mrs Shepparson … oh my heart ached for you and I hoped you found a place to be safe and belong in the aftermath of this book.
There is so much sadness and tragic drama in this book, with complex themes addressed, and yet the novel ends on a hopeful note. I would recommend it for mature upper primary and lower secondary readers as well as for adults.
Brava, Danielle Binks, for tackling confronting themes head on and for bringing to life a selection of sympathetic characters who transition to ultimately heal by supporting one another.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
This is a thoughtful book addressing the ups and downs of friendships and how broken friendships can sometimes be mended.
Leo has one friend at school Rami. They study together and keep each other company at lunchtime in the library. They don’t discuss ‘heavy’ things.
Leo had a very good friend, Tash, but after she went away last year, she shunned him, and they don’t talk or do anything together even though they live next door to each other. To add to Leo’s woes, his father is now living in Perth, and he is not sure why.
Leo is a new school in Year Seven, and he is overwhelmed by anxiety. He does homeschooling and notices that Tash is home a lot, too. What brings them together, and what pushes them apart? Can these two sort out the forces impacting them?
Recommended for readers aged 10 years or more.
A great resource for home and school when addressing anxiety and friendship.
Leo has one friend at school Rami. They study together and keep each other company at lunchtime in the library. They don’t discuss ‘heavy’ things.
Leo had a very good friend, Tash, but after she went away last year, she shunned him, and they don’t talk or do anything together even though they live next door to each other. To add to Leo’s woes, his father is now living in Perth, and he is not sure why.
Leo is a new school in Year Seven, and he is overwhelmed by anxiety. He does homeschooling and notices that Tash is home a lot, too. What brings them together, and what pushes them apart? Can these two sort out the forces impacting them?
Recommended for readers aged 10 years or more.
A great resource for home and school when addressing anxiety and friendship.
September 21, 2024
Alytash and Leopold are neighbours who used to be best friends, but aren’t anymore. A unsolved neighbourhood mystery brings them back together and with the help of a reclusive neighbour, realise that friends and family are what matters most.
.
I was most looking forward to this new release from Danielle Binks. There was so much packed into these pages - so many emotions and situations for Tash and Leopold to confront. Ultimately, this was a very meaningful and emotional read. I liked how family relationships and issues were approached. I certainly don’t think I’ve read a middle grade book quite like this! But that ending though - what a ride!
.
I was most looking forward to this new release from Danielle Binks. There was so much packed into these pages - so many emotions and situations for Tash and Leopold to confront. Ultimately, this was a very meaningful and emotional read. I liked how family relationships and issues were approached. I certainly don’t think I’ve read a middle grade book quite like this! But that ending though - what a ride!
October 26, 2024
Loved this book - it ticks off so many topics and elements of kindness, friendship, community, and there were many fantastic, diverse characters included in this story. I think many things raised will resonate with readers.
November 22, 2024
Tash and Leo rekindle their friendship in the wake of a neighbour who needs their help, even though she doesn’t know it yet. A beautiful story of friendship, family and growing up.
March 31, 2025
Really good message!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
worst book I have ever read
May 24, 2025
i enjoyed it.
May 24, 2025
What a fabulous read this was. With so many important and relevant topics covered, this was an emotional read that left me with a feeling of hope for all the wonderful characters I got to meet.
June 21, 2025
The book explores real-life issues like family problems, illness, and anxiety in a way that's easy to understand.
October 25, 2025
yeah you guys will be seeing a lot of 2 stars because i have to read my english books
December 1, 2025
I loved how the characters worked through their trauma/sickness together, even after their miscommunication. My only complaint is why did the dog have to die?? It's always the dog...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
Danielle Binks has done it again. Tash and Leopold (Leo) have been friends for many summers - and then Tash got sick, and last summer she turned away from Leo. Leo has just finished Grade 6 at Mile Creek Primary School and, thanks to a scholarship, is set to attend Como College - a posh school a few kilometres away by train. Leo's life has been full of change. Friendships, school and also home life have been in a state of upheaval. Leo's Dad isn't living with the family. He's in W.A. dealing with a gambling addiction, trying to earn money in the mines to repair the damage his habit has wreaked. Leo doesn't care - he just wants him back, just like he wants Tash back in his life - especially since his other friend Rami has also abandoned him and he is suffering anxiety about his new school. Over the summer, Leo gets to know one of his neighbours, Ms Shepparson. and her dog Rosie. Ms Shepparson's life is also in a state of upheaval. There are developers trying to make her leave her home- the only place she feels close to her dead son, Michael who tragically died nearly 24 years ago.
The story here never stands still for long, and the characters move through a landscape that is distinctly Australian, and even more distinctly south east Melbourne. Being able to recognise place names when one reads a novel gives an extra sense of connection which Binks develops well.
A novel about friends, history, and the beauty of the small things in life that at first glance don't seem to matter at all, but end up being the most important. The climax of the book contains both elation and heartbreak (but no spoilers here), and had this reader reaching for the tissues more than once. A wonderful read for anyone, of any age, who has made a friend and lost them - and then found them all over again.
Highly recommended for readers 10 to 100.
The story here never stands still for long, and the characters move through a landscape that is distinctly Australian, and even more distinctly south east Melbourne. Being able to recognise place names when one reads a novel gives an extra sense of connection which Binks develops well.
A novel about friends, history, and the beauty of the small things in life that at first glance don't seem to matter at all, but end up being the most important. The climax of the book contains both elation and heartbreak (but no spoilers here), and had this reader reaching for the tissues more than once. A wonderful read for anyone, of any age, who has made a friend and lost them - and then found them all over again.
Highly recommended for readers 10 to 100.
October 4, 2024
With thanks to ‘Books+Publishing’ magazine for the ARC and the opportunity to review.
Middle grade readers who enjoyed A.L. Tait’s 'The first summer of Callie McGee' and Nova Weetman’s 'The edge of thirteen' will delight in this compelling coming-of-age story targeting the ever-growing Australian ‘primary-to-high school transition’ book market.
The six summers of Tash and Leopold, by Danielle Binks, will capture readers’ attention through its creative approach of using a male first person POV to explore this unique time in life. The end of Year 6 is fast approaching for history buff Leopold (Leo), and he’s navigating the pressures and strains of friendships, shifts in family dynamics, suburban changes, and about to, reluctantly, commence Year 7 on a scholarship at a private school in the city. Alytash (Tash) is his neighbour and once-best friend, but no longer. Leo and Tash have issues and secrets, as do the diverse, full cast of characters they interact with.
Equal parts plot and character driven, the narrative moves along at a gentle page-turning pace, with high stakes action peaks thrown in, such as Leo fainting, a house fire and a flooding stormwater. Interwoven are complex themes, including mental health and anxiety (panic attacks, school refusal and agoraphobia), gambling addiction and death. Aleks, Leo’s uncle, Mrs Shepparson, an elderly neighbour, and Mx Chambers, the school librarian, are strong characters and provide practical, sound advice about bravery, acknowledging your feelings and building resilience. Readers will recognise familiar characters, settings and challenges in this ode to friendship, families (and libraries!)
Middle grade readers who enjoyed A.L. Tait’s 'The first summer of Callie McGee' and Nova Weetman’s 'The edge of thirteen' will delight in this compelling coming-of-age story targeting the ever-growing Australian ‘primary-to-high school transition’ book market.
The six summers of Tash and Leopold, by Danielle Binks, will capture readers’ attention through its creative approach of using a male first person POV to explore this unique time in life. The end of Year 6 is fast approaching for history buff Leopold (Leo), and he’s navigating the pressures and strains of friendships, shifts in family dynamics, suburban changes, and about to, reluctantly, commence Year 7 on a scholarship at a private school in the city. Alytash (Tash) is his neighbour and once-best friend, but no longer. Leo and Tash have issues and secrets, as do the diverse, full cast of characters they interact with.
Equal parts plot and character driven, the narrative moves along at a gentle page-turning pace, with high stakes action peaks thrown in, such as Leo fainting, a house fire and a flooding stormwater. Interwoven are complex themes, including mental health and anxiety (panic attacks, school refusal and agoraphobia), gambling addiction and death. Aleks, Leo’s uncle, Mrs Shepparson, an elderly neighbour, and Mx Chambers, the school librarian, are strong characters and provide practical, sound advice about bravery, acknowledging your feelings and building resilience. Readers will recognise familiar characters, settings and challenges in this ode to friendship, families (and libraries!)
April 13, 2025
Danielle has once again written a beautiful middle grade book, this time about estranged friends Leopold and Tash. Leopold struggles with friendship and is really worried about starting high school. There are so many elements to this story, it is so sensitively told with an overall message of creating memories.
LOVED by Suzie, Sage and Belinda
LOVED by Suzie, Sage and Belinda
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