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Holding Back
Nick’s life revolves around his family farm, homeschooling and campdrafting events. It has always seemed like enough, but now Nick’s not so sure.
His sister has no trouble making friends wherever she goes, but Nick has always held back. Is it too late to start getting a social group of his own?
After joining his sister at the local swim squad, Nick discovers his competitive drive. Will he find someone to connect with too? Will his newfound confidence help him at the next campdraft?
His sister has no trouble making friends wherever she goes, but Nick has always held back. Is it too late to start getting a social group of his own?
After joining his sister at the local swim squad, Nick discovers his competitive drive. Will he find someone to connect with too? Will his newfound confidence help him at the next campdraft?
Audible Audio
Published November 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 8, 2026
Read for the 2025 Homeschooled Voices Book Award!
This is a very short and simply written book with actually decent homeschooling representation. It follows fifteen-year-old Nick, who lives on a farm in rural Australia and enjoys campdrafting events. As I learned from the book, this is a sport where contestants riding on horseback herd steers through a course. He doesn't have close friends- until he joins a swim team and discovers new confidence.
This is realistic fiction about a "normal" homeschooler, while many of the other books this year focus on exceptional circumstances. It is also an uncommon example of a non-American homeschooler, and a teen boy main character. The story touches upon some realistic struggles with finding friends if you have limited access to and time to talk with kids your age but also shows how friendships are still possible through activities. I think that seeing a character overcome challenges as a homeschooler will be more beneficial to real homeschooled kids than the common trope of a completely isolated homeschooler going to school and immediately making best friends.
This is a very short and simply written book with actually decent homeschooling representation. It follows fifteen-year-old Nick, who lives on a farm in rural Australia and enjoys campdrafting events. As I learned from the book, this is a sport where contestants riding on horseback herd steers through a course. He doesn't have close friends- until he joins a swim team and discovers new confidence.
This is realistic fiction about a "normal" homeschooler, while many of the other books this year focus on exceptional circumstances. It is also an uncommon example of a non-American homeschooler, and a teen boy main character. The story touches upon some realistic struggles with finding friends if you have limited access to and time to talk with kids your age but also shows how friendships are still possible through activities. I think that seeing a character overcome challenges as a homeschooler will be more beneficial to real homeschooled kids than the common trope of a completely isolated homeschooler going to school and immediately making best friends.
January 15, 2026
A great story of feeling left out and finding your tribe. I loved learning about living in the bush, camp drafting and competitive swimming.
October 3, 2025
I loved this novella about a home-schooled teenager who struggles with socialising, especially with people he doesn’t know very well. He is envious of his sister, who seems to find making friends effortless. Set in a rural Australian town, there is so much to offer teenage readers in this short read. This story will be perfect for the reluctant teen reader who loves outback settings with stories about other teens going through similar sorts of issues and challenges. I especially think this story will be fantastic for teens with dyslexia.
As a fellow writer of the Rhiza Shorts listing, I’m incredibly proud of this book that Frances has written. I’m grateful to have been one of the early readers of the story and to be gifted a free copy of the novella for being a member of the beta reading team.
As a fellow writer of the Rhiza Shorts listing, I’m incredibly proud of this book that Frances has written. I’m grateful to have been one of the early readers of the story and to be gifted a free copy of the novella for being a member of the beta reading team.
March 11, 2026
An enjoyable easy reading book.
October 8, 2025
A thoroughly enjoyable novella about the difficulties of making new friendships.
Other than the odd campdrafting event, homeschooled 15 year old Nick doesn't get many opportunities to make friends. He's always been on the quieter side and finds he just doesn't know what to say to new people, especially people his own age. Lately, though, he's been wondering if he should 'get out more' like his mother keeps urging him to do. Joining the local swim squad, Nick discovers a competitive side he didn't realise he had, and with it the possibility of new friendships.
Set on an outback farm, Holding Back gives readers an authentic glimpse into the homeschooling life and the outback sport of campdrafting. These are an effective backdrop for Nick's struggle to step out of his comfort zone and dip his toe into new friendship waters. As a 'townie' myself who has no experience with homeschooling or campdrafting, I enjoyed reading about Nick's unique journey from self doubt to confidence, a journey most teens will be able to relate to.
Other than the odd campdrafting event, homeschooled 15 year old Nick doesn't get many opportunities to make friends. He's always been on the quieter side and finds he just doesn't know what to say to new people, especially people his own age. Lately, though, he's been wondering if he should 'get out more' like his mother keeps urging him to do. Joining the local swim squad, Nick discovers a competitive side he didn't realise he had, and with it the possibility of new friendships.
Set on an outback farm, Holding Back gives readers an authentic glimpse into the homeschooling life and the outback sport of campdrafting. These are an effective backdrop for Nick's struggle to step out of his comfort zone and dip his toe into new friendship waters. As a 'townie' myself who has no experience with homeschooling or campdrafting, I enjoyed reading about Nick's unique journey from self doubt to confidence, a journey most teens will be able to relate to.
July 6, 2025
I loved this book with a relatable protagonist in teenager Nick, who feels the loneliness until he makes new friends through camp drafting and swim club. It was heart-warming to follow his journey into coming out of his shell. A strongly-written book with excellent and vivid setting and description (set in a rural area) and also features home-schooling, a rarely used but much-needed feature of Aussie YA fiction. Perfect for reluctant readers or strong readers from 10-15 year olds, Holding Back is ideal for teens, pre-teens, readers at home and in the classrooms!
January 24, 2026
A short, highly accessible and enjoyable read for teens and pre-teens exploring themes of friendship and finding one's 'people', family relationships, alternative lifestyles (home schooling) self-confidence and broadening your horizons to try new things. The bush setting and homeschooling elements provide representation for kids with similar experiences and valuable insight for those who are unfamiliar and curious. Five stars!
November 8, 2025
Nick's life, homeschooled on a farm, means he doesn't much get opportunity to mix with others his age. He feels tongue tied and avoids meeting kids. But when he joins his sister training for a swimming squad, he enjoys team camaraderie.
This easy read short YA novel is highly recommended.
This easy read short YA novel is highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews