Holding Back

by Frances Prentice, Joshua Prentice (Narrator)

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?

Audible Audio

Published November 26, 2025

Reviews

[Kat Ost · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Catriona McKeown · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Brenton Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.