What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secrets We Keep #1
The Secrets We Keep
I don't know if you've ever seen a house burn, but it's not like anything else …
Clem Timmins has lost everything – her clothes, her possessions, her house and her mum. Now living in a tiny flat with her dad, Clem has to start a new school and make new friends. On her first day, Clem tells Ellie that her mum died in a house fire and immediately regrets it when Ellie latches on and confides that her own mother is dying of cancer. When Clem receives a letter she doesn't want to read, it becomes clear she can't run from her past forever, especially when the truth appears right in front of her face.
Clem Timmins has lost everything – her clothes, her possessions, her house and her mum. Now living in a tiny flat with her dad, Clem has to start a new school and make new friends. On her first day, Clem tells Ellie that her mum died in a house fire and immediately regrets it when Ellie latches on and confides that her own mother is dying of cancer. When Clem receives a letter she doesn't want to read, it becomes clear she can't run from her past forever, especially when the truth appears right in front of her face.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 23, 2016
34 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Nova Weetman
27 books109 followersNova Weetman wrote short fiction and children’s television before publishing her first YA novel, The Haunting of Lily Frost, in 2014. She lives with her partner, a playwright, and their two children in Brunswick, Australia.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
May 22, 2022
This is my second book by Ms Weetman who writes YA/Children's books and lives in Melbourne.
I love her style and how she gets her young heroines, with all their warts and faults. Clem is 11 and going through a tough time. Her home with all her belongings has burned to the ground before her eyes and she and her dad have moved suburbs to live in a small boxy flat with borrowed things and clothes, which also means she has to start in a new school away from her best friend Bridge. She makes a new friend the first day, but Ellie's mum is dying and her best friend Tammy is jealous and hates Clem.
Wonderfully done, as the story develops, Clem has much to deal with. I believe this is the first of a trilogy and I look forward to continuing with Clem's story. 4.5 marked up.
I love her style and how she gets her young heroines, with all their warts and faults. Clem is 11 and going through a tough time. Her home with all her belongings has burned to the ground before her eyes and she and her dad have moved suburbs to live in a small boxy flat with borrowed things and clothes, which also means she has to start in a new school away from her best friend Bridge. She makes a new friend the first day, but Ellie's mum is dying and her best friend Tammy is jealous and hates Clem.
Wonderfully done, as the story develops, Clem has much to deal with. I believe this is the first of a trilogy and I look forward to continuing with Clem's story. 4.5 marked up.
January 2, 2018
The devastating inferno consumed their home, the charred remains a reminder of what eleven year old Clem Timmonds has lost. Her home, her possessions and irreplaceably, her mother. Now living in a small one bedroom flat, Clem's father sleeps on the couch and provides for his daughter with the meagre, second hand possessions donated and bought. While her horticulturist father plans to return to work, Clem can no longer attend her former school with her best friend Bridge and enrols at her new school, anxious at the thought of making new friends when popular Ellie is asked to show Clem her new surrounds.
Clem is adamant she won't talk about her mum but finds herself sharing her story with Ellie, about the fire and her mum who is no longer around. Ellie understands, her mother has cancer and the two new friends connect through their shared grief.
Clem is a wonderful young lady, intelligent and aware, a beautifully gentle girl who is summoning her bravery after the devastation of losing her home. The parental relationship with her father is loving and gentle, he only wants to provide for his daughter and ensure she is happy and safe, going without to make the transition easier. Although he becomes frustrated with Clem's refusal to listen, he's patient and understanding of the emotional toll this has placed on his only child.
I enjoyed Clem's friendship with her new neighbour Maggie, a lovingly quirky woman who also understands feelings of isolation and that tea and cake can also open the lines of communication. Maggie also provides Clem with a sense of responsibility by asking Clem to tend to her fish while she's away. Maggie's flat becomes a safe haven for Clem, who is encouraged to use the space as a means to escape for quiet reflection.
Starting a new school during the school year is often a nervous time for most children, Clem is fearful of not being able to make friends and longs for her best friend Bridge and the warmth of her Chinese Australian family. Clem meets Ellie and friend Tam. While Tam doesn't hide her disdain, Ellie and Clem become friends through their shared grief and love of track athletics. Ellie is a lovely character enduring tragic circumstances, her mother has cancer and she gravitated towards Clem needing a sense of camaraderie and understanding but inadvertently, leaves Tam behind.
The essence of The Secrets We Keep is rebuilding, understanding and compassion, Clem able to find forgiveness through the kindness that was extended to her. It was absolutely lovely. Nova Weetman has a remarkable style of narration, creating characters that are irrevocably flawed yet will captivate and delight readers.
Clem is adamant she won't talk about her mum but finds herself sharing her story with Ellie, about the fire and her mum who is no longer around. Ellie understands, her mother has cancer and the two new friends connect through their shared grief.
Clem is a wonderful young lady, intelligent and aware, a beautifully gentle girl who is summoning her bravery after the devastation of losing her home. The parental relationship with her father is loving and gentle, he only wants to provide for his daughter and ensure she is happy and safe, going without to make the transition easier. Although he becomes frustrated with Clem's refusal to listen, he's patient and understanding of the emotional toll this has placed on his only child.
I enjoyed Clem's friendship with her new neighbour Maggie, a lovingly quirky woman who also understands feelings of isolation and that tea and cake can also open the lines of communication. Maggie also provides Clem with a sense of responsibility by asking Clem to tend to her fish while she's away. Maggie's flat becomes a safe haven for Clem, who is encouraged to use the space as a means to escape for quiet reflection.
Starting a new school during the school year is often a nervous time for most children, Clem is fearful of not being able to make friends and longs for her best friend Bridge and the warmth of her Chinese Australian family. Clem meets Ellie and friend Tam. While Tam doesn't hide her disdain, Ellie and Clem become friends through their shared grief and love of track athletics. Ellie is a lovely character enduring tragic circumstances, her mother has cancer and she gravitated towards Clem needing a sense of camaraderie and understanding but inadvertently, leaves Tam behind.
The essence of The Secrets We Keep is rebuilding, understanding and compassion, Clem able to find forgiveness through the kindness that was extended to her. It was absolutely lovely. Nova Weetman has a remarkable style of narration, creating characters that are irrevocably flawed yet will captivate and delight readers.
March 8, 2017
I loved that I didn't see the twist coming until I was in it; even though it's all there in the title. As with Rebecca Stead's "When You Reach Me" I read the last word then promptly turned back to the beginning to see it in a new light.
It's a tender, achey, pitch perfect contemporary novel for readers ten and up that deals with mental illness, poverty, grief and rage with a lightness and naturalism that demonstrates what a master of tone and plotting Weetman is. Loved the messy, hope-filled ending (without guarantees, without Scooby Doo neatness) that promises a life for the characters beyond the formal confines of the book.
It's a tender, achey, pitch perfect contemporary novel for readers ten and up that deals with mental illness, poverty, grief and rage with a lightness and naturalism that demonstrates what a master of tone and plotting Weetman is. Loved the messy, hope-filled ending (without guarantees, without Scooby Doo neatness) that promises a life for the characters beyond the formal confines of the book.
May 31, 2016
I read this book in a day. All of it. What a touching, emotion-filled story. I just had to know the ending! My 11 year old loved it and let me read her copy.
It is well suited to 11 year olds and prompted some great conversations. No more details so I don't spoil the secrets in the book.
It is well suited to 11 year olds and prompted some great conversations. No more details so I don't spoil the secrets in the book.
September 24, 2016
I don't read many books in a day - including books aimed at Middle School students. This one really touched my heart and would be perfect to read aloud to 10-12 year olds.
May 31, 2016
Sometimes a book crosses our path at the wrong time. It might be brilliant but for whatever reason the timing is off and the book falls flat or simply fails to resonate. Having discovered this a long time ago, I now know the importance of leaving such a book alone for a while, and returning to it at a later date. I call this my ‘second chance pile’. I mention this now, because this is what happened to me with this book. In doing so, it served to remind me of the power of stories to draw out potent reactions in readers that are not always positive because of the manner with which they evoke an emotional response.
12 year-old Clem Timmins has lost everything; her mother, her home, her friends and all her worldly possessions. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, The Secrets We Keep is a story about loss. There are not a lot of rainbows and unicorns in this story, a fact that would normally be a good thing for me. However, when this book arrived (quite literally on my doorstep), I was grieving the death of my grandmother. Looking back, I’m not surprised that the book fell flat. A story that ached so loudly about the pain of loss was not really what I needed at that moment in time. However, I’m glad that I did recognise this and shelve it for a bit, because once I returned to it I was gifted by a story that is beautifully crafted and definitely worthy of merit.
The Secrets We Keep will hold tremendous appeal for younger YA readers especially those transitioning from children’s fiction. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, the story investigates the messy stuff of parent-child relationships and touches with sensitivity on the impact of depression on families. While I don’t think Weetman’s approach is necessarily confronting, I do believe that her target audience will appreciate her frankness and will recognise that this is a rather grown-up novel (especially when compare to other novels targeted at this age group). The sensitive content in this story would deter me (or prompt me to exercise caution) from teaching this text with a large group. It is worthwhile to note that some boys may struggle to identify with the female protagonist. That said, it would be a great choice to use in smaller groups, reading circles, or as a novel designed to transition students onto more mature books.
The Secrets We Keep reflects everything I love about Contemporary YA. This is the kind of story that not only do young people want to hear, but it is the kind of story that they need to hear.
12 year-old Clem Timmins has lost everything; her mother, her home, her friends and all her worldly possessions. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, The Secrets We Keep is a story about loss. There are not a lot of rainbows and unicorns in this story, a fact that would normally be a good thing for me. However, when this book arrived (quite literally on my doorstep), I was grieving the death of my grandmother. Looking back, I’m not surprised that the book fell flat. A story that ached so loudly about the pain of loss was not really what I needed at that moment in time. However, I’m glad that I did recognise this and shelve it for a bit, because once I returned to it I was gifted by a story that is beautifully crafted and definitely worthy of merit.
The Secrets We Keep will hold tremendous appeal for younger YA readers especially those transitioning from children’s fiction. Written in a straightforward and accessible style, the story investigates the messy stuff of parent-child relationships and touches with sensitivity on the impact of depression on families. While I don’t think Weetman’s approach is necessarily confronting, I do believe that her target audience will appreciate her frankness and will recognise that this is a rather grown-up novel (especially when compare to other novels targeted at this age group). The sensitive content in this story would deter me (or prompt me to exercise caution) from teaching this text with a large group. It is worthwhile to note that some boys may struggle to identify with the female protagonist. That said, it would be a great choice to use in smaller groups, reading circles, or as a novel designed to transition students onto more mature books.
The Secrets We Keep reflects everything I love about Contemporary YA. This is the kind of story that not only do young people want to hear, but it is the kind of story that they need to hear.
September 22, 2018
Wow, what a powerful book! I couldn’t put it down, the characters were utterly believable, and the story so real that I was totally sucked into their world. I loved Clem and I felt genuinely maternal towards her, I would love to give her a hug and tell her it will all be ok, in the same way that Maggie did. I can’t wait to read The Secrets We Share.
February 29, 2016
This is a great story about a young girl confronting her anger and learning to deal with grief and finding new friends.
I like that she is a runner, a great authentic activity for young people.
Satisfying resolution.
I like that she is a runner, a great authentic activity for young people.
Satisfying resolution.
October 12, 2016
Amazing, Amazing and Amazing.
Is there anything Nova can't do?
I love the way Clem finds a way to fix the sadness and enjoy the present.
I could read it over and over again.
Miss P
Is there anything Nova can't do?
I love the way Clem finds a way to fix the sadness and enjoy the present.
I could read it over and over again.
Miss P
March 16, 2024
Great read for Year 7-9 about navigating friendships and family issues. Clem has just moved into a flat with her dad and started at a new school. Seven weeks ago her house burned down and she lost her mother. She lost almost everything and is trying to get used to this new life. She becomes friends with Ellie, whose mother is dying of cancer, and their friendship is based on their shared understanding of missing the mothers that they once knew. However, when Ellie comes to visit Clem and discovers that Clem hasn’t been telling the truth about her mum, things start to fall apart.
One of my favourite parts of this story is Clem’s friendship with her new neighbour Maggie, who lends a friendly ear (and shares her delicious baking).
One of my favourite parts of this story is Clem’s friendship with her new neighbour Maggie, who lends a friendly ear (and shares her delicious baking).
March 31, 2018
'The Secrets we Keep' by Nora Weston is about a middle schooler called Clem who has lost everything in a house fire. Now it’s just her and her dad coming to terms with their loss and especially the loss of Clem’s mother. As Clem starts a new school she quickly shares her secret with Ellie who is also facing the loss of her mum. As Clem tries to fit into her new school and home surroundings and meets new people more secrets are revealed.The characters of Clem and her dad are very relatable and realistic and demand your empathy. One of the themes of this book is mental health issues and how it affects families and it reminded me of 'The Science of Breakable Things' and 'Turtles all the Way Down'. These novels are vital for breaking down the stigma of talking about mental health issues and so important for those children who have family members facing mental health issues. A great read for students who enjoy realistic fiction, middle school dramas and just great stories with relatable characters.
April 15, 2016
This review will appear in Buzz Words Magazine www.buzzwordsmagazine.com
It’s been six weeks since a fire burnt down Clem’s home. Her Mum and her old life are gone. The few things she has managed to salvage carry the smell of the fire and are tainted by the memories of losing her home and her mum. Clem and father can now no longer afford to stay in the neighbourhood and are forced to move into a tiny flat so they can be closer to her father’s work and Clem’s new school.
On her first day of school Clem meets Ellie and in an effort to fit in, Clem lets a secret slip about what happened to her mum which she immediately regrets. As Ellie’s mum is in hospital dying of cancer, Ellie immediately bonds with Clem over common ground of losing a mother. This connection places Clem in the awkward situation of coming between Ellie and her oldest friend Tam who becomes jealous of Clem and the changing dynamic of her friendship group. To Clem’s credit she is able to put herself in Tam’s shoes and wonders how she would feel in the same situation.
Clem is helped through her struggles by her ever optimistic father who works at the botanical gardens and wears a big jacket that Clem buries her face in so she can smell his earthiness. Maggie, the neighbour in the flat upstairs, provides a refuge for Clem, offering tea, freshly baked treats and also a sense of purpose by giving her the job of feeding and caring for the fish whilst Maggie is away for work.
Clem is a runner and the track is where she can be her true self, it is where all her problems float away. It is interesting to watch how Clem learns to recognise, and return to, the things in her life that bring her joy (such as running). But will Clem continue to run from her problems? Or will she find the strength to face the truth about what really happened with her mum and the fire?
Reading this book brought back strong memories of my own primary school experiences; the emotions, school yard dynamics, politics and rivalries. My eleven year old self was right there beside Clem on her first day of school peering into the school playground.
“And I’m out here. Looking through holes in the wire, wondering how I’m going to do this.”
Nova Weetman does a beautiful job of shining a light on what it’s like to feel lost and having to fit into new surroundings when everything familiar is gone. This is a wonderfully relatable book that has strong appeal for middle grade readers. When I closed the book there was a real sense of sadness not only that the story had come to an end but that it had been resolved so beautifully.
It’s been six weeks since a fire burnt down Clem’s home. Her Mum and her old life are gone. The few things she has managed to salvage carry the smell of the fire and are tainted by the memories of losing her home and her mum. Clem and father can now no longer afford to stay in the neighbourhood and are forced to move into a tiny flat so they can be closer to her father’s work and Clem’s new school.
On her first day of school Clem meets Ellie and in an effort to fit in, Clem lets a secret slip about what happened to her mum which she immediately regrets. As Ellie’s mum is in hospital dying of cancer, Ellie immediately bonds with Clem over common ground of losing a mother. This connection places Clem in the awkward situation of coming between Ellie and her oldest friend Tam who becomes jealous of Clem and the changing dynamic of her friendship group. To Clem’s credit she is able to put herself in Tam’s shoes and wonders how she would feel in the same situation.
Clem is helped through her struggles by her ever optimistic father who works at the botanical gardens and wears a big jacket that Clem buries her face in so she can smell his earthiness. Maggie, the neighbour in the flat upstairs, provides a refuge for Clem, offering tea, freshly baked treats and also a sense of purpose by giving her the job of feeding and caring for the fish whilst Maggie is away for work.
Clem is a runner and the track is where she can be her true self, it is where all her problems float away. It is interesting to watch how Clem learns to recognise, and return to, the things in her life that bring her joy (such as running). But will Clem continue to run from her problems? Or will she find the strength to face the truth about what really happened with her mum and the fire?
Reading this book brought back strong memories of my own primary school experiences; the emotions, school yard dynamics, politics and rivalries. My eleven year old self was right there beside Clem on her first day of school peering into the school playground.
“And I’m out here. Looking through holes in the wire, wondering how I’m going to do this.”
Nova Weetman does a beautiful job of shining a light on what it’s like to feel lost and having to fit into new surroundings when everything familiar is gone. This is a wonderfully relatable book that has strong appeal for middle grade readers. When I closed the book there was a real sense of sadness not only that the story had come to an end but that it had been resolved so beautifully.
August 17, 2022
Enjoyed this book it made me emotional and it was written well. Enjoyed it so much I want to order the sequel. I loved the book but I felt as though it could be better in some areas. She seems like a great author and it was well written. I would occasionally get bored in some areas but as it explained her back story I began to love the book I recommend it for 9-11 year olds it’s still great for my age group but found it a bit young for me personally and is probably one of the reasons I didn’t enjoy it as much. Still an amazing book though! Even though it has won awards it wasn’t my fav but was still well written and I can tell she is a great author
February 1, 2017
SO freaking beautiful ❤️
April 12, 2016
There are several reasons this became a quick fav for me (and the shop) 1) I like how Nova has drawn Clem as a character - she's extremely relatable and through her eyes we get a fresh perspective on kids living with a parent with a mental illness 2) this is not a book about mental illness, it's about a kid who gets trapped in telling a lie and living with the consequences and 3) it's a really good story!
January 23, 2016
Thoughtful and touching. Full review to come.
Just not sure yet about the age group - could work for years 5-9 I think. Cover appears to be marketing to younger audience but there are some weighty themes but dealt with a light touch.
Just not sure yet about the age group - could work for years 5-9 I think. Cover appears to be marketing to younger audience but there are some weighty themes but dealt with a light touch.
October 25, 2016
A great story about an eleven year old girl who loses all her possessions and has to start a new school after her house burns down. There is a lot to this book including the effects of depression, friendship and family relationships.
April 19, 2016
I so wish I'd had this book in my classroom library 5 years ago - I can think of so many students who would have thoroughly enjoyed it. One of those books to devour in one go
July 19, 2023
Clem has an amazingly strong voice in this story. I felt drawn in from the start, not just by the mention of a house burning down - a hot start to a book! - but by Clem's unique voice. I loved how she described her relationship with her Dad. I loved how she explained her likes, dislikes, her awkwardness, her hurt.
Clem has gone through a tragedy and a huge change - her house has burned down, she has lost her mother and all her stuff, she has had to change schools.
She starts a new school and she's not sure if she's fitting in and although one girl is inclined to be very nice to her, she's not sure about how the relationship is progressing and whether this fast growing friendship is causing rifts with other girls.
And then there's working out how to get her life together. Because there's life Before the Fire and life After the Fire and it's not so easy to stop thinking about Before the Fire even though she has to move on.
Nova Weetman captures this all really well. I was hooked from start to finish - I read the whole book almost in a sitting. I loved the characters even if I hated PE and I just don't understand Clem and Ellie and why they like it so much!
Clem has gone through a tragedy and a huge change - her house has burned down, she has lost her mother and all her stuff, she has had to change schools.
She starts a new school and she's not sure if she's fitting in and although one girl is inclined to be very nice to her, she's not sure about how the relationship is progressing and whether this fast growing friendship is causing rifts with other girls.
And then there's working out how to get her life together. Because there's life Before the Fire and life After the Fire and it's not so easy to stop thinking about Before the Fire even though she has to move on.
Nova Weetman captures this all really well. I was hooked from start to finish - I read the whole book almost in a sitting. I loved the characters even if I hated PE and I just don't understand Clem and Ellie and why they like it so much!
April 29, 2019
The Secrets We Keep has been on my reading list for a while now, after the book’s award success and also the fact that I am always mega keen to read some Aussie Middle Grade.
I think there are a lot of simple, but relatable, events in this story, that middle grade readers will recognise and find comfort in. Whether it’s friendship and family dramas or navigating the school-scape, no matter how small the drama, it is treated with respect and authenticity – and validated. When you are eleven, dramas like this are HUGE – I remember filling pages and pages in my diary over a little tiff in the playground, which was pretty much always resolved the next day. But when it happens, it feels massive and world-ending. The Secrets We Keep recognises that, and it is one of the reasons I think sensitive middle grade readers will find this book really appealing.
Full review at:
https://www.samanthaellenbound.com/po...
I think there are a lot of simple, but relatable, events in this story, that middle grade readers will recognise and find comfort in. Whether it’s friendship and family dramas or navigating the school-scape, no matter how small the drama, it is treated with respect and authenticity – and validated. When you are eleven, dramas like this are HUGE – I remember filling pages and pages in my diary over a little tiff in the playground, which was pretty much always resolved the next day. But when it happens, it feels massive and world-ending. The Secrets We Keep recognises that, and it is one of the reasons I think sensitive middle grade readers will find this book really appealing.
Full review at:
https://www.samanthaellenbound.com/po...
February 13, 2018
Fire - both compelling and repelling. Catastrophic and cleansing. This basically sums up the sweep of emotions and characters Weetman explores with Clem Timmin's. Clem's secret begins with a flicker but soon ignites into something she struggles to contain after her losing her home to fire and her mother. Timmin's and her pre-pubescent peers totter on the edge of change with remarkable poise and a raw, heart-wrenching genuineness that will bring the sting of tears to your eyes and a smile to your lips. This is good old honest storytelling, where robust reality is tempered with enigmatic poignancy. Utterly entrancing. I loved it. So will older primary aged readers.
February 4, 2022
Well, this was completely different to what I was expecting. A lot darker, but not unbearably so ... it had been shelved amongst our general fiction, but with an 11 year old protagonist, I'll be moving it into middle school fiction next week.
There's a lot of heavy stuff (major fire, death of a parent, changing school, financial worries), but they are handled in a thoughtful way that I think most tweens could get on board with and not be traumatised by. Will be buying the next 2 in the series.
There's a lot of heavy stuff (major fire, death of a parent, changing school, financial worries), but they are handled in a thoughtful way that I think most tweens could get on board with and not be traumatised by. Will be buying the next 2 in the series.
December 12, 2024
6/10 Rating for it's intended audience but 4/10 Enjoyment Rating for me.
I picked this up on a day when my brain couldn't handle anything but a children's chapter book. It's intended for ages 8 and up I'd guess.
I would recommend this to a child who was experiencing grief or a difficult home life. I can't think of many kids books in which the protagonist is just sad almost the entire book. Sad kids will feel seen.
It didn't grab me, despite it's Just Blume vibes. The prose was basic but lacked the charm of other kids books while the supporting characters were not fleshed out.
I picked this up on a day when my brain couldn't handle anything but a children's chapter book. It's intended for ages 8 and up I'd guess.
I would recommend this to a child who was experiencing grief or a difficult home life. I can't think of many kids books in which the protagonist is just sad almost the entire book. Sad kids will feel seen.
It didn't grab me, despite it's Just Blume vibes. The prose was basic but lacked the charm of other kids books while the supporting characters were not fleshed out.
November 3, 2018
This is a book with no plot, just a girl reacting (albeit it) poorly to her mother's depression.
Her mother and father are unhelpful idiots who made quite a few wrong decisions leading to an emotionally scarred main character.
This was a poorly planned book and took me quite a while to stumble, trip and force myself to read the next pages.
2 Stars
Her mother and father are unhelpful idiots who made quite a few wrong decisions leading to an emotionally scarred main character.
This was a poorly planned book and took me quite a while to stumble, trip and force myself to read the next pages.
2 Stars
May 10, 2023
The main character has a tough life. Her house burnt down and she lost everything. Starting at a new school, and living in a shabby apartment with her dad, life is hard. Secrets grow, are discovered and hurt follows.
The story illustrates the pain secrets can cause.
Recommended for readers aged eight years and older.
The story illustrates the pain secrets can cause.
Recommended for readers aged eight years and older.
July 19, 2017
This story rang true and it was absorbing. Missed the characters once it was finished.
Definitely a girls' book though, lots of emotion and friend issues as well as the mum with mental health problem.
Very well done.
Definitely a girls' book though, lots of emotion and friend issues as well as the mum with mental health problem.
Very well done.
June 2, 2018
This is a lovely middle grade novel from Australia. Very sweet and authentic. I especially liked Clem’s relationship with her father and her struggles to fit in at a new school. I wanted to give her more nutritious food though! I guess I just wanted to mother her.
April 7, 2020
Such a heart-felt story with simple and detailed elements that balanced the heavy topic perfectly. I love the use of metaphor with objects to represent Clem’s life and what she was going through. A real coming of age novel that deserves to be shared.
May 18, 2017
This was a lovely little tale about friendship, family and secrets. Not my favourite, but definitely one that I can see many middle readers enjoying.
December 20, 2017
3.5* A heart warming story about grief, loyalty and starting over. Well worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews