The Hammerhead Light

by Colin Thiele

A lighthouse, a whimbrel, and an old man help a young girl accept the meaning of change.

Genres: Australia, Childrens, Fiction

109 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Winner of the Dromkeen Medal (1997).

Reviews

[Chloe (Keefe + Jaren Vallentis's Version!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I aquired this at my school's fair, for only two dollars. However, I think it is worth more than that. Before purchasing this, I did not know that it was by the very same author that wrote Storm Boy (Which was my class novel in year 4). This book was definitely more middle grade than for teens, but I did enjoy the simple language, and the big words on the pages. The setting was really realistic, as it is an actual place in Australia, and I enjoyed the summer vibes. The ending of this was so sad, it was slightly predictable, but it still hit hone all the same. I definitely could have read this in one sitting, but I ended up reading it over two days. Overall, a very good book, that I will be rereading.

[Sarah Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bird died. The old man is reduced to an invalid shell of his old self. The lighthouse crumbles into the sea. An innocent world is shattered. No justice in sight for the cruelty hoisted upon the town.
Short book, packed an absolute whallop.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because it shows Tessa, one of the main charcaters, who begins to learn the meaning of change and the pain of growing up. It shows the bond between a friend, and the love of a migratory bird. I really love this quote at the end of the book, "her eyes were open, but they were as nuetral as glass. Yet she saw without seeing, saw things more subtle than knowledge and deeper than sight." I admire this quote because it seems the protaganoist, Tessa. finally realized the true meaning of life and what it means to finally frow up.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

read as a child, don't remember it

[Helena Ferry]

Svenska: Hammerheads fyr