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The Little Wave
When a Manly school sets out to bring a country class to the city for a beach visit, three very different kids find each other and themselves.
Noah is fearless in the surf. Being at the beach makes him feel free. So where does his courage go when his best mate pushes him around?
Lottie loves collecting facts about bugs, but she wishes her dad would stop filling their lonely house with junk. She doesn't know what to do about it.
Jack wants to be a cricket star, but first he has to get to school and look after his little sister. Especially if he wants to go on the class trip and see the ocean for the first time.
Noah is fearless in the surf. Being at the beach makes him feel free. So where does his courage go when his best mate pushes him around?
Lottie loves collecting facts about bugs, but she wishes her dad would stop filling their lonely house with junk. She doesn't know what to do about it.
Jack wants to be a cricket star, but first he has to get to school and look after his little sister. Especially if he wants to go on the class trip and see the ocean for the first time.
234 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2019
19 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Pip Harry
13 books108 followersPip Harry is an Australian children’s author and journalist. Her middle grade novel, The Little Wave, won the CBCA 2020 Book of the Year Award and the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year. It was shortlisted for the 2020 NSW Premier's Literary Awards – Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature.
Her young adult novels include I’ll Tell You Mine, Head of the River, and Because of You, shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Victorian Premier's Literary Award and Queensland Literary Awards.
Are You There, Buddha? is a 2022 CBCA Notable book and was nominated for the Ethel Turner prize.
Pip’s latest middle grade novel, August & Jones is out now.
Her young adult novels include I’ll Tell You Mine, Head of the River, and Because of You, shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Victorian Premier's Literary Award and Queensland Literary Awards.
Are You There, Buddha? is a 2022 CBCA Notable book and was nominated for the Ethel Turner prize.
Pip’s latest middle grade novel, August & Jones is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 15, 2019
The students of the Sydney beachside suburb of Manly are fundraising for an excursion to Manly Beach for the students in the rural town of Mullin New South Wales. The children of Mullin haven't been afforded the opportunity to visit the city of Sydney, the warm sandy beaches and crashing waves only seen on television or in photos including student Jack, amateur cricketer and Mullin resident. Noah and Lottie are given the responsibility of organising the fundraiser and the three children become unlikely friends.
Lottie lives with her single father after losing her mother, immersing herself within her entomology studies, passionate about insects and the local native flora. At home, Lottie's father continues to grieve the loss of his wife through his hoarding disorder. His collections of items spilling out of the house into the garden and causing the neighbours to complain to the local council. Noah is an enthusiastic surfer, under the vigilant watch of his parents since he was rescued from drowning. His best friend Harley is becoming increasingly aggressive towards Noah and with support from new friend Lottie and Jack's letters, gains the confidence to stand up for himself against his bully.
Jack and sister Kirra live with their mother in Mullin and although his mother words endlessly, he and Kirra have cousin Alby for company. The fridge and pantry and typically empty and their mother unaware of the absences Jack has from school, pressured by Alby who has finished school. When Jack's mother decides to seek support for her alcoholism, Kirra and Jack are sent to live with their aunt. Sleeping on the floor until a teacher intervenes.
Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, exposed to neglect, alcoholism and depression, expected to care for younger siblings and themselves. The expectations placed upon children and the mental anguish they endure, Jack in particular feeling a sense of isolation. His mother was consistently working or tired, which likely may have been hungover. Lottie grieving for her mother while her father becomes depressive and her only support is the solace she finds in her tentative friendship with Noah, her insects and her letters from Mullin teacher Miss Waites.
Pip Harry has created a beautiful narrative. Told in verse, The Little Wave is a wonderfully gentle story that will resonate with children and early adolescents, the feeling of wanting to belong. Simply lovely.
Lottie lives with her single father after losing her mother, immersing herself within her entomology studies, passionate about insects and the local native flora. At home, Lottie's father continues to grieve the loss of his wife through his hoarding disorder. His collections of items spilling out of the house into the garden and causing the neighbours to complain to the local council. Noah is an enthusiastic surfer, under the vigilant watch of his parents since he was rescued from drowning. His best friend Harley is becoming increasingly aggressive towards Noah and with support from new friend Lottie and Jack's letters, gains the confidence to stand up for himself against his bully.
Jack and sister Kirra live with their mother in Mullin and although his mother words endlessly, he and Kirra have cousin Alby for company. The fridge and pantry and typically empty and their mother unaware of the absences Jack has from school, pressured by Alby who has finished school. When Jack's mother decides to seek support for her alcoholism, Kirra and Jack are sent to live with their aunt. Sleeping on the floor until a teacher intervenes.
Children from low socioeconomic backgrounds, exposed to neglect, alcoholism and depression, expected to care for younger siblings and themselves. The expectations placed upon children and the mental anguish they endure, Jack in particular feeling a sense of isolation. His mother was consistently working or tired, which likely may have been hungover. Lottie grieving for her mother while her father becomes depressive and her only support is the solace she finds in her tentative friendship with Noah, her insects and her letters from Mullin teacher Miss Waites.
Pip Harry has created a beautiful narrative. Told in verse, The Little Wave is a wonderfully gentle story that will resonate with children and early adolescents, the feeling of wanting to belong. Simply lovely.
May 15, 2019
The Little Wave was is a delightful Middle Grade verse novel. The POV switches between there year five students, Noah and Lottie from the beachy inner Sydney suburb of Manly, to Jack from the beach-less more rural town of Mullin.
Three different kids dealing with different things.
Noah is being bullied by the boy who is supposed to be his best friend and he doesn’t know what to do about it.
Lottie is on the outside at school, with no friends other than the insects she spends her time studying. And for the most part Lottie feels she has no father either as he has been emotionally absent since the death of her mother.
Jack’s woes are more socioeconomic and at one point in the story he and his sister are sleeping on the floor at his aunties place.
The Little Wave deals with grief, bullying, navigating new friendships and the struggles of low-SES families. Ultimately it is a book about the healing power of friendship and even though the book deals with some heavy things, it is an immensely enjoyable read.
Pip Harry has done a remarkable job putting so much story and heart into so few words.
The Little wave is well worth the read. Regardless of your age it will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
Three different kids dealing with different things.
Noah is being bullied by the boy who is supposed to be his best friend and he doesn’t know what to do about it.
Lottie is on the outside at school, with no friends other than the insects she spends her time studying. And for the most part Lottie feels she has no father either as he has been emotionally absent since the death of her mother.
Jack’s woes are more socioeconomic and at one point in the story he and his sister are sleeping on the floor at his aunties place.
The Little Wave deals with grief, bullying, navigating new friendships and the struggles of low-SES families. Ultimately it is a book about the healing power of friendship and even though the book deals with some heavy things, it is an immensely enjoyable read.
Pip Harry has done a remarkable job putting so much story and heart into so few words.
The Little wave is well worth the read. Regardless of your age it will leave you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.
August 31, 2019
Pip Henry is yet another Australian author who writes with much empathy. The narrative style of this free verse novel draws you into the lives of these kids and you ache with their life challenges, fears and frustration. The adults have their difficulties too. Pip Henry celebrates the inner fortitude of the individual when things get all too much. Friendships help and just getting back on the surfboard to try again is worth it.
September 25, 2020
Really lovely story in verse for year 4-6. A boy in the deep outback who finds it hard to maintain enough good behaviour to warrant noticing is desperate to be included on the class trip to the sea. A lonely girl in Manly is holding her dad up after the death of her mother. A boy in Manly doesn’t know how to tell his best friend that he doesn’t like how he bullies him.
The letter writing initiated in advance of the long awaited school trip builds relationships in a really positive way, none of the cynicism of teenagers, so this is not a struggle to read, it is optimistic from the first interaction. I think this might be a great read aloud, I’ll give it someone to give it a go.
The letter writing initiated in advance of the long awaited school trip builds relationships in a really positive way, none of the cynicism of teenagers, so this is not a struggle to read, it is optimistic from the first interaction. I think this might be a great read aloud, I’ll give it someone to give it a go.
September 26, 2019
Impressive effort from this excellent author. Not only did she write an authentic and compelling book for younger readers (after previously only writing YA), but she wrote in verse too!
It's exuberant, and balances the sadness and difficulties Noah, Jack and Lottie face with positive and satisfying resolutions.
Great teacher representation!
It's exuberant, and balances the sadness and difficulties Noah, Jack and Lottie face with positive and satisfying resolutions.
Great teacher representation!
May 20, 2020
Fantastic read for young people, up to Year 8. A verse novel written from multiple perspectives, this little gem offers so much. Readers have an opportunity to empathise with other young people facing difficult situations at home and at school and are shown a variety of ways of coping.
December 25, 2020
I'm amazed at how much story a good author can pack into a verse novel. Pip Harry had me emotionally invested in the three kids in this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
January 8, 2020
I read this as an ebook on my iPad in one sitting.
Written in the first person of three different children: Lottie and Noah (year 5 students at St Teresa’s, by the beach in Manly), and Jack (also in Year 5 living 5 hours north-west of Sydney).
Jack’s class is organising a visit to St Teresa’s. Jack has never seen the beach before.
A prose novel that reads like spoken verse. Each voice distinctive and engaging.
Each child has their own personal and family issues to contend with.
And the story culminates with each of the three children taking strength from their friendships and families.
This would make a sensational read-aloud for a year 5 class. Better still, a class text.
The whole book is lovely. With a great cover illustration by Sophie Beer, lots of clear space on each page which will make readers feel they are flying through the text. A thoughtfully presented text.
Recommend for good readers aged 8+ year old readers.
Written in the first person of three different children: Lottie and Noah (year 5 students at St Teresa’s, by the beach in Manly), and Jack (also in Year 5 living 5 hours north-west of Sydney).
Jack’s class is organising a visit to St Teresa’s. Jack has never seen the beach before.
A prose novel that reads like spoken verse. Each voice distinctive and engaging.
Each child has their own personal and family issues to contend with.
And the story culminates with each of the three children taking strength from their friendships and families.
This would make a sensational read-aloud for a year 5 class. Better still, a class text.
The whole book is lovely. With a great cover illustration by Sophie Beer, lots of clear space on each page which will make readers feel they are flying through the text. A thoughtfully presented text.
Recommend for good readers aged 8+ year old readers.
June 26, 2019
This was just a gorgeous verse novel, and one that I've already been recommending to students! The characters were all so distinct and their stories fascinating. Yes, there were a lot of different issues covered in this slim novel, but Harry handled them all expertly so that they never felt overwhelming. Although there were many issues addressed, the novel itself never because about those issues, but remained about the friendships and the children who it gave voice to. A gorgeous book!
August 19, 2019
This middle grade verse novel is a pure breath of fresh air, both salty and spirited and raw and earthy for Harry deftly weaves the stories of upper primary school students from a Manly beachside with those from a NSW regional country town.
The main focus is on three different kids: Noah a surfing junkie with sandy hair and refreshing open-mindedness despite his friendship with the school bully; Lottie an entomologist in the making with a huge heart and a bereft father who can't fill the hole left in his by the death of Lottie's mother; and Jack a tough wannabe cricket star who struggles with his dysfunctional family and an inability to improve at school.
It's the lure of the sea that each have in common. Noah can't get enough of it. Lottie loves exploring the lagoons formed by it in search of a new insect. Jack, just wants to experience its vast freedom after only ever knowing the confines of the country and its artificial pools.
This novel is a fine example of the use of verse to reveal emotions and peel back true character. It's also a sensational reintroduction of the art of pen pal writing, something I grew up with but is alien to many first world kids of today. The glib reaction of Jack's teacher to their initial resistance against letter writing raised a smile and quiet satisfaction as the kids slowly yielded and came to love making friends with their city / country counterparts through letter writing.
The Little Wave, like a rising ocean swell, is powerful, fun, and fast paced; surging with hope and the message that nothing can keep asunder forever. A lovely ode about friendship and new beginnings.
The main focus is on three different kids: Noah a surfing junkie with sandy hair and refreshing open-mindedness despite his friendship with the school bully; Lottie an entomologist in the making with a huge heart and a bereft father who can't fill the hole left in his by the death of Lottie's mother; and Jack a tough wannabe cricket star who struggles with his dysfunctional family and an inability to improve at school.
It's the lure of the sea that each have in common. Noah can't get enough of it. Lottie loves exploring the lagoons formed by it in search of a new insect. Jack, just wants to experience its vast freedom after only ever knowing the confines of the country and its artificial pools.
This novel is a fine example of the use of verse to reveal emotions and peel back true character. It's also a sensational reintroduction of the art of pen pal writing, something I grew up with but is alien to many first world kids of today. The glib reaction of Jack's teacher to their initial resistance against letter writing raised a smile and quiet satisfaction as the kids slowly yielded and came to love making friends with their city / country counterparts through letter writing.
The Little Wave, like a rising ocean swell, is powerful, fun, and fast paced; surging with hope and the message that nothing can keep asunder forever. A lovely ode about friendship and new beginnings.
October 17, 2020
Written in verse, this story of bush kids and beach kids treads tenderly and hilariously into their stories. Pip Harry doesn't shirk from tough topics that families everywhere cope with daily. These don't burden the tale or the quirkiness of the characters, and give strategies for resilience. I can see this book being devoured by kids from Grade 3 up, and I can see it helping and guiding students through tough times. It was a brilliant reminder of the importance of empathy as a teacher. Loved this read.
October 6, 2020
Another winner of a book in the 2020 CBCA Shortlist. This is a lovely, gentle book dealing with friendship, bullying and difficulties at home. Of course, everything has a nice resolution, which may not be realistic, but is still enjoyable and relatable.
July 25, 2019
Beautiful astory of Lottie, Noah and Jack, told in free verse.
October 30, 2020
Beautiful imagery for working and reading with middle grade students. Engaging and many intriguing moments of friendship, character connections between country and coast.
November 21, 2021
Beautiful, hopeful storytelling for young readers
January 26, 2021
The books remind me of my friends that have never seen snow...one day we will show them!
August 18, 2020
Picture books and verse novels – both look easy until you try to write them. It’s true what they say – every word counts. As someone who has been labelled ‘Ms Verbosity’ in the past, I am in awe of writers like Pip Harry with the gift of distilling the very essence of individual characters with the brevity of astute observations.
The Little Wave introduces us to three distinct characters – Noah, Lottie and Jack. Harry’s lyrical writing ensures we empathise with each of their challenges, and celebrate their victories. Familiar themes in children’s books, such as bullying and social quirkiness are treated with depth and a range of perspectives. However, Harry moves beyond these themes, not shying away from bigger issues including hoarding and neglect which are captured authentically through the young characters’ eyes. This book is empowering without being didactic, and provides hope without being condescending. In short, this is an absolute gem of a book.
As with other books on this year’s CBCA shortlist, there is so much potential for a rich and engaging novel study, for both advanced readers and those who find reading challenging. For teaching ideas, visit https://www.sdscottwriter.com/tl-musi...
The Little Wave introduces us to three distinct characters – Noah, Lottie and Jack. Harry’s lyrical writing ensures we empathise with each of their challenges, and celebrate their victories. Familiar themes in children’s books, such as bullying and social quirkiness are treated with depth and a range of perspectives. However, Harry moves beyond these themes, not shying away from bigger issues including hoarding and neglect which are captured authentically through the young characters’ eyes. This book is empowering without being didactic, and provides hope without being condescending. In short, this is an absolute gem of a book.
As with other books on this year’s CBCA shortlist, there is so much potential for a rich and engaging novel study, for both advanced readers and those who find reading challenging. For teaching ideas, visit https://www.sdscottwriter.com/tl-musi...
July 18, 2021
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦 by Pip Harry is an Australian novel in verse, rotating through character perspectives to detail the big emotions of three primary school children in the country and by the sea.
📚📚📚
Setting plays an important role in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦 and is made all the richer by Pip Harry's poetic lyricism. On the Aussie coast, Noah finds freedom in the surf, and Lottie hunts for interesting insects on and near the beach. Meanwhile, in the outback, Jack plays cricket and dreams of joining his class on a trip to see the ocean for the very first time.
📚📚📚
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦 is a character-driven story, detailing three strong character arcs. As the narrative progresses, Noah learns to recognise when his friends are pushing him around and to seek new friendships with unlikely people. Lottie learns to embrace new friendships too and to speak up and support her dad, whose hoarding is fast spinning out of control. Jack learns to work for his goals and to take care of his own needs as well as his little sister's. Together, the three communicate at school and by mail, all eagerly anticipating the upcoming beach trip where penpals from the coast and the country will finally meet.
📚📚📚
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦 is a story of friendship, hardship, identity, and more. This book tackles some big themes in accessible verse, making it a great story for young readers who think critically.
📚📚📚
Have you read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦? What did you think?
📚📚📚
Setting plays an important role in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦 and is made all the richer by Pip Harry's poetic lyricism. On the Aussie coast, Noah finds freedom in the surf, and Lottie hunts for interesting insects on and near the beach. Meanwhile, in the outback, Jack plays cricket and dreams of joining his class on a trip to see the ocean for the very first time.
📚📚📚
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦 is a character-driven story, detailing three strong character arcs. As the narrative progresses, Noah learns to recognise when his friends are pushing him around and to seek new friendships with unlikely people. Lottie learns to embrace new friendships too and to speak up and support her dad, whose hoarding is fast spinning out of control. Jack learns to work for his goals and to take care of his own needs as well as his little sister's. Together, the three communicate at school and by mail, all eagerly anticipating the upcoming beach trip where penpals from the coast and the country will finally meet.
📚📚📚
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦 is a story of friendship, hardship, identity, and more. This book tackles some big themes in accessible verse, making it a great story for young readers who think critically.
📚📚📚
Have you read 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘢𝘷𝘦? What did you think?
November 6, 2021
Note: 4.5 stars
This is suitable for younger middle grade readers - the main characters are in Grade 5 in Australian primary school, so about 10-11 years old.
The story is about two grade 5 classes, on in Manly, Sydney, living near the beach and the other in an inland country town five hours drive from Sydney. A visit is planned so the country kids can experience the beach.
It is told from three POVs - Noah and Lottie from the Manly school, and Jack from the country school. Each have their own issues to deal with and this book covers these issues sensitively and in an age appropriate way. I think this would be the perfect book for children dealing with such issues.
Noah is dealing with a bully - the difficulty is that the bully is actually his best friend and cannot see that his behaviour is upsetting Noah.
Lottie's mother has died and her father is coping by mainly staying at home and hoarding junk.
Jack's mother is dealing with alcohol and money issues and Jack is often left to care for his younger sister.
These are all issues that children may bottle up inside and not feel capable of coping with or discussing with the adults in their lives.
The book is written in free verse which also makes it very quick and easy to read. This makes it perfect for more reluctant readers as there are less words on the page and they are more spread out, which looks much less daunting.
This is suitable for younger middle grade readers - the main characters are in Grade 5 in Australian primary school, so about 10-11 years old.
The story is about two grade 5 classes, on in Manly, Sydney, living near the beach and the other in an inland country town five hours drive from Sydney. A visit is planned so the country kids can experience the beach.
It is told from three POVs - Noah and Lottie from the Manly school, and Jack from the country school. Each have their own issues to deal with and this book covers these issues sensitively and in an age appropriate way. I think this would be the perfect book for children dealing with such issues.
Noah is dealing with a bully - the difficulty is that the bully is actually his best friend and cannot see that his behaviour is upsetting Noah.
Lottie's mother has died and her father is coping by mainly staying at home and hoarding junk.
Jack's mother is dealing with alcohol and money issues and Jack is often left to care for his younger sister.
These are all issues that children may bottle up inside and not feel capable of coping with or discussing with the adults in their lives.
The book is written in free verse which also makes it very quick and easy to read. This makes it perfect for more reluctant readers as there are less words on the page and they are more spread out, which looks much less daunting.
July 28, 2021
Written in verse, this story follows the lives of 3 children in Year 5. While not explicitly stated, Lottie has autism. She is labelled as 'different' by her classmates but she befriends another character from the story and together, they form a beautiful friendship. This book was a delight to read.
The book is also very similar to Worse Things (which was also written in verse, followed the story of 3 separate children, whose lives also intersected in the book).
The book is also very similar to Worse Things (which was also written in verse, followed the story of 3 separate children, whose lives also intersected in the book).
July 18, 2021
Pip Harry writes with love and sensitivity. I adored her characters and cheered with them on their ups and felt teary on their downs. This was such a hopeful story. A really beautiful jewel of a book. Something to treasure in every verse.
July 10, 2022
I really enjoyed this verse novel which follows the fates of three children - two of whom attend a school in Manly, Sydney, and the other who lives inland and has never seen the sea.
Noah and Lottie are the Manly residents and in the same class at school. They are put together to organise a fundraising event to allow the students in Jack's class to come to Manly to experience the sea.
Lottie is lonely... a lover of bugs and on the receiving end of teasing at school. She is also dealing with her depressed dad who has become a hoarder since the death of his wife.
Noah is a seemingly confident surfie, but his supposed best friend pushes him around and he doesn't know what to do about it.
Jack loves cricket - but not school. He desperately wants to see the sea, but can he focus long enough in class to be allowed to go on the trip?
It is a seemingly simple story, but with complexities interwoven which perfectly fit the verse novel style. You find yourself fully invested in each child and hope that they can work out their problems.
And as with any verse novel, you find yourself whizzing through it - until before you know it you are at the end and wishing you weren't!
Noah and Lottie are the Manly residents and in the same class at school. They are put together to organise a fundraising event to allow the students in Jack's class to come to Manly to experience the sea.
Lottie is lonely... a lover of bugs and on the receiving end of teasing at school. She is also dealing with her depressed dad who has become a hoarder since the death of his wife.
Noah is a seemingly confident surfie, but his supposed best friend pushes him around and he doesn't know what to do about it.
Jack loves cricket - but not school. He desperately wants to see the sea, but can he focus long enough in class to be allowed to go on the trip?
It is a seemingly simple story, but with complexities interwoven which perfectly fit the verse novel style. You find yourself fully invested in each child and hope that they can work out their problems.
And as with any verse novel, you find yourself whizzing through it - until before you know it you are at the end and wishing you weren't!
May 18, 2020
A verse novel for primary aged students, The Little Wave presents the voices of three 10 year old children - two in a school in Manly and one living in Mullin, a small outback town in NSW. Noah, Lottie and Jack each face difficult life challenges -Noah is being bullied by his supposed best friend, Lottie, a school loner, has recently lost her mother and Dad develops erratic hoarding behaviours to fill the gap of her passing, and Jack, in the outback lives with his mum and little sister who has an alcohol problem and serious money issues. When Jack's class is invited to visit the Manley school Noah and Lottie are thrown together to raise money for the trip and Jack needs to improve at school to be allowed to go.
Harry presents different social and family backgrounds effortlessly in this very accessible story that will appeal to boys and girls with its different representations. The free verse reads more as regular prose but ensures that each page is not text dense or threatening to readers who may not normally tackle longer novels.
Shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Reader award
Harry presents different social and family backgrounds effortlessly in this very accessible story that will appeal to boys and girls with its different representations. The free verse reads more as regular prose but ensures that each page is not text dense or threatening to readers who may not normally tackle longer novels.
Shortlisted for the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year: Younger Reader award
October 3, 2023
I admit I was slightly resistant and hesitated when considering this book in the classroom. I then randomly opened it to discover a child's world, inner life and surf intertwined and I laughed reading, spoiler alert,
"Thrown like a flathead, with a hook in its jaw, onto the deck of their rubber speedboat"...
Brought back childhood memories, myself a water/beach person smiling and feelung this simile after reading a child's account of snapping their board with salt water in their nose and rescued by lifesavers.
A flathead! Not a pretty sound and quite common to catch like an ugly leather jacket a fish that looks rough and gives delight to young anglers on a wharf throwing fish back after gleefully reeling them in.
The prose is both childlike, appealing and world-opening as well as thoughtful, with conversations about sustainability, the environment, and friendship. A great classroom read for grades 3-4.
"Thrown like a flathead, with a hook in its jaw, onto the deck of their rubber speedboat"...
Brought back childhood memories, myself a water/beach person smiling and feelung this simile after reading a child's account of snapping their board with salt water in their nose and rescued by lifesavers.
A flathead! Not a pretty sound and quite common to catch like an ugly leather jacket a fish that looks rough and gives delight to young anglers on a wharf throwing fish back after gleefully reeling them in.
The prose is both childlike, appealing and world-opening as well as thoughtful, with conversations about sustainability, the environment, and friendship. A great classroom read for grades 3-4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Very sweet and readable verse novel that tackles several social issues with an expert touch by skilled author Pip Harry.
The three main characters are all well crafted and relatable for young readers. I read this book to my 7-year-old son and we both really enjoyed it.
At the beginning when the characters various challenges are introduced, my son felt really sad for them, and asked me if any of those things could happen to him, so for very young readers some guidance and reassurance is important.
By the end of the book he was delighted with how things turned out and the messages of kindness, resilience and friendship. He said that things can always get better if we ask for help. So, mission accomplished Ms Harry!
The three main characters are all well crafted and relatable for young readers. I read this book to my 7-year-old son and we both really enjoyed it.
At the beginning when the characters various challenges are introduced, my son felt really sad for them, and asked me if any of those things could happen to him, so for very young readers some guidance and reassurance is important.
By the end of the book he was delighted with how things turned out and the messages of kindness, resilience and friendship. He said that things can always get better if we ask for help. So, mission accomplished Ms Harry!
August 1, 2019
Brilliant! I was sceptical - a verse book? Ain't nobody got time for that! And working in a boy's library, I was fairly sure none of the boys would have time for that. However, the story is compelling right from the start. The three main characters, who's point of view we get with each short chapter, are authentic and likeable - infact a few pages in I couldn't wait to see what would happen to them. Reminding me of the LITTLE LUNCH series with it's Australian schoolyard flavour - this book is fabulous to curl up with on your own or read aloud to a group. Heartwarming and poignant at times - I just ABSOLUTELY loved it!
September 27, 2020
Three children, each with their own struggles, are drawn together when a country school comes to visit a city school by the beach in Sydney, Australia. Noah is a surfer whose best friend is a bully. Lotte's Mum has died and her father has become a hoarder. Jack's home life is tricky and he struggles at school.
This book is written in a poetic style that in no way detracts from the story. The characters are well-developed and I found myself hoping that things would turn out ok for them all, particularly Lotte and Jack. A lovely little book, well deserving of its shortlisting for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the Children's Book Council of Australia awards in 2020.
This book is written in a poetic style that in no way detracts from the story. The characters are well-developed and I found myself hoping that things would turn out ok for them all, particularly Lotte and Jack. A lovely little book, well deserving of its shortlisting for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the Children's Book Council of Australia awards in 2020.
April 5, 2024
This verse novel conveys a rich story of three children's lives with a minimum of words. I loved how the three characters' lives were woven together and dealt with an issue that any child could face.
Noah is a keen surfer who lives to surf and struggles at school. Lottie loves bugs and wants to be an entomologist. Both Lottie and her father have struggled to cope since her mother died. Jack lives in a tiny town in far west NSW and is trying very hard to be good and get on the school trip to the beach. He struggles to deal with a bully.
Recommended for readers aged eight years or more. Reluctant readers will enjoy the fast pace, loads of white space, and lack of excess words.
Noah is a keen surfer who lives to surf and struggles at school. Lottie loves bugs and wants to be an entomologist. Both Lottie and her father have struggled to cope since her mother died. Jack lives in a tiny town in far west NSW and is trying very hard to be good and get on the school trip to the beach. He struggles to deal with a bully.
Recommended for readers aged eight years or more. Reluctant readers will enjoy the fast pace, loads of white space, and lack of excess words.
June 1, 2025
I searched for verse novels on BorrowBox and found this wonderful middle grade gem. Not only is it told in verse but it’s set in the suburbs of Sydney where I grew up. Like the character, Noah, I spent my days on the beach, loving the surf and the saltwater. It was truly a breath of fresh (sea) air to read this story with all its Aussie lingo, culture, and diversity. It made me smile throughout.
Even though I borrowed the ebook, I enjoyed it so much it’s definitely one I want to add to my bookshelf.
Highly recommend 8+
Even though I borrowed the ebook, I enjoyed it so much it’s definitely one I want to add to my bookshelf.
Highly recommend 8+
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