Elsewhere Girls

by Emily Gale, Nova Weetman

It's midnight and I'm alone in the kitchen eating a cold potato scallop. Coach O'Call would say something like, ‘That’s not what I expect from a scholarship girl!’ because I have to be up for squad training in five hours and I’m not supposed to go near potato scallops, and—oh, yeah—it’s my fifth.

Cat has recently started at a new school on a sports scholarship, and she’s feeling the pressure of early morning training sessions and the need for total commitment. Fanny loves to swim and she lives for racing, but family chores and low expectations for girls make it very hard for her to fit in even the occasional training session.

Cat and Fanny have never met. They both live in the same Sydney suburb, but in different worlds, or at least different Cat in current-day Sydney, and Fanny in 1908. But one day, time slips and they swap places.

As each girl lives the other’s life, with all the challenges and confusion it presents, she comes to appreciate and understand herself and the role of swimming in her own life.

Narrated in alternating chapters by Cat and Fanny, Elsewhere Girls is a moving and funny story of two girls with a deep connection, one based on the Australian Olympic champion, Fanny Durack. It’s a fresh and engaging exploration of the challenges and pressures for young women growing up in the past and today.

Genres: Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Historical, Australia, Sports, Fantasy

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Emily Gale has worked in the children’s & YA book industry for over twenty years. In London she worked as an editor for Penguin and Egmont, and later as a freelance manuscript consultant and pre-school book writer. In Melbourne she worked with the late literary agent Sheila Drummond, finding new children’s and YA authors; she has reviewed for Bookseller and Publisher, spent several happy years at independent bookshop Readings as a children’s buyer, during which time she was instrumental in establishing the Readings Children’s Book Prize, and worked in two school libraries. Emily’s writing includes novels for teenagers like Girl, Aloud, Steal My Sunshine, and I Am Out With Lanterns, as well as books for 10+ including The Other Side of Summer, Elsewhere Girls, and The Goodbye Year. Her junior fiction character is Eliza Boom, which is published all around the world.

Reviews

[Text Publishing]

The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of Elsewhere Girls

'An intriguing time-slip novel by two wonderful writers.’
Gabrielle Wang

‘Two fabulous characters working out what matters most—I love Cat and Fan so much!’
Sally Rippin

'Elsewhere Girls is full of Gale and Weetman’s incisive charm and wit, and the pair’s existing middle-grade fans will happily devour this intimate, perceptive look at equality, class, women’s rights and what matters most.’
Books+Publishing

'Gale and Weetman intertwine their unique voices to weave this heartfelt insightful and humorous tale. I loved it.'
Readings Malvern

'Elsewhere Girls is an extremely well written book in that it feels completely realistic…Delves into themes of family, friendship, academic pressure, feminism, racism, misogyny, and injustice while interweaving historic facts and places with pure fiction. This is a must read for swimming enthusiasts, history buffs, and time-slip fans aged 10+.'
Storylinks

'The friendship difficulties, rivalries and the business of physically and emotionally growing into womanhood, though presenting different challenges to the two girls who are living lives that are two centuries apart, still have a universal resonance and this is what attracts our young female readers to books like Elsewhere Girls and authors like Weetman and Gale.'
ReadPlus Reviews

‘Everything I hoped for and more…completely addictive, brilliant writing.’
One More Page podcast

‘Elsewhere Girls is one of those books that is, quite simply, a joy to read. It is perfectly paced, taking it’s time to explore each character and their hopes, dreams and disappointments while remaining utterly engaging.’
Children’s Books Daily

'This book is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone who likes stories about what it feels like to be someone else.’
Lydia, aged 9, Kookie

‘Whip-smart.’
Australian Women’s Weekly

‘Nothing short of superb. These two exceptionally talented authors do a wonderful job painting the girls’ worlds with smooth writing that nails the situations each girl faces in her time brilliantly…[A] sweet, totally enjoyable and heart-warming story.’
Aurealis

‘A charming, eye-opening exploration of gender restrictions and self-determination.’
Kirkus

'Cheerful…deftly examines the evolution of traditionally feminine gender roles.’
Publishers Weekly

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
What would it be like to switch places with someone your age that shared your main interest, but you were born centuries apart? Time-travel with Fanny and Cat, one back to 1908, one forward to 2021!
Great body-swapping/ time travel story! The author’s notes about the real “Fanny” and her family were fascinating.
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. Authentic and immersive.

[Sharah McConville · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child I was a huge fan of a book and movie called Playing Beatie Bow, so if you loved that book like I did, you will enjoy Elsewhere Girls too! This time-slip story in set in modern-day Sydney and Sydney during 1908. Alternating chapters follow teenager Cat, in the present day and Fan, in the olden days. Fan is based on Fanny Durack, the first Australian female Olympic swimmer. The two main characters are written by different authors, Emily Gale and Nova Weetman, but we never find out who wrote who! Although this book is aimed at older children and younger teens, I really enjoyed this story. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound time-slip novel, featuring Cat and Fan, two young female swimmers who live in Sydney a century apart. Fan is based on the first woman to medal for Australia in Olympics swimming

We see their issues, pressures, and triumphs through alternating chapters, until the day they switch places in time. The insight each gains makes this such a compelling read, highly recommended for readers 10 years and older.

Thanks to the author, Text Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions are mine.

[ALPHAreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well here is one of the most delightfully charming middle-grade novels I've come across! A time-slip historical, inspired by the real-life story of Australian Olympic champion, Fanny Durack - while also dealing tenderly and impressively with modern-day obstacles for young girls.

"Cat and Fanny have never met. They both live in the same Sydney suburb, but in different worlds, or at least different times: Cat in current-day Sydney, and Fanny in 1908. But one day, time slips and they swap places."

This is written by two of my favourite kid-lit authors; Emily Gale and Nova Weetman. And I love that something I'm sure Nova and Emily have mused on - what great friends they would have been, had they met as children - kind of slips between the cracks of the inspiration for this story too. By asking the question; who are our soul-mates, our kindred-spirits we're unable to meet because of those wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey nuisances? And what if they didn't exist? What if you could meet someone who knows you and what you're going through - if time was no barrier?

How utterly, heartwarmingly lovely - that the core of this story is friendship too, and a realisation that the past is closer than we think, and those who lived through it still have something to say today.

Loved, loved, loved!

[Jessica G · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars.

It is official. When I get my first chance to visit Sydney, I am hightailing it straight to Coogee to have a swim at Wylie's Baths. Legitimately. I have the public transport route all mapped out - we are good to go!

It is such an odd feeling but I kind of feel a sense of privilege in the fact I was able to read 'Elsewhere Girls'. When I think about Japan I get this super excited buzz about me, something that I don't feel for most things, and I got that same buzz thinking that I could visit Wylie's when reading this book.
I vaguely remembered Fanny Durack from my year seven Olympics project, but I couldn't remember anything about her, and I felt like the way that Emily and Nova told her story filled me with a sense of pride and excitement. It was very much the ultimate feminist novel for young Australian girls.
I just love when authors get so excited about their writing and go out of their way to research their characters, and various subjects. Reading the acknowledgement section made me feel so happy, just hearing about where and who Emily and Nova reached out to.

As an Australian, and a fan of the Summer Olympics (side note: sports climbing is wilddddd), this was just perfect. Highly recommend giving this to your young ones to have a read of!

[ElusiveLaurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve always been a fan of time-slip and body-swap novels, but Elsewhere Girls is the first book I’ve read where the two genres are combined. Because of this, I approached with some trepidation. Could the authors successfully blend the two? I’m happy to say they did.

Fanny Durack and Cat Feeney have a lot in common. They live in the same neighbourhood. They are both competitive swimmers. They both care deeply for their families, but they live more than 100 years apart.

One day, while the girls are swimming at Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, time unwinds. Fan lands in Cat’s body in 2021, and Cat lands in Fan’s in 1908.

This touching and often humourous story is told in two voices. The chapters alternate between the characters with the authors skillfully weaving historical facts and women’s issues from both time periods into the narrative. As Fan and Cat try fit into their new lives, they earn a lot about themselves. Each makes important decisions about their future. If only they could figure out how to get home.

At the end of the book, I was delighted to learn that Fanny Durack and her friend Mina Wylie were real people and that their determination earned them medals at the 1912 Olympics. I was even more delighted to find that Wylie’s Baths still exists. If I ever make it to Australia, you know I’m going for a swim!

This book is suited for readers aged 10 and up. I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for the advance copy of Elsewhere Girls.

[Heather Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, I learnt a new thing in this book - potato cakes are called potato scallops in New South Wales! Huh! I really enjoyed this read which had echoes of Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park, one of my favourite books growing up. A time-slip story in which Fanny and Cat - both competitive swimmers, one contemporary and one from the early 1900s - mysteriously swap bodies. There's lots of culture clash with each girl navigating a different time, a different family and different attitudes to swimming. Written by two authors, the story was told in alternating voices between the characters which is a style I love. Highly recommended for upper primary and lower secondary readers.

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful time slip novel, taking the reader on a journey discovering interesting points of history and the importance of relationships.

[Susan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elsewhere Girls is the story of two girls living more than a hundred years apart who inadvertently swap lives. Both girls live in Sydney, but Fanny lives in 1905 with her large family above a hotel. Meanwhile, Cat lives in 2021 with her Dad and sister above a mini-mart. Her mother is a flight attendant and often works on overseas flights. Cat’s family has recently moved to Sydney when their Dad lost his job in Orange. Cat won a swimming scholarship to attend Victoria Grammar along with her sister but she’d rather be in Orange with her friends. Both Cat and Fanny are hoping to qualify for the State swimming finals but Fanny’s times are slipping and Cat is struggling to keep motivated.

The time switch happens and Cat is thrust into a world of chores at a hotel with primitive conditions while Fanny is coping with a myriad of electronic gadgets. The experience teaches them both about themselves, their priorities and the value of family and friendships.

his is a clever, well-told story about growing up in vastly different circumstances yet learning to appreciate your lifestyle. The book is written by two authors, Emily Gale and Nova Weetman, with each one taking a different character. This worked well.

Overall an enjoyable read.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A fun, light time travel/freaky Friday mix middle grade fiction. I enjoyed Fan and Cat’s stories and growth. I also liked learning about the real Fanny and Wylie’s baths.

Minor potential spoiler:

There were a few minor issues with the 1908 time… like the fact that modern CPR hadn’t been invented yet, but overall, enjoyed the ride.

[Maddy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very funny book I really enjoyed it... One question remains in my head... What would it be like to switch places with someone?

[Paula Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

The two authors, Gale and Weetman, aimed to write an interesting YA Aussie timeslip tale. The setting is Sydney, featuring Wylie's Baths, a terrific tidal swimming pool still open to the public. Perhaps the title might more accurately be Elsewhen Girls, yet it wouldn't sound as good.

13-year-old Catherine (Cat) Feeney, attends Victoria Grammar School on a swimming scholarship in 2021. She's fast and talented, but having her future set with such rigid boundaries makes her rebellious. Cat's not convinced she has the dogged passion to aim for the Olympics. Fanny (Fan) Durack is an older teen in 1908. She's a strong swimmer who has set her heart on training for the Olympics but must squeeze it in around household chores. Her parents are pub managers, and Fanny and her siblings work flat out helping with hands-on work that never ends.

The main twist is that one protagonist is drawn straight from history. Fanny was a real person, along with every member of her family.

The timeslip catalyst is an ornate stopwatch coupled with a perfectly synchronized swim 113 years apart. It's a body swap story as well. Not only must they bluff their way through each day, but they must do it in each others' skins and try to fool each others' families rather than risk being thought crazy.

Cat is appalled by the limitations placed on women in 1908. 'I can't believe washing sheets comes before everything else a girl might want to do.' Fan's head is totally turned by all our 21st-century labor-saving devices and fast food. 'I keep imagining what Ma would do with all the spare time.' (This begs the questions, what do we do? How would we justify to a person from the earliest 20th century that we still consider ourselves time poor with way too much on our plates?)

Although Fan quickly appreciates how much easier she finds life in the 2020s, I'd argue that Cat's plight might still be far preferable in other ways. Technological bafflement is real. We surely all have at least vague inklings of the olden days from TV and books. Cat's instructions to, 'check the copper' might be more intuitive than Fan's being told to, 'Google it on your laptop.'

I found one sad oversight. Fanny Durack, from her vantage point in 2021, never discovers that not only did she win Olympic Gold, she was destined to become the world's greatest female swimmer across all distances for a period of time. If Gale and Weetman intended to incorporate a real-life celebrity into their fiction, at least they might have done her a favor similar to the memorable Dr Who episode with Vincent Van Gogh. They could have written it in so easily. But I guess this sort of prior knowledge might impact Fan's motivation to succeed back in her own era, which is probably wise not to meddle with. Time travel can have so many awkward ripple effects.

It's nice to see them mention in their endnotes such inspirations as Charlotte Sometimes and Playing Beatie Bow. This book doesn't have the melancholic atmosphere of Charlotte Sometimes. It's fairly upbeat for such a puzzling swap, but at least the authors give equal airplay to both Cat and Fan's experiences, while Penelope Farmer's classic focuses solely on Charlotte, completely omitting poor Clare's bewilderment. And the mysterious family prophecies in Playing Beatie Bow gives Ruth Park's work an urgency this book lacks.

Overall, I think the swimming venues have more depth than the story itself, but it's still a fun, quick read.

[Gaby Meares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books that appeal to sporty kids are hard to find - Elsewhere Girls hits the sweet spot: engaging characters who are passionate about their chosen sport, in this case, swimming.

Cat lives in modern day Sydney and is on a sports scholarship at an exclusive girls' college, which makes her feel extremely pressured. Fan lives in 1908 Sydney, and is passionate about swimming, wanting to compete in the Olympics one day. She is constrained by the lack of choice available for women at this time.

While both swimming in Wylie Baths at Coogee they mysteriously swap places. Time-slip novels often play on the laughs of a character being a 'fish out of water'. The authors don't write for the laughs, instead using the time difference to highlight the fundamentally similar issues the girls face, but also illustrating the particular hardships Fan faces in trying to follow her dreams. But there is a light touch, and there is humour. As Cat wonders what is happening in her life - 'If Fanny is me, is she doing a good job? She's probably fainted from the shock of everything that's been invented since 1908. I hope she's using deodorant.'

This book works on so many levels: it's a great story, with engaging, strong female characters that also offers the reader an insight into women's lives in 1908. There's a lot of historic content which will easily be absorbed by the reader, without them even realising!

Fanny Durack and Mina Wylie are, of course, real girls who did eventually compete in the 1912 Olympic Games, becoming the first Australian women to win Olympic medals; gold for Fanny, silver for her best friend Mina.

If you live in Sydney, make a date to swim at the historic Wylie Baths and remember the indomitable Fanny and Mina.

Recommended for ages 10+

[Annabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Elsewhere girls by Annabelle Zhang 4.5/5



Elsewhere girls is a story about two girls, Fanny and Cat. Fanny lived in 1908, and lives in above a pub that her Dad, affectionately known as Da. Fanny loves to swim and she dreams of the Olympics, but family chores and low expectations for girls make it hard to fit any training at all. Cat has recently started at a new school on a sports scholarship, and she's feeling the pressure of early-morning training sessions and the need for total committment.But one day, in the cool ocan baths of Wylie's Baths, Cat and Fanny mysteriously swap places. And they find themselves facing some awkward challenges.



Elswhere girls is an extremely fascinating book, which details both a character and time swap, with someone who is extremely used to hard work and unequality, being transported to a life of bliss and easiness. The other, who is used to the simple and easy way of life, with technology to do basically everything, gets swept into a world full of hardship and racism.



I would reccommend this book immensely as it is an intruging read and is full of fascinating adventures about people who have gone into another person's life, from thinking the refrigerater is a magic cool box, to rescuing your brother, and seeing back 100 years and going forward 100 years. This book is suitable for ages 10+.

[Cait Paiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A swimming scholarship student from modern day Australia switches places with an aspiring competitive swimmer from 1908 through mysterious incident involving a watch. Highly engaging. I could scarcely put this book down!

My favorite part of the book was the contrast provided by the characters’ relationships with their siblings. As a teacher and a mom, I found the illustrations of competing siblings verses cooperative siblings. I imagine that my students and my personal children would benefit from such a story.

The story is told through alternating perspectives. The voices of the two girls, Fanny and Cat, are distinct. I really enjoyed their reactions to their new eras. Although it felt a bit drawn out in places, it was necessary to establish the adjustment period for the girls.

I enjoyed learning the true story of Fanny, who paved the way for female athletes. I also appreciated the parallels between the historical fiction portion and the modern story line.

I would use this book in a classroom library and as a reading recommendation or small group novel. This is definitely entertaining and a worthy inclusion in any classroom.

[Emily Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elsewhere Girls is a great time travel/trading places book reminiscent of Freaky Friday. Fan, who lives in Australia in 1908, and Cat who lives in present day Australia, suddenly find themselves literally in the other’s shoes. Both Cat and Fan are swimmers. Fan dreams of women being able to compete in the Olympics and Cat isn’t sure she really wants to compete anymore. The girls are using the same old stopwatch and swimming in the same place when the exchange takes place. Throughout the book, both girls learn things about their time in history and themselves that change them for the better. Fan is based on Sarah Frances Durack, the first woman to win a medal in swimming for Australia. This was a wonderful book with strong female characters that really want to make themselves and the world around them better, no matter what time they live in. Funny, and heartwarming, this is one of the few books about swimming, and I can’t wait to add it to the school library.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

[Jessie Revis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet middle grade novel. I'm a sucker for time travel and the switching lives trope, so I knew I would love this one. We follow two main characters; Cat from present day and Fan from 1908. One day they both go for a swim and wind up switching places. Both characters were strong and bold, but Fan especially really challenged the norms of her time. I loved her character. The family dynamics of both characters was very sweet as well. The setting of 1908 was so fun to read and I really felt like I was there, the authors did a great job of capturing that time.

My only complaint was during one of the 1908 chapters, CPR was used. They go into detail about compressions and mouth to mouth which was not something people did at the time. I doubt many middle grade readers would catch on but it was something I noticed and it removed me from the story a bit.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my review.

[Caitrin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fanny Durack and Cat Feeney live in the same neighborhood and are both competitive swimmers. However, they live more than 100 years apart. One day, while swimming at Wylie’s Baths in Coogee, the girls trade places. Fan ends up in Cat’s body in 2021 and Cat ends up in Fan’s body in 1908.

The story is told alternating between Cat and Fan. Cat is thrust into a world where women do work around the house all day, while Fan is thrust into a world with technology she has no clue how to use. The experience helps the girls understand more about their own priorities in life as well as the value of their family and friends. The girls also learn more about the evolution of women’s rights over time.

I really enjoyed this story and read it all in one day. I loved reading about each girl’s reaction to the new time period she was thrust into. I also enjoyed the history included by the authors about what it was like to live in 1908. I truly connected with both Cat and Fan and could relate to both characters.

At the end of the book, I was pleased to hear that Fanny Durack and her friend Mina Wylie were real people. They advocated for women to be able to swim in the Olympics and earned medals at the 1912 Olympics. I also love that Wylie’s Baths still exists. If I ever get a chance to go to Australia, I would love to visit Wylie’s Baths!

Thanks to NetGalley and Text Publishing for eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The minute I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. As a former competitive swimmer, I'm familiar with the triumphs and trials of the sport. Cat and Fan are two swimmers who live in Australia one hundred years apart. Cat attends school on a swimming scholarship and deeply feels the pressure many modern students experience. Fan, on the other hand, experiences the societal disapproval that young female athletes were subject to.

Emily Gale's book is a well-written work of historical fiction and it seems to get many of the details right. Personally, I didn't enjoy the "Freaky Friday" time slip aspect of the book. It seems a bit cliche to me. I would recommend this book, however, as a starting point for writing and class discussion in a history/ or language arts class. The character of Fan is based on olympian Fanny Durack adds extra interest.

There is nothing objectionable and this book would be an excellent addition to any middle-grade library

[Katja Bertazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun time slip, body swap novel for middle grade readers set in Sydney, Australia.
Fan (16) and Cat (13) are both swimmers and live in the same neighbourhood, but 100 years apart, Cat in 2021 and Fan in 1908.
Both Fan and Cat feel stuck and want something more. One day, through mysterious circumstances they switch places during a swim at Coogee.
While navigating both the freedoms and the constraints of each other's lives, both girls gain valuable insight into the true value of family and friendship, as well as a greater clarity of what it is they want to do with their life.
I enjoyed reading this book and found it interesting to learn more about the real Sarah Frances Durack, who was the first Australian female swimmer to win gold at the Olympics in 1912, and the inspiration for Fan's character.
As well as being a great read this book also gives historical insight into the evolution of women's rights over time.
Highly recommended.

[Leyla Demirel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book! I didn’t even know it was middle grade until I read it, came to share my review and then saw it was from another review. It was so sweet, heartwarming and such a nice, fun and easy read. The different character pov’s and different timelines at the start of the book did confuse me a little, but I soon figured it out and was able to read the rest of the book with ease.

Although swimming isn’t really something I care for, I really enjoyed it as the main theme in this book. I suddenly was rooting for these swimmers and their progress with their times and races.

I also loved how the magic of the switched times and bodies really helped our two lead characters. Especially for cat, it made her realise how fortunate she is, what she took for granted - and to be kinder to her family. And I loved that!

A really sweet book overall, I adored it!

[Brigita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvellous read like everything by Emily Gale and Nova Weetman.

This time-slip novel was so much fun because of the character swap and how they had to adapt to the constraints of the different time periods. It was obvious how well-researched the Fanny Durack period was and that helped illustrate the struggle that women and girls faced on a daily basis - something we can hardly imagine today.

The blending of fact and fiction in the Fanny Durack story was lovely and I googled her afterwards because she seemed such an inspiring figure. Both girls, but Cat in particular, realised how important it is to be honest (with others and oneself) and to fight for what you want, which I think is an important message for middle-grade readers to read.

[Samantha-Ellen Bound · Rating 4 out of 5]

This timeslip #LoveOzMG was an absolute delight that I have ripped through the past couple of days. Cat and Fan are wonderful characters and the intrigue of finding out what happens once they mysteriously swap places (early 1900s to present day) is irresistible.

Both characters are excellent examples of strong young women, one trying to shake up the status quo and one trying to stand up for herself - both trying to challenge expectations of who they are and what's demanded of them.

Loved the past and present Sydney setting, loved the little peep into Australia's past and a young Fanny Durack, loved the beautiful, supportive, complex families of both girls, and loved the warmth of this book.

Reccomend! 🏊‍♀️⏱💧

[Erin Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this time-traveling take on the Freaky Friday story! The first person narrative presents two distinct voices that children would easily be able to identify with as they follow along with challenges each character faces. This book would be a nice addition to a historical fiction unit as the students are able to learn about the historical period (1908) through a modern day character's voice. The authors did a great job of using the switched places structure to guide the reader through understanding the difference in the two time periods. Without spoiling anything, I would have loved to see more at the end as I wondered what impact the characters had on their respective times and how that connected back to the real history that inspired the story.

[Ms Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice time slip, body swap story for middle years readers. Smoothly written and an interesting look back in time and connection to current day.

Fan and Cat are outsiders living the lives they’ve got, stuck somewhere between wanting more and not knowing what to want. When they swap lives, they’ve got to contend with being an outsider on a whole new level. Both come out of the experience more decisive; one more determined to change the future for others and one more determined to take control of her own future. This book will leave you wondering if we all just have to be content to live the life we’ve got. Or can we demand more?

[Roxanne Summer]

Elsewhere Girls tells the story of Cat and Fan as they body-swap from 2021 to 1908. Based on the true story of a female swimmer who fought for the right for females to represent Australia in Olympic swimming, Cat and Fan are very relatable characters. The reader explores what it is like to be displaced by time and how there are similarities between us all, no matter the time difference. Cat and Fan learn to appreciate their new times, and in doing so, appreciate the times they came from more. Themes explored include women’s rights, family and friendship. Elsewhere Girls is a very readable novel, suitable for strong primary to lower secondary students.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in return for an honest review.

A combination body swap and time travel book, and I thought the authors did both elements well. It was interesting to see the differences between the present day and 1908 in the same neighborhood in Australia. I loved how strong the sense of setting was and it definitely made me want to visit Wylie's Baths.

I have to say that although I think this is a good book, for reasons I can't put my finger on, I just didn't fully connect with the book. This is one I'll be thinking about for a little while as I try to figure that out.

[Polly-Alida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful middle grade read. Cat and Fanny live in the same area of Sydney Australia, about 100 years apart. Both are star swimmers and suddenly they've time-switched and find themselves in worlds they barely recognize. Fanny dreams of women being allowed to swim at the Olympics and Cat isn't quite sure what she wants to do. Through the challenges they face in navigating their time-switch, we learn about their hopes and frustrations as they pursue those dreams. Thanks to the authors, publisher and NetGalley for a preview copy.