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The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat
Bernie mutters to me. ‘No way. Who’d go into the mangroves at night?’
I swallow. Not me. Not into Sebastian land. No one would head into crocodile heartland in the middle of a dark night. No one, unless they had a very good reason.
Andy and his best friend Eli live in a small coastal town in far north Queensland.
When Eli’s cousin Jacob is arrested for a jewellery theft, Andy and Eli both know he is innocent.
The police have evidence. But something is not right, and Andy and Eli need to work out what, and fast or Jacob will end up in jail. So, with the help of twins Bernice and Fletcher (AKA Bernie and Fletch) and Andy’s trusty sausage dog, Washington, they set out to hunt for clues to what really happened. The trail points to a mysterious red-bottomed boat rumoured to be hidden deep in the mangroves.
Does it hold the evidence they need to prove Jacob’s innocence? Can they find it without getting lost forever? And how will they outwit Sebastian, the legendary gigantic saltwater crocodile?
Charlie Archbold’s action-packed new middle-grade adventure is a fun story of sleuthing, courageous deeds, the triumph of good over evil – and the power of friendship.
I swallow. Not me. Not into Sebastian land. No one would head into crocodile heartland in the middle of a dark night. No one, unless they had a very good reason.
Andy and his best friend Eli live in a small coastal town in far north Queensland.
When Eli’s cousin Jacob is arrested for a jewellery theft, Andy and Eli both know he is innocent.
The police have evidence. But something is not right, and Andy and Eli need to work out what, and fast or Jacob will end up in jail. So, with the help of twins Bernice and Fletcher (AKA Bernie and Fletch) and Andy’s trusty sausage dog, Washington, they set out to hunt for clues to what really happened. The trail points to a mysterious red-bottomed boat rumoured to be hidden deep in the mangroves.
Does it hold the evidence they need to prove Jacob’s innocence? Can they find it without getting lost forever? And how will they outwit Sebastian, the legendary gigantic saltwater crocodile?
Charlie Archbold’s action-packed new middle-grade adventure is a fun story of sleuthing, courageous deeds, the triumph of good over evil – and the power of friendship.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 31, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
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August 30, 2023The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat
'A delightful new book...for those middle-grade readers who look for adventure, danger and overcoming challenging obstacles.’
ReadPlus
'Archbold makes this such an edge-of-the-seat adventure...Far North Queensland can be a wild place with the sweeping rainforests and deadly animals...it was riveting to see this young group of kids brave the precarious landscape.’
Better Reading
‘With its non-stop action, very proactive heroes, and constantly unfolding mystery, this is an adventure which upper primary aged readers of both sexes would thoroughly enjoy.’
Magpies
‘A deft exploration of blended families and evolving friendships built around a mystery reminiscent of the adventure stories of old.’
Janine Larson, Readings
‘The setting is so well described and immersive that by the end of the book you want to stay with the characters and hear more about what becomes of them…A refreshing yet familiar, fun read, hopefully we’ll see more of The Sugarcane Kids in the years to come.’
StoryLinks
'A delightful new book...for those middle-grade readers who look for adventure, danger and overcoming challenging obstacles.’
ReadPlus
'Archbold makes this such an edge-of-the-seat adventure...Far North Queensland can be a wild place with the sweeping rainforests and deadly animals...it was riveting to see this young group of kids brave the precarious landscape.’
Better Reading
‘With its non-stop action, very proactive heroes, and constantly unfolding mystery, this is an adventure which upper primary aged readers of both sexes would thoroughly enjoy.’
Magpies
‘A deft exploration of blended families and evolving friendships built around a mystery reminiscent of the adventure stories of old.’
Janine Larson, Readings
‘The setting is so well described and immersive that by the end of the book you want to stay with the characters and hear more about what becomes of them…A refreshing yet familiar, fun read, hopefully we’ll see more of The Sugarcane Kids in the years to come.’
StoryLinks
March 14, 2022
Great adventure story with friendship, loyalty and crocs!!
Such a great story.
Such a great story.
July 28, 2024
A lovely tale of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork. I enjoyed the relationship in this group of friends which started with 4 but ended with 5. I especially enjoyed the backgrounds provided in how these relationships began and not all started smoothly (!)
In this book, The Sugarcane Kids, are keen to prove the innocence of Eli's cousin. They banded together, deceived their parents (they did wise up at the end just in time, good one!), faced adversity and in the end, achieved their goal in a spectacular way.
Highly recommended for lower middle graders who loves adventures and animals.
In this book, The Sugarcane Kids, are keen to prove the innocence of Eli's cousin. They banded together, deceived their parents (they did wise up at the end just in time, good one!), faced adversity and in the end, achieved their goal in a spectacular way.
Highly recommended for lower middle graders who loves adventures and animals.
May 18, 2023
Themes: Mystery, Adventure, Friendship, Justice
Andy and his best friend Eli live in far north Queensland, by rainforests, sugarcane fields, and mangrove swamps. Eli’s cousin, Jacob, has been arrested for jewellery theft, but Andy and Eli are determined to prove his innocence. As they seek answers our protagonists discover secrets and clues which will ultimately lead them to the truth. Their journey isn’t without danger; however, so they must have their wits about them and trust in the help of their friends. They will also need to watch out for Sebastian, that great big croc living deep in the mangroves.
With a strong focus on friendship and loyalty, Charlie Archbold tells a mystery story that will encourage readers to trust in and look out for their friends, and develop a passion for justice and doing the right thing. It is a fun and exciting novel which will have readers eager to find out the truth.
Andy and his best friend Eli live in far north Queensland, by rainforests, sugarcane fields, and mangrove swamps. Eli’s cousin, Jacob, has been arrested for jewellery theft, but Andy and Eli are determined to prove his innocence. As they seek answers our protagonists discover secrets and clues which will ultimately lead them to the truth. Their journey isn’t without danger; however, so they must have their wits about them and trust in the help of their friends. They will also need to watch out for Sebastian, that great big croc living deep in the mangroves.
With a strong focus on friendship and loyalty, Charlie Archbold tells a mystery story that will encourage readers to trust in and look out for their friends, and develop a passion for justice and doing the right thing. It is a fun and exciting novel which will have readers eager to find out the truth.
May 7, 2023
Eli’s birthday party is a failure. His cousin Jacob has been arrested for jewellery theft and is in jail. Eli knows his cousin’s innocent, and Andy and Eli set about proving it. With their friends Bernie and Fletch, they stake out the marina and discover the loot is with Ruby.
Ruby is not ordinary dingy. She was lost in a severe storm and is lodged halfway up a mangrove in the swamp in Sebastian’s, a huge saltwater crocodile’s territory. With the true criminals after them and a nasty saltwater crocodile guarding Ruby, how do Eli and Andy get the evidence they need to prove Jacob is innocent?
I enjoyed the story world. It was so good to read a story set in Far North Queensland. I enjoyed the mystery and the collaboration the characters had to develop to solve the mystery.
Recommended for readers eight years and older.
Ruby is not ordinary dingy. She was lost in a severe storm and is lodged halfway up a mangrove in the swamp in Sebastian’s, a huge saltwater crocodile’s territory. With the true criminals after them and a nasty saltwater crocodile guarding Ruby, how do Eli and Andy get the evidence they need to prove Jacob is innocent?
I enjoyed the story world. It was so good to read a story set in Far North Queensland. I enjoyed the mystery and the collaboration the characters had to develop to solve the mystery.
Recommended for readers eight years and older.
June 26, 2025
I first read this book because of Reader's cup. We were in a regional round, and my mum researched the other regional rounds, to see if they had the same books. They had some similar, others different. If they chose the 'different' books (the ones I haven't read), surely it would be a good choice to read right? So my mum reserved them. This was one of the books.
I loved this book. The story revolves around Andy, his best friend Eli, the twins and Harvey. From lonely parties to spine-chilling crocodile hunting, this novel explores themes of friendship and survival. Can't wait to read the sequel!
I loved this book. The story revolves around Andy, his best friend Eli, the twins and Harvey. From lonely parties to spine-chilling crocodile hunting, this novel explores themes of friendship and survival. Can't wait to read the sequel!
April 27, 2026
What a page turner for middle grade children.
The book begins with a list of very useful facts. What a clever way to orient the reader into the story.
Set in far north Queensland we are immediately immersed into the luscious rainforest, the stunning beaches and the people who live there. I loved the friendships and at times issues between the adventurous bike riding Sugar Cane Kids. They were brave, funny and relentless. They worked together whether it was writing forbidden notes at school or solving the problems of that red bottomed boat.
The book begins with a list of very useful facts. What a clever way to orient the reader into the story.
Set in far north Queensland we are immediately immersed into the luscious rainforest, the stunning beaches and the people who live there. I loved the friendships and at times issues between the adventurous bike riding Sugar Cane Kids. They were brave, funny and relentless. They worked together whether it was writing forbidden notes at school or solving the problems of that red bottomed boat.
March 24, 2023
Andi and Eli are determined to prove Eli’s cousin’s innocence but to do so they need to befriend a nemesis, outrun a giant croc and outwit the adults! This is an action and adventure tale of friendship and determination. It is full of similes, opportunity to discuss predictions, and some level of character development which could make it a good choice for a middle grade literature circle.
8-11 Years
8-11 Years
June 28, 2023
My 9 year old son loved this book. Exciting detective story without the darkness that other adventure stories often contain (thinking Harry Potter here). A great book about friendship and helping each other out.
November 7, 2024
Suits Middle primary readers. Adventure/mystery in FNQ, hence one character is a deadly croc called Sebastian. The kids have all the best intentions when they bend the rules to work together. A satisfactory ending. Sequels too read next.
February 1, 2023
Fun adventure for year 3/4.
March 2, 2023
A super fun adventurous mystery. Looking forward to adding this to our Book Club collection.
April 9, 2026
How refreshing to read a book set in the tropics.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews