What do you think?
Rate this book
Lockie Leonard #1
Human Torpedo
Thirteen-year-old Lockie Leonard is new in town and has nothing going for him except for the fact that he's a hot-shot surfer. He falls in love with the beautiful Vicki and, amazingly, she likes him too. Suddenly Lockie is famous and popular, but he still has a lot to learn about love.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1990
41 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Tim Winton
76 books2,381 followersTim Winton was born in Perth, Western Australia, but moved at a young age to the small country town of Albany.
While a student at Curtin University of Technology, Winton wrote his first novel, An Open Swimmer. It went on to win The Australian/Vogel Literary Award in 1981, and launched his writing career. In fact, he wrote "the best part of three books while at university". His second book, Shallows, won the Miles Franklin Award in 1984. It wasn't until Cloudstreet was published in 1991, however, that his career and economic future were cemented.
In 1995 Winton’s novel, The Riders, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, as was his 2002 book, Dirt Music. Both are currently being adapted for film. He has won many other prizes, including the Miles Franklin Award three times: for Shallows (1984), Cloudstreet (1992) and Dirt Music (2002). Cloudstreet is arguably his best-known work, regularly appearing in lists of Australia’s best-loved novels. His latest novel, released in 2013, is called Eyrie.
He is now one of Australia's most esteemed novelists, writing for both adults and children. All his books are still in print and have been published in eighteen different languages. His work has also been successfully adapted for stage, screen and radio. On the publication of his novel, Dirt Music, he collaborated with broadcaster, Lucky Oceans, to produce a compilation CD, Dirt Music – Music for a Novel.
He has lived in Italy, France, Ireland and Greece but currently lives in Western Australia with his wife and three children.
While a student at Curtin University of Technology, Winton wrote his first novel, An Open Swimmer. It went on to win The Australian/Vogel Literary Award in 1981, and launched his writing career. In fact, he wrote "the best part of three books while at university". His second book, Shallows, won the Miles Franklin Award in 1984. It wasn't until Cloudstreet was published in 1991, however, that his career and economic future were cemented.
In 1995 Winton’s novel, The Riders, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, as was his 2002 book, Dirt Music. Both are currently being adapted for film. He has won many other prizes, including the Miles Franklin Award three times: for Shallows (1984), Cloudstreet (1992) and Dirt Music (2002). Cloudstreet is arguably his best-known work, regularly appearing in lists of Australia’s best-loved novels. His latest novel, released in 2013, is called Eyrie.
He is now one of Australia's most esteemed novelists, writing for both adults and children. All his books are still in print and have been published in eighteen different languages. His work has also been successfully adapted for stage, screen and radio. On the publication of his novel, Dirt Music, he collaborated with broadcaster, Lucky Oceans, to produce a compilation CD, Dirt Music – Music for a Novel.
He has lived in Italy, France, Ireland and Greece but currently lives in Western Australia with his wife and three children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 10, 2016
This is a really well-written story for early adolescents about adjusting to new places, new people and new experiences and it doesn’t preach.
Lockie Leonard is twelve and three-quarters, likes surfing and has just moved from the city to the country with his family: his dad is the new police sergeant. That carries a burden straight away, being the son of a policeman, a community figure most kids don’t trust, like or have much to so with. Lockie soon finds out who the rough element is, but to his surprise and delight he also finds that Vicki the 'hot chick' likes him and they start a relationship. That’s hard to do at school, because we appreciate that if you have a relationship at school everybody knows about it and romantic progress is the subject of keen interest and speculation among your peers and others.
In the course of the story Lockie is exposed to social differences and begins to realise that affluence does not necessarily lead to happiness. He grows up quite a lot in this story, learns about himself, girls and how to behave (which comes to him instinctively as much as being taught or shown), but I think he lives in a house of good instincts.
Good story for adolescents and accessible to adults.
Lockie Leonard is twelve and three-quarters, likes surfing and has just moved from the city to the country with his family: his dad is the new police sergeant. That carries a burden straight away, being the son of a policeman, a community figure most kids don’t trust, like or have much to so with. Lockie soon finds out who the rough element is, but to his surprise and delight he also finds that Vicki the 'hot chick' likes him and they start a relationship. That’s hard to do at school, because we appreciate that if you have a relationship at school everybody knows about it and romantic progress is the subject of keen interest and speculation among your peers and others.
In the course of the story Lockie is exposed to social differences and begins to realise that affluence does not necessarily lead to happiness. He grows up quite a lot in this story, learns about himself, girls and how to behave (which comes to him instinctively as much as being taught or shown), but I think he lives in a house of good instincts.
Good story for adolescents and accessible to adults.
August 26, 2013
My advice to anyone who was thinking about reading this book would be read the blurb (on the back of the book). I had to read this book for school it was a very inappropriate book to choose for year 7's and I am disgusted by some of the scenes in this book. The author has chosen a sick way to explain what a teenage boy will go through, (he constantly talks about a girl and her decent looking left breast). Nearly everyone in my class complained about having to read this book. If you look at the name of the second chapter then it will explain to you just how sick this book is. To put it straight these people are in year 8 and they have *** on a couch. some of the details are repulsive and are Unessercary. seriously take in what I am saying and parents you should do something about children being made to read books like this for ENGLISH in year 7.
March 29, 2012
Lockie Leonard is a confronting book about puberty but is nothing to be concerned about.
Read
September 27, 2014The classic coming of age novel that became ruined by being a highschool set text.
February 6, 2017
Still a solid NOPE from me.
It makes me want to stick my head in a blender.
It makes me want to stick my head in a blender.
November 16, 2015
Time & Place of the story:
Small, Australian beach-side town, Angelus.
Plot action & summary:
Lockie Leonard- Human Torpedo is a delightfully frank novel exploring the experiences of a teenage boy growing up, written by famous Australian contemporary writer, Tim Winton. Lockie Leonard is 12 and three quarters, loves surfing and has just started at a new school. Being new to the school he gets bullied but soon falls in love, not just with any girl but she just happens to be, ‘the smartest, prettiest, richest girl in class’, called Vicki Streeton. Lockie’s run ins with his teachers result in a visit to the guidance officer at school, and he encourages Lockie to start a surf club and Lockie takes on his advice. Lockie is head over heels in love and his relationship with Vicki grows. However, as Lockie begins to grow both physically and emotionally, he discovers that Vicki’s ideas about life differ from his. Finally, when Vicki betrays Lockie this leaves the path open for Lockie to take note of his age and enjoy life as a typical teenager. The novel, a romance genre, is in parts quite humorous and the overall tone is very much down-to earth.
Main Character (description, challenges, changes):
The characters are very typical and realistic. Lockie is naturally the main character. Other characters are Vicki, Lockie’s mother Mrs Leonard, ‘Sarge’ (Lockie’s policeman father), Phillip (Lockie’s younger brother )and Lockie’s baby sister nicknamed ‘Blob’ as well as Vicki’s parents. Although primarily of interest to adolescents of similar age to Lockie, this novel would appeal to anyone who has ever been a teenager.
Author’s point:
This is author Tim Winton’s eighth novel and it has won an ALA Best Book for Young Adults award. Tim Winton’s other books include, ‘Shallows’, ‘Cloudstreet’ and ‘Dirt Music’ which have won the famous Miles Franklin Award. The novel, Lockie Leonard- Human Torpedo, is, in fact, very much a reflection of the author’s own life, being almost autobiographical.
Personal Opinion:
Entertaining.
Small, Australian beach-side town, Angelus.
Plot action & summary:
Lockie Leonard- Human Torpedo is a delightfully frank novel exploring the experiences of a teenage boy growing up, written by famous Australian contemporary writer, Tim Winton. Lockie Leonard is 12 and three quarters, loves surfing and has just started at a new school. Being new to the school he gets bullied but soon falls in love, not just with any girl but she just happens to be, ‘the smartest, prettiest, richest girl in class’, called Vicki Streeton. Lockie’s run ins with his teachers result in a visit to the guidance officer at school, and he encourages Lockie to start a surf club and Lockie takes on his advice. Lockie is head over heels in love and his relationship with Vicki grows. However, as Lockie begins to grow both physically and emotionally, he discovers that Vicki’s ideas about life differ from his. Finally, when Vicki betrays Lockie this leaves the path open for Lockie to take note of his age and enjoy life as a typical teenager. The novel, a romance genre, is in parts quite humorous and the overall tone is very much down-to earth.
Main Character (description, challenges, changes):
The characters are very typical and realistic. Lockie is naturally the main character. Other characters are Vicki, Lockie’s mother Mrs Leonard, ‘Sarge’ (Lockie’s policeman father), Phillip (Lockie’s younger brother )and Lockie’s baby sister nicknamed ‘Blob’ as well as Vicki’s parents. Although primarily of interest to adolescents of similar age to Lockie, this novel would appeal to anyone who has ever been a teenager.
Author’s point:
This is author Tim Winton’s eighth novel and it has won an ALA Best Book for Young Adults award. Tim Winton’s other books include, ‘Shallows’, ‘Cloudstreet’ and ‘Dirt Music’ which have won the famous Miles Franklin Award. The novel, Lockie Leonard- Human Torpedo, is, in fact, very much a reflection of the author’s own life, being almost autobiographical.
Personal Opinion:
Entertaining.
January 3, 2021
Lockie Leonard Human Torpedo was on my Year 8 booklist for English, and it was one of the few required reading texts that I enjoyed throughout school (although I loved English and loved reading). Now nearly 30 years later, I thought it would be a good road trip audiobook with my 17 year old, especially since it is only 3 hours long.
After I'd had enough of the latin pop playlist, I suggested this to my learner driver who told me he didn't want to listen but that I could put on whatever I wanted. His dad was in the backseat spending more time sleeping than anything else, so didn't get any say in the matter.
Lockie Leonard is so great. Tim Winton has created such a real character and doesn't shy away from the adolescent coming of age themes. I laughed, and I caught my teenager smiling along too, so I figured we had a winner. Even his dad tuned in to listen to the book.
It's so tedious reading in another language, so I know not to expect my Colombians to read in English, but I do wish they had more of a love of reading in Spanish. Audiobooks can help bridge the gap, but it still takes lots of concentration to follow the story.
After I'd had enough of the latin pop playlist, I suggested this to my learner driver who told me he didn't want to listen but that I could put on whatever I wanted. His dad was in the backseat spending more time sleeping than anything else, so didn't get any say in the matter.
Lockie Leonard is so great. Tim Winton has created such a real character and doesn't shy away from the adolescent coming of age themes. I laughed, and I caught my teenager smiling along too, so I figured we had a winner. Even his dad tuned in to listen to the book.
It's so tedious reading in another language, so I know not to expect my Colombians to read in English, but I do wish they had more of a love of reading in Spanish. Audiobooks can help bridge the gap, but it still takes lots of concentration to follow the story.
August 28, 2015
Initially, Lockie Leonard Human Torpedo, seemed like pulp fiction for teenage readers of the late 80s and early 90s. But after finishing the book, the characters and the themes stayed with me, and my mind spent days churning around the question of whether this was dated pulp fiction or actually had something to offer the contemporary reader. Tim Winton writes beautifully and I found myself back in the text, searching for sentences I wanted to record for the classroom quotations board, as they so poignantly related life truths. Lockie is a wonderful main character, whose ability to navigate burgeoning teenage issues whist staying true to his values and principles, led me to conclude that this novel remains as empowering today as it was in 1990.
March 5, 2017
This book has actually been helpful for the past year bc instead of hating on people i channel all of my negativity towards this book bc it just really grinds my gears. here's why:
this book made me UncOmfoRtabLE!!!!1!!11!! but my english teacher seemed to like it but im still convinced that he hasnt read more than 4 chapters of the book. All lockie Lesnard does after he arrives in albany (this book lowkey ruined the idea of albany for me anyway) all he does is get vegemite on his doodle and has a thing with VickBitch, they almost frick frack which i InaPProPriate BC THEY ARE 13, and he only describes her left boobie and then he has beef with her and then helps his wEAK brother phillip with his bed wetting problem and he surfs sometimes ye
this book made me UncOmfoRtabLE!!!!1!!11!! but my english teacher seemed to like it but im still convinced that he hasnt read more than 4 chapters of the book. All lockie Lesnard does after he arrives in albany (this book lowkey ruined the idea of albany for me anyway) all he does is get vegemite on his doodle and has a thing with VickBitch, they almost frick frack which i InaPProPriate BC THEY ARE 13, and he only describes her left boobie and then he has beef with her and then helps his wEAK brother phillip with his bed wetting problem and he surfs sometimes ye
April 9, 2009
An Australian Young Adult 'modern classic' which deftly captures all the awkwardness of adolescence and explores the notions of belonging and identity.
July 12, 2011
I couldn't finish it. Not a book a girl feels like reading.
September 27, 2012
I remember I had to read and review this in year 8 for an English paper.... Didn't like it at all...
July 28, 2017
Poorly written and a waste of tiem. Not even worth writing a review about. I was forced to read this book in grade 8 English.
September 11, 2018
Winton, you magnificent bastard!!
September 11, 2018
Teen angst like you were living through it again!
August 17, 2025
Iconic
January 10, 2023
Maybe I'm too old to get Young Adult novels like 'Lockie Leonard: Human Torpedo' however I didn't mind reading Winton's book as it still held some resonance for me. With its eponymous protagonist trying to work out the vagaries of life at thirteen years of age, recently moved to a small country town and falling in love with a girl that seems out of his league, this is a story that offers several potential connections to its readers. The question is whether or not those connections are secured, and whether or not they are, what is the role of the author and what is the role of the reader in this process.
That Winton has a knack of creating engaging characters is not to be denied and in both Lockie and Vicki (the aforementioned 'girlfriend') he depicts all the expected confusion that teenagers experience when faced with the changing nature of their world. That neither has the answer to their youthful predicaments is understandable and relatable. Yet there is a clarity of character, an authority within Lockie Leonard that seems somewhat unreal. Perhaps I am too far away from my own memories of what it was like to be 13, to be that new kid in high school, to be that boy falling for a girl. Be that as it may, there were moments in the novel when I thought that Winton had given Lockie a complexity that was beyond most teenage boys.
Yet there are moments when the personal associations of a reader such as I click with the narrative, and 'Lockie Leonard' hits the mark. The description of Lockie's nocturnal emissions will probably evoke a wry grin from adult male readers and an embarrassed glance away from younger ones. I'm not sure how female readers of any age will receive this story though I suspect Vicki will be recognisable and understandable for many readers, no matter their gender. To my mind I thought there was a high degree of improbability in the start up of Lockie and Vicki's relationship, however Winton can be excused from any literary crime; his focus is on exploring Lockie's developing ideas about who he is and the world around him, not necessarily the accuracy of social mores.
The adults in this book are, for the most part, caricatures with little meaning or relevance beyond their impact on Lockie and Vicki. The teachers are depicted as one might expect; either dullards, bullies or surprisingly human. Winton draws upon popular memories and cliches about teachers from a child's perspective and whilst the characterisations are mostly unsympathetic, they're not entirely cruel. Lockie's family is also a bit of a mess, with his father coming out of the narrative with the most sympathy, the most dignity. A decent man with a subtle intelligence and depth of character one can see that Winton has tried to give his protagonist one adult he can rely on.
There are some familiar tropes from Winton's other books in this one. Surfing and the sea, country towns, tactile experiences described in simple yet effective prose, popular culture references; they're here again as in (for example) 'Breath'. I was also reminded of Craig Silvey and his book 'Jasper Jones'; perhaps there is such a thing as a West Australian voice in young adult fiction. The prose in 'Lockie Leonard: Human Torpedo' is clear and simple, reflective of the context and the characters. No doubt there will be few if any problems from this perspective when the book is read by teenagers with a degree of literary competence.
Finally, this is a text that I will be teaching in an English class this year so it will be interesting to see how my students respond to it. Hopefully they will be able to make some connections with the story, the characters, and the writing that will not only be different to mine but also help me find new perspectives on Winton's work. So...stay tuned.
That Winton has a knack of creating engaging characters is not to be denied and in both Lockie and Vicki (the aforementioned 'girlfriend') he depicts all the expected confusion that teenagers experience when faced with the changing nature of their world. That neither has the answer to their youthful predicaments is understandable and relatable. Yet there is a clarity of character, an authority within Lockie Leonard that seems somewhat unreal. Perhaps I am too far away from my own memories of what it was like to be 13, to be that new kid in high school, to be that boy falling for a girl. Be that as it may, there were moments in the novel when I thought that Winton had given Lockie a complexity that was beyond most teenage boys.
Yet there are moments when the personal associations of a reader such as I click with the narrative, and 'Lockie Leonard' hits the mark. The description of Lockie's nocturnal emissions will probably evoke a wry grin from adult male readers and an embarrassed glance away from younger ones. I'm not sure how female readers of any age will receive this story though I suspect Vicki will be recognisable and understandable for many readers, no matter their gender. To my mind I thought there was a high degree of improbability in the start up of Lockie and Vicki's relationship, however Winton can be excused from any literary crime; his focus is on exploring Lockie's developing ideas about who he is and the world around him, not necessarily the accuracy of social mores.
The adults in this book are, for the most part, caricatures with little meaning or relevance beyond their impact on Lockie and Vicki. The teachers are depicted as one might expect; either dullards, bullies or surprisingly human. Winton draws upon popular memories and cliches about teachers from a child's perspective and whilst the characterisations are mostly unsympathetic, they're not entirely cruel. Lockie's family is also a bit of a mess, with his father coming out of the narrative with the most sympathy, the most dignity. A decent man with a subtle intelligence and depth of character one can see that Winton has tried to give his protagonist one adult he can rely on.
There are some familiar tropes from Winton's other books in this one. Surfing and the sea, country towns, tactile experiences described in simple yet effective prose, popular culture references; they're here again as in (for example) 'Breath'. I was also reminded of Craig Silvey and his book 'Jasper Jones'; perhaps there is such a thing as a West Australian voice in young adult fiction. The prose in 'Lockie Leonard: Human Torpedo' is clear and simple, reflective of the context and the characters. No doubt there will be few if any problems from this perspective when the book is read by teenagers with a degree of literary competence.
Finally, this is a text that I will be teaching in an English class this year so it will be interesting to see how my students respond to it. Hopefully they will be able to make some connections with the story, the characters, and the writing that will not only be different to mine but also help me find new perspectives on Winton's work. So...stay tuned.
October 16, 2013
Winton, Tim. (2007) Lochie Leonard and the Human Torpedo. Puffin, Penguins Australia, Australia.
I would rate this as a book for students from year 6/7 and up.
My advice would be that it be read by parents first then maybe at school.
For parents it can be an excellent tool to teach their child on puberty. As a parent, if you push over the language used and recognise it as similar to the language children use anyway, you can have great discussions with your child.
I thought this book was brilliant. From a book that many of my friends rebuked because it was too sexual for children, I decided to read it and I found it amazing. If I had left this to a teacher I don't think I would have let it be read to my child. I would encourage parents to read first to their child then let it be read in class.
I think, if read in class first, there are many issues that some parents would not want others to influence their child first. If read by parents however then it is a brilliant tool.
I found it excellent on delicate issues on various issues linked to young adults/teenagers covering topics on sex, manipulation, girls/boys, relationships, sex before marriage, peer pressure etc.
Linking from Christian/non-Christian views it would assist with interesting debates on the views of the above.
I would encourage all parents to read to their children at an average of year 6/7.
The book also touches on the way that it is not always the boys pushing for such relationships and that they can be put into situations that they really don't want to be in.
For teachers, it could be linked into Health and it can also touch on mystery in English as it shares about the tunnels in the hill. It can be linked to SE as it touches into the surrounds of Albany and the reasons of why the tunnels are in the hill but most of all it is in the health sector as it is brilliant for relationships.
I chose this book because there was so much controversy over children reading this book as some of my friends were outraged when their children were told to read it at school.
After reading this I can understand their point of view because of what it does discuss in the book, but my overall comment would be for the parents to over look the way it is written and use it as a discussion tool with your child by explaining to them their point of view about the book. Although as parents we want to keep our children safe in some of these areas we cannot protect them forever and the wider world comes quickly. We are not going to be able to protect them out there all the time so I feel we need to give our children the tools before they get there.
I would rate this as a book for students from year 6/7 and up.
My advice would be that it be read by parents first then maybe at school.
For parents it can be an excellent tool to teach their child on puberty. As a parent, if you push over the language used and recognise it as similar to the language children use anyway, you can have great discussions with your child.
I thought this book was brilliant. From a book that many of my friends rebuked because it was too sexual for children, I decided to read it and I found it amazing. If I had left this to a teacher I don't think I would have let it be read to my child. I would encourage parents to read first to their child then let it be read in class.
I think, if read in class first, there are many issues that some parents would not want others to influence their child first. If read by parents however then it is a brilliant tool.
I found it excellent on delicate issues on various issues linked to young adults/teenagers covering topics on sex, manipulation, girls/boys, relationships, sex before marriage, peer pressure etc.
Linking from Christian/non-Christian views it would assist with interesting debates on the views of the above.
I would encourage all parents to read to their children at an average of year 6/7.
The book also touches on the way that it is not always the boys pushing for such relationships and that they can be put into situations that they really don't want to be in.
For teachers, it could be linked into Health and it can also touch on mystery in English as it shares about the tunnels in the hill. It can be linked to SE as it touches into the surrounds of Albany and the reasons of why the tunnels are in the hill but most of all it is in the health sector as it is brilliant for relationships.
I chose this book because there was so much controversy over children reading this book as some of my friends were outraged when their children were told to read it at school.
After reading this I can understand their point of view because of what it does discuss in the book, but my overall comment would be for the parents to over look the way it is written and use it as a discussion tool with your child by explaining to them their point of view about the book. Although as parents we want to keep our children safe in some of these areas we cannot protect them forever and the wider world comes quickly. We are not going to be able to protect them out there all the time so I feel we need to give our children the tools before they get there.
July 3, 2018
Like many people, I had to read this for my year 8 assignment. I knew that the book contained sexual scenes so I thought I was prepared.
I was wrong.
I found it difficult to follow the book and what was happening. It might be because of the Aussie slang, seeing as I am not Australian, but I seriously got confused at some parts. I couldn't follow the story. It came to the point where was just reading the words to finish it and not paying attention to what was actually happening.
Also, I couldn't connect with the characters. Lockie was an alright main character but it was difficult to relate to the events happening to him. Maybe it was because I am female. I had to write a monologue for this but I have no idea what character I'm going to do.
SPOILERS BELOW
So, the inappropriate scenes. There first we were introduced to an inappropriate scene was Lockie's first wet dream. People may have found it disgusting but I disagree. Lockie experiencing his first wet dream could be relatable to people. It may be uncomfortable to read about it but things happen. But I couldn't relate.
His relationship with Vicki Streeton didn't matter to me. I thought this book would be about Lockie surfing and have a romance subplot. But no, the story revolved around the relationship between the two. I was disinterested. The protagonist first noticed her decent looking left breast. I don't blame him, he's just a kid going through puberty and it is fine to have perverted thoughts. It was a bit disturbing how the bullies spread his genitals with vegemite. People say that this story is sort of like Tim Winton's autobiography.
There were many scenes of Lockie and Vicki making out and groping each other. These kids were just thirteen and had disturbed me, even though I'm fourteen. I've seen plenty of year 8s making out and I definitely didn't what to read about it in detail. I was honestly glad that these two broke up in the end. From reading the blurb for the next book, they aren't getting back together. Their relationship just didn't make sense to me.
Vicki smoking had been a surprise but not unheard of. I've heard of kids in my grade smoking too.
END OF SPOILERS
All in all, an okay book that was difficult to follow. Presented lots of explicit scenes that could be disturbing to readers. Could be more relatable to male readers.
I was wrong.
I found it difficult to follow the book and what was happening. It might be because of the Aussie slang, seeing as I am not Australian, but I seriously got confused at some parts. I couldn't follow the story. It came to the point where was just reading the words to finish it and not paying attention to what was actually happening.
Also, I couldn't connect with the characters. Lockie was an alright main character but it was difficult to relate to the events happening to him. Maybe it was because I am female. I had to write a monologue for this but I have no idea what character I'm going to do.
SPOILERS BELOW
So, the inappropriate scenes. There first we were introduced to an inappropriate scene was Lockie's first wet dream. People may have found it disgusting but I disagree. Lockie experiencing his first wet dream could be relatable to people. It may be uncomfortable to read about it but things happen. But I couldn't relate.
His relationship with Vicki Streeton didn't matter to me. I thought this book would be about Lockie surfing and have a romance subplot. But no, the story revolved around the relationship between the two. I was disinterested. The protagonist first noticed her decent looking left breast. I don't blame him, he's just a kid going through puberty and it is fine to have perverted thoughts. It was a bit disturbing how the bullies spread his genitals with vegemite. People say that this story is sort of like Tim Winton's autobiography.
There were many scenes of Lockie and Vicki making out and groping each other. These kids were just thirteen and had disturbed me, even though I'm fourteen. I've seen plenty of year 8s making out and I definitely didn't what to read about it in detail. I was honestly glad that these two broke up in the end. From reading the blurb for the next book, they aren't getting back together. Their relationship just didn't make sense to me.
Vicki smoking had been a surprise but not unheard of. I've heard of kids in my grade smoking too.
END OF SPOILERS
All in all, an okay book that was difficult to follow. Presented lots of explicit scenes that could be disturbing to readers. Could be more relatable to male readers.
February 28, 2018
Pretty decent. more Puberty blues than tomorrow as far as YA Australian lit goes but he's a likeable character and a good role model.
February 8, 2020
BOOK 10 of 2020;
Lockie Leonard Human Torpedo
-Tim Winton
A little young adult find at the Lifeline Bookfair. Cost us all of $2 for a fun & fast read. It is the first book in a trilogy. I will have to start looking for the 2nd & 3rd book. Ryan and I have read it and Matty will when he is a little older.
I read this book in just under an hour and I really enjoyed it. It is a story about sexual awakening & morality; it is about standing on your principles or ignoring them to belong to a group. Something I believe that not only teenagers are having to chose between on the daily but adults as well.
You see Lockie falls in love with the popular Vicki Stretto . He revels in the new-found popularity that this social connection brings him, while eagerly exploring both Vicki's body and the changes within himself-until it dawns on him that Vicki's emotional waters are rather shallow; as he puts it,
“I don't know anything about sex, and you don't know anything about love.''
The age recommendation for Lockie Leonard is 10 and up but for me personally I would say 12 and up due to the sexual content. It certainly is not offensive or inappropriate, in fact-it would be a great tool for learning and an opportunity to teach our children what love & sex is...it really would be a personal decision based on where you believe that your child is.
I love Tim Winton and his dry, typically Down Under wit and his use of alien, sometimes challenging Australian slang. I certainly recommend the read for young readers (&parents of )-especially boys growing to be men-I struggle getting my Boys to read and this was quick, easy and all about a sport they love.
4/5⭐️
Happy reading x
Lockie Leonard Human Torpedo
-Tim Winton
A little young adult find at the Lifeline Bookfair. Cost us all of $2 for a fun & fast read. It is the first book in a trilogy. I will have to start looking for the 2nd & 3rd book. Ryan and I have read it and Matty will when he is a little older.
I read this book in just under an hour and I really enjoyed it. It is a story about sexual awakening & morality; it is about standing on your principles or ignoring them to belong to a group. Something I believe that not only teenagers are having to chose between on the daily but adults as well.
You see Lockie falls in love with the popular Vicki Stretto . He revels in the new-found popularity that this social connection brings him, while eagerly exploring both Vicki's body and the changes within himself-until it dawns on him that Vicki's emotional waters are rather shallow; as he puts it,
“I don't know anything about sex, and you don't know anything about love.''
The age recommendation for Lockie Leonard is 10 and up but for me personally I would say 12 and up due to the sexual content. It certainly is not offensive or inappropriate, in fact-it would be a great tool for learning and an opportunity to teach our children what love & sex is...it really would be a personal decision based on where you believe that your child is.
I love Tim Winton and his dry, typically Down Under wit and his use of alien, sometimes challenging Australian slang. I certainly recommend the read for young readers (&parents of )-especially boys growing to be men-I struggle getting my Boys to read and this was quick, easy and all about a sport they love.
4/5⭐️
Happy reading x
November 17, 2015
An okay book.
Lockie’s just arrived in a new town and enrolled at a new school. His dad’s a cop. Strike 1. His mother is almost frightening in her understanding of his pre-adolescent problems. Strike 2. His brother still wets the bed. Strike 3.
Lockie’s out even before he’s been dacked and painted with vegemite on his first day at school. The ripe rancid smell of his undies doesn’t help his head space and, before long, several teachers take an intense dislike to him.
Lockie rapidly streaks up the ratings in the estimation of his classmates. Soon he’s become the class clown, has been taken under the wing of the guidance officer and scored himself a girlfriend—Vicki Streeton—the richest prettiest girl in the class.
But what does love really mean when you’re only twelve-and-three-quarter years old?
Lockie the surf rat is in for a rough time as he tries to work out who he really is and stay true to himself. The agonising dilemma of a boy in the middle of a pre-teenage sexual awakening, a complex need to fit in with a gang and find friends, as well as a desire to stand on principles and follow a strong moral line, is told with great verve and humour.
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
Lockie’s just arrived in a new town and enrolled at a new school. His dad’s a cop. Strike 1. His mother is almost frightening in her understanding of his pre-adolescent problems. Strike 2. His brother still wets the bed. Strike 3.
Lockie’s out even before he’s been dacked and painted with vegemite on his first day at school. The ripe rancid smell of his undies doesn’t help his head space and, before long, several teachers take an intense dislike to him.
‘What’s your name, son?’ Old Squash mumbled in Maths.
‘Leonard.’
‘You may call me sir.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Sir.’
‘Yes?’
‘Sirrrrrr! I said Siiiiirrrrrrrgh! Right!’
‘Yeah,’ said Lockie. ‘That’s when I got confused.’
Lockie rapidly streaks up the ratings in the estimation of his classmates. Soon he’s become the class clown, has been taken under the wing of the guidance officer and scored himself a girlfriend—Vicki Streeton—the richest prettiest girl in the class.
But what does love really mean when you’re only twelve-and-three-quarter years old?
Lockie the surf rat is in for a rough time as he tries to work out who he really is and stay true to himself. The agonising dilemma of a boy in the middle of a pre-teenage sexual awakening, a complex need to fit in with a gang and find friends, as well as a desire to stand on principles and follow a strong moral line, is told with great verve and humour.
An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
August 13, 2011
I liked it as an the audiobook. I thought it was funny and I think the narrator does a great job at making the story interesting. It made me laugh a few times. The voices and everything were spot on. I even liked the little sound effects that were added. I can't say that it was a book I liked though. I know for a fact that if I had been reading it, I would have never finished it.
I liked that Lockie was just a normal boy trying to fit in. He wasn't very big, and he wasn't very popular, but he was new to a place and that gave him a little something to work with. Poor guy though, he just didn't know what to do with it. His girlfriend, Vicki, only wanted him because he was the new and mysterious guy. Vicki was fast. It's hard to imagine that these are 13 year olds! It's scary as well!
So, would I recommend this?? Mmm, I don't know. I liked the audiobook but didn't care for the story as much. Maybe teen boys would enjoy it since it's from a guys perspective. It's not exactly clean, as they get pretty “hands on”. So it's up to you. As always, I didn't take many notes since it was an audiobook.
I liked that Lockie was just a normal boy trying to fit in. He wasn't very big, and he wasn't very popular, but he was new to a place and that gave him a little something to work with. Poor guy though, he just didn't know what to do with it. His girlfriend, Vicki, only wanted him because he was the new and mysterious guy. Vicki was fast. It's hard to imagine that these are 13 year olds! It's scary as well!
So, would I recommend this?? Mmm, I don't know. I liked the audiobook but didn't care for the story as much. Maybe teen boys would enjoy it since it's from a guys perspective. It's not exactly clean, as they get pretty “hands on”. So it's up to you. As always, I didn't take many notes since it was an audiobook.
May 22, 2016
This was definitely the most genuinely Aussie YA book I've read. The thing that did concern me was the fact that 13 year old kids were doing some pretty intimate things. Things that 13 year olds probably shouldn't be doing. I only picked this book up because I loved the Lockie Leonard TV show. Generally, this wasn't a bad book, the writing was quite hilarious, but yeah, 13 year olds shouldn't be doing what they did in this book.
March 15, 2012
This book was terrible. It was the worst book i've ever read in my life. I seriously wanted to poke my eyes out with a pen so i wouldn't have to read it any more.I didn't like it because the characters didn't develop and the story did not change or get me interested it was just about a 13 year old boy.I would not recommend this book to anyone.
March 15, 2014
Best Thing: Funny story. Lockie is a great character with problems that most readers his age would experience. The surfing is really good and I felt like I was there.
Worst Thing: This was written ages ago. Some language is out of date.
Bonus: Lots of information on growing up like wet dreams, 'snogging' and dealing with parents. We read this at school and it was a good choice.
Worst Thing: This was written ages ago. Some language is out of date.
Bonus: Lots of information on growing up like wet dreams, 'snogging' and dealing with parents. We read this at school and it was a good choice.
September 15, 2022
I remember this book from when I was in school and I loved it.
This book still has a way of pulling you in. I giggled out loud (and looked like I was off my meds) and felt my heart break for Leonard as he faced the disappointments commonly faced through puberty.
I think this book is brilliant, especially for young adults.
This book still has a way of pulling you in. I giggled out loud (and looked like I was off my meds) and felt my heart break for Leonard as he faced the disappointments commonly faced through puberty.
I think this book is brilliant, especially for young adults.
April 30, 2024
My year 9 & 10 students liked reading this book. Lots older Australian references that students had to look up to understand. Talks about puberty from the Australian male perspective as well as other teenage issues like starting high school and moving to a new town. My class said they would recommend this book to other students.
May 19, 2010
I did'nt like this one when compared to the others in the series of Tim winton. But if you're looking for a book with young love, hot girls. surfer dudes and problems that could really happen. This is the book you want.
All in all it's a good book, it taught me a lot about life actually.
All in all it's a good book, it taught me a lot about life actually.
March 31, 2016
I think this book is very interesting and that all teenagers and also because I think it will help them through middle schoolers should read this book because I think it would be very good for the understanding of what sexual development is and how some others deal with it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews