What people are saying

 ...l Ioved the way the three friends came together to support each other and accept each other. They show that it’s okay to feel like they need time to process emotions, or that they’ve got no control over things. It is reassuring to let kids know that their feelings are valid, and this is one of those books that gives children who are going through something tough a voice and can help create empathy and understanding for those who might not be in a situation like Alex is. The diverse characters show that outback Australia is more than what might be portrayed in popular culture – like anywhere in Australia it is not a monolith nor a stereotype, as there are all sorts of people who live on the land with a wide array of lives, backgrounds, and understandings, which you will see play out in Alex’s small school.

Rosanne’s novel shows how harshly the drought affects rural Australia and the lengths people go to so they can make ends meet, the changes they make to fight climate change, and the mental health toll it takes on multiple generations and cultures who are trying to make their world better. I liked that the kids were all trying to work together and understand each other’s perspectives for the most part throughout the novel. I felt this showed a willingness to combine their knowledge to create the changes that they needed to see and wanted to see. It is a novel that can inform and inspire, whilst teaching readers empathy and understanding for other people. Another great addition to this series.

See the full review at the Book Muse, Heather Zubeck 

 

Terrific book, Rosanne – I love that the kids are so authentic especially. I know readers are going to love this one as much as the others – and how good for those kids out on properties to see themselves and their families and be able to make connections. 

Sue Warren

See Sue's review at Losang Zopa Blog

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Rosanne Hawke you always write a great book, and I read most of them. Alex has everything. Hope, joy, loss, incapacity, over coming hardship, friendship and community working together. I am so glad I read it and can’t wait to share it with my grandchildren. It's an amazing book, a really well-intertwined story that shows resilience, not resignation. Loved how they judged the angry girl wrongly, then all was revealed. Really can see it as a class set.

Margaret Rose, retired teacher/librarian

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I loved this book. I especially liked Alex, a friendly boy who seems to have a good balance in life and grows throughout the story to seeing hope.  A great ending with hope. 

Gary Hawke

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Alex is such a great story.

 A wonderful story yet again. A heartrending and compelling addition to the Through My Eyes Australia Disaster Zones series. 

Lyn

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