Author(s): Bradley Christmas

Young Adult | Sarah

Heartfelt and poignant, this coming of age story explores father-son relationships, against a backdrop of small town rivalries, buried truths, with themes of sustainability, preserving the past and environmental care. When Dad goes to jail, Matthew and his mum move to the coast, so mum – an artist – thinks she can renovate her late father’s old place to sell it to get them back on their feet. Matthew strikes up a friendship with Old Bill, an Indigenous man who becomes a father figure to him, and teaches him how to find and eat pippis, fish (and to make a few dollars from it). Dad gets out on parole and moves back in with the family, but his anger fractures the newfound peace and everything is once again at stake, and in peril.

Staff Notes:

Matt's Dad has landed himself in jail, leaving Matt and his Mum unable to make rent and looking for somewhere to live. His late Grandad's beach shack needs fixing up and so they head down there for the summer. There, he meets Bill, an elder who teaches him how to fish and read the ocean. Perfect for readers 12+ who might want to explore the coast themselves!

Recommended by Sarah