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    Review: In the Secret Place

    Review: In the Secret Place

    In the Secret Place by Gary Crew is a coming-of-age novel that follows Ben Gardner on a journey of resilience and self-discovery. Jess Griffiths from the South Australian English Teachers' Association has written the following review, highlighting that the novel’s “ideas and themes are universal to teens”.


    Gary Crew’s novel In the Secret Place follows protagonist, Ben Gardner, in a coming-of-age narrative. Crew has established Ben as a loner; he eats lunch by himself, finds himself at odds with the formidable group ‘The six’ and feels abandoned by his mother who has left the family home and taken his younger sister with her.


    There is a level of mystery about an injury Ben has sustained to his foot which enables Crew to keep the attention of the reader by heightening the mystery and adds a layer to the story. As the narrative progresses, Ben finds a ‘secret place’ that enables him to test his skills and resilience which is concurrent with him finding new friend, Sonya, and an unlikely friend in Roddy ‘Noddy’ Williams known around town for always wearing a blue beanie. Crew establishes the friendships with gentleness and authenticity and his exploration of the perceptions we have of people and in turn how much, or little, they think of us is nicely considered.


    The narrative takes a sharp turn about three quarters of the way through which was a bit unexpected but reflective of life and how fast things can change. Crew’s novel explores themes of friendships, self-development, family, growing up, and how people experience the world. The text is easy to read and fairly well paced.


    Whilst the book would probably lend itself more to male readers, the ideas and themes are universal to teens. This text would be suitable for readers years 9 -11.


    Reviewed by Jess Griffiths from the South Australian English Teachers’ Association

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    Review: Salt Runs Through

    Review: Salt Runs Through
    A contemporary coming of age story, Salt Runs Through was a delight to read. Set against the backdrop of the small coastal town of Ulladulla in New South Wales, we follow the young Miles as he explores what it means to be a teenager. Weaving together themes of family, connection, and community, this is an excellent and relatable story for any teenager to read. Continue reading

    Review: Salt Runs Through

    Review: Salt Runs Through

    If you loved Jasper Jones or Boy Swallows Universe, you’ll love Salt Runs Through. It’s like if those coming-of-age books were blended with mysteries that intrigued, gripping characters to cheer for and cringe for while not afraid to find hope and happiness in even the darkest of times. 

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    Review: Road to Freedom

    Review: Road to Freedom
    Davis has mastered the art of worldbuilding by weaving clear and subtle description into the heart of the story’s action. With a compelling plot and a well-crafted power system, this fantastical world feels as real as our own. Continue reading

    Review: Redeeming Blackwood

    Review: Redeeming Blackwood

    For fans of the genre and newcomers alike, Redeeming Blackwood is a compelling, unputdownable read that cements Khaiah Thomson's status as a luminary in the world of fantasy literature.

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