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Genre: Children's Fiction
What does a teenage boy do when he has no friends? When everyone who knows him sneers. When he is laughed at to his face? The answer is simple. That boy chooses his own path. That boy makes his own way in life. That boy grows stronger. He finds his secret place and there - alone, in the dark - he grows even stronger. Ben Gardner is such a boy. Ben Gardner could be you...
Author Gary Crew is one of Australia's most awarded authors for youth. He has won the Children's Book Council of the Year Award 4 times during his career, and is Australia's nominee for the prestigious international Hans Christian Andersen Award 2024.
In the Secret Place featured on #LoveOzYAhere.
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What does a teenage boy do when he has no friends? When everyone who knows him sneers. When he is laughed at to his face?
The answer is simple.
That boy chooses his own path. That boy makes his own way in life. That boy grows stronger.
He finds his secret place and there — alone, in the dark — he grows even stronger.
Ben Gardner is such a boy. Ben Gardner could be you...
What does a teenage boy do when he has no friends? When everyone who knows him sneers. When he is laughed at to his face?
The answer is simple.
That boy chooses his own path. That boy makes his own way in life. That boy grows stronger.
He finds his secret place and there — alone, in the dark — he grows even stronger.
Ben Gardner is such a boy. Ben Gardner could be you...
Like to learn more about Gary Crew? Visit his Hawkeye author page here.
Like to learn more about Gary Crew? Visit his Hawkeye author page here.
'This new book from multi-award winning, master writer Gary Crew weaves together history and a profound connection to the Australian landscape in the story of a damaged boy growing up and finding his courage as he negotiates the complex landscape of the adult world, with all its dark crevasses and bright heights.' Dr Isobelle Carmody, Author
‘Gary Crew is a masterful writer and In the Secret Place is an insightful and deeply moving example of his consummate art as a story-teller. The complex interweaving of themes of time and place with the mind of a boy trying to come to terms with his place in the world are beautifully evoked in this artfully structured and immensely satisfying novel.’ Helen Chamberlain, OAM
'Quintessential Crew – wild things, family, friendship and deep time. A strange and captivating story of self-discovery.' Shaun Tan, Author and Artist
‘Gary Crew’s works are always carefully crafted and rich in literary metaphor and symbolism, evincing his determination to offer young readers a challenging and yet entertaining reading experience. His interest in magical realism informs this story of Ben Gardner’s struggle to reconcile his search for identity with the sometimes threatening behaviours demonstrated by the teenagers and adults in his life. Crew’s academic interest in stories of feral children imbues the narrative, and Ben’s fear of the wild creatures in this landscape culminates in his discovery of a ‘secret place’ which ultimately offers him the refuge and the courage he desperately desires. This is a powerful metaphorical exploration of maturation with which any teenage reader might identify.’ Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright, Author
‘A memorable read – a story of mateship, identity, family, trust and self-acceptance from a master of words and story.’ Jenny Stubbs, President of Book Links
‘Everyone has a secret place – every heart has secret feelings. For Ben Gardner, lonely at home and bullied at school, his dreams of somewhere secret become reality when he chances on a cave and a stunningly powerful snake. Gary Crew has spun a compelling tale of a disabled adolescent finding his own place in the world. A powerful and thoughtful read.’ Libby Hathorn, Award-winning Author & Poet
‘A heart-warming, coming-of-age tale of friendship, resilience and courage. Simple yet eloquently written, the story immerses the reader into the life of a quirky and adventurous loner, struggling to cope with a disability, bullies and family upheaval. Unexpected friendships, an ancient granite stone, a secret cave and a giant python, all conspire to guide Ben down a road of redemption. Another timeless classic by a seasoned writer still at the top of his game.’ Jack Roney, Author
‘A genuine and sincere adventure of how adverse life situations burden children and how they find the strength to endure and survive, becoming the best version of themselves. Gary Crew writes with an authentic, youthful voice one can’t help adopting and reflecting as their own on their own varying trials of youth.’ Lawrey Goodrick, Author
'This new book from multi-award winning, master writer Gary Crew weaves together history and a profound connection to the Australian landscape in the story of a damaged boy growing up and finding his courage as he negotiates the complex landscape of the adult world, with all its dark crevasses and bright heights.' Dr Isobelle Carmody, Author
‘Gary Crew is a masterful writer and In the Secret Place is an insightful and deeply moving example of his consummate art as a story-teller. The complex interweaving of themes of time and place with the mind of a boy trying to come to terms with his place in the world are beautifully evoked in this artfully structured and immensely satisfying novel.’ Helen Chamberlain, OAM
'Quintessential Crew – wild things, family, friendship and deep time. A strange and captivating story of self-discovery.' Shaun Tan, Author and Artist
‘Gary Crew’s works are always carefully crafted and rich in literary metaphor and symbolism, evincing his determination to offer young readers a challenging and yet entertaining reading experience. His interest in magical realism informs this story of Ben Gardner’s struggle to reconcile his search for identity with the sometimes threatening behaviours demonstrated by the teenagers and adults in his life. Crew’s academic interest in stories of feral children imbues the narrative, and Ben’s fear of the wild creatures in this landscape culminates in his discovery of a ‘secret place’ which ultimately offers him the refuge and the courage he desperately desires. This is a powerful metaphorical exploration of maturation with which any teenage reader might identify.’ Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright, Author
‘A memorable read – a story of mateship, identity, family, trust and self-acceptance from a master of words and story.’ Jenny Stubbs, President of Book Links
‘Everyone has a secret place – every heart has secret feelings. For Ben Gardner, lonely at home and bullied at school, his dreams of somewhere secret become reality when he chances on a cave and a stunningly powerful snake. Gary Crew has spun a compelling tale of a disabled adolescent finding his own place in the world. A powerful and thoughtful read.’ Libby Hathorn, Award-winning Author & Poet
‘A heart-warming, coming-of-age tale of friendship, resilience and courage. Simple yet eloquently written, the story immerses the reader into the life of a quirky and adventurous loner, struggling to cope with a disability, bullies and family upheaval. Unexpected friendships, an ancient granite stone, a secret cave and a giant python, all conspire to guide Ben down a road of redemption. Another timeless classic by a seasoned writer still at the top of his game.’ Jack Roney, Author
‘A genuine and sincere adventure of how adverse life situations burden children and how they find the strength to endure and survive, becoming the best version of themselves. Gary Crew writes with an authentic, youthful voice one can’t help adopting and reflecting as their own on their own varying trials of youth.’ Lawrey Goodrick, Author
For more In the Secret Place reviews, visit Goodreads.
For more In the Secret Place reviews, visit Goodreads.
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Hawkeye Publishing Returns and Order Cancellation Policy
At Hawkeye Publishing, we strive to provide our customers with a seamless and satisfying shopping experience. If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase or need to cancel your order, we are here to help.
Damaged Items
In the rare case that your item arrives damaged, please contact us immediately with a description of the issue and a photo of the damaged item. We will work with you to resolve the problem promptly.
Order Cancellation
If you need to cancel an order, please contact us as soon as possible. Once your order is processed and shipped, it cannot be cancelled.
Return Shipping
You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs when returning your item. Shipping costs will be reimbursed in the case of damaged items.
Contact Us
If you have any questions on how to return your item or cancel an order, please contact us.
9780645714937
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