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Cobram Secondary College
Break the Fall
The story begins around the American gymnastics team tryouts for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, told through the eyes of Korean-American Audrey Lee. Audrey suffered a severe injury about two years earlier, but she still hopes to do well in two disciplines which will help her team win gold. She also dreams of gold in her two individual events. But first she needs to qualify!
The are no real surprises at selection but then emerging star Dani fails a drug test, or does she? And suddenly the truth is out - their head coach has been abusing her and many other girls for 20 years. He is dismissed, and the team is in turmoil. Can they get it all back together in time?
This is an in-depth look at elite sport at the highest level with all of the associated pressures, both perceived and real. The characters, although divided at times, are so real and we cheer on their every achievement.
Tackling both the enormous pressure they are under, as well as the breach of trust by a coach, it’s not a book that is easily put down. I loved when the competition was on and the tension that builds as you wait for the individual scores to appear whilst holding your breath for their success.
A New Kind of Everything
Written in three parts, we look at the life of the Gallagher family after the death of their Dad in a car crash. We experience their mum’s grief, the stress of oldest son Carl taking a wild path, but mostly the story centres on 14- year-old Dinny’s struggle to come to terms with, and maybe even understand, the loss and find some hope for his future.
In Part 1: The requiem: the story looks at the death and the immediate aftermath.
In Part 2: If we jumped: the story looks at the “what if” and deals particularly with Dinny’s struggle.
In Part 3: A new kind of everything: the reader is given a greater understanding of the tragedy surrounding his father’s death, and the ramifications this can have for upset and reckless teenagers, like Carl. But in the end, it gives hope of a new and brighter future for Dinny and his mum.
This is a riveting YA novel with themes of family, grief and rebirth that I highly recommend for teens 13 and older. It will particularly resonate with boys, but it is a great read for all teens.
The Girl with the Gold Bikini
Olivia is just out of high school when she decides to defer her law degree and apply for a job as a private investigator instead. Her childhood ‘friend’ Rosco runs the fledging agency on the Gold Coast, and Olivia is determined to prove to him that she has what it takes to make it as a private investigator.
Sent off to Byron Bay, Olivia is thrust into the world of surfing, yoga and sushi in her quest to expose the truth in her mysterious first case. But there are many twists in this tale. Can Olivia stop the evil ‘McSushi’ empire (who may well even use whale and dolphin meat in their products) from opening in Byron Bay?
Olivia is a lead character who is determined and full of energy, and although she is 18 this will appeal to any reader 14 and older who likes mystery with the potential for romance!