I really enjoyed reading this book. The way the author formatted it made it interesting. The point of view changes often, giving readers the chance to see things from each character's perspective. Each character has his or her distinct tone, which is really neat. The book is suitable for high school students because it deals with teenage emotions that might be harder for junior high students to relate to. VOYA Codes: 4Q 4P S (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12). 2003 (orig. 1997), Holiday House, 208p., Ages 15 to 18.
—Jennifer Yan, Teen Reviewer
What are some of the many problems that confront typical teenage kids today? Friends, school, parents, parties, clothes, appearances, teachers, and homework are just a few of the issues that fifteen-year-old Rosie Moon must address on a regular basis. Like most adolescents, she feels deeply misunderstood. This, combined with her desire for excitement, convinces her to runaway from home. Accompanied by Asher, a boy who is new to her school, Rosie begins her adventure. Both Rosie and Asher soon learn that running from your problems does not solve them; in fact, in some ways, it creates even more problems. This book uses a unique writing style to present the point of view of almost everyone involved. The story is interesting and the characters are well developed. The issues are those that many teenagers can identify with. There are a few rough words, however, and the mature subject matter may not appeal to everyone. 2005 (orig. 1997), St. Martin's, Ages 12 up.
—Denise Daley
Rosie, age 15, likes hanging at the beach with her best friend Pip. She has a penchant for chocolate, and has lived in the same town all her life. Rosie is "hungry for a juicy life." Asher has dreadlocks, a disdain for the school dress code, and a quiet mysteriousness. He is angry since his parents split and he moved from New South Wales with his mom. Rosie falls for Asher. As luck would have it they are assigned to work on a poetry project together. Asher falls for Rosie. Dissatisfied with school and home, they set off together up the coast of Australia, not quite knowing what exactly they are looking for. Along the way they meet people who will change them forever. Near the end of their journey, a surprise event jolts them and their families and they realize what is most important in all their lives. Told in diary format and filled with the landscape and lingo of Australia, the journey of Rosie and Asher will connect with many teens. The author has constructed a story for those who swim upstream, those hit with the pain of family breakups, and those just searching for something more than their everyday life offers. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 1997, St. Martin's Griffin, 196p., Ages 12 to 18.
—Holley Wiseman
Gr 7-10-Rosie Moon, 15, is waiting for life to happen-school is dull, her mother won't let her get a nose ring, and her parents seem to be breaking up. Along comes Asher Fielding, transplanted with his mother to Perth from New South Wales after his parents separate. He has dreadlocks, loves Jim Morrison's poetry, and gleefully defies the school's dress code. When Asher is accused of stealing a teacher's wallet, he and Rosie hitchhike up the coast and take up with two hippies and their young daughter. Instead of presenting a predictable object lesson about the danger of the road, Lowry allows the pair to discover themselves and one another as they play on the beach, sleep outdoors, and marvel at the workings of a happy family. The story is told in cleverly titled vignettes in the voices of the characters, including parents, teachers, Rosie's younger brother, and occasional words from the omniscient narrator. The language and format-ample space between the short monologues-are simple and engaging. The narrative, however, is far from simple. Lowry describes the Australian land- and seascape in colorful detail. Her prose is crisply observant in some places, stream-of-consciousness in others, and full of British/Aussie humor and one-liners. What starts in choppy, snappy sentences, la Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones' Diary (Viking, 1999) or Louise Rennison's Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging (HarperCollins, 2000) grows into more fluid, emotional prose. Although the ending is a little too neat, this is a romantic, entertaining, and thoughtful novel.-Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Multiple narrators and diverse narrative forms, including stream of consciousness, lists, and excerpts from Living with Teenagers, all tell the engaging story of Australian 15-year-olds Rosie and Asher. Rosie tests new boundaries with her parents, especially over the issue of a nose ring, and becomes exasperated over frequent confrontations with her controlling mother. Asher, a dreadlock-sporting product of former hippie parents who are now split up, enters a new, repressive school and is soon falsely accused of stealing a teacher's wallet. Both teens hunger for a taste of freedom and set out on a hitchhiking adventure that leads to romance and self-discovery, not only for the teens themselves but the parents left behind. Portraying the adolescent experience from many sides, the author reveals growing up and fitting in not only as a universal, adolescent event but a life-long achievement. Lowry's Australian lingo, lyrical descriptions, likable characters, and creative format are sure to be an instant hit with teens. (Fiction. YA)
Lowry's Australian lingo, lyrical descriptions, likeable characters, and creative format are sure to be an instant hit with teens.” —Kirkus
“This Australian import has a delightful tranquility that persists all the way to a realistic, satisfying ending. An unassuming, charming book.” —Booklist
“Lowry describes Australian land- and seascape in colorful detail. Her prose is crisply observant in some places, stream-of-consciousness in others, and full of British/Aussie humor and one-liners. This is a romantic, entertaining, and thoughtful novel.” —School Library Journal
“[An] artfully constructed novel…readers will likely be captivated by Lowry's playful narrative style, and they will easily empathize with most of the characters, from the free-spirited protagonists to the parents who worry over them.” —Publishers Weekly
“A quirky kaleidoscope of skilled writing…[a] special book.” —Voya
