If Only

So often we see young people struggling with boundaries from school and home, ‘finding themselves’ and becoming aware of bigger issues in the world. All this while they are studying, often working part time and trying to live up to everyone else’s perception and expectations of them.

The main character, Kayla, in this book will be instantly recognisable to this book’s target audience, a girl who is growing up and learning to make her own decisions and mistakes. I think that the realistic way these multi-layered issues are entwined will resonate a lot with female junior and senior secondary school students.

The inclusion of the whale connection and the work of Project Jonah is lovely and very believable. This would also appeal to our environmentally aware young people.

The descriptions and dialogue in the book are very effective eg: “What was I doing? I’m so stupid. I should have gone for help...”

There are some thoughtful messages about growing up, friendship, trust and love in this book which makes it an interesting and relevant read.

Title: If Only

Author: Adele Broadbent

Publisher: One Tree House Ltd NZ

Date of Publication: February 2020

ISBN: 978-0-9951175-3-2

RRP: $24

Ages: 12-16 years

Reviewer: Judith Hartstone, HOF English, James Cook High School, Auckland

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

Opening Sentence: ‘Music pounded into the street’

There are teachers notes for this book here. You can also read a first chapter here and buy this book here

Adele Broadbent is available through the Writers in Schools programme