How could I resist a story with a hero dog named Rosie?
There are so many layers to this story that I can’t do it justice with a short synopsis, but I will try. The layers are interwoven, and each unfolds at the perfect time, making it hard to avoid spoilers.
When the story begins, Leopold is in his last week of primary school. His neighbour Tash, once Leo’s best friend, suddenly appears asking for Leo’s help to deliver a misdelivered letter to another neighbour, Ms Shepparson. Tash and Leo’s story is revealed over the summer and into the start of year seven, as they learn about Ms Shepparson’s tragic past and become caught up in a local mystery.
This is a story that gives a lot of insight into how it feels to live with anxiety, how complicated families can be, and the long term repercussions of traumatic events. Both characters have some big issues to deal with, in their own lives and in their families, and these issues are written about with great sensitivity. Despite the big themes, it’s a hopeful book. The reader feels immense empathy for Tash and Leo. The resolutions for each of them are optimistic, with realistic and positive emotional development. Other characters, adults, children and dog, are well-rounded and realistic too.
One of the highlights for me is the amount of local detail in the setting, suburban Noble Park. The description of Noble Park and surrounds, railway stations, bike paths and so on creates an immersive experience for the reader.
I highly recommend this story to middle grade readers who enjoy reading about friendships, school, family relationships, and the complex process of growing up.
My Rosie 🙂
Anna Quinlan - Author 