Description
A beautifully written verse novel that will resonate with younger teen readers who are beginning to understand themselves and the changing world they live in.
Fourteen-year-old Nate has just moved back to Australia and is finding it hard to navigate a new city, school and changed home life. His next-door neighbour, Luna, is dealing with her own issues: a viral video, friends who have dropped her, and a subsequent anxiety disorder.
When a swarm of 20,000 bees unexpectedly settle in the walls of Nate's family's house, Nate and Luna come together to save the hive, befriending local beekeeper Tyler. Over the course of one summer, their loyalties will be tested and their lives will be forever changed.
A topical, hopeful and authentic coming-of-age story that will captivate young teen readers, from multi-award-winning children's author Pip Harry.
Review
This beautiful verse novel is told in alternating chapters from the perspective of 14-year-old Nate and his new neighbour, Luna.
Nate has just moved from Singapore with his Mum, who is waiting for surgery for a broken back. His Dad is still in Singapore and will reunite with them at some point, but Nate doesn’t know when that will be.
Luna is having trouble after a video of her kissing another girl’s boyfriend - and subsequently being assaulted - goes viral. She didn’t even know he had a girlfriend, but that doesn’t stop all the online shaming.
Now, as new neighbours, they slowly get to know each other and form a strong friendship. But when Nate breaks a pinky promise, Luna spirals downward and doesn’t know if she will be able to trust people again. Can they mend their friendship and find happiness in their troubled lives?
This is a tremendous verse novel that looks at many important issues including social media and the consqeuences of going viral, depression and self-harm, anxiety, beekeeping and the importance of bees to our world, friendship, trust and hope, that all come togeither to make this a wonderful book. It is a short read, but I enjoyed it so much. It will best suit younger teen readers.
Teacher notes prepared by the publisher are available on our website for this title.
