Description
Flip is a contemporary Australian young adult drama that explores big issues with soul and sensitivity. Its high-low content and feel good finale make it a perfect read for both lovers of the genre and non-confident readers.
Issues and themes flowing through Flip are timely and relevant, including the current housing crisis, bullying, loss and grief, finding yourself and a sense of belonging, friendship and family dynamics, starting over in a new town and school, and the impacts of cancer and dementia.
Denim Davies wishes he could flip his life, just like the vintage items and clothing he finds at garage sales and thrift stores and sells online. With the worsening housing crisis, Denim and his dad have spent a year moving from town to town in search of sustainable work and a home they can call their own. Every move means starting over in a new school. Denim feels he's drifting through life without an anchor.
When Denim and his dad arrive in the coastal town of Driftwood Heights, Denim knows things are only going to get worse. The only accommodation is in the caravan park, he's just started Year 10, and in this small town where everyone knows each other, he feels more of a misfit than ever. Besides, what's the point of getting close to anyone if you're just going to move away again?
When Denim befriends Mina, a quirky girl with a carefree attitude, Driftwood Heights starts to look a little brighter. But then a vintage find that seems too good to be true goes horribly wrong, and he has a tough decision to make, one that could ruin his friendship forever. What do you do when flipping your life has too high a price?
Review
Denim and his Dad have just moved again. After his Mum died of cancer, their life seems to be in constant upheaval. A shortage of affordable housing in Melbourne means they are now living in a caravan park in seaside Victoria. But Denim has dreams of getting them out of this rut by purchasing things at opportunity shops that are collectors’ items, and flipping them for a huge profit.
Denim gets bullied at his new school, but when he becomes friends with Mina she helps Denim understand that even Tyler, the bully, might have reasons for his behaviour.
Then Denim has a huge find - an authentic Cartier watch that he puts on the market and has current bids at over $10,000. But when he finds out its true origins, he is torn between doing the right thing and having the chance to change his life.
Another book in the Rhiza Shorts series, this deals with the death of a parent, financial hardship, moving house, bullying, friendship and doing the right thing, and is a great novel for lower secondary students or those in the middle secondary years who prefer an easier read.
Teacher notes prepared by the publisher are available on our website for this title.
