By: Fiona Hardy
Genre: YFB - General fiction
Published by: Affirm Press
Published: 26 Apr 2022
ISBN: 9781922626684

Description

Everyone knows that Homer loves Australian Rules football. But ever since his dad moved away and his mum was drafted in the women's league, something has changed. He's spending more time fixing clothes with his grandfather than scoring goals with his friends. When Homer's upgraded school shirt becomes the talk of the playground, he sees a business opportunity that could make him enough money to visit his dad. But the more stitches Homer makes, the more that everything else in his life begins to unravel.


His friends don't understand him, his dad feels further away than ever, and even playing football doesn't feel like the escape it used to. Can Homer find a way to get back to how things used to be? And what does it mean if he can't?


From the award-winning author behind How to Make a Movie in 12 Days and How to Write the Soundtrack to Your Life comes a warm and funny celebration of following your dreams, wherever they lead.


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Review

Homer loves playing Aussie Rules football, just like his Mum who has been drafted to the AFLW.


Since his Mum and Dad split up and his Dad moved to Perth, Homer spends lots of time with his grandparents who encourage his love of sewing and fashion.


Nothing feels right to Homer without his Dad around. When the kids at school ask him to fix their PE shirts because they are so uncomfortable, he thinks he can make enough money from his sewing for his Dad to visit.


But this just means extra work, and he struggles to fit in footy training, sewing, homework and friends. Life feels so complicated and he feels like no one understands him. Can Homer find a way to follow his dreams without everything falling apart?


This is a beautifully written story about Homer’s struggles after the separation of his parents, and his mixed feelings around it. Homer and his friends are wonderful characters, and readers will easily relate to their experiences. Strong themes of family and friendship make this a perfect book for all lower secondary students.


Reviewed by Michelle