Description
Xavier wants to be a stand-up comedian. But does he have what it takes to stand up?
Xavier Gency, 12, knows the world is pretty much doomed, but that doesn't stop him cracking jokes about it wherever he goes. In his country town, where politicians are bulldozing trees to ‘prevent’ bushfires. At home, even though his dad’s sense of humour is just like native wildlife – extinct. And at his new boarding school, where he’s stuck with Charlotte, his headstrong do-gooder neighbour.
But when Xavier hears some devastating news about his family's farmhouse, he knows he’s got a serious decision to make. Should he sit back and poke fun, like he’s always done? Or should he take action, even if that means sneaking off campus, having run-ins with the law, and – even worse – teaming up with Charlotte?
Set in the not-too-distant future, this middle-grade cli-fi tackles serious issues in an eye-wateringly hilarious way. Perfect for fans of Nat Amoore and Matt Stanton, it's a fun, thrilling story that shows hope is worth holding out for.
Review
Xavier has grown up at his family’s farmhouse near Wendouree, so starting Year 7 at a boarding school in Melbourne is a scary prospect, even if it is a family tradition. He wants to be a stand-up comedian, but no one really takes him seriously.
Luckily, his new roommate Ted’ki is really nice and they get along well - unlike Charlotte, his old neighbour from home. Charlotte has very strong opinions about most things, but especially about climate change and the constant threat of bushfire, and she doesn’t like Xavier making jokes about it.
But when Xavier and Charlotte discover that the fire break the government is building to prevent fires means that their houses are going to be knocked down too they have to make a decision. Will they stay at school and accept that they can’t do anything? Or will they try and get back to Wendouree to save their homes?
This is an hilarious book that tackles climate change in a way that makes it easily understandable. It’s set in 2043 and Xavier, Charlotte and Ted’ki are awesome characters that you will love. They have disagreements and arguments, and Xavier throws jokes in at all times, but ultimately they become best friends as they stand up for what they really believe in.
It’s a fast-paced adventure story with climate change, family and friendship as the central themes, along with lots of comedy. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a laugh, but is also a book that will make you think. It is sure to be well loved by those in lower secondary and upper primary.
