AUGUST & JONES BY PIP HARRY

August & Jones is a story about friendship.

Jones Kirby, with her mum and dad, have had to give up their farm. Generations of Kirbys have worked the land just outside the town of Cotton, but a drought and global factors have drained the Kirbys dry. Jones, a Year 5 student, is sad about leaving her home and worried about not only moving to an apartment in the city, but about her blurry vision. She had to have an eye removed when she was little, due to cancer, and her remaining eye is giving her concern. She is also worried about starting at a new school.

August Genting is worried too. His father is obsessed with him playing footy and August hates every minute of it. He’d rather be reading a book or learning to knit with his sister. Since Mum’s business had to close down, things haven’t been so good at home either.

When August is asked to show Jones around the school, he is delighted. Finally, he might find a kindred spirit. Almost immediately a strong friendship develops. They come to realise that together they can conquer their troubles and when Jones is faced with a daunting prognosis, the friends decide to create, and work their way through, a bucket list.

Pip Harry has given us a true ‘buddies’ story. August and Jones are lovely, gentle characters who have to navigate their way through the awful things life throws at them. They are stronger and braver than they realise and their belief in each other gives them a sturdy foundation that supports them in their struggles. The world the characters inhabit is suburban, with all that it entails. Harry gives us a glimpse of the lives of others in a way that is celebratory rather than gloomy. Readers will enjoy the quiet strength and humour of the two friends and join them on a journey that is positive in the face of adversity.

For Ages: 9 - 12 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: June 2022

Themes: Friendship, cancer and divorce