THUNDERHEAD BY SOPHIE BEER, PUBLISHED BY ALLEN & UNWIN

Thunderhead’s life is falling apart. They’ve received the worst news a music lover could get – they have rare tumours in both their ears and even with surgery their hearing will slowly ebb away. Their best friend Moonflower has gone to a different school and Thunderhead is struggling with their secret diagnosis. There would be nothing worse than the whole school knowing about their tumours; being treated as “Poor Widdle Sick Kid or (PWSK) for short.”

They start a secret diary in an inactive chatroom as well as a song playlist for their life.

As time slowly moves forward, Thunderhead is waiting for specialist appointments or having MRIs and especially waiting for a date for their operation. In the meantime, they hang out with Moonflower’s new friends, trying to fit in and in a moment of madness, they brag that they can get free concert tickets for their favourite band Bin Night.

The concert becomes a catalyst for broken friendships and tested loyalties. Thunderhead, who is feeling sicker and sicker as one of their tumours presses further into her brain, must decide what makes a friend and what kind of friend they themselves are.

Sophie Beer herself has had the condition of her main character. Speaking from experience, her descriptions of garbled conversations in crowded rooms gives a depth to Thunderhead who is also suffering normal teenage difficulties. The themes of friendship, family, support and illness can all be found here. Beer’s characters are so well portrayed you want to jump right in and help them out. Her illustrations throughout the book give it a casual, friendly feeling even though the topic is serious. Thunderhead’s internal conversations and thoughts are what makes them so appealing. Readers who enjoy contemporary stories about real-life difficulties will love this book.

For Ages: 10-14 years

Number of Pages: 384

Published: October Allen & Unwin

Themes: family, friendship, resilience inclusion.

Purchase here: https://www.dymocks.com.au/thunderhead-by-sophie-beer-9781761180958