A red fungus has destroyed all grass and grains. City people are starving. Ella and her half brother, Emery need to escape the city to find their mother and find food. But how will they traverse a dry and dangerous land? With a land-sledge and five "doggos" (dogs).
The characters embark on a gruelling cross country journey where they are challenged to the maximum. They go mushing and meet some dodgy criminals along the way.
Emery is injured, and Ella has to dig deep. She has always been under his shadow, but now she has to step up and make life-saving decisions. Ella's character arc is subtle and believable.
I personally love the doggos and their interaction with the characters. As a dog lover, I felt that Bren did an excellent job in capturing the body language and behaviour of dogs. The story is dystopian and otherworldly, and the plot charges along at a breathtaking pace.
Although bleak, there is a glimpse of hope at the end. Thankfully the ancient grains, mushrooms and wisdom of the first people - may be enough for them to begin to produce food for the planet again.
I would recommend this book to our seniors.
Teacher notes:
Awards:
Winner Aurealis Awards 2019 - Best Children's Fiction
Winner of the Junior Fiction Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award in the 2019 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults
CBCA Shortlist: Book of the Year-Younger Readers
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This is a put-up zone :)