Review:
Stride's summer by Jenni Overend
Allen
and Unwin, 2007
(Age 11-14) The summer he loses his father to the sea, Stride is unable
to cope with the extra demands placed upon him by his mother. She too
is grieving the loss of her husband and must take responsibility for
the whole family on her own. Seeing Stride in his father's clothes and
with the cockatoo, Ferd, unsettles her and his persistent lack of
cooperation drives a wedge between them.
But this is also the summer he meets Jess, and her interest in him
begins with Ferd. She has had experience with birds, and unsettles
Stride, suggesting that he allow the cockatoo his freedom. Stride is
not able to do this, seeing the bird as a link to his dead father. The
two waltz around each other, Stride at first not wanting her to be
anywhere near him, but gradually she insinuates herself closer and
closer, until Stride looks for her on the beach.
The decision by his mother to sell their cottage is a catalyst for
Stride to take off to his grandfather's place, but it is the height of
summer, and the threat of fire is ever present.
A coming of age story about a boy learning to accept change in his
life, this book will appeal to upper primary and lower secondary
students, particularly boys.
Fran Knight
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© Pledger
Consulting, 2007