Aster's good, right things by Kate Gordon
Riveted Press, 2020. 189pp. ISBN: 9780648492573.
(Ages 11+) Highly recommended. Aster is an 11-year-old girl who
attends an alternative style school in Tasmania. We soon learn,
through her first-person journal, that she is troubled and on the
outer and more importantly we know what she is thinking in contrast
to how she is acting. She also has an interest and passion for
flowers and their symbolism. Aster is convinced that the only way
she can survive is by doing good, right things for others but she
rarely feels accomplishment or joy for herself.
She volunteers most
of her school breaks in the library but one day she finds refuge in
the school yard and meets Xavier and his rabbit Hollyhock. Their
friendship grows through their openness about their mental health
and Xavier's quirky dress and behaviour. Another important character
at the school is Indigo who thwarts her need of love and rescuing
behind aggressive behaviour. On the home front Aster's mother has
left her and Aster's loving father. This has a huge impact on them
both and Aster blames herself. Fortunately, her Aunt Noni supports
them and then Indigo as well. Gradually Aster develops a group of
like-minded friends around her and we have hope for their futures.
Ultimately intelligent communication and love heals all their lives.
There are certainly other stories with characters experiencing
anxiety and depression, family breakup and friendship issues.
However, this story is deeply perceptive and true. It is right to
acknowledge that all mothers don't love their children and that
adults can be selfish and unwise. Kate Gordon captures the
physicality of anxiety and the need to hide away. Gordon really gets
into the mind of an 11-year-old and short unflowery sentences convey
Aster's astute thoughts well. Sometimes these strings of thoughts
are quite poetic.
Stories like these are so important for developing
empathy for others. It suits a middle years audience well because it
is not too graphic and shocking. Although it is a serious book it
does have a whimsical quality which matches Aster's personality.
Teacher's
notes are available.
Jo Marshall