The sideways orbit of Evie Hart by Samera Kamaleddine

Evie’s Mum writes the Astrological advice column in a women’s magazine. Evie’s stepdad is a stable, caring male figure in Evie’s life … and he is about to leave to work on a bridge-building project some distance from home. Is their family ever going to be the same again? At school Evie has one firm friend, and a teacher who is embarking on her favourite topic – anything and everything to do with stars, planets, space, the moon – Astronomy in general. Evie also is often targeted by one particular girl, Nicole, who has her own internal struggles. Whenever Evie’s eyes start their random twitch and flick patterns, Nicole seems to be right there ready to highlight the anomaly.  What will Evie's future look like now her stepdad will not be around as much? Can looking at the stars or the moon help? And how can she stop her insides from rolling and squirming every time she thinks about it all?

This is an end-of-Primary school story that has an anxious lead character. Set within a school and family context there are small dramas that are potentially devastating for Evie, but at the same time there is much support and opportunity for her to grow despite the struggles. Friendship even becomes possible with the mean girl. The family circumstances for Evie are a little unusual, and her mother seems distant, even though it is her stepdad who is moving away. The topic of Space and Astronomy is almost a starring character in its own light, as the book weaves through many facts and interesting revelations from the class teacher as she shares her favourite subject. The contrast between Astronomy and astrology is only briefly touched on. With little hints that the author has reflected on her own personal story to tell this work of fiction, this story has a charming and believable heart as Evie orbits the universe trying to make sense of change and her place in it. Recommended for readers aged 9-12.

Themes: Anxiety, Family, Astronomy, Astrology, Change.

Carolyn Hull