Thunderhead by Sophie Beer

Sophie Beer, Brisbane-based author and illustrator of Thunderhead, has published books internationally, illustrated with companies including Disney and Google and has written for Frankie magazine and The Big Issue. Thunderhead is Sophie's first novel, an illustrated middle-grade fiction work, informed by Sophie's own experience of hearing loss. Thunderhead is an immediately engaging and interactive reading experience as to truly appreciate the central character who speaks in first person voice through the medium of heartfelt internet diary entries and to enhance the reading experience, the reader could listen to the playlists that Thunderhead compiles for each chapter. Each playlist is compiled for a different reason to help Thunderhead (not their real name but their secret superhero identity) navigate emotional states and situations. Playlists include one for luck, a playlist for school of woe and torture, for the future, for Gran, for haircuts, for being a normal teen and others which lead to the final playlist 'for the end of my hearing'.

Thunderhead has an irresistible, energetic and quirky voice. The reader is privy to their innermost thoughts and taken along for the ride as they discover that they have brain tumours that effect balance and hearing, causing tinnitus and vertigo and eventual loss of hearing. The novel traces Thunderhead's rollercoaster emotional journey from diagnosis through to the operation to remove the tumours with the fear, illness and preparation for permanent hearing loss playing out against the background of trying to fit into new high school friendship groups whilst facing impending loss of the thing that is loved the most - music. 

This novel, by tracing Thunderhead's journal entries, which are an outlet to try to calm the storm brewing in their brain (check the illustration on the front cover), is recommended as helpful for any young reader who is trying to find the courage to face big life changing events and transitions. Transitioning to high school, navigating shifting friendship groups and finding your true identity and friends is something every person goes through. Knowing that there are others out there who have to negotiate so much more (like Thunderhead) helps the reader to focus less on themselves and to find perspective and empathy for others. Books like Thunderhead are important for teaching that empathy.

Danielle Binks (award winning author of The Year the Maps Changed) states that Thunderhead is 'Australia's answer to Wonder by RJ Palacio.' Although the format is different, the message is as powerful.

Full of hope and fear, love, family and friendship, this is a whip smart, funny, heartfelt and moving story. It is the access to the interiority of Thunderhead's psyche as he processes all his thoughts, impressions, opinions, reactions and inner struggles that make this novel so engaging and moving. Teacher's notes are available.

Themes: Resilience, Change, Disability(hearing loss), Music, Friendship, Transition to High School.

Wendy Jeffrey