The Family Tree

Jane Godwin (author)

Puffin Books, Australia: 1999; 148pp

ISBN: 0141302127

Genres: realistic fiction

Issues: communication, family, friendship, grief/loss, identity

advanced concepts

Christened Harriet, Harry has always cut her hair short, like a boy, and her uncanny likeness to her dead father is reinforced constantly by comments from her mother and grandparents.

None of which worries her in the least – in fact she likes it. Her mother's boyfriend and his son move in, which is also fine – Harry really likes her gifted new stepbrother Double H (he is also called Harry) and his father.

The trouble begins when the small school she attends is threatened with closure. Harry feels threatened by what that change means to her life. The concept of change – acceptable and unacceptable – is skilfully explored through the fight against the school closure and conversations with her grandparents, who constantly see in Harry the continuation of their dead son.

While this is a thought-provoking book, it will not appeal to all readers as it is very much about a concept, rather than a racy narrative. The story doesn't move outside the local community and extended family, and much of the forward movement is in Harry's head. Interesting and possibly helpful for children struggling to accept life changes over which they, as children, have very little control.

Same Author: Dreaming of Antarctica; Sebby, Stee, the Garbos and Me