Rosanne Hawke (text), Alex (Through my eyes – Australian disaster zones), Allen & Unwin, August 2023, 211 pp., RRP $17.74 (pbk), ISBN 9781760877002
Alex is a gripping story of one Australian boy’s experience of devastating drought.
Drought is an everyday occurrence for Alex and his family. The devastation that drought brings to those who rely on the land and weather for their livelihood can be emotionally crippling. Alex is living this reality.
At thirteen years of age, Alex lives with his Mum, his Dad, his intelligent kelpie dog Tangi and colt Jago. For years, their drought–affected South Australian property has taken an incredible toll not only on Alex’s family but also their surrounding neighbours. With no rain in sight there are no pastures planted for the sheep and Alex’s Dad is a shell of his former self.
Alex’s Mum is forced to take on work in town to provide a meagre income for the family and Alex helps her out with the various farm chores, all the while yearning for the Dad he once knew to return to him.
Alex forms an easy friendship with his new neighbour Bonnie and her camel-training family. Their shared passion for environmental management and the positive impacts for their community cannot be dampened by feral dogs and even a missing classmate. Overshadowing this shared interest is the concern for Alex’s Dad’s recovery – and the constant hope of rainfall to break the drought.
The Australian disaster zones series is an impactful reminder of the devastating effects of natural disasters and the growing threat of climate change to our island continent. The courage of the people who live through these soul-destroying times is inspirational.
Alex is a thrilling story of courage and resilience, complete with environmental warnings. It sets a very high standard for the series. In addition at the website, interested readers can find links to the authors talking about their books, and teachers notes.
Recommended for all readers aged 11 – 14 years.
Reviewed by Julie Deane
