Lauren James, Green Rising, Walker Books Australia, September 2022, 384 pp., RRP $18.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781406384673
The earth is slowly becoming less and less inhabitable when teenagers from across the world start to develop powers to grow plants and fauna from their own bodies. But why?
Hester is constantly seeking validation from her father who is the CEO of the oil company Dalex energy. When entrusted with her own project, she gathers a large group of ‘greenfingers’ from around the world to conduct research and explore their new powers. Together they discover some amazing things, and some terrifying truths.
Theo works with his fisherman dad on the docks when their boat is wrecked. With his family now struggling for income, Theo decides to join Hester’s research group, despite his lack of ability to produce anything other than seaweed.
In this epic tale of love, friendship, family and adolescence, many important themes weave together to create a novel that is confronting but also engaging. The general message the book communicates resonates with the next generation, as the current climate situation escalates. Readers are forced to ask themselves the question; “How can we save our earth without the help of greenfingers?” which is topical considering the issues young people face today.
The novel was extremely entertaining with the change in media throughout the book (such as the social media posts and the ‘Taylor Swan’ lyrics) providing humour and offering different perspectives on the book’s serious matters. Green Rising was a CBCA Qld Branch 2023 Readers cup book for the Year 9/10 category, so it’s recommended for ages 14 and above.
Reviewed by Emily Woolnough
