Ross Curnow, Oscar vs the Grand Old Dude Named York, Walker Books Australia, August 2024, 304 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760657819
Oscar Mattick is twelve, his insufferable sister Becky is fifteen, and his parents are doing their best to keep a lid on things, especially on the strangely insulting and aggressive behaviour of their neighbour Mr York towards Oscar. Mr York treats Oscar like an infested loaf of animal drool, or worse. When the federal police begin visiting his home in search of a stolen necklace, Oscar suspects Mr York is at the centre of a local crime. But is he, and is he as truly dangerous as he seems, and will the lovely Tiffany Crandle ever give Oscar the tiniest bit of attention?
This fast-moving mystery of tumbles and bumbles on the way to growing up is a lot of fun. Just make sure you are wearing your helmet as you go out on your bike with the irrepressible Oscar.
Recommended for readers ten to thirteen, and a good few adults who like riding bicycles too.
Reviewed by Kevin Brophy
