Deb Fitzgerald, The Amazing Spencer Gray, Freemantle Press, July 2025, 176 pp., RRP $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760996338
Spencer Gray has been waiting for this moment for such a long time. At last, he is twelve years old and is about to complete his maiden flight in his dad’s glider. Not on his own of course, his dad will be piloting the glider. It almost feels like as a rite of passage for Spencer’s family although his mum has some quiet misgivings as to his readiness for the flight.
Once dad releases the tow cable from the launching plane in front of him, and the glider catches the breeze under its belly and thrown off its weigh, Spencer relaxes and marvels at the beauty of the checkerboard land below, overwhelmed by the quiet and beauty of the flight. For Spencer, the experience exceeds all expectations. It is simply incredible.
But soon disaster strikes the glider mid-flight and Spencer will need to be resourceful and nothing short of amazing to manage the fall-out.
In terms of the narrative structure of the novel there are a number of periods of rising action and climax which add to the suspense and appeal of the story, and illustrate the ‘amazing’ feats of the protagonist Spencer Gray; however, there are instances such as knowing how to provide first aid for his dad’s horrific injuries and jogging, crawling, lunging his way through various phases of the almost impenetrable bush, he is still able to observe the changes in the plant life growing on the mountain are just a little far-fetched.
The language in the text includes a range of subject specific terms related to skateboarding, Lego building, and the control panel of a non-motorised fix-winged glider. Although informative some readers might find the total of these terms or jargon, a little overwhelming.
In the novel there are occasions where the Australian idiom is used. Some of these expressions will be familiar to readers; however, some may require some pre-teaching of vocabulary to occur prior to reading. Although, these expressions are relatively harmless and reflective of the dry humour of Australian society, and used as a writing technique to make the interactions between the characters relatable, there are certain words that carry a social stigma and the use of such should be avoided.
Other language devices such as simile, onomatopoeia are used to good effect.
The Amazing Spencer Gray is a harrowing story of survival, as well as of family relationships, friendship, and love. Spencer and his family have experienced lots of upheavals, and, like any family, have disagreements and good times, and some not so good.
Young readers, especially boys will enjoy the adventure and the novelty of the glider scenes. Also attractive is the West Australian setting, with the landscape around Bluff Knoll a pleasing feature. There is a sequel, and both books have been re-released with updated, eye catching covers. We reviewed the sequel, The Spectacular Spencer Gray previously.
There are teaching notes for The Amazing Spencer Gray are available on the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Julie Deane
