The Secret of the Stone

Kathryn Lefroy, The Secret of the Stone, Fremantle Press, October 2024, 295 pp., RRP $17.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760994648

When friends, Olive, Lola and Theo find a magical stone that grants wishes they expect that it could help solve their problems and be a bit of fun too. But then they realise the dangers of owning the stone, especially because nefarious people are looking for it.

The Secret of the Stone is more than an adventure story of magical realism. With each friend facing family troubles and the threesome needing to negotiate with each other to resolve conflict and make important decisions, it is also about friendship, family and coping with change and loss.

Unexpected twists and turns in the plot and some suspenseful scenarios make for engaging reading. A critically ill Grandma, challenges at school, a nasty big sister and other difficulties, add to the eventfulness of the story.

Lefroy has developed likeable and believable characters in Olive, Lola and Theo. I especially enjoyed their playful banter and how they collaborate and resolve their disagreements. The boy who bullies Theo becomes a friend of the threesome, giving insights into a bully’s perspective, even if the character’s sudden turnaround seems unrealistic. And the awkwardness of a budding adolescent romance is sweet.

The secret of the stone explores thought provoking themes, ethical dilemmas and issues of trust around secret keeping. This makes the book a good choice for a Yr 5 to Yr 7 class study and the publisher has provided useful teaching notes.

I recommend The Secret of the Stone for 10-13 year olds who enjoy stories of adventure, friendship and maturing into adolescence.

Reviewed by Barbara Swartz

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