Charlie Archibold, The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage, Text Publishing, July 2024, 224 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781922790996
The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage is an engaging mystery for middle grade readers and the sequel to the CBCA notable The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat. Charlie Archbold’s story follows the disappearance of two beloved animals, Gloria the eclectus parrot and Anna the Australian scrub python from a small coastal town in far north Queensland. With the parents not listening, it’s up to the Sugarcane Kids to solve the mystery of the missing animals.
The story moves at a good pace, with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers interested. The characters of Andy, Eli, Harvey, Bernie, Fletch, and Washington the sausage dog work well together to solve the mystery. The themes of teamwork, diversity, family and environmental awareness are well-integrated into the narrative and the important issue of illegal native-animal trade is explored in an accessible way.
Teaching notes are available at the publisher’s website.
A third book in the series, The Sugarcane Kids and the Smelly Fish is due for release in 2025.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
