Holding back by Frances Prentice

Nick is a 15-year-old farm boy. His life revolves around home-schooling, farm chores, raising litters of kelpies for cash, swimming in the dam with his younger sister and training for camp drafting competitions. Life is good, but loneliness is sometimes a factor as he has struggled to connect to anyone his own age. With a bit of encouragement he joins the local swim club with his sister and this marks the start of friendship and success. 

This is a ‘minimal words, maximum impact’ story for teens. It involves the competitiveness of Camp drafting (a distinctly ‘country’ sport involving horse-riding and steers), and the fierce rivalry of swimming competitions. There is real excitement in both events that will appeal to even reluctant readers. The social drama of the reserved, isolated teen struggling to connect with peers is also handled sensitively. The target audience for this book is teens (but those who perhaps don’t want to read) and this book will keep them reading. It is enjoyable and worth getting into the hands of those who want limited vocabulary, easy-to-read sentences and a comfortable, non-demanding length book.

Highly recommended for reluctant readers aged 12-15.

Themes: Camp drafting, swimming, friendship, overcoming difficulties, social fears, dyslexia friendly.

Carolyn Hull