The amazing Spencer Gray by Deb Fitzpatrick

Spencer Gray is finally twelve, which means he is finally old enough to join Dad in his glider and experience life in the clouds.  He is also a runner, a friend and an older brother. 

Spencer and his family live in a small town away from the big city and the life they once knew.  Spencer’s dad had moved to Skippers Cove to be a country doctor, spending more time with patients and his family and having more time for adventures, hiking, camping and taking out Drifter, his glider. 

Spencer goes with his dad for a flight and loves it so he is excited to be able to go out again, however this time disaster strikes, and he will have to use all his knowledge and skills to save himself and his dad. 

The Amazing Spencer Gray is a great way to introduce readers to adventure survival novels like Hatchet by Gary Paulsen and The Explorers by Katherine Rundell.  This is simpler writing but no less engaging, it is well written, and I loved the way that Spencer’s thoughts were included, and the reader really wanted him to achieve his goal.  The story also feels very Australian with descriptions of places that the reader may recognize or associate with, although set in Western Australia the places would fit with several places around the country.

This is a brilliant book that will engage readers to look for adventure and excitement and will be valued by the librarian as a book to suggest to younger readers who are looking for a novel similar to Hatchet but might not be quite ready for it.  The author has done a fabulous job of creating a character that is likeable and real. 

The Amazing Spencer Gray is a great class novel as a shared text or read aloud. 

Themes: Survival, Adventure, Flying, Friendship, Family.

Mhairi Alcorn