Category: | Book |
By (author): | Groth, Darren |
Subject: | JUVENILE FICTION / Age 10-14 Canadian |
YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Siblings | |
YOUNG ADULT FICTION / People & Places / Australia & Oceania | |
Audience: | young adult |
Awards: | White Pine Award (2019) Short-listed Amy Mathers Teen Book Award (2018) Short-listed CCBC Best Books (2018) Commended |
Publisher: | Orca Book Publishers |
Published: | May 2021 |
Format: | Book-paperback |
Pages: | 288 |
Size: | 7.50in x 5.00in x 0.25in |
From The Publisher* | Since the sudden death of his younger sister, Evie, sixteen-year-old Munro Maddux has been having flashbacks and anger-management issues. He has a constant ache in his right hand. And there's a taunting, barking, biting voice he calls "the Coyote." Munro knows a six-month student exchange will not be the stuff of teenage dreams, but in Brisbane he intends to move beyond his troubled past. It is there, at an assisted-living residence called Fair Go Community Village, that Munro discovers the Coyote can be silenced. Munro volunteers as a "Living Partner" and gets to know the team of residents he is assigned to. The burden Munro carries, however, is not so easily cast aside. When one of the team makes the decision to leave, the Coyote gets a new life. When a second resident is taken away, the specter of trauma and death looms larger than ever. Will Munro learn how to silence the voice? Or will the Coyote ultimately triumph? |
From The Publisher* | In this novel for teens, Munro Maddux goes to Australia on a student exchange in order to try and deal with his younger sister's death. |
Review Quote* | "In addition to some laugh-out-loud humour, this page-turner has some heart-wrenching moments...It is a richly layered book about love, the tenacity of the human spirit, and our capacity to mend. Darren Groth is a brilliant storyteller...A delight to review." |
Review Quote* | "A celebration of all that makes us weird, wonderful, and unique. Groth creates characters who learn resilience in the face of grief and discrimination and does it with the perfect balance of humour and heart." |
Review Quote* | "A great tale about friendship and open-mindedness, and accepting differences in others." |
Review Quote* | "Engrossing, entertaining and uplifting…This book will strike a chord and shift perspectives for many readers while it entertains them. Highly Recommended." |
Review Quote* | "Groth introduces readers to a sympathetic main character who is trying to move through trauma and to a sparkling supporting cast that gives voice to disability…[Munro's] first-person narration is strong (both sassy and heart-wrenching) and the thoughtful handling of trauma and difference, both genuine and relevant. Characters that will steal readers' hearts with their humor and resilience, smooth writing, and a satisfying and hopeful ending make this a book to enjoy both emotionally and critically." |
Review Quote* | "Groth's realistic novel is a can't-put-it-down read. Young adults will root for Munro to defeat Coyote and find peace…Readers will find Munro's coping with death fascinating and relevant. Recommended for fans of The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner and Winger by Andrew Smith; this book will fly off the shelves." |
Review Quote* | "Groth's novel is an unassuming look at survivor's guilt. Munro is a likable character, and all the new friends he makes are quirky and well-drawn supporters in his journey to recovery. A welcome addition to realistic-fiction collections." |
Review Quote* | "The novel deals realistically with very difficult situations…Readers will learn a great deal about coping with grief, dealing with psychological problems, working with special needs adults, and facing responsibilities in life." |