Middle years readers will enjoy this adventure story set in a beautiful setting in Far North Queensland which is the perfect place to set a story of friendship and intrigue.
Feature image credit: Text Publishing
Since Australian author Charlie Archbold wrote Mallee Boys, her first novel for young adults back in 2016, she has been busy creating stories for both young and middle years readers.
The Sugarcane Kids and the Glass Bottomed Boat first appeared in 2022, being shortlisted for, and also winning several prizes. The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage is the sequel where we continue in the lives of a group of children living in Far North Queensland.
The story is told in the first person by Andy. Along with his best mate Eli, his friends Harvey, Bernie and Fletch make up the group. Each of them has a sense of adventure, and are also obviously loved by their families.
In The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage, animals and birds have started to disappear. The first to go is Gloria, the talking eclectus parrot who is loved by her owner Old Jean, followed by the huge scrub python Anna, who is housed in the library. The Sugarcane Kids suspect that there may be illegal kidnapping for the native-animal trade and decide to investigate.
At school, there is a new canteen lady, the Hench. She is scary and doesn’t seem to like children at all. And they now have a substitute teacher called Dec who allows them to do pretty much what they want.
The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage is set in the beautiful environment of Far North Queensland, with its rainforests and animals. It is easy to imagine the oppressive humidity, and feel the rainforest closing in all around. We can almost hear the sound of the birds calling in the trees.
This is a time and place where children are free to roam the countryside — where everyone knows who they are and look out for them. It is a community where people usually feel safe. The children have the freedom to ride their bikes, solve problems, and then go home to a family who loves them. It is a story where families do not all look the same, and cultural differences are celebrated. It is about friendships, adventure, animals, cooperation, and protecting our wildlife.
Archbold is able to use her talent with words to evoke the feeling of place. She is also able to include humour to great effect. Little insights into her characters make us laugh and give a sense of who they are.
If you have not read the previous story, it may take a little while to catch up on the background of each child and their families, but Archbold has included enough information along the way for the reader to get to know each character.
The enticing front cover showing the five children in a golf buggy crashing though the rainforest gives the reader a taste of what is to come.
For those readers who read the first book, you will want to continue with the adventures of this intrepid group. If you are new to the Sugarcane Kids, they are worth it.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Text Publishing
Released: July 2024
RRP: $16.99
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