The CBCA Book of the Year: Older Readers – 2018 – Shortlisted Mallee Boys, by Charlie Archbold, is a South Australian author with the talent and skill to really capture the feel of the mallee. Her descriptions have the reader laughing and crying as they follow Sandy and Red through a pivotal year in their lives. This is a brilliant book. 'Those among us who have taught in country towns as young teachers will recognise the character types and the sorts of activities that young kids get up to. Archbold’s teaching under the skies in the bush provides the authenticity that her tale of the Mallee Boys must have.' - Ian Lipke, Queensland Reviewers Collective Sandy Douglas knows that life at fifteen is hard, but it's even harder when your mother died a year ago and nothing's gone right since. His brother Red, on the other hand, is eighteen now and working the farm. He's amped up on rage and always looking for a fight. And then there's their dad Tom. He does his best, but - really - he doesn't have a clue.
As Sandy and Red deal with girls, dirt biking, footy and friendship, both boys have to work out who they want to be, without their mum around. The Mallee, where they live, may seem like the middle of nowhere, but it turns out this is going to be one hell of a year.
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