Twelve-year-old Art and his younger brother Hilary are great friends, best friends.
When they move to Melbourne from a small town in Queensland things seem to be easy for Hilary, who is still in primary school, but Art struggles to fit in, and he’s become a target for school bully Jack. His dad is too busy to give him much attention, but Art has his stepmum, Sally, who is always ready to listen.
And there’s the paperbark tree. Art and Hilary climb into its branches and hold a secret meeting whenever they need to sort things out.
The only problem is Art’s not sure he still wants to be part of the paperbark tree committee. He’s getting older and he thinks he needs to solve his problems on his own.
The Paperbark Tree Committee is a heartfelt story about growing up and leaving childhood behind; it’s about family and being a good brother, fitting in and finding friends, and about making mistakes and learning from them.
andThe Paperbark Tree Committee
‘A growing-up story that had me hooked. Full of real problems and awkward mistakes—and, best of all, genuine heart.’
‘A warm, down-to-earth story about friends and family and growing up, with characters who nestle into your heart.’
‘A tender, compassionate story about navigating transitions and finding support in unexpected places…With its authentic depiction of big emotions and complex family dynamics, [it] is sure to find a welcome home in libraries and classrooms.’
‘I really enjoyed this coming-of-age novel and the various literary hats the author wears has equipped her with a unique perspective on children’s literature which definitely shows on the page. McEwen obviously knows what kids want to read and this book has it all; a new school, making friends, dealing with a bully, school activities and an annoying Dad at home.’
‘A gorgeous, heartfelt and hilarious tale of navigating change, bullying and growing up, and learning to appreciate loved ones for who they are.’
‘Characters are really well drawn…There’s a depth and diversity to them that will give readers something to reflect on. Gentle, with themes of growing up, finding your own tune, having good people around you, being a bit awkward but learning to fit in…There’s a lot that’s good to talk about for kids.’
‘Karys has such a tender storytelling style, and her middle-grade books are just wondrous slices of childhood and all the emotional upheavals that come with this precipice age.’
‘A warm, heartfelt story about growing up…A gentle book, with a big heart.’
‘A beautiful story about growing up and finding your way, about found family and connection, and friends who become part of your world in ways that you may not have imagined.’
‘[A] warm-hearted story which will be appreciated by a wide range of middle-grade readers not only for its ultimately hopeful and uplifting story, but also for its real-world themes.’
‘Children will love this book for its humour, characters, and relatable problems.’
‘Highly recommended…Gentle but doesn’t avoid some big topics and is written in such a way that children and adults will be able to take something away from it.’
‘Some books just hit all the targets…A beautiful story, perfectly suited for its target audience.’
