Finch
Age 10+
General Fiction
This coming-of-age novel for middle-grade readers is about accepting and celebrating differences.
Audrey is used to not fitting in. She knows she’s different – even her little sister calls her “Nerd Girl”. When her family moves to the country to live on a vineyard property, Audrey makes a secret friend: a boy, Finch, who seems to understand her as nobody else can. But there’s something mysterious about Finch. Who is he, really?
Creators
Penny Matthews has written more than thirty books for children and young adults. She writes in a variety of genres and has won many awards, including the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award (Early Childhood category), the Environment Award for Children’s Literature and the Davitt Award for Children’s and Adult Literature. She lives in Adelaide.
Reviews
Penny Matthews’ Finch is a rich and rewarding story, filled with hope, tinged with mystery and realistic characters that will resonate with middle school readers. She captures the heart of rural life, the reality of families struggling to find purpose and pulling together when times are tough.
ReadPlus
Audrey is a captivating character. Readers will follow her exploits with interest, willing her to fit into her new community, but aware of the problems the family is facing.
ReadPlus
