The Ghost at the Point
Age 10+
General Fiction
Australia, 1931. Twelve-year-old Dorrie wonders if the stories are true. Is there really a ghost boy roaming the cliffs? How else can she explain the strange happenings around the point? Dorrie is determined to discover the truth – even if it means confronting the unknown.
The Ghost at the Point is a historical mystery from acclaimed Australian author Charlotte Calder. Set during the Great Depression, this book follows Dorrie and her friends as they encounter shipwrecks, villainy and treasure. This adventure story was long-listed for the 2012 Davitt Awards for crime writing and is perfect for junior fiction readers.
“While the plot is fast-paced and interesting, it is the realistic and affectionate descriptions of Dorrie's life, family and friends that are the true highlight of The Ghost at the Point. The 1930s setting offers Dorrie the freedom that most children won't dream of today, and as such provides the perfect backdrop for this feel-good adventure.” Books+Publishing
“A very satisfactory adventure story ... The time and the landscape of the island are palpably authentic, as is the character of the self-reliant, determined and capable Dorrie and her warm relationship with Gah. With a ripper plot ... and written in the jargon of the day, this is a corker yarn!” Magpies magazine
“The Ghost at the Point is a gripping adventure story for children with all the elements necessary ... I particularly liked the book's setting ... this detail makes the book interesting from a historical point of view and is a good way of introducing Australian history to reluctant history-avoiders in the classroom.” Viewpoint
“This is a charming and exciting book … The blend of ghost story and gentle mystery will definitely appeal to the intended audience.” Reading Time magazine
“This is a gentle, involving story of Dorrie and her grandfather finding something more than they bargained for in their isolated outpost. Linked firmly with the stormy seas, the remoteness of the island and its inhabitants all create a tightly controlled setting in which events such as these could credibly occur. Dorrie is an inviting character, one whom readers will take to heart … An adventure story with heart.” ReadPlus
“Although seemingly a ghost story in the early chapters, it becomes a blend of mystery and action, as Dorrie and her two new friends are unwittingly drawn into a hunt for treasure … An action-packed read, suitable for upper primary aged readers.” Aussie Reviews
Creators
Charlotte Calder was born in Adelaide and has worked as an actor, photographer and occasional newspaper columnist. Her first novel for young adults was Settling Storms (2000), followed by Cupid Painted Blind (2002), Surviving Amber (2005) and Paper Alice (2008). Stuck, her first picture book, was short-listed in the Young Children Category of the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards 2010, and received a Notable mention in the Picture Book Category, Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards, 2010. Charlotte lives with her husband and the youngest of their three children near Orange, in the Central West of NSW.
Reviews
The Ghost at the Point is absorbing historical fiction, set in 1931 on an island on Australia’s south coast. Although seemingly a ghost story in the early chapters, it becomes a blend of mystery and action, as Dorrie and her two new friends are unwittingly drawn into a hunt for treasure.
Aussie Reviews
