Just So Stories

Ford St Publishing

October 2023

ISBN: 9781922696366

RRP: $19.95

Ethan’s early years were not the stuff of idyllic wholesome family stories. When both his parents went to jail for fifteen years, as the result of drug-dealing, it was either foster care as a ward of the state or living with his Aunt Helen in another state for the bewildered little boy.

Despite never having met her, seven-year-old Ethan soon realised that life with Helen is going to be a whole world away from living with parents who were more consumed with alcohol, smokes, drugs and each other than him.

Now in Year 11, with his best mate Biggsy and a watchful eye on pretty Audrey Wright, Ethan recognises signs of his former existence in new kid, Joshua, with his scars and damage. Ethan worries about Helen working so hard, and now he also is concerned for Joshua, and debates how he can possibly help.

But with bushfires raging dangerously close even to their suburban neighbourhood, and the upcoming students’ strike for climate action, there is also a feeling of urgency that he, and his friends, should do what they can to take a stand and make their voices heard.

The wildflowers are in bloom all along the school fence, the Year 11s are having fun with Shakespeare, and discovering their English teacher is not only human but a funny and caring one at that, and the country, indeed the world, is burning up. Ethan realises that flowers, Shakespeare, compassion and courage are pretty important to anyone, but especially those on the cusp of adulthood.

Steven Herrick has done a marvellous job of capturing the voices and actions of these teens with unerring authenticity, and YA readers will easily engage and make connections with these guys. There are some serious topics at play here but the whole is leavened with humour and a lightness that has great appeal.

I basically read this in one sitting – started in the afternoon and finished it off that night – and I was completely invested in Ethan’s story. Domestic abuse is never easy to read about but this was handled well, and with a positive outcome that provided hope for those in despair. Certainly, Joshua and his mum can, along with Ethan, feel easier that their life will be free from violence and mental anguish going forward.

This is a terrific read, but be cautious of potential triggers. In my libraries, it would have a disclaimer to warn readers who may find it unduly confronting or distressing. I would highly recommend it to you for mature readers – I’d probably be looking at your middle/upper secondary kiddos, but some year 7/8 kids with maturity could also handle it.