Just So Stories

Fremantle Press

May 2026

ISBN: 9781760995614

RRP: $17.99

Preorder now

This is another verse novel that has given me cause to reconsider my initial lukewarm thoughts about this genre. In fact, so utterly absorbing is this one, that I binge read it in one evening.

I don’t know anyone personally with MND but a friend did have a very close mate who sadly did . Sadly, he lost his battle with it a couple of years ago. I know from her observations and posts how awful and tragic that decline was.

Alex is a big brother. Little brother Archie is cute, even if he’s a little annoying at times. Alex’s Uncle Rohan is a big brother as well, to Alex’s dad. He is also Alex’s family favourite. After all, he’s funny and clever and cool AND a rock star! It’s a shame he doesn’t live on the same side of the country as Alex and his family including grandparents, but Alex does get to see him as special times like Christmas and so on.

Then the family face a devastating blow when Rohan, who has been quiet for some time, rings to let them know he’s been diagosed with MND. While this is, quite naturally, utterly distressing for both Rohan and the family, it is the ramifications of this that also reverbrate throughout the family and prey on Alex’s mind most.

The diagnosis of his brother means that Alex’s dad has a 50% of also carrying the gene that means a death sentence. And if Alex’s dad does carry the gene, that in turn means Alex also has a 50% chance of being affected. So this family has the burden of grief of Rohan’s deterioration and the last farewells, along with living with fear of the outcome of the rigorous testing of DNA.

It is beautifully and poignantly written as it explores the full gamut of emotions the family experiences. Cristy Burne has crafted a narrative that will touch hearts and also inform readers about this rare and rapidly degenerative neurological condition. Her intimate knowledge of the condition and the anxiety in waiting on results informs this verse novel with such unmistakable authenticity.

I defy anyone to read it without getting teary. Brilliant from start to finish – a 5 🧬🧬🧬🧬🧬rating for astute readers from middle primary to secondary.