Catch me if I fall by Barry Jonsberg
Allen & Unwin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760877613.
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. The reader is firstly introduced to
the world of Ash and Aiden. Identical twins, they have promised
their mother that they will look out for each other, no matter what.
Thiers is a world of privilege and the author perceptively describes
of lives of children with expectations of entitlement who live in an
exclusive estate and attend a wealthy private school.
Through the dialogue in the story we learn this book is set in the
future. Sydney is adjusting to the ravages of climate change and
life is not as we currently know it in Australia. Food insecurity
and social inequities are explored through the lens of privilege.
The characters are richly drawn and the reader is led to believe Ash
is be both selfish and spoiled. Aiden is portrayed as wise and
compassionate as he acts as a buffer between Ash and the world.
On a school camp, described as a five star, politically correct and
work health safety controlled experience, Aiden and Ash are involved
in an unexpected accident that forever changes their lives. From
here on the reader is challenged by ethical dilemmas. The reader is
left to reflect on what it means to be human and where life begins.
The ethical issues raised in this book are complex. The author has
crafted a deceptively simple book that will lift the heart and
expand the mind.
The teacher notes, available here,
provide guidelines and links to resources that expertly guide and
support the opportunities for learning this book evokes.
Themes: Relationships (family, friends), Artificial Intelligence,
Ethics (climate change, sustainability).
Linda Guthrie