Something Somewhere

Something Somewhere by Richard Yaxley (Scholastic Australia) PB $18.99 ISBN 9781760266370

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks 

Richard Yaxley is an award-winning author based in Queensland. He has been the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Literary Award and the Queensland Premier’s Literary Award. Richard has received the medal in the Order of Australia for his services to education, literature and performing arts.

Malt and his mum move from place to place never staying too long. Malt’s world is turned upside down when they unexpectedly return to his mum’s hometown of Pembrooke. Malt learns they will be living with a grandmother he has never met. In Pembrooke Malt discovers there are many unspoken secrets, and he desperately seeks to find answers and to find a place to belong.

Yaxley masterfully creates many subplots alongside the main story that enhance the story and hook the reader. He lets the reader think and really care about Malt and his mum and grandmother. There is family dysfunction, but Yaxley ensures that family love shines through. He is not afraid to show how things really are in families, and he tackles difficult topics like teenage pregnancy, lack of a home, child/parent conflict and enabling behaviours. This is important for authenticity and shines a light upon issues to develop empathy and understanding.   

Yaxley’s voice is compelling, you feel like you are experiencing what Malt does. She repeated it anyway, the mantra. ‘Keep yourself to yourself. Don’t bother people.’ Yaxley has a way with words that creates a world that is both believable and immersive. He knows and understands the dynamics of relationships between people and how their own life experiences and circumstances determine how they interact with others. His language choices and dialogue are strong and placed expertly in the right place at the right time.

Malt has learnt to act small and knows how to react to his mother and her actions. As the story unfolds, and more characters are woven into the story little pieces of the puzzle slowly unfold. The reader is left asking the same questions as Malt. Malt is never truly alone because he has Banjo, his little dog, by his side. Yaxley has created memorable characters in a powerful story.

Something Somewhere is a middle grade novel that makes a great read for readers 11-14 years. It is a book that will have great appeal to children, teachers and librarians. It is a gripping read that will not disappoint its young readers.