Ben is impatient on his tramp with his father. The wind is biting and his dad seems to want to talk the longest path around everything. When
Ben sees a shortcut below boulders that look like they’ve sat in the same place forever, he revels in the thought of beating his dad who has taken a safer route.
Minutes later, he’s pinned underneath a boulder, wondering if he’s knocked any teeth out. Unfortunately for Ben, it is much, much worse. His lower leg is crushed beyond any miracles of surgery.
What follows is a long, painful, frustrating recovery with the loss of his lower leg. He’d taken so many things for granted, and can hardly get his head around the space that now lay beneath his left knee.
Luckily, he has support from family, his talented surgeon, nursing staff, physiotherapists, prosthetists, old friends and new. It’s a journey only he can take, having to learn to take time to learn each step, be comfortable enough to show others, and even talk about the event that took his leg.
Just as his wonderful novel See Ya Simon captured hearts, so will (multi award winning NZ author) David Hill’s latest – Stepping Up.
David Hill is masterful at portraying teenage boys in his writing. Whether it be learning about local POWs, showing off to girls, or supporting a friend with an illness, his characters are always authentic, and likeable, even if, especially if, they make mistakes finding their way.
Stepping Up has main character Ben facing a terrible price for a decision made in a moment. Months of rehabilitation include smaller mistakes, each time teaching Ben something new about himself.
Being there throughout his journey, made my heart race along with his when he believes he’s made another terrible error after a rash decision.
All of which makes Stepping Up a captivating, moving novel.
Author – David Hill (CNZM, MNZM)
Age – 10+
Publisher – Penguin Books NZ
Set – Present / New Zealand
Viewpoint – 3rd person
Violence – No
Real Life – Yes
Fantasy – No
Blend – Real Life / Determination / Recovery
(2026, Penguin Books NZ, NZ. New Zealand, Aotearoa, Tramping, Accident, Rehabilitation, Injury, Recovery, Introspection, Determination, Family, Friendship, Growing Up, Support, Award winning author, NZ Author, Mountain Climbing, Limb Difference, Limb Loss, Prosthetics, Physiotherapy, Hospital Care)