Cate loves her dad. She loves her mum too of course, but every second weekend, she stays with her dad at his place. Mum has a new partner (named Sam) but Cate worries that her dad hasn’t met anyone new. When she asks him about it, he just smiles. His reason, he explains, is time. Cate is thirteen, and he figures she will start changing around sixteen, wanting to be more independent and become more adult. So this time with Cate is precious, and he not only doesn’t want any distractions in it, he wants it to be the most special it can be.

When he says special, Cate knows exactly what he means. Each time she is with him, they play a game. It might be seeking extra-terrestrials, discovering a new ice-cream store, or buskers breaking into song for only them when they are out. These surprises are magical for Cate, and as a budding writer, feed her imagination.

One ‘game’ goes terribly wrong, putting both Cate and her dad in hospital. The timing couldn’t be worse. Cate mum wants to take Cate to England to be with Sam who has scored his dream job. Cate and her dad don’t want her to leave their home city of Melbourne, Australia, but Mum is adamant – taking things to court.

Cate is caught between her love for her parents, not wanting to ruin Sam’s dreams, and wanting to stay with her dad in the city she was born in. Her friend Elise is going through problems of her own, and Cate can’t think of leaving her. Soon, events take the decision from her hands, leaving her stunned and confused.

Barry Jonsberg has done it again, capturing the voices of young teens in every day life, dealing with events that try to derail them. The character’s voices are so clear, with the very real laughter, bickering, confusion, and love, in multiple relationships.

Cate and her best friend Elise compare notes as Elise’s parents are planning a divorce, and Cate’s mum and partner are planning for all of their futures away from everything she knows and loves.

This leaves Cate angry at her lack of control over her life, and there is worse to come. A sudden betrayal by her dad shocks her beyond comprehension. Why has he abandoned her?

What is the result? A superb surprise for both Cate and reader.

As always, Barry’s Jonsberg’s writing is exquisite, and the ending? Magnificent! (with tissues on standby).

Author – Barry Jonsberg

Age – 11+

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(2022, Family, Divorce, Relationships, Growing up, Choice, Melbourne, London, Games, Role Play, Accident, Blame, Court case, Lawyers, Betrayal, Mum, Dad, Confusion, Feelings, Anger, Pick a side, Guilt, Every second weekend, St Bernard, Puppy, Love, Blended Family, Realism, Real Life)