Winifred (or Fred or Freddo or Winnie) enjoys school, especially her teacher Mr Khouri and the way he explains things to her class. Geography is a particular favourite with its maps and topographic lines, valleys and mountains. The words Not all those who wander are lost, are written across the top of the classroom blackboard and these words strike a chord with Fred. Something else Fred has learnt is that map lines aren’t concrete or solid, and that a huge part of the world’s geography is its people and the way they flow across it.

Just as Geography isn’t exact, Fred’s family is a loving blend of people. She has lost her mum and still misses her, but she still has her Pop (her mum’s dad), and Luca (her stepdad). Things are changing again though, and Luca has a new lady in his life who also has a son. When Anika and Sam move in, Fred finds this adjustment hard and she isn’t very welcoming. When she learns Anika and Luca are expecting a baby, Fred’s sense of belonging and family is rocked even further.

Geography is also a part of the news each night showing thousands of people fleeing the bombing in Kosovo cities and villages. A constant stream of people trek with only what they can carry, sometimes being their babies or even elderly family members.

Fred and her family watch TV and hear the radio news bulletins about their country (Australia) being asked to help, and their politicians saying no. Fred struggles to understand why.

Suddenly the authorities change their minds and 4,000 Kosovo refugees are to come to Australia! Fred is keen to welcome them but others have the opposite reaction, including other kids at school. Luca (a police officer), and Fred’s teacher become volunteers at The Haven; an ex army barracks which is to house the refugees, not far from their small town of Sorrento.

Fred is spinning with an acceptance of her new family unit, Luca’s disappointment as she pushes her boundaries, the divisions of opinions on the arrival of the refugees, and how she can possibly help. As she comes to terms with each of her worries, another springs up. With Luca’s love and understanding, her teacher’s patience and wise words, and deciding that sometimes wrong is right, Fred finally finds her place.

A beautifully written story about growing up and finding your place in your family, your town and your geography, whilst aiding others in theirs. It’s also another eye opening tween novel about refugee life and treatment in Australia, which fans of  The Bone Sparrow are sure to embrace.

Fred (Winifred) is a wonderful character, finding her way to a new normal. I particularly loved Luca (her stepdad) and her teacher, whose combined love and wisdom helped Fred find her way. A story based on true events  – full of heart.

Author – Danielle Binks

Age – 10+

See Teacher’s Notes here

Read an Extract here

(Refugee, Loss, Right and Wrong, Family, School, Geography, Topographic Maps, Belonging, Home, Blended Family, New brother, Doing the right thing, Escape, Grief, Rescue, Australia, Mornington, Sorrento, Point Nepean, Victoria, Racism, Prejudice, Betrayal, Historical, Asylum, 1999)