Zadie lives in a flat above their family Milk Bar (Dairy / Shop) in Melbourne, Australia. Her mama runs the shop and is always worrying about the meagre day’s takings. Zadie tries to help her mother as much as she can, but never feels as if it is ever enough for her mama. She snaps at Zadie, with instructions and put downs and even curses her in her native Chinese when really angry.

Zadie’s little brother Teddy is treated much better by their mother and sometimes Zadie resents this, even though she loves Teddy with all her heart. He has been her best friend in fact, as Zadie is shy and quiet in class, keeping her head down.

That is until Sparrow joins their class. Sparrow isn’t her real name, but is what she prefers to be called. She has moved in next door to Zadie and they soon become good friends. Sparrow is confident, and is quickly popular at school, gradually drawing Zadie out of her shell.

Life is still tough at home under the gaze of her criticising mother, and Zadie wishes her father could help more in the shop. Even since he returned from WWII, he has retreated into himself, often spending days in bed, not speaking or interacting with his children. Zadie figures Mama is doing the best she can.

There is a way to escape her troubles. Zadie escapes into her writing, filling exercise books with her stories. She often shares them with little brother Teddy and one day they discover that her writing is something truly special.

More than anything, Zadie wants a dog. Her mother however hates dogs and scorns Zadie’s dream. Zadie pours her wishes into a story about a dog called Jupiter. On a sudden mercy dash for a neighbour, Jupiter becomes real and Zadie cannot believe her luck. Teddy calls her writing a super power, but they have a problem. Mama will never let her keep Jupiter. Where should they hide him?

Again, Sparrow is Zadie’s saviour. Little does Zadie know, that Sparrow’s father had his own experiences in the war. Not only does Jupiter’s haven vanish, Zadie and Sparrow’s friendship is threatened too.

It’s only when a terrible tragedy is averted that Ma’s hurtful memories are finally spilled, Zadie’s father finds a sounding board, and her dreams finally come true.

Character Zadie Ma is a fourth generation Chinese girl living in Melbourne Australia in the 1950’s. This novel takes the reader back in time when not every one had a car, let alone a television. Men are still suffering from their experiences in WWII, and their families are left dealing with the fallout.

Desiring a dog is a universal theme, and the key thread that weaves among themes of family secrets, painful memories, bullying, and racism. Writing and the power of story is also an important theme, folding in a little magic too.

This middle grade novel is also a study of human nature and how we become who we are. There is kindness among characters and neglect from human to animal. There is hope between siblings and courage when thrown into possible peril. Illustrations are peppered through this novel including a graphic novel section.

I’m not surprised at all the listings of possible awards waiting in the wings for this novel from the Australian Children’s Laureate for 2022-23.

Author / Illustrator – Gabrielle Wang

Age – 8+

Learn more about this wonderful middle-grade read here

SHORTLISTED FOR THE PATRICIA WRIGHTSON PRIZE FOR CHILDREN’S LITERATURE 2023

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2023 NSW PREMIER’S LITERARY AWARDS.

LONGLISTED FOR THE 2023 CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA AWARD

(2022, Penguin Aust, Dog, Animal, Dreams, Wishes, Writing, Stories, Chinese, Australia, Post War Melbourne, Family, Milk Bar, Dairy, Shop, Neighbours, Friendships, Shellshock, Racism, Prejudice, Asian, School Bully, Confidence, Popularity, Bravery, Historical)