More Precious then Gold (Val Jones, Lothian, $17.99 pb, ISBN 9780734409652, May) ***

Set in current times, and grounded in reality, this novel touches on environmental issues, rural life and the bonds of family, with a hint of mystery and a subtle history lesson woven in. The location is split between the hardships of farming life in western New South Wales and the hot, dusty mining life in Coober Pedy. The mystery is plausible, the characters likeable and interesting; the humour is gentle. The history of the Australian goldfields and the Jewish holocaust is touched on, and treated sympathetically. It may intrigue the young reader enough to read more on these topics. Ben is a thoughtful teenager, with love and respect for his family, and the patience to work through his own family’s history searching for clues to solve the mystery. The solid bonds shared by the family assist them to survive through the vagaries of life on the land. Recommended for the ages of 12 and up, this novel would be most suitable for the reader who needs encouragement. The length of the story is not intimidating and the plot is more mature than the easy-read junior novels. It is also suitable for a younger more advanced reader, seeking more challenge in the language and storyline; with enough depth to also cater to the English as a second language student.

Melinda Bilbey is a freelance reviewer and former bookseller, specialising in children’s books

This review from Australian Bookseller & Publisher magazine is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC. © Copyright 2008, Thorpe-Bowker

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