Description
A suspenseful story of survival and resilience inspired by the 2022 Brisbane floods.
The kayak rolled as Max tried to get into it. The shock of capsizing into the cold, dirty water made him gasp and swallow some of it. It tasted muddy and disgusting. Was he going to drown? His chest thudded as he fought the floodwater gushing around him. How long could he hold his breath? He could feel a sense of panic rising.
When an unexpected rain bomb hits south-east Queensland in late summer, an unprecedented disaster engulfs the city of Brisbane. Nothing can prepare Max and his family for the devastating flood as neighbours struggle to help each other survive. When floodwaters rise, homes are submerged and his newfound friend Trent goes missing, Max must face the greatest challenge of his life.
This inspiring Australian Disaster Zones series is a powerful and contemporary reminder of the effects of natural disasters and the ever-increasing threat of climate change to our vast and volatile continent.
Review
This is another great instalment in the Australian Disaster Zones series that gives readers afirst-hand look at the effects of recent natural disasters in Australia, through the eyes of people their own age.
Max lives with his family in a wonderful place in south-east Queensland. He knows almost everyone in his area, and they all look out for each other. He meets up with newcomer, Trent, in the park and they share a love of rugby, but something seems off with Trent’s family life.
Max’s Mum is a helicopter pilot who flies reporters to areas where the news is taking place. Right now, that is to the floods occurring in other parts of Queensland. But suddenly their own town is in danger with rapidly rising water levels...
Mum has been seen on the news saving people in danger, but will she make it back in time to help them? And can their tight knit community band together to get through this impending disaster?
This is a great novel based on the 2022 Brisbane floods, highlighting the need to work together in tough times. With themes of natural disasters, family, community, homelessness and bravery, it is a terrific novel for middle grade readers aged 10 to 14 years.
