Reviews

The Little Wave by Pip Harry

paperrings23's review

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

ozshark's review

4.0

Another winner of a book in the 2020 CBCA Shortlist. This is a lovely, gentle book dealing with friendship, bullying and difficulties at home. Of course, everything has a nice resolution, which may not be realistic, but is still enjoyable and relatable.

missusb21's review

5.0

Impressive effort from this excellent author. Not only did she write an authentic and compelling book for younger readers (after previously only writing YA), but she wrote in verse too!

It's exuberant, and balances the sadness and difficulties Noah, Jack and Lottie face with positive and satisfying resolutions.

Great teacher representation!

elvis_waugh's review

4.0

Pip Henry is yet another Australian author who writes with much empathy. The narrative style of this free verse novel draws you into the lives of these kids and you ache with their life challenges, fears and frustration. The adults have their difficulties too. Pip Henry celebrates the inner fortitude of the individual when things get all too much. Friendships help and just getting back on the surfboard to try again is worth it.

littlemissstar55's review

5.0

I'm not crying, you are.

This book was so beautiful. It deals with loss and grief, and navigating friendships and family. There was so much packed into this book that it would be impossible for me to talk about it all.

This story made me laugh, it made me cry, it made my heart ache and want to hug these three children so very, very tightly.

I’m so amazed that Pip managed to pack so much heart into such a short book. It just shows me how words are so important.

I highly recommend this book, no matter what age you are – it’s worth it.

5/5 stars

bec459's review

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

curatoriallyyours's review

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Three children, each with their own struggles, are drawn together when a country school comes to visit a city school by the beach in Sydney, Australia. Noah is a surfer whose best friend is a bully. Lotte's Mum has died and her father has become a hoarder. Jack's home life is tricky and he struggles at school. 

This book is written in a poetic style that in no way detracts from the story. The characters are well-developed and I found myself hoping that things would turn out ok for them all, particularly Lotte and Jack. A lovely little book, well deserving of its shortlisting for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards and the Children's Book Council of Australia awards in 2020.