2002, ISBN: 9780439368490

New York, Ny.: Scholastic, Incorporated. 2002. First Edition. Hardcover. Brand Newin Fine DJ; BRAND NEW F/Fine brilliant 1st Ed collectable acidfree gift qual. Not opened, written in, cl… Mehr…

New York, Ny.: Scholastic, Incorporated. 2002. First Edition. Hardcover. Brand Newin Fine DJ; BRAND NEW F/Fine brilliant 1st Ed collectable acidfree gift qual. Not opened, written in, clearance or discard. Usually mail within 12 hours. ; 0.66 x 8.60 x 5.82; 144 pages; Thumbnail from internet: KLIATT - Claire Rosser Most Americans know the Australian writer Marsden for his thrilling series that starts with Tomorrow When the War Began, in which a small group of teenagers stage guerilla warfare against an unnamed enemy that has taken over their part of Australia. The narrator Winter in this novel could be a part of that intrepid group. She is an orphan who has returned to her parents' large homestead to take charge of her own life—even at 16. She is fierce, determined, and not especially charming. We soon admire her, especially as she quickly sums up the fact that the couple managing the homestead are doing a poor job. In fact, they are corrupt, so she insists that they be fired immediately. As she finds her parents' graves, she learns that they did not die together in a sailing accident as she had been told: her mother had died some months after her father. She is mystified, but determined to unearth the truth about her mother's death, even if the truth is difficult to accept. Winter's stamina is impressive; and, as her confidence builds, she is able to reach out to make friends. She becomes a more likeable human being. The setting of the Australian countryside is exotic for American readers, who will soon get past the Australian vocabulary challenges. This is a short novel that will be a quick read for most YAs, who will be turning pages eagerly to follow Winter's narration, filled with action and emotion. —Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 2000, Scholastic, 146p. School Library Jour: Gr 7-10-In this short but satisfying Australian novel, 16-year-old Winter is determined to know the truth about her parents. Orphaned at four years old, she has spent most of her life with cold, uncaring relatives in Canberra. Now she has returned to her childhood home, Warriewood. Instead of answers, however, she finds more problems, from an irritating but intriguing boy next door to the crooked managers who are supposed to take care of her land and cattle but are instead stealing from the estate. Told that her parents drowned in a sailing accident, Winter visits their graves and discovers that her mother actually died six months after her father. To find out what really happened, she confronts the local authorities, a doctor, and her strong-willed great aunt, any or all of whom may be trying to cover up the truth. At first, the teen seems stubborn to the point of unreasonableness, but before long readers will warm to her and cheer her on. As the secrets of her past are revealed, she takes charge of her inheritance and of her life; at the same time, her icy reserve begins to thaw. The facts of her mother's death, when they finally come out, are unexpected enough to make for a gratifying conclusion. Teens will especially enjoy the ferocity with which Winter stands up to the adults who try to take advantage of her. -Miranda Doyle, San Francisco Public Library Copyright 2002 Cahners ., Scholastic, Incorporated, 2002, 0<