Six Summers of Tash and Leopold

Twelve-year-olds Leopold and Alytash were once best friends, but they haven’t spoken in years. Despite being next-door neighbours, they could not feel more isolated as they navigate their lives independently. But due to some mysterious happenings in their small suburban town, and Tash’s stubborn determination to uncover what’s going on, Leo is being drawn back in to their friendship once again.

As we watch Leo navigate Year 6 graduation, a new school with no one he recognises, and balance a challenging home life, we uncover the lives of those around him. Leo’s world is shifting in ways he doesn’t quite understand, but with time he learns how to ask for help, that change is inevitable, and, most importantly, he is far from alone in his feelings.

Leo walks us through his thoughts, opening up as he understands himself more, almost as though we’ve been dropped into his shirt pocket; we glean knowledge about his world effortlessly. A beautifully empathetic look into adolescents managing difficult circumstances, Danielle Binks paints this narrative seamlessly.

This bittersweet coming-of-age tale is recommended for readers aged 10+. It’s perfect for fans of Nova Weetman, Katherine Paterson, and, of course, Danielle Binks.