June Colbert

Lovely first novel by Colbert in diary form tells the story of Robbie (aka King of Large)who although only 11 years old, unfortunately weighs in at over 90kgs. This is his struggle to cope with bullying, his brother's shame and parents' anguish as he eats to cope with life's problems. This all sounds depressing, but it isn't, as the diary shows Robbie to have a wry sense of humour (and of the ironic) and when he develops dangerously high BP, we glimpse his vulnerable side but see him then show more embark on a course to health and ultimately happiness. Robbie's observations of the woes of his best mate "Wick" 's dealings with his dead beat father are heartbreaking, his blow-by-blow descriptions of soccer matches enthralling and his concern for the bullying of his younger brother Kevin realistic. A lovely novel suitable for all ages and easy to read. show less

Set in the not too distant future where every country has the capability of hurting the other and so every family has built its own survival shelter in the bush. Ben goes to his because he is mad about all the special attention his sick brother gets from his parents. When no-one comes to find him after a week away he leaves the shelter to discover everyone dead and that perhaps he is the last boy on earth. Then strange grafitti starts popping up and he knows he’s not alone – but are the show more other survivors friendly? p.20-31From Wed show less

Interesting story line. Shallow characters. But my biggest concern after reading the book? Where is the ending? I think the author tired of her own story and quit. I would have rated this higher but for the ending...or lack thereof.