Out of This Place [Hardcover]

A powerful novel in verse captures the voices of three teens as they struggle against hardscrabble realities — and move toward their dreams.

Luke spends his days hanging out at the beach, working shifts at the local supermarket, and trying to stay out of trouble at school. His mate Bongo gets wasted, blocking out memories of the little brother that social services took away from his addict mom and avoiding the stepdad who hits him. And Casey, the girl they both love, longs to get away from her strict, controlling father and start anew in a place where she can be free. But even after they each find a way to move on and lead very different lives, can they outrun their family stories — and will they ever be able to come together again? Set in Australia and narrated in alternating points of view, here is an affecting look at the evolving lives of three friends from talented author Emma Cameron.A trio of characters give their perspectives in this emotionally gripping Australian import...A smart and hopeful debut novel about the necessity of finding one’s own way.
—Kirkus Reviews

It is a spectacular novel that will have readers finishing the whole thing in one sitting.
—VOYA

Cameron superbly renders characters who never feel like caricatures. ... Redemption comes quickly to these highly likable characters in a tale to which many teens will relate.
—School Library Journal

This book will be enjoyed by readers of all genres. ... Throughout this debut novel, the reader is immersed in each character’s uncertainty, hopelessness, and triumph as they each come full circle to find safety and happiness in their new lives.
—Library Media ConnectionEmma Cameronworks in school libraries, where she enjoys being surrounded by books and children. AboutOut of This Place, her first novel, she says, “I am fascinated by watching people finding their way in life. . . . I always hl32