In The Secret Place

‘Gary Crew is a masterful writer and In The Secret Place is an insightful and deeply moving example of his consummate art as a story-teller. The complex interweaving of themes of time and place with the mind of a boy trying to come to terms with his place in the world are beautifully evoked in this artfully structured and immensely satisfying novel.’ - Helen Chamberlain, OAM.;‘For Ben Gardner, lonely at home and bullied at school, his dreams of somewhere secret become reality when he chances on a cave and a stunningly powerful snake. Gary Crew has spun a compelling tale of a disabled adolescent finding his own place in the world. A powerful and thoughtful read.’ - Libby Hathorn, Award-winning Author & Poet.; ‘A heart-warming, coming-of-age tale of friendship, resilience and courage. Simple yet eloquently written, the story immerses the reader into the life of a quirky and adventurous loner, struggling to cope with a disability, bullies and family upheaval. Unexpected friendships, an ancient granite stone, a secret cave and a giant python, all conspire to guide Ben down a road of redemption. Another timeless classic by a seasoned writer still at the top of his game.’ - Jack Roney, Author.:‘A genuine and sincere adventure of how adverse life situations burden children and how they find the strength to endure and survive, becoming the best version of themselves. Gary Crew writes with an authentic, youthful voice one can’t help adopting and reflecting as their own on their own varying trials of youth.’ - Lawrey Goodrick, Author.

Gary Crew, award-winning author of the ‘WaterTower’, is one of Australia’s most awarded authors for youth, having won, been shortlisted, or been nominated for over fifty Australian and international literary awards. He has won the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award four times; twice for his novels, twice for his illustrated books. He is Australia’s 2024 nominee for the prestigious, international, Hans Christian Andersen Award.