The Paperbark Tree Committee

‘A growing-up story that had me hooked. Full of real problems and awkward mistakes—and, best of all, genuine heart.’ * Emily Gale *‘A warm, down-to-earth story about friends and family and growing up, with characters who nestle into your heart.’ * Fiona Hardy *‘A tender, compassionate story about navigating transitions and finding support in unexpected places…With its authentic depiction of big emotions and complex family dynamics, [it] is sure to find a welcome home in libraries and classrooms.’ * Books+Publishing *‘I really enjoyed this coming-of-age novel and the various literary hats the author wears has equipped her with a unique perspective on children’s literature which definitely shows on the page. McEwen obviously knows what kids want to read and this book has it all; a new school, making friends, dealing with a bully, school activities and an annoying Dad at home.’ * Carpe Librum *‘A gorgeous, heartfelt and hilarious tale of navigating change, bullying and growing up, and learning to appreciate loved ones for who they are.’ * Readings *‘Characters are really well drawn…There’s a depth and diversity to them that will give readers something to reflect on. Gentle, with themes of growing up, finding your own tune, having good people around you, being a bit awkward but learning to fit in…There’s a lot that’s good to talk about for kids.’ * RNZ Nine to Noon *‘Karys has such a tender storytelling style, and her middle-grade books are just wondrous slices of childhood and all the emotional upheavals that come with this precipice age.’ * Danielle Binks *‘A warm, heartfelt story about growing up…A gentle book, with a big heart.’ * NZ Booklovers *‘A beautiful story about growing up and finding your way, about found family and connection, and friends who become part of your world in ways that you may not have imagined.’ * Book Muse *‘[A] warm-hearted story which will be appreciated by a wide range of middle-grade readers not only for its ultimately hopeful and uplifting story, but also for its real-world themes.’ * Magpies *‘Children will love this book for its humour, characters, and relatable problems.’ * Novel Feelings *‘Highly recommended…Gentle but doesn’t avoid some big topics and is written in such a way that children and adults will be able to take something away from it.’ * ReadPlus *‘Some books just hit all the targets…A beautiful story, perfectly suited for its target audience.’ * Buzzwords *‘Karys McEwen proves herself a skilled writer…Will keep readers turning the pages and hoping for the best for this fierce and smart little kid. Highly recommended.’ * CBCA Reading Time *

Karys McEwen is a school librarian, bookseller, vice president of the Victorian branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia, and education advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival. She is passionate about the role libraries and books can play in the wellbeing of young people, and she writes the substack ‘I Read A Lot’.