The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart
Samera Kamaleddine
The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart
Samera Kamaleddine
Friendship, family and feelings collide in this sparkling middle-grade debut from Matilda Prize winner, Samera Kamaleddine.
Evie Hart likes rules. A lot. But as she embarks on her very last year of primary school, it feels like all the rules around her are being broken.
When Evie's class starts learning about the Earth's place in the universe, it makes Evie think about her own place in the world and where she belongs. Which has her more worried than ever.
When your mum writes a horoscope page for a living, it's hard not to think about what the future holds. Especially when she and the only dad Evie has ever known are acting like they're on different planets.
But the more Evie learns about the sky and the stars, the more she learns that changes in the world can't always be controlled. And maybe that's not a bad thing.
From the inaugural winner of the Matilda Prize comes a tender and moving story about one girl's journey to find her place in the world.
Review
Clare Millar
Samera Kamaleddine won the inaugural Matilda Children’s Literature Prize in 2020 for her debut young adult novel Half My Luck. Now, she returns with her middle grade debut The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart. Evie, a 12-year-old girl, likes rules and consistency. She really doesn’t like change, so when she discovers that her stepdad Lee is moving to Dubbo to build a bridge, Evie’s world is thrown upside down. Between this news and the confronting world of high school looming, she is both uncertain and worried about the future.
Endearing and memorable characters make this book shine – there’s Evie’s mum, whose magazine astrology section brings about beautiful, complex conversations; then there’s Evie’s best friend Farrah, who could talk forever; and Nance O’Neil, a caring neighbour who brings iced finger buns every Wednesday afternoon. With this cast of characters, Evie slowly begins to realise she has a solar system of support around her.
This is an enchanting read for young space lovers, with each scientific fact and astrological point aligning metaphorically with Evie’s changing life. It’s also a great read for when big feelings are overwhelming, for learning how to navigate anxiety and change, especially at home, and about extending kindness even in unexpected places. For ages 8+.
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