Get a Grip, Cooper Jones

Description

Cooper Jones longs for the time when life was simple. When all he needed to worry about was whether to change his undies or make do. Now, suddenly, his life has become all too complicated. Cooper is plagued by thoughts of the father he has never known - the man he suspects of being a cowardly loser; the man he suspects he is starting to take after. Then there's Mum. She has been acting weirder than normal, as if Cooper's growing a few centimetres is a criminal offence. What is going on there? When the gorgeous Abeba arrives in Wangaroo Bay, Cooper's anguish cranks up a notch, as he realises that he's not the only one whose life is complicated. Set against the backdrop of a fiery summer, Cooper needs to realise that when life is spinning out of control, sometimes you just need to get a grip.

Sue Whiting started her working life as a primary school teacher with a special interest in literacy education and children's literature. In 2005, Sue left teaching to pursue a career in children's book publishing and is now Publishing Manager for Walker Books Australia. She is also a successful children's author who has written picture books, chapter books and novels for teens. Her novel Get a Grip, Cooper Jones (Walker Books) is a 2011 CBCA Notable Book. Her latest books are Portraits of Celina, a tale of revenge from beyond the grave (13+), and a picture book, A Swim in the Sea, illustrated by Meredith Thomas. Visit her online: www.suewhiting.com

A boy's search for his identity, while adjusting to the changes in his life, is brilliantly brought into focus by the frightening power of an Australian bushfire. Whiting has taken the angst of growing up and enveloped it in the scent of sea salt, barbecued fish and burning eucalypts. * Good Reading Magazine * ... the setting and the likeable characters make Get a Grip, Cooper Jones a quality read for ages 10+. It is spot-on in the pitfalls of growing up, and also touches on a variety of topics that will encourage the reader to ponder life outside their own Wangaroo Bay. * Magpies * Authentic, clever and entertaining; this one is a winner for readers of any age. * West Australian * Sue Whiting has deftly captured the looks, sounds, and smells of an Australian summer. Also, she has successfully adopted quite a stream of consciousness narrative style. It takes the reader along with Cooper as exciting events unfold. There is so much to recommend in this story. * Reading Time * Sue Whiting's novel has engaging characters and a strong sense of place. The coastal town where Cooper lives is well drawn, including the bushfires that rage in the neighbouring towns during the scorching summer days. This book is recommended for junior readers. * Australian Bookseller and Publisher * When a story makes you cry, you know that it has touched you on a deep emotional level. Get A Grip, Cooper Jones, is Sue Whiting's latest book for children and when I was reading it, I found myself both laughing and crying. -- Dee White * Kids' Book Capers * Get a Grip, Cooper Jones touches on the themes of friendship, family, adoption and identity. It is humorous and a thoroughly enjoyable read. The freshness of the story will resonate with Australian teenagers. -- Val Mancini