A small free kiss in the dark

I have just finished reading this gorgeous book by Glenda Millard. It is a gentle telling of war-ridden Melbourne and narrated by Skip, a boy who was already homeless before the start of the war. There is something fascinating to me about stories where the main protagonist is dealing with a war or post-war situation. It may have something to do with growing up during the Cold War where such stories abounded. It's also a great device for kids to be the hero of the story without parental supervision or interference. I enjoyed the Melbourne references, though saddened to think of the State Library taking such a beating. I think it's so important for Australian kids to have their own lives reflected in the stories they read, be it geographical, vernacular or cultural references. Congrats Glenda.