The Thing About Oliver

By Deborah Kelly

A move to the coast tests a family as Tilly's dreams clash with her brother's needs.

3.0/5 Goodreads · 1 ratings

156 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Twelve-year-old Tilly dreams of the ocean, but her life revolves around her autistic brother, Oliver, whose needs overshadow her own. When their family moves to the Queensland coast, Tilly hopes to finally swim and explore marine life. Yet, Oliver struggles with change, and the family's stability is at risk. Can Tilly find her place in the waves without losing her family to the tides of change?

From the publisher

Sometimes I feel just like the glass in my fish tank- people look right through me. Twelve-year-old Tilly dreams of becoming a marine scientist, but she doesn’t even own a swimsuit. She lives in a drought- stricken town with her mum and younger brother Oliver, who is autistic. Oliver’s meltdowns are making life unbearable. He needs so many different kinds of therapy that there’s never any time-or money-left over for swimming lessons. Tilly knows Oliver’s needs have to come first, but it’s hard feeling invisible all the time. When Mum announces they are moving to the Queensland coast, Tilly is excited at the thought of finally learning to swim- even snorkel! But she is also worried. The thing about Oliver is, he can’t cope with even the tiniest of changes to his routine. It isn’t long before the cracks begin to show. Could so many changes all at once threaten to shatter the whole family?

At a glance