Cinnamon Rain

Beach bum Luke works shifts at the local supermarket, and avoids trouble at school. His friend Bongo gets wasted, blocks out memories of the little brother social services took away and avoids the stepdad who hits him. Casey, the girl they both love, dreams of escaping to a free new life. But when their lives change, are they ready? Cinnamon Rain is a powerful and authentic look at teen life from talented new Australian author Emma Cameron. This coming-of-age verse novel for young adults deals with strong themes of belonging, homelessness and identity. It was a Notable Book at the 2013 Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book of the Year Awards. Read more about Emma and her other books online at www.emmacameron.com.au “Each character is beautifully rounded, their voices authentic and emotions cleverly revealed … With interesting plot, fully engaging dialogue and intriguing characters, this verse novel is highly recommended.” Reading Time magazine “A trio of characters give their perspectives in this emotionally gripping Australian import … A smart and hopeful debut novel about the necessity of finding one’s own way.” Kirkus Reviews “Cameron’s debut is a novel in verse, and each character gets a chance to tell part of the story … The struggle for the three teens to leave ‘this place,’ which is physically and spiritually different for each, is told with honesty and hope. The book is left open-ended, reinforcing the idea that – just like life – the story continues.” Booklist “Reading Cinnamon Rain is so easy that it’s hard to stop … Cameron’s novel models resilience and resourcefulness and the vital role of friendship in a way that is never didactic but may well inspire her readers as well as providing them with a most encouraging and memorable group of friends.” Magpies magazine “Cameron superbly renders characters who never feel like caricatures … Redemption comes quickly to these highly likable characters in a tale to which many teens will relate.” School Library Journal “This book will be enjoyed by readers of all genres … Throughout this debut novel, the reader is immersed in each character’s uncertainty, hopelessness, and triumph as they each come full circle to find safety and happiness in their new lives.” Library Media Connection (US) “It is a spectacular novel that will have readers finishing the whole thing in one sitting.” VOYA “Three young people experiencing chaos in their lives, how they deal with it and the journey they take is the basis of this extraordinary, moving and well-written verse novel … Emma Cameron has trimmed all the excesses off in this book and has kept only what is absolutely necessary to showcase the characters, their personalities, actions and lives, producing pages of sharp, precise and flawless prose.” Buzz Words Books