FLIP

A new kid in town navigates tragedy and change in this accessible Australian import.

High schooler Denim Davies hates living with his dad in a caravan park in the small coastal town of Driftwood. He’d rather be back home in Melbourne, but his mother’s death and his family’s economic hardship have forced his father to seek new opportunities. Only Denim’s new friendship with Mina, a goth girl with a heart of gold, helps him put up with obnoxious class bully Tyler. Outside of school, Denim browses in local secondhand shops to find items he can sell online. By flipping vintage and collectible pieces, he hopes to help his dad afford a permanent home for them. But Denim must figure out what to do when one of his discoveries presents him with a moral dilemma. Realistic, well-written dialogue that includes some Australian slang and bite-size chapters that welcome reluctant readers support Fraser’s exploration of rich and meaningful themes related to family losses, grief, and compassion. The dynamic characters, who largely present white, deal with tragedies maturely, bonding as they metaphorically flip their difficult circumstances into personal growth. Denim admirably navigates self-management under pressure, and his interactions with his father reflect refreshingly positive male relationships. Overall, this work challenges stereotypical assumptions and promotes hopefulness and empathy. The appealing, open-minded protagonist radiates resilience in a complicated teenage world.

A thoughtful, optimistic, and highly engaging novel with a strong sense of place and robust characterization.