Adults Only: from the Australian Childrens Laureate for 2018 and 2019

Jake's an only kid. He's the only kid in his family. He's the only kid on his island. Or that's what he thinks. Praise for Adults Only '... demonstrates his usual down-to-earth Aussie humour and empathy. In his inimitable way of mixing scary reality with comedy, Gleitzman sensitively introduces the subject of the cruel children's homes that are a shameful part of Australia's past into an often knockabout story of ghosts, impossible guests and the mysterious Mr Goff.' THE GUARDIAN (Kit Spring) 'A gently entertaining story about one lonely boy. Highly recommended.' ReadPlus The kitchen was a mess. Packets and jars had been flung around. Half the stuff in the fridge was on the floor. There was a trail of flour running through the passage. For a second Jake thought one of the magazine people must have had an urge to make a cake and decided to do it in their room. Or was someone else in the house? Jake's an only kid. He's the only kid in his family. He's the only kid on his island. Or that's what he thinks ... 'Gripping and enjoyable.' CBCA Reading Time Jake, who lives on a holiday resort island owned by his parents where guests are strictly adult-only, must navigate his desire for adventure and companionship while also making sure he doesn't ruin his parents' business by being seen by guests. Filled with exciting missions, mysterious happenings, and plenty of humour, middle to upper primary school readers will not want to miss this exciting and hilarious tale of a boy's quest for adventure on an "Adults Only" island. ————————— PRAISE FOR MORRIS GLEITZMAN 'Readers can't get enough of him.' The Independent 'A brilliantly funny writer' Sunday Telegraph 'A virtuoso demonstration of how you can make comedy out of the most unlikely subject' Sunday Times 'He is one of the finest examples of a writer who can make humour stem from the things that really matter in life.' The Guardian Jake is an only child whose parents run an island retreat for adults. When he learns that the retreat is in financial trouble, Jake tries to help by organising entertainment for the guests involving a stale Easter egg hunt. Next he sends out an email inviting people to come to the island for free but the only visitors Jake attracts are 'the magazine people" from an exclusive travel magazine who create havoc. As punishment Jake must stay in his room for several days during their visit. It is during this time that Jake learns of the island's dark secret. Suggested level: primary, intermediate, junior secondary