Cedar hangs out on the edges of the neighbourhood social circuit with Stinky, her dog and best friend. Things start to change when she meets a boy called Kite and finds they have a lot in common - both have single parents, both are loners with colourful inner lives, both like beanies, dogs and acrobatics. Together they form a circus troupe and put on a dazzling performance that helps to unite their inner-city community. Along the way, Cedar gains some understanding of her missing brother, her hard-working mother, her less-than-perfect father - and herself.
More reviews:
'vibrates with authenticity', School Library Journal, USA
'Cedar's witty, wry voice will seduce even the most cynical', Bulletin with Newsweek
By:
Martine Murray
Imprint: Allen & Unwin
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions:
Height: 195mm,
Width: 130mm,
Spine: 18mm
Weight: 206g
ISBN: 9781865086231
ISBN 10: 1865086231
Pages: 228
Publication Date: 01 February 2002
Recommended Age: From 10 To 13
Audience:
Young adult
,
Preschool (0-5)
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Out of Stock Indefinitely
From the author: I think this book is mainly about belonging. More specifically, it's about belonging exactly as you are, without having to tone down or change your colour in order to blend in. It's about learning to believe enough in you own uniqueness to let it shine out. And it's about the trouble we sometimes have to go to if there isn't a perfectly-shaped spot for us to fit into (and shine out from). I hope it encourages people to carve out that spot instead of carving some of themselves away (or dulling their own light) in order to fit into the small spots that are already there. I think Cedar learns how to carve out her spot, and in doing that she creates a special community of friends and family who can link their shining selves in support of each other. I think it is also about friendship and family. Close relationships can be so very complicated. This book is about those complications. I see them as being the curly threads that we struggle to unravel. Whether w
Reviews for The Slightly True Story of Cedar B. Hartley: (who planned to live an unusual life)
'Martine Murray's sparky wit captures a joyously weightless world'Sunday Age17/2/2002'a remarkable novel about learning to accept yourself for who you are and realising your full potential...it would give any young reader a feeling of acceptance and teach them to celebrate their individuality'- Michele Perry, The Blurb, Issue 16'I feel really sad that the book is over; it was such a wonderful story that I want it to never finish.' Marnie (aged 9)'a wise, witty, endlessly inventive narrative - seriously charming'Robyn Sheahan-Bright, Australian Book ReviewApril 2002
- Short-listed for 2003 2003 (Australia)
- Short-listed for CBCA Book of the Year 2003 (Australia)
- Short-listed for Younger Readers 2003 (Australia)
- Shortlisted for Children's Book Council of Australia Awards: Book of the Year - Young Readers 2003.
- Shortlisted for NSW Premier's Literary Award Patricia Wrightson Prize 2003.
