The sideways orbit of Evie Hart by Samera Kamaleddine.
This book was chosen for the Shortlist in the Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book of the Year Awards 2024 – Younger Readers (7-12) category.
Evie Hart likes rules. A lot. But as she embarks on her very last year of primary school, it feels like all the rules around her are being broken. When Evie’s class starts learning about the Earth’s place in the universe, it makes Evie think about her own place in the world and where she belongs. Which has her more worried than ever. When your mum writes a horoscope page for a living, it’s hard not to think about what the future holds. Especially when she and the only dad Evie has ever known are acting like they’re on different planets. But the more Evie learns about the sky and the stars, the more she learns that changes in the world can’t always be controlled. And maybe that’s not a bad thing.
The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart by Samera Kamaleddine is a delightful and sensitive exploration of identity, and the unexpected twists life can take. This novel captures the tumultuous journey of Evie Hart, as she navigates the complexities of life, family dynamics, and personal discovery.
Evie is a relatable and endearing protagonist whose world is turned upside down when she is forced to re-evaluate her understanding of herself and those around her. Twelve-year-old Evie likes rules and consistency. She is not at all fond of change, so when she learns that her stepdad Lee is moving to Dubbo to build a bridge, her world is turned on its head. With the unsettling changes at home and the challenges of high school on the horizon, Evie is left feeling anxious and unsure about exactly what lies ahead.
Kamaleddine’s narrative weaves together moments of humour, heartache, and revelation, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. The writing is both lyrical and accessible, striking a balance that makes the book a pleasure to read. Her prose is evocative, painting vivid pictures of Evie’s internal and external worlds. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, capturing the voices of her characters with precision and compassion.
The characters in The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart are richly drawn and multi-dimensional. The relationships between Evie and her family, friends, and even adversaries are portrayed with nuance and authenticity, highlighting the complexity of human connections. Engaging and unforgettable characters are what make this book so special – there is Miss Owen, Evie’s year 6 teacher who is teaching her and her class all about the wonders of the solar system; Evie’s mum, who writes horoscopes for a living which leads to deep and meaningful discussions; Nance O’Neil, Evie’s warm-hearted neighbour who visits every Wednesday with iced finger buns; Farrah, Evie’s endlessly chatty best friend; and then there is the steady and loving Lee, Evie’s stepfather. With this wonderful mix of characters, Evie discovers she has a whole universe of support surrounding her.
Central to the novel are themes of identity, resilience, and the importance of embracing change. Kamaleddine, delves into the struggles of early adolescence with sensitivity and insight, offering readers a mirror in which to see their own experiences. A great book for when emotions feel too big to handle, it guides readers through managing those feelings of uncertainty and embracing change.
The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart is a heartwarming novel. Samera Kamaleddine has crafted a story that is both deeply personal and widely relatable. It is filled with moments that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the last page. This book is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys contemporary middle grade fiction with depth and heart. It is an especially great choice for readers who appreciate stories about personal growth, family, and the beauty of finding one’s own path in a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control.
For ages 8+.
