Try something new?
Stay quiet as a mouse?
Show his true self to the world?
Better choose well…
Rob is utterly smitten with the new girl in his class and too tongue-tied to even say hello. Easier to play chess with his grandfather every afternoon at the old folks’ home.
But when text messages from an unknown number challenge the 13 year old to get out of his comfort zone if he wants to succeed, Rob enters his Australian town’s youth talent show, even though public speaking gives him panic attacks.
Inspired by another text, non-sporty Rob tries out for the soccer team because Destry likes athletes – and makes the team as goalie! (but no changing in the locker room…)
Publically protesting the environmental damages of meat production gets Rob featured in the newspaper, as one text challenged, and also sent to the principal’s office for the very first time.
Bad at math, he can count on best pal Andrew and sailor-mouthed grandad.
Great in English, Rob struggles to write the perfect poem for Destry!
Will the Vietnam War ghosts ever stop tormenting his grandad?
When will Daniel stop bullying Rob?
As the mysterious texts continue, Rob moves slowly off his path of comforting routines and begins to find himself, despite how others see him.
What challenge would you like to see in your inbox?
**kmm
Book info: A Song Only I Can Hear / Barry Jonsberg. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2020 (USA). [author site] [publisher site] Review copy and cover image courtesy of the publisher.
