Ashleigh and Aiden are thirteen-year-old twins who promise to always look out for each other. Aiden is more dedicated to the task than Ashleigh, but when it comes to matters of life and death, they both exhibit a fierce protectiveness that will change the course of their lives.
'We've been worried about Aiden too, Ash,' said Mum. 'He's always been such a … predictable child. You're not the only one to have noticed the changes.'
Ash and Aiden Delatour are identical twins, living a privileged lifestyle with loving parents. In a world that has fallen apart at the seams, they want for nothing. All they have to do is be there for each other, no matter what.
But after Aiden suffers a terrible injury, he isn't the same brother Ash always relied on. Something has changed, and it will lead to a discovery that will turn their whole world upside down.
A brilliant and timely middle-grade novel from the bestselling author of My Life As An Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear.
About the Author
Barry lives in Darwin in the Northern Territory with his wife, Nita and his dog Zorro, who is certifiably insane. He used to spend some days teaching English at a local school but gave it up after 38 years of classroom contact. That is a very long time and he'd had enough. So now he spends most of his time tapping away at his computer trying to make sense of the stories in his head. He doesn't get much leisure time, but what little there is, is spent walking the dog and reading. He does a lot of reading and a lot of writing. He gave up playing sport when he was fifteen on the grounds he was rubbish but loves to watch Liverpool FC play and was thrilled that England won three successive Ashes series.
Industry Reviews
'Jonsberg has once again delivered a clever and thought-provoking novel.' - Magpies
'Fast paced, with a natural voice... Catch Me If I Fall will spark some fascinating - and necessary - conversations about the future of our planet, the ethics of technology, and the way we can use whatever privilege we have to make a difference.' - The Saturday Paper
'A foreboding sense of mis-matched pieces permeates... this subtle anxiety will keep readers turning pages until every stray puzzle piece has fallen into place. Socially conscious tweens will almost certainly be enthralled by the science fiction elements, dystopian vibe, and brain-bending ending.' - Arts Hub
'A page-turner with important themes that will hook younger readers.' - Sydney Morning Herald
'Barry Jonsberg takes readers on a compelling journey that tackles important issues. From family dynamics and white privilege to climate change and ethics, Catch Me If I Fall has many unexpected twists and turns with a cliff-hanger like no other. This is a great read for readers 10+... strap in and enjoy the ride.' - Better Reading
'In the strangeness of a changing new world, shifts are so subtle, they are embraced as normal and progressive. The chain effect on everyone and everything is brilliantly encompassed in this stunning novel. [Jonsberg] awakens in the reader, areas of their mind, and the world, which perhaps they have never explored till the moment they opened one of his books.' - Kids' Book Review
'[Jonsberg's] latest book charms and thrills its readers. The pace of the novel is superb, compelling reading. Though the place we arrive at by the end is clever and unexpected, what mostly reverberates is the importance of being open to what it might mean to be human. Highly recommended for readers from ten to fifteen - and beyond.' - Reading Time
