A contemporary young adult novel about the start of a romance and the end of the world, from award-winning Australian YA author, Melissa Keil.
Alba’s life is nothing like the comics she draws – there aren’t any evil villains or radioactive spiders. But Alba’s not complaining. All she needs is her sketchbook, her home behind a bakery and her best friend, Grady.
There’s just one small issue – the world might be ending.
As Alba’s hometown gets overrun by Doomsday enthusiasts, her life is thrown into chaos. Her best friend is acting far weirder than usual, the guy she thought long gone has unexpectedly reappeared and inspiration for her comic has hit rock bottom.
With the end of the world drawing near, Alba knows it’s time to stop being the sidekick in her own story. But as it turns out, Armageddon is the least of her problems …
About the Author
Melissa Keil is the author of three novels for young adults: Life in Outer Space, The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl and The Secret Science of Magic. She won the Ampersand Prize and the Ena Noel Award from IBBY Australia for her debut novel, and has since been recognised in numerous awards including the Prime Minister's Literary Awards and the Western Australian Premier's Literary Awards; the CBCA's Book of the Year for Older Readers; and the teens' choice Gold Inky Awards. Melissa's books have been published all over the world.
Born and raised in Melbourne, Melissa studied Cinema and Anthropology at university and completed a short stint as a teacher in London. She now works as a children's book editor, and spends her free time being a giant nerd and hanging out with her dog, Hugo.
Industry Reviews
'Whip-smart banter ... swoon-worthy romance.' – Kirkus
'I defy you to not enjoy this story.' – thebookbag.co.uk
'There was something about Cinnamon Girl that made me wish it would never end.' – teainthetreetops.com
'This is how you create a quirky and off beat young-adult contemporary, that no doubt readers will fall in love with.' – Goodreads
'This book is absolutely everything.' – Goodreads
'A brilliant story with one of the best endings I've come across to date.' – Goodreads
'The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl is every bit as nerdy, goofy and dramatic as Melissa Keil's Ampersand Prize-winning book Life in Outer Space. It is also every bit as loveable, touching and addictive ... delightfully quirky and oh-so-much fun, a tangible sense of place paired with Alba's strong voice make Keil's new book a total hit.' – Junior Books & Publishing
'A classic coming of age story, told in wry and amusing language by Alba, a girl on the cusp of adulthood ... this is an exceptionally engrossing, well told story of a clever teen girl and her group of friends working out what they want from life, friendship and love.' – Read Plus
'This is a story about embracing change and understanding where fear of change comes from. None of the characters want to be vulnerable, so there's a lot of hiding behind big personalities. It's fun, in a goofy, nerdy kind of way.' – Readings
'A sweet, light-hearted entertaining story that had me laughing out loud at times as well as remembering that stage between high school and adulthood when life seemed so full of possibilities. Alba, Grady and their friends are funny and endearing and the chaos in Eden Valley as the end of the world approaches (maybe) is a great backdrop o the friends' questions about what their future might hold.' – Kids Book Review
'The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl has cemented Melissa Keil onto my favourite author list ... the characters are wonderful and I wish I lived in Eden Valley so I could know them, spend time with them, be friends with them.' – Lily Reads Books
'I could not put this book down – it hooked me from the get go. I loved Alba and her circle of friends and the richly authentic narrative voice that allowed me to connect with an engaging and worthy protagonist.' – Rachael Craw, author of Spark
'A feel-good story with apple strudel, comic books, great friends, and one very adorable, swoon-worthy boy.' – The Tales Compendium
