The Beauty Is in the Walking (James Moloney, HarperCollins)

Adolescence can be difficult enough without the added burden of unrequited love, racial tension and cerebral palsy. The not-so-sleepy town of Palmerston is also under threat when a disturbing crime is uncovered. Determined not to be defined by his physical limitations, Jacob O’Leary is making the most of his last year in high school by focussing on exams and doing his best to get close to Amy. But when the town links a Muslim boy to a recent spate of animal brutality, Jacob feels compelled to get involved. James Maloney certainly gives his young protagonist plenty to work with and there are lots of personal struggles to overcome. There is a danger that this book could be viewed as ‘issue heavy’, but the veteran, award-winning children’s author doesn’t preach—instead he allows his flawed, complicated and relatable characters to struggle with a range of credible issues that never feel contrived. The result is a satisfying read for those who enjoy a multi-strand story about love, justice and learning to stand on your own two feet.

Frances Atkinson is the children’s book specialist at My Bookshop