Barry Jonsberg – Catch Me If I Fall (Literature Review)

Barry Jonsberg is a much-loved literary figure of the YA/junior fiction genre. For years, he has been entertaining thousands of fans with a swathe of novels, including A Song Only I Can Hear and My Life As An Alphabet, the latter of which has been adapted into a movie (H is for Happiness).

 His newest junior fiction novel set in a futuristic Australia, Catch Me If I Fall promises to be just as entertaining as his previous releases, while also introducing younger readers to social concepts and issues they might not be aware of.

As identical twins, Ash and Aiden Delatour are closer than most siblings. Since they were little, they have vowed to protect one another, and they try their best to keep that promise. They know that their life is privileged, but it’s not until they attend school for the first time at age 12 that they realise just how privileged they are. But when Aiden has an accident, it threatens their bond and turns their world upside down.

Reading Catch Me If I Fall, it’s easy to see why Jonsberg’s work has been so highly regarded. While Ash isn’t always the most likeable character, she is someone most readers will identify with. The relationship between Ash and her family, and the relationship between Ash and Aiden in particular is well-crafted and develops quite well throughout the book as they grow up and endure the ups and downs they face in the aftermath of Aiden’s accident.

Writing for young readers, even if they’re slightly older, is a tricky thing to balance. You want to cover important issues children or teens may face while growing up, be that puberty and relationships, or other social issues like climate change (as featured in this book). But the issue is that the book can turn into a “message novel” as authors strive to hit their intended purpose.

Catch Me If I Fall is not one of those books. Jonsberg’s writing style is easy to read and follow, even when discussing social issues, and keeps the reader entertained throughout with a delicate balance of plot, message and characterisation.

Overall, Catch Me If I Fall is a great book about growing up in a society where news and social issues can’t be ignored. If you or your younger reader are looking for a middle-grade novel with a bit more heart, consider this one.

Catch Me If I Fall is out through Allen & Unwin and is recommended for readers aged between 10 and 14 years old.  To find out more about Barry Jonsberg and his work, click here.

This article is featured as part of my Spotlight on Australian Authors series. If you’ve missed an interview or review, click the image below.

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