Thunderhead

When I listen to music it speaks to me, fills up my soul until I’m bursting with the rainbow-sprinkled, breathless, blush-red joy of being ALIVE.

Meet Thunderhead: awkward, music-obsessed and a magnet for bad luck. Their favourite things in life are listening to records and hanging out with their best (and only) friend Moonflower. But Thunderhead has a big secret. And when Moonflower moves schools, they’re faced with the reality of surviving the wilderness of high school alone. Make new friends? NOTHANKYOUVERYMUCH. As two big life events approach, Thunderhead posts playlists and heartfelt diary entries as an outlet to try to make sense of their changing world, to try to calm the storm brewing in their brain and to find the courage to unfurl their heart.

Drawing on Sophie Beer’s own experiences, this indelible illustrated middle grade novel about music, disability, friendship and fandom is immediately engaging, utterly authentic and entirely unputdownable.

‘I gobbled up this amazing book in two sittings. Thunderhead is my new hero: so smart, funny and true. What a good soul. This beautiful and important story deals with so much and is so heartfelt. An absolute cracker of a story.’ Karen Foxlee, award-winning author of Dragon Skin and Lenny’s Book of Everything

‘I loved it! A tuneful and tender story … Australia’s answer to Wonder by RJ Palacio.’ Danielle Binks, bestselling author of The Year the Maps Changed

‘Thunderous applause for this book.’ Remy Lai, award-winning creator of Ghost Book

‘I love how Thunderhead pulls no punches, takes the reader’s heart out and wrings it dry, but is ultimately full of hope and joy, friendships and family.’ Bren MacDibble, bestselling author of The Raven’s Song

‘A poignant and personal story that sings with originality, humour and heart. I adored this book.’ Pip Harry, award-winning author of August & Jones

‘Thunderhead is a triumph: an intelligent, funny and heart-twisting story, told by a character that readers will love.’ Peter Carnavas, award-winning author of My Brother Ben

‘A spectacular book with an irresistible voice, packed with originality and glorious quirks.’ Kate Foster, award-winning author of The Bravest Word

‘I’m such a big fan of Sophie Beer! Thunderhead is a skilfully crafted character, brought to life by Sophie’s flamboyant, energetic prose.’ Anna Zobel, creator of This Camp Is Doomed

Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Imprint: Allen & Unwin Children’s Books
Publication date: 29/10/2024