Brightest Wild

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 READINGS CHILDREN'S FICTION PRIZE

A gently lyrical story about discovering Country and the importance of family, friendship and the magic of the bush, from an emerging Indigenous talent and winner of a black&write! Fellowship.

When eleven-year-old Alex moves to Adelaide from London after her mother gets engaged to a man across the globe, Alex must negotiate a new country, a new school, and (most difficult of all) a new stepbrother, the prickly teenaged Koen.

What sustains Alex in this strange new world is the wonder of the natural world around her, particularly a magnificent tree that comes to represent magic, resilience and strength.

Alex discovers the mystery of the bush, the true impact of climate change and a passion to fight for what is right.