It seems like Otto is always in the wrong place at the wrong time. Leaving a difficult past in California behind and making a new start in the small beachside town of Red Sands, Australia, isn’t going as planned. Two fires break out in quick succession and Otto becomes a suspect for both blazes – he needs to prove his innocence while the locals have him pegged as the blow-in troublemaker.
In this exciting debut young adult novel, Carla Salmon had me on the edge of my seat from the first paragraph. The pace is fast and fraught and doesn’t really let up throughout, as tensions mount in Red Sands. The chapters alternate between the perspectives of new boy Otto, and Milly, the daughter of local Surf Club legend, Mick. Milly is vying for Surf Club Captaincy with her twin, Jasper, in the lead-up to an important Surf Life Saving competition, when she becomes embroiled in Otto’s problems.
Aside from being a page-turner, the novel also explores the difficulties faced by teens, when everything they do can be filmed and shared online. The story delves into friendship, loyalty and family and highlights the sometimes blurry line between doing the right or wrong thing. Although the novel is marketed as YA, I think older tweens would enjoy it too and judging by the reviews in the front cover it’s a good fit for 11+.
Reviewed by Amanda Brinkman
Age Guide 12+
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carla Salmon is a teacher who loves telling stories.
As Lead Teacher at Brisbane Grammar School, Carla thrives on creating learning experiences, having developed communication skills and a love of reading in hundreds of eager (and many not so eager) young minds over 10 years.
Her debut novel, We Saw What You Started, is inspired by her country coastal childhood, where sports ruled and beach campsites were paradise. Much like the students in her classrooms today, her characters lead action-packed lives with plenty of heart and humour.
Prior to teaching, Carla managed public relations campaigns in London for clients including the Daily Telegraph House and Garden Fair. Later, she returned to Australia to lead international marketing strategies for Bond University, fostering tertiary relationships in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and South America.
Now as an author, Carla shares her passion for all forms of storytelling with teen readers and writers.
When Carla’s not at school talking books with teachers and librarians, she loves following her husband and two teenage children on sun seeking adventures.
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