
Title: Summer of Shipwrecks
Author: Shivaun Plozza
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Publication date: September 3, 2024
Themes: Friendship, change, integrity, courage, adventure, coming of age, divorce, shipwrecks
Comprehensive teachers’ notes are available on the University of Queensland Press (UQP) website here
Summer of Shipwrecks by Shivaun Plozza and published by University of Queensland Press explores with heart and humour the relatable vulnerability that can surround tween friendships. The perfectly flawed characters, the exploration of the dynamics of tween friendship as well as blended families, the message that change is not only inevitable, but also necessary and the way the themes of courage and integrity are explored will make this highly engaging story one that will no doubt appeal to readers in upper primary school.
Sid counts down the days till she returns to the cherished annual holiday spot her family have been visiting as far back as she can remember. Each year Sid visits The Shipwreck Coast, where she spends two glorious fun filled weeks of adventure with her best friend Lou searching for the Penlee shipwreck’s lost treasure. They are both very invested in the history and inspired by the bravery of the sole survivor of this shipwreck, Katherine Napier, a thirteen year old girl.
This year is different, her Mum and Dad are divorced which sees her father stay back in Brisbane, her Mum has brought her new partner, Tony and his daughter Eva and Lou has brought her popular friend from school, Hailey, on the holiday. Hailey has no interest in treasure hunting. Hailey is eager to spend her days swimming, shopping and meeting the local boys. Lou has also changed; her look, her wardrobe and treasure hunting is no longer of interest to her, in fact spending time with Sid is not a priority as Lou now plans her days with Hailey, leaving Sid on the outer and she very much feels like her and Lou are drifting apart.
This holiday could not be further from what Sid had envisioned. She desperately wants things to be as they were and she struggles to fit in now that Hailey is on the scene. She explores her options and believes that winning the approval of Lou and Hailey is what she must do, but can she do this while staying true to herself? Fitting in will also mean no more treasure hunting, the one thing that she is deeply interested in and the one thing that excites her.
This story holds up a mirror to tweens who have, or are, navigating changing friendships and the trials, anguish and confusion that can come with this while normalising these feelings in a hopeful and constructive way. While Sid navigates her changing friendship with Lou, other relationships blossom, some of which are completely unexpected for Sid.