WILLOW BRIGHT’S SECRET PLOT
Willow Bright’s Secret Plot
A middle-grade mystery story about growing up, finding your place in the world and the restorative power of nature.
‘I feel her in the breeze that makes the dahlias bob, and in the scent of the roses …’
After moving to the city from the country, Willow Bright feels like she’s lost her mum all over again―and landed on another planet.
Her clothes are wrong, her taste in music is wrong, and even the food she eats is wrong. But when Willow spots a pattern in a series of puzzling accidents and mishaps, she forms an unlikely friendship―and finds new purpose.
Can Willow solve the mystery and find room to be herself along the way? Or will her plot to run home to the wide-open spaces and memories of her mum land Willow in even more trouble?
What reviewers are saying about
WILLOW BRIGHT’S SECRET PLOT
‘Willow Bright’s Secret Plot’ is warm and witty, full of heart, mystery, and just the right amount of dirt under the fingernails. It weaves themes of identity, belonging, grief, and the shift from country to city living into a super engaging story.
With a subtle thread of gardening running throughout, there is also a reminder that even when you feel out of place, you can still bloom where you’re planted. Perfect for readers 9–12.’
Megan Daley, Your Kid’s Next Read
“This is a wonderful story about adjusting to a new life, being true to yourself, accepting friends and family for who they are, dealing with grief and helping others.
Willow’s determination and attitude make her a character that you will love, and her relationship with Mr Belrose (Mr B) highlights how important connection and companionship are to older people. This will be enjoyed by those in middle to upper primary.”
‘Everything we learn in this heartfelt book is created with love and an understanding of how pivotal changes at crucial ages can affect us, as well as a deep understanding of the foreverness of grief, however long it has been, however old we are.
I think books like this remind us of the little Willow in all of us, who is singing and dancing, and roping cows whilst trying to find her way in a confusing world that doesn’t seem to get any easier to understand.
Another fantastic A.L. Tait book, and I can’t wait to see what she brings us next.”
Ashleigh Meikle, The Book Muse
“Great story with all the connections to community we need to see in our lit for children. Willow is a great person.”
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