Review: The Name at the End of the Ladder

September is preparing for the biggest moment of her life. At twelve years of age, everyone in her world receives a name to replace the one that marks their date of birth. But September’s plans are a little different. She doesn’t want a plant name.

Is it possible to be called something different without severe, perhaps life threatening side effects? September is prepared to take the risk. Her chance lies in an elaborate board game several floors below the official Name Bank.

Is the game safe? Why don’t any of her friends seem to know about it? And what happens if you lose? Could there be a fate worse than being named after a flower?

With mysterious voices, a strange boy and a severe case of sweet tooth, September takes you on a rollercoaster of an adventure. While the story is slow to start, it’s worth hanging in there for lift-off.

Title: The Name at the End of the Ladder
Author: Elena de Roo
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $14.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2014
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781922244475
For ages: 9+
Type: Middle Fiction