'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Wednesday, 10 May 2023

Review: Tumble Glass

When Rowan and her sister Ash find a mysterious ring in their house, they tumble back in time to a party where their teenage mum is hanging with friends. 

It’s completely out-of-this world, completely unbelievable, but before long Rowan wakes in her own time and the adventure is done.

Except… Ash didn’t travel back with her, and Rowan suspects the ring (which she has on her finger) is the source of the time-travel power. Ash is stuck in the past, and Rowan has no idea how to get her back.

So starts an adventure Rowan feels very unprepared for. She must work with her kooky neighbour Verity (who reveals some very interesting facts about Rowan’s house and how to time-travel safely) and reach back in time again and again to collect the things she needs to save her sister. 

Along the way she'll face some hard truths about herself and her family, uncover secrets and learn about the dangers of jumping to conclusions (and through to time).

Tumble Glass is a fantastic middle-grade read for fans of contemporary/fantasy mix stories. It’s a wild adventure from start to finish, but it’s also a deep and heartfelt story about being brave and facing emotional challenges.

Kate Constable’s way with words is beautiful and addictive. Her characters are complicated and interesting — people with flaws and quite a few secrets, which all come out by the end. Time travel is always challenging to write, but Constable does it with talent and flair, in a fresh and engaging way that pulls historical Australian events and facts into the mix. 

If you love a contemporary middle-grade with a fantastical twist, this one is most definitely for you.

Title: Tumble Glass
Author: Kate Constable
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $17.99
Publication Date: 31 January 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760526962
For ages: 9 - 13
Type: Middle Grade