Blair and his cousin Drew, with a group of other children under the supervision of an instructor, go diving to explore an old shipwreck.
Blair has done an unforgivable thing.
He has taken his elder brother Marcus’ Go-Pro to film the wreck underwater, without permission.
It is a ‘don’t touch’ item as it contains valuable footage of Marcus skating, which he intends to enter in a competition for the best outdoor video for a good amount of prize money.
Blair loses the camera while underwater, and returns to search for it time and time again, even with Drew, but there is no sign of it.
Beside himself with guilt, he doesn't know what to do.
When he gets home, withdrawn, and unhappy, he can’t face anyone.
When his brother goes to get the Go-Pro, it isn't where it should be.
Marcus exhausts all possibilities; of it falling out of the bag, left at a friend’s house, dropped in the bus. A long and anxious search for the camera results in anger and accusations.
Blair is desolate. He says nothing although he knew he wasn’t allowed to touch the camera but did so anyway.
How can he live with secrecy weighing so heavily on his mind.
Will fear of retaliation, and deceit in hiding something done that can’t be undone, stop him from doing the right thing?
He must find the courage to own up and face the consequences.
Things take a turn when Drew shares a long-held secret of her own. Another great influence on his decision is a talk with his Nan at the nursing home.
Into the Blue is a well-written chapter book that reveals the emotional upheaval of mistakes made without thought for the consequences.
It comes with teaching notes, and is accompanied by excellent black and white illustrations, that beautifully reflect the characters’ emotions.
Title: Into the Blue
Author: Cristy Burne
Illustrator: Amanda Burnett
Publisher: Fremantle Press, $ 14.99
Publication Date: 4 May 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760993870
For ages: 6+
Type: Junior Fiction
