Author(s): Gabrielle Wang

Middle

Readers Cup 2023 Meet Zadie Ma, a girl who writes magical stories that sometimes come true. Can Zadie bring to life her most important story of all... the one where she finds Jupiter, the dog of her dreams? From one of Australia's most esteemed and award-winning children's authors comes a heartwarming story set in postwar Melbourne about courage, friendship, the magic of stories and one girl's unwavering love for her dog. Zadie Ma has a special talent for telling stories... and it seems that some of Zadie's stories come true. Zadie's dearest wish is to have a dog of her own and so she starts to write the story of a poor unwanted dog called Jupiter, who's just waiting to be rescued by a loving girl like Zadie. One morning when she's supposed to be minding the family shop for her mother, Zadie sets off to look for Jupiter. The scene that unfolds isn't quite the same as in her story but she does find a real dog, and his name is Jupiter. Once Zadie has rescued him, she realises she can't just take Jupiter home because her mother won't let her keep a dog. Luckily her bold new friend Sparrow lets Zadie keep Jupiter at her house till Zadie can work things out. But a series of unlucky events means that Zadie can't write the happy ending she dreams of for her story, and now she may lose her beloved Jupiter forever. Can Zadie's most important story of all finally come true?

MATILDA BOOKSHOP REVIEW

Zadie Ma is a shy young lady who finds refuge in writing fable-esque short stories. She is beginning to notice that some of her stories are echoed in the real world. This is how her longing for a dog of her own comes to be, though there will be unforeseen complications. Through the young but wise eyes of Zadie, Gabrielle Wang tackles racism, familial guilt and PTSD with delicacy and compassion. This is ultimately a very hopeful read. I particularly loved the details of 1950's Australia; blue heaven malt shakes served in the milk bar, games of marbles played at recess... delightful! Emilie