On Different Shores

By Jen McVeity

While participating in the rescue of a beached whale, Australian teenager Tess finally confronts her fear of swimming and begins to resolve her difficult relationship with her father. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 053130115X
• ISBN13: 9780531301159
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Orchard Books
• Length: 167 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 10 to 14 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 9

Customer Reviews

Insightful family exploration, and a great main character!

To save beating around the bush - I loved this book! I come myself from a confused and complicated family arrangement (what with 'steps' and so forth!), and I think that Jen has a knack for capturing the exact feelings a child within this situation might feel. I've certainly felt many of the feelings that 'Tess' discussed. I disagree with the previous reviewer that associated 'Dreamcatcher' with only steroetypes. I think that, as far as any author really can, Jen managed to disregard the stereotypes that normally go with complicated family relationships (evil stepmother, jealous half sister, neurotic divorced woman). I really like the interesting twist of the two 'mothers' actually becoming friends. It was also refreshing to see strong girl and women characters within this work. The novel works as a great affirmation of the strength of women, and I am sure that it will inspire many young girls. Tess was particularly endearing to me, and i think an effective balance between her strength and vulnerability was reached here! The fact that both of the sisters had strong physical bodies, but were weak or scared within them, was an image that worked well throughout this novel. I would recommend this book to children and adults alike, with its relevance increasing as family situations complicate. It is also quick and fun to read - it's use of dialogue is particularly astute and funny!It would also make a great film!

Great book!

I loved the book! I stayed up until after midnight to finish Dreamcatcher (that's what it's called in Australia), it was so good I couldn't put it down. Tess is exactly like one of my best friends, fabulous fun and not always right! I cried in the scene when her sister doesn't do the trampoline routine and you really hope the two mothers will be friends. The ending is incredibly exciting, it makes you think you really are there. The book is set for our Year 7 class and everyone thinks it's great.Amanda

Effective portrayal of Teen relationships

One of the strengths of the author's writing is her realistic portrayal of adolescent feelings and relationships. The setting is effective portrayed and I'd recommend this book as a 'good read'for male and females. I hope there will be a sequel.