The Minnow

Winner of The Text Prize for Young Adult and Children's Writing, 2013.

"Quietly powerful and compelling. A tender, lyrical book about love, loss and starting over."—Meg Rosoff, author of How I Live Now

'A powerful touchstone of longing and melancholy...Sweeney expertly moves between memories and time periods, creating a patchwork narrative that pulls readers toward answers just below the surface. Ages 12–up.' Publishers Weekly [starred review]

"Gorgeously strange and wonderfully told."—Glenda Millard, author of A Small Free Kiss in the Dark

"A story full of deep meanings. . . . An intriguing tale."—Weekend Herald

"Immensely readable. . . . An unconventional story about resilience, friends, pregnancy, and family. Verdict: Winner."—Herald Sun

"Diana Sweeney gives Tom a believable voice: innocent, headstrong, anxious but determined. . . . This strong debut will resonate with young people and adults alike."—Books + Publishing

Tom survived a devastating flood that claimed the lives of her sister and parents. Now she lives with Bill in his old shed by the lake. But it's time to move out—Tom is pregnant.

Diana Sweeney's young protagonist is tougher than we might expect. The Minnow shows us not only what Tom has lost. Equally important is what she has held onto, and the quiet but intense ways in which she thrives.

In her longing for what is lost, Tom talks to fish: Oscar the carp in the pet shop, little Sarah catfish who might be her sister, an unhelpful turtle in a tank at the maternity ward. And the Minnow.

Diana Sweeney is a university lecturer and fashion model. The Minnow is her first novel. She was born in Auckland, and now lives in New South Wales.