Multiple narrators and diverse narrative forms, including stream of consciousness, lists, and excerpts from Living with Teenagers, all tell the engaging story of Australian 15-year-olds Rosie and Asher. Rosie tests new boundaries with her parents, especially over the issue of a nose ring, and becomes exasperated over frequent confrontations with her controlling mother. Asher, a dreadlock-sporting product of former hippie parents who are now split up, enters a new, repressive school and is soon falsely accused of stealing a teacher’s wallet. Both teens hunger for a taste of freedom and set out on a hitchhiking adventure that leads to romance and self-discovery, not only for the teens themselves but the parents left behind. Portraying the adolescent experience from many sides, the author reveals growing up and fitting in not only as a universal, adolescent event but a life-long achievement. Lowry’s Australian lingo, lyrical descriptions, likable characters, and creative format are sure to be an instant hit with teens. (Fiction. YA)
