‘A finely crafted novel that deals with friendship, racism and social ostracism ... Saluting To Kill a Mockingbird and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Silvey movingly explores the stifling secrets that lurk behind the most ordinary of facades’ Marie Claire ‘This is first-class fiction … a feisty Babushka doll of a novel that delves into serious issues with a deceptively light touch but deep intent. Its world and characters linger in the imagination long after the reading is over’ – Miles Franklin Award judge’s comments ‘Jasper Jones is a beautifully constructed book with a page-turning narrative and outrageously good dialogue’ – Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Sydney Writers' Festival ‘Jasper Jones is a well-paced, eminently readable bildungsroman, complete with social commentary, a dab of racism and a distant but morally righteous parent ... The exultation contained in the description of a cricket game featuring Charlie's irrepressible best friend ("Jeffrey Lu on debut") is enough alone to earn this book sentimental-classic status’ - The Monthly ‘Deeply thoughtful, remarkably funny and playful’ – Readings