Wow, all I can say is wow. This is an absolutely amazing book.
Challenging the traditional views of disability Richard Yaxley has created an absolutely amazing book.
Usually I don’t write out what blurbs or publishing websites have written about a book but you need to know what this book is about so you can make the executive decision to go out and buy it for any your child, or a relative that is in the 10-15 age range.

‘Joyous & Moonbeam documents the unlikely friendship of Joyous, a 33-year-old 
disabled man who works all day making pin cushions, and Ashleigh, a troubled teen, 
that Joyous renames ‘Moonbeam’ on their first meeting. Joyous, true to his name, 
lives by a philosophy that celebrates all life has to offer, and his unwavering certainty has a profound effect on his new friend. The nuanced narrative is told through conversations, letters and journal entries, and each episode adds another layer until the story is complete. This is an important story that challenges traditional views of disability.’ –Scholastic

The book is recommended for 12+ but I think 10 and 11 year olds could handle this book or would benefit from it being read to them even if they do not completely grasp all the concepts. I think by the time children get to the 16/17 age range they’re moving onto a whole new world of books. But as a story I think it would still be wonderful for any teen.

Joyous & Moonbeam is Yaxley’s 2nd young adult novel. His first,  Drink the Air winning the young adult prize at the 2010 Queensland Premier’s Literary Awards. Yaxley is an author and educator based in Queensland. He writes novels, plays, poetry and educational texts. In 2011 Richard was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to education, literature and performing arts. You can read more of his works and get in touch with him at: http://richardwyaxley.wordpress.com/ 

Joyous & Moonbeam hits shelves this month (April 2013) and will hopefully make its way into many homes over the year. Also set to make its way into schools, Scholastic has again published another great book that will hopefully make some real difference in the attitudes of our children. This is a must read.

Release Date: April 2013
Author: Richard Yaxley
Age: 12+
– Leah                                                                                                      Publisher: Scholastic