Fall 2024

The Mailbox Tree

  • Interest Level: Grade 3 - Grade 7
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

With sea-levels rising, and the land deforested, over-mined, and affected by bushfires and drought—Tasmania is increasingly marooned, its people abandoned.

Nyx’s father wants them to leave while they still can, but for Nyx, West Hobart is all she’s ever known and where her mother is buried. She seeks solace in the single surviving tree near her home—an 80-foot pine that has defied all odds. Bea, too, finds solace in the tree, and facing a move to the mainland herself, leaves a despairing note, wedged into a hole in its trunk. Nyx finds the note and writes back. But Nyx and Bea don’t realize how special their tree truly is . . .

Format Your Price Add
978-1-76065-941-7
$14.24
978-1-76160-004-3
$23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 3 - Grade 7
Reading Level Grade 3
Category SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2024
Publisher Walker Books Australia
Imprint Walker Books Australia
Language English
Number of Pages 240
Publication Date 2024-08-06
Text Type Fiction—Science Fiction/Fantasy
BISACS JUV029010, JUV064000, JUV039060
Dewey [Fic]
Dimensions 5 x 7.75
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Reviewed, and Teaching Guides

Author: Rebecca Lim

Rebecca Lim is an award-winning writer, illustrator, and editor and the author of over twenty books, including Tiger Daughter (a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award-winner), The Astrologer’s Daughter (a Kirkus Best Book and CBCA Notable Book) and the bestselling Mercy.

Author: Kate Gordon

Kate Gordon grew up in a very bookish house, in a small town by the sea in Tasmania. After studying performing arts and realizing she was a terrible actor, Kate decided to become a librarian and a children’s author.

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

The Mailbox Tree

With sea-levels rising, and the land deforested, over-mined, and affected by bushfires and drought—Tasmania is increasingly marooned, its people abandoned. Nyx’s father wants them to leave while they still can, but for Nyx, West Hobart is all she’s… View available downloads →

Awards

  • 2023 Aurealis Awards Short-list, Short-listed, 2023

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“This genre-blending book will appeal to many, including readers who love grappling with real-world problems, those who appreciate speculative fiction, and anyone seeking a thoughtful, character-driven coming-of-age story. . . . A vividly rendered, evocative story about the power of connection and maintaining hope through despair.”—Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly

“Vivid prose by Lim (Tiger Daughter) and Gordon (the Wordspinners series) evokes a grimly realistic world informed by contemporary issues surrounding climate change. The girls’ experiences with bullying, online escapism, and grief throughout add further emotional depth to this dual-timeline narrative.”—Publishers Weekly