Sea Glass by Rebecca Fraser

Over the last few weeks I have been trying to find and read Australian middle grade or junior novels published in 2023 which might be listed as CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) notable titles or even possible short list contenders. I am fairly sure this book would have been submitted and I was pleased to find it in a Melbourne bookshop perhaps it will be a notable title. I was interested to see this independent bookstore (Readings) short listed Sea Glass for their own prize. The Readings judge said:

There are no great adventures to be had, or mysteries to be solved in this book. It is instead a slim, simple story about a world which children, and their parents and grandparents, will easily recognise. Perfect for reading together. — Kate McIntosh

I did want this book to have a deeper emotional impact on me. Some of the confusion and disappointments felt by Cailin seemed to somehow resolve a little too quickly. I guess I anticipated a slightly different story line based on my reading of the blurb. This is a very short book which can easily be read in one sitting. It is a sweet story for younger readers aged 9+ who enjoy stories about family relationships. It certainly is a very Australian book with the references to a Summer Christmas celebration, cricket, Don Bradman, the Christmas day Queen's message, and eating fish and chips at the beach. Grandpa also has a colloquial Australian accent. 

Publisher blurb: When Cailin has to spend Christmas at her eccentric grandfather's shack at Whitefoam Cove, her holiday plans are ruined. She barely remembers him, let alone knows him. Memories of her father are everywhere and, to make matters worse, she's left her cricket bat at home. It's going to be the worst summer ever. But there's treasure to be found at Whitefoam Cove! However just when it seems she and Grandpa are finally making a connection, disaster strikes ... and Cailin knows it's all her fault.

Sea Glass - "Every piece has a story to tell." "Cailin picked up a few pieces from the table and examined them more closely. They really were beautiful, with their perfectly smooth edges and frosted surface. She could see why Grandpa had chosen to decorate his Christmas tree with them." "The sea glass was all different shapes and sizes. Some were round like pebbles and others were oblong, triangular, or whatever-shaped." "Every piece has a tale to tell ... It all starts with what it used to be and where it came from." "Anything that originally started out as glass. Broken bottles that once held beer, wine, juice, milk, even perfume. ... You'd be surprised what ends up in the sea ... It sinks to the bottom of the ocean, breaks apart as it tosses against coral and rocks, and little pieces of it gradually become smoother and smoother after years of rolling against the ocean floor. Until finally, the sea glass gets tossed up on the shore as beautiful sea gems for us to find."

Image Source: Galicia Spain

Here is an interview with Melbourne author Rebecca Fraser. Read more about Rebecca Fraser here. And here are ten questions with Rebecca Fraser.  Listen to an audio sample here. Here is a 39 minute interview by Reading with a Chance of Tacos.

Click these review comments to read more plot details:

Every word in every sentence is beautiful. Visual descriptions place the reader directly in the characters’ lives and helps them experience the emotions that are portrayed on the page. Kids'  Book Review

Sea Glass is a calm yet captivating book about reconnecting with family, how grief and loss affects people, the importance of keeping memories and traditions alive for the next generation, and owning up to your mistakes and prejudices. This is a deceptively complex book with strong themes hidden in quiet and unadorned writing, making it a joy to read. Story Links

This tender story explores the power of family, unbreakable family ties, the diverse ways loss and grief may impact individuals and how they cope in the aftermath of such loss. It also explores what at times can feel like a massive intergenerational chasm, yet one that can be bridged by sharing an interest, exploring nature and treasure hunting. This story is also a celebration of the many and beautiful ways a grandparent can influence family dynamics – they are caregivers, teachers, a link to the past, keepers of stories, sharers of knowledge and wisdom. Reading Opens Doors