Balancing Act

Fourteen-year-old Josie is talkative, impulsive and awkward. She desperately wants to fit in at school, but the kids think it’s weird that she’s always counting things. And constantly wiping things clean. And avoiding lifts and packed trains. During visits to the city to see her therapist, Josie becomes besotted with a city busker. She fantasizes about him and travels into town to watch his performances at every opportunity. One day Josie’s life begins to overlap with that of Macka, another school outcast. Macka is quiet, sharp-eyed and takes a while to trust people. A bit like the wedge-tail eagles and other birds of prey he trains after school at the Wildlife Haven. While Josie is besotted with the busker, Macka finds himself besotted with Josie. The two soon realise their lives are following similar paths, which causes a series of misunderstandings and missed opportunities, but also helps each develop a sense of self-worth. Written in a lively and humorous style whilst also invoking compassion and empathy for young people who don't fit in, BALANCING ACT by Wendy Graham is a well-rounded and powerful story of finding and accepting yourself.