Somewhere Around the Corner

Somewhere Around the Corner follows Barbara, a homeless girl in 1994 Sydney who unexpectedly time travels to 1932 during the Great Depression. Through a chance encounter at a demonstration, she receives instructions that transport her back in time. In Depression-era Sydney, Barbara meets the O'Reilly family who take her in and provide her with shelter. The story centers on her experiences adapting to life in the 1930s and her growing connection with Young Jim and his family during this difficult historical period. The narrative explores themes of belonging, family bonds, and the contrast between different time periods in Australian history. Through Barbara's journey between two eras, the book examines how human connection and community persist even in times of hardship.

Readers connect with the emotional depth of Barbara's story and French's portrayal of Depression-era Australia. Many reviews highlight how the historical details and character relationships engage both young readers and adults. Likes: - Authentic depiction of 1930s life and hardships - Strong character development of Barbara - Educational value about Australian history - Balance of serious themes with hopeful moments Dislikes: - Time travel element feels underdeveloped - Some find the ending abrupt - Younger readers may struggle with historical context - Pacing slows in middle sections Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (380 ratings) Amazon AU: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) "The historical details transport you right into Depression-era Sydney," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another reader comments: "The time travel premise could have been explored more, but the human story is what matters here."

Playing Beatie Bow by Ruth Park A girl from modern Sydney slips back in time to colonial Australia where she becomes entangled with the lives of a local family.

The Book of Time by Guillaume Prévost A teenage boy discovers a time travel device and travels through history searching for his missing father.

Charlotte Sometimes by Penelope Farmer A boarding school student switches places with a girl from 1918 through mysterious time shifts in her bed.

The Root Cellar by Janet Lunn An orphaned girl steps through her aunt's root cellar into the 1860s where she finds purpose helping escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad.

Belonging by Virginia Hamilton A foster child moves between present day and the 1860s through an old tree trunk, connecting with her ancestral past and finding her place in both times.

🌟 During the Great Depression in Australia (1929-1932), unemployment reached a staggering 32%, one of the highest rates among developed nations at that time. 🌟 Jackie French has written over 200 books, and in 2015 was awarded the title of Senior Australian of the Year for her contributions to children's literature. 🌟 Time slip novels like this one became particularly popular in children's literature during the 1990s, offering young readers a unique way to engage with historical events. 🌟 The number of homeless youth in Sydney increased significantly during the early 1990s recession, which forms part of the contemporary setting of the novel. 🌟 The book won the 1995 ACT Book of the Year Award and has been used in Australian schools as a tool for teaching both history and social awareness.