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  • Published: 7 May 2019
  • ISBN: 9780143796442
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $19.99

Promise Me Happy




A beautifully written contemporary YA with a love story at its heart, by one of Australia's best-loved authors for young people.

I don’t know if it’s possible for people to change, not really. The way you’re made up, the important stuff, I reckon you’re born with that . . . when it matters, when it really matters, we are who we are.
Nate’s had it tough. An abusive father. His mother dead. He’s done things he regrets.

But he’s never met anyone like Gem. She’s a tiny piece of wonderful and she’ll change everything he knows about himself. Is this the beginning of happiness? Or is there more hardship around the corner?

  • Published: 7 May 2019
  • ISBN: 9780143796442
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $19.99

About the author

Robert Newton

Robert Newton works as a firefighter with the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. His first novel, My Name is Will Thompson, was published in 2001. Since then he has written seven other novels for young people, including Runner, The Black Dog Gang (shortlisted for the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards) and When We Were Two (winner of a Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Young Adult Fiction). He lives on the Mornington Peninsula with his wife and three daughters.

Also by Robert Newton

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Praise for Promise Me Happy

Newton does an outstanding job of delivering authentic, absorbing characters who draw you in, hook, line and sinker.

Frances Atkinson, the Sydney Morning Herald

Robert Newton tackles big themes – overcoming loss, being comfortable in your own skin and not judging others based on their appearance – with humour and a light touch . . .

Books and Publishing

Authentic and affecting, this tender coming-of-age story will not disappoint . . .

Magpies magazine

Newton’s writing teems with bright, engaging dialogue, a compelling historical setting and fully developed characters . . .

Publisher’s Weekly (US)

Mr Romanov’s Garden is not only striking for its unexpected tangents, layered, sensory writing and contrasting images and colours, but also for its tender portrayal of the transformation of Lexie and her young friends.

The Australian

Finding yourself, finding your path, not pre-judging people, multicultural and multi-generational friendship, resilience: all themes in this novel. This book feels important from the moment you start reading.

Magpies magazine

Awards & recognition

WA Young Readers Book Award

Shortlisted  •  2020  •  Older Readers Award

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2020  •  Older Readers

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Teachers' notes