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  • Published: 29 January 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143783336
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $19.99

The Centre of My Everything




'Often funny, sometimes shocking, always real' - Vikki Wakefield, author of Inbetween Days

Justin’s back, and wants to put the past behind him.

Corey’s a footy hero and high-school dropout who can’t even find work picking fruit.

Tara wants to be loved. But if her mother doesn’t care, why would anyone else?

Margo wants out, and she has a plan to get there.

Plans change. Life happens. Some secrets won’t stay buried. Peace isn’t as simple as laying bones to rest.

'The Centre of My Everything drives a stake through the heart of teen binge-drinking culture and generational racism. Often funny, sometimes shocking, always real – this is not an easy book, and that's exactly why everyone should read it.' Vikki Wakefield, author of CBCA Honour Book INBETWEEN DAYS

  • Published: 29 January 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143783336
  • Imprint: Random House Australia Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $19.99

About the author

Allayne L. Webster

Allayne L. Webster grew up in the coastal fishing town of Kingston South East in South Australia, and she now lives in Adelaide. She is the author of four novels for children and young adults, including Inky Award longlisted Our Little Secret and CBCA Notable Book Paper Planes. Allayne is a board member of the Salisbury Writers’ Festival, as well as a member of the South Australian eKIDnas Authors’ Network, the Society of Children’s Authors and Illustrators (SCBWI) and the South Australian Writers Centre. She has been the recipient of three South Australian arts grants, including for the writing of The Centre of My Everything.

Praise for The Centre of My Everything

The Centre of Everything is both heartbreaking and heart warming. Allayne Webster navigates the world of young adults living in a regional town with a deft hand and sharp eye. The characters are raw and beautifully realised and stay with you long after reading. I was hooked from the first page.

Sue Lawson, author of CBCA Shortlisted FREEDOM RIDE

The Centre of My Everything is a gut-punch of honesty with a sting in the tail. A heart-rending story about the symmetry of love and pain, and the transcendence of strength and compassion. I couldn’t put it down.

Dianne Touchell, author of CBCA Notable Book A SMALL MADNESS

The Centre of My Everything drives a stake through the heart of teen binge-drinking culture and generational racism. Often funny, sometimes shocking, always real – this is not an easy book, and that's exactly why everyone should read it.

Vikki Wakefield, author of CBCA Honour Book INBETWEEN DAYS

Told from multiple points of view, Webster's main characters leap from the page. Authentic, raw, and burdened with their own personal anguish, Tara, Margo, Justin and Corey hurtle towards each other, and towards disaster – but also to a greater truth, exposing lies that have poisoned generations, secrets that should never have been kept. Gripping and heartbreaking, The Centre of My Everything will draw you in and warm your soul.

Nicole Hayes, author of Children's Peace Literature Award Winner ONE TRUE THING

It’s funny, intense and equal parts moving and gut-wrenching.

wildheartreads.wordpress.com

Allayne Webster paints an all-too-convincing picture of a teenage culture adrift on alcohol, vomit and sex, where every indiscretion is filmed and shared . . . As the global #MeToo campaign ramps up, this authentic and memorable novel could hardly be better timed.

Katharine England, Adelaide Advertiser

It is fast paced and engaging, with some pretty deplorable behaviour, balanced by plenty of one-liners and characters that both shock and surprise. Webster has a knack of creating characters that are rough diamonds and provoke empathy within the reader.

Tara, thebigbookclub.com.au

Allayne L. Webster has written another knock out book . . . The Centre of My Everything is not one to be put down, so make sure you have a whole night to read it.

Kate, thebigbookclub.com.au

Awards & recognition

Sisters in Crime Davitt Award

Longlisted  •  2019  •  Best Young Adult Crime Novel

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