The Simple Gift

Teacher Resource

Publisher's synopsis

My hand in his stops trembling, for a moment.

When the paths of a runaway teenage boy, an old hobo and a rich girl intersect in an abandoned train yard, each carries their own personal baggage. Over early mornings, long walks and cheap coffee they discover, no matter how big or small, it’s the simple gifts in life that really make a difference.

A life-affirming look at humanity, generosity and love.

Awards

Shortlisted, 2001 New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards – Ethel Turner Prize for Young people’s Literature
Shortlisted, 2001 CBCA Book of the Year Awards – Book of the Year: Older Readers
Highly Commended, 2001 Children’s Peace Literature Award
Nominated, 2017 International Awards – Deutscher Jugendliteratur Preis – Preis der Jugendjury (German Literature Award – Youth Jury Award)

Other Recommended Titles

By the River

Ruby Moonlight

Way Home

Tomorrow, When the War Began

Steven Herrick

Steven Herrick is the author of twenty-five books for children and young adults. His books have twice won the New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards and have been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards on nine occasions. He is widely recognised as a pioneer of the verse-novel genre for young adults. He is also the author of six travel books. He spends nine months of the year visiting schools in Australia and three months on his bicycle, travelling around, pedalling slowly and thinking about his next book.

Photo courtesy of UQP

A beautifully crafted story that reminds us that there is more to people than meets the eye.

Kids’ Book Review

Further Details

Author Steven Herrick

Publisher UQP

Date of Publication 2000

ISBN 9780702231339

Category Poetry

SCIS number

5467099