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August and Jones
Eleven-year-old Jones Kirby has just moved to Sydney from her farm in country New South Wales. She's missing her alpacas and wide-open paddocks and can't get used to her family's tiny city apartment. She's also worried that her vision is blurry - she lost her eye to cancer as a toddler. Could it be another tumour?
Enrolling at her new school, Jones meets shy, awkward August Genting. He loves fun facts, the library and knitting as much as Jones loves rock climbing and being outdoors. Who would have thought they'd become fast friends?
At home, August's parents are fighting. And for Jones, the news from the doctor is not good. To cheer themselves up, the pair hatch a brilliant plan: the August and Jones Must-See Bucket List. Together, this brave duo will set out to meet a rare monkey, run across the Harbour Bridge and even climb Australia's highest mountain.
After all, with your best friend beside you, anything is possible!
Enrolling at her new school, Jones meets shy, awkward August Genting. He loves fun facts, the library and knitting as much as Jones loves rock climbing and being outdoors. Who would have thought they'd become fast friends?
At home, August's parents are fighting. And for Jones, the news from the doctor is not good. To cheer themselves up, the pair hatch a brilliant plan: the August and Jones Must-See Bucket List. Together, this brave duo will set out to meet a rare monkey, run across the Harbour Bridge and even climb Australia's highest mountain.
After all, with your best friend beside you, anything is possible!
280 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2022
22 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Pip Harry
12 books109 followersPip Harry is an Australian children’s author and journalist. Her middle grade novel, The Little Wave, won the CBCA 2020 Book of the Year Award and the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year. It was shortlisted for the 2020 NSW Premier's Literary Awards – Ethel Turner Prize for Young People's Literature.
Her young adult novels include I’ll Tell You Mine, Head of the River, and Because of You, shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Victorian Premier's Literary Award and Queensland Literary Awards.
Are You There, Buddha? is a 2022 CBCA Notable book and was nominated for the Ethel Turner prize.
Pip’s latest middle grade novel, August & Jones is out now.
Her young adult novels include I’ll Tell You Mine, Head of the River, and Because of You, shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Victorian Premier's Literary Award and Queensland Literary Awards.
Are You There, Buddha? is a 2022 CBCA Notable book and was nominated for the Ethel Turner prize.
Pip’s latest middle grade novel, August & Jones is out now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 25, 2024
A pretty good book about two teens and their friendship and struggles. It didn't knock my socks off nor am I going to insist my 11 year old read it, but it would be good if she did.
July 25, 2022
An inspirational story that I hope is picked up by teachers as well as kids..so many wonderful themes including friendship, resilience, bullying, mental health and one that highlights that learning is a life long journey .
July 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book, although I would have preferred it to have had a slightly different structure. I would have liked to read more about Jones’s life in rural NSW, on the farm near Cotton, including more of her time at school with her two best friends there, as this is just glossed over. Even one extra chapter in Cotton would serve to contrast this time with the life she subsequently faced in Sydney. Jones’s friendships in the small country school as well as day-to-day outback life could have been further explored.
I found the third quarter of the book dragged a little as various bucket list items were ticked off the ‘August-and-Jones’ wish list: the baby monkey viewing at the zoo, the Harbour Bridge fun run, the ‘Hamilton’ theatre trip, the excursion to the art gallery to see the Van Gogh exhibition …. Maybe this section could have been condensed, IMHO.
I applaud Pip Harry for once again tackling challenging real life issues that children face: moving from a familiar and beloved rural home to a new environment, parental pressure, expectations and divorce, new friendships in a different school environment, and the biggie: cancer and subsequent eye removal with inevitable blindness as an outcome.
August and Jones come across as great kids. Their friendship is believable and sweet. August is clearly a nerd and sometimes his sharing of general knowledge facts was a tad tedious. Jones was brave and expressed her fears about losing her sight believably. The first person voices of the children in alternating chapters worked well.
The last chapters, with the ascent of Mt Kosciusko were the best, and the book concluded on a high note (no pun intended). The fact that this book is based loosely on two real children, Jarrah and Mathilde, added poignancy to the story. Well done, Pip Harry, in writing another interesting and heartfelt book.
I found the third quarter of the book dragged a little as various bucket list items were ticked off the ‘August-and-Jones’ wish list: the baby monkey viewing at the zoo, the Harbour Bridge fun run, the ‘Hamilton’ theatre trip, the excursion to the art gallery to see the Van Gogh exhibition …. Maybe this section could have been condensed, IMHO.
I applaud Pip Harry for once again tackling challenging real life issues that children face: moving from a familiar and beloved rural home to a new environment, parental pressure, expectations and divorce, new friendships in a different school environment, and the biggie: cancer and subsequent eye removal with inevitable blindness as an outcome.
August and Jones come across as great kids. Their friendship is believable and sweet. August is clearly a nerd and sometimes his sharing of general knowledge facts was a tad tedious. Jones was brave and expressed her fears about losing her sight believably. The first person voices of the children in alternating chapters worked well.
The last chapters, with the ascent of Mt Kosciusko were the best, and the book concluded on a high note (no pun intended). The fact that this book is based loosely on two real children, Jarrah and Mathilde, added poignancy to the story. Well done, Pip Harry, in writing another interesting and heartfelt book.
September 1, 2022
Well, yeah, I absolutely cried at certain parts of this and then cried again thinking about those parts when I was much later in the book. It also prolly struck a little close to home since I’ve spent the last five days trying not to freak out about a health thing and then spiralling and catastrophising anyway and slapping myself out of it and being very glad that my body heals itself. It will be investigated next week and sorted. And then I can either relax or start catastrophising all over again.
Bodies are a fucken stupid idea, I demand to speak to the manager.
Despite the very bad jokes, there’s very little humour in this and the dialogue doesn’t feel entirely authentic, a little too Ideal at times. Some bits definitely felt rushed and cursory towards the end. And I very much struggled to accept August’s dad’s magical transformation into a human being when he was so godawful for so long. My heart ached so much for the poor kid in the first third of the book.
I wish we were told exactly what books he read. And it’s a crochet hook, not crochet needle, do you mind?
For all those quibbles, still a lovely book. And extra lovely that it’s set in Sydney, my beloved city.
Bodies are a fucken stupid idea, I demand to speak to the manager.
Despite the very bad jokes, there’s very little humour in this and the dialogue doesn’t feel entirely authentic, a little too Ideal at times. Some bits definitely felt rushed and cursory towards the end. And I very much struggled to accept August’s dad’s magical transformation into a human being when he was so godawful for so long. My heart ached so much for the poor kid in the first third of the book.
I wish we were told exactly what books he read. And it’s a crochet hook, not crochet needle, do you mind?
For all those quibbles, still a lovely book. And extra lovely that it’s set in Sydney, my beloved city.
February 1, 2024
A beautiful, touching tale of friendship.
November 18, 2024
I just finished reading this book with my class and oh my god!!!! What a beautiful book to read with 11/12 year olds.
It covered such intense topics that kids wouldn’t be exposed to usually. Childhood cancer, the breakdown of marriage and its effect on children, verbally abusive men/dads.
My class and I both laughed and cried over this book. Definitely recommend!!
It covered such intense topics that kids wouldn’t be exposed to usually. Childhood cancer, the breakdown of marriage and its effect on children, verbally abusive men/dads.
My class and I both laughed and cried over this book. Definitely recommend!!
May 6, 2023
a book about primary school students that doesn't hide the difficulties of friendships, society and family - a must read for all :)
May 26, 2023
This story progresses through two voices to provide interesting perspectives and to explore different issues - from the point of view of the child dealing with them, and how the input of a friend can ease the burden and provide support.
The story starts with Jones - she lost one eye to cancer as a young child - and her family leaving the family farm due to long term drought and heading to Sydney to live the city. The challenges of moving home, starting a new school, trying to make friends are issues that are worked through alongside Jones' deteriorating eye sight in her remaining eye. A stronger grounding in her country life would provide some grounding for young readers to better appreciate the challenges she faced. With a poor prognosis from the eye specialist the story weaves in some quite detailed information about eye cancer and learning to navigate the world without your sight.
August is bullied (but not traumatised by it) at school and reluctantly plays football on the weekends where his dad is the coach and seems completely focused on the skills of his older brother Archer. His Mum's recent attempt at running a healthy cafe has folded and her behaviour indicates that she is depressed, and the parental relationship continues to decline. August is given the responsibility of showing Jones around and making her welcome and the development of this two-way friendship is a real strength in the book and sees both characters develop and grow as they plan and work through a bucket list of things to achieve.
Pip Harry continues to do an admirable job to present challenging real life issues for primary aged students balancing serious and emotional issues with0ut overly dramatising the challenges faced or becoming maudlin.
Shortlisted for the 2023 CBCA Younger Readers category.
The story starts with Jones - she lost one eye to cancer as a young child - and her family leaving the family farm due to long term drought and heading to Sydney to live the city. The challenges of moving home, starting a new school, trying to make friends are issues that are worked through alongside Jones' deteriorating eye sight in her remaining eye. A stronger grounding in her country life would provide some grounding for young readers to better appreciate the challenges she faced. With a poor prognosis from the eye specialist the story weaves in some quite detailed information about eye cancer and learning to navigate the world without your sight.
August is bullied (but not traumatised by it) at school and reluctantly plays football on the weekends where his dad is the coach and seems completely focused on the skills of his older brother Archer. His Mum's recent attempt at running a healthy cafe has folded and her behaviour indicates that she is depressed, and the parental relationship continues to decline. August is given the responsibility of showing Jones around and making her welcome and the development of this two-way friendship is a real strength in the book and sees both characters develop and grow as they plan and work through a bucket list of things to achieve.
Pip Harry continues to do an admirable job to present challenging real life issues for primary aged students balancing serious and emotional issues with0ut overly dramatising the challenges faced or becoming maudlin.
Shortlisted for the 2023 CBCA Younger Readers category.
September 16, 2025
My class liked it because it is set in NSW and the kids are their age. They also found August’s family drama engaging as well as empathising with Jones’ cancer. They asked lots of questions about this.
Personally, I wasn’t huge on it. The ‘connection’ between Jones and August I think was merely created by the book’s title and them needing to be friends for that sole reason. Spending a lot of time working with kids of this age group, I didn’t buy the friendship one bit.
I respect what the author was trying to achieve, around boys particularly, in relation to speaking up around mental health, but the execution was jarring and forced. Especially the Rafferty scene during the football semi final.
August’s entire family was a missed opportunity for characterisation. They are all exactly what the author wants you to feel about them. Dad is a brute. Archer is toxic like his dad. Mum is not supported by dad. Lexie hates dad. There is no nuance or intrigue about any of them. That’s just them. It’s hinted that dad struggles with providing for the family on a sole income but, we’re supposed to hate him, so that’s that.
August being into knitting and rainbow scarves is fine, but reader’s are aware of what’s being portrayed. Again, it makes August seem like a representation of an adult’s political ideology rather than a real 10 year old.
It gets two out of five because the kids did enjoy parts of it.
Personally, I wasn’t huge on it. The ‘connection’ between Jones and August I think was merely created by the book’s title and them needing to be friends for that sole reason. Spending a lot of time working with kids of this age group, I didn’t buy the friendship one bit.
I respect what the author was trying to achieve, around boys particularly, in relation to speaking up around mental health, but the execution was jarring and forced. Especially the Rafferty scene during the football semi final.
August’s entire family was a missed opportunity for characterisation. They are all exactly what the author wants you to feel about them. Dad is a brute. Archer is toxic like his dad. Mum is not supported by dad. Lexie hates dad. There is no nuance or intrigue about any of them. That’s just them. It’s hinted that dad struggles with providing for the family on a sole income but, we’re supposed to hate him, so that’s that.
August being into knitting and rainbow scarves is fine, but reader’s are aware of what’s being portrayed. Again, it makes August seem like a representation of an adult’s political ideology rather than a real 10 year old.
It gets two out of five because the kids did enjoy parts of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2023
#bookreview #August&Jones written by @piphaz 📚 This story is an inspiring journey of two young children’s lives and how the power of their friendship gets them through the darkest of times. Jones has lost her eye as a baby due to cancer, moved from the country to the city and now faces the devastating news that she has another tumour in her remaining eye. August is an awkward and shy boy who doesn’t have any friends. His parents aren’t getting along and his father is making him play AFL, which he doesn’t enjoy. When he is tasked to introduce Jones around the school, he is excited about this opportunity; is this the friend he has always dreamed of?
📚 Pip has given young readers enough researched information about eye cancer, without overwhelming the reader with too many facts and preventing the joy of this story to bloom. 📚I thoroughly enjoyed reading this typical Australian, authentic and uplifting story of hope, family challenges, friendship, medical procedures, growth and happiness in being who you are. 📚 definitely deserved to be shortlisted. I wonder if this will be a winner? 📚recommend for 9/10 years and up. 📚 Have your tissues ready, some parts are sure to make you shed a tear (I cried on a full aeroplane). #teacherlibrarian #youngerreaders #cbcaaustralia #bookweek2023 @cbcaustralia @cbcansw
📚 Pip has given young readers enough researched information about eye cancer, without overwhelming the reader with too many facts and preventing the joy of this story to bloom. 📚I thoroughly enjoyed reading this typical Australian, authentic and uplifting story of hope, family challenges, friendship, medical procedures, growth and happiness in being who you are. 📚 definitely deserved to be shortlisted. I wonder if this will be a winner? 📚recommend for 9/10 years and up. 📚 Have your tissues ready, some parts are sure to make you shed a tear (I cried on a full aeroplane). #teacherlibrarian #youngerreaders #cbcaaustralia #bookweek2023 @cbcaustralia @cbcansw
June 15, 2023
CBCA Shortlisted Book – Book of the Year: Younger Readers (2023)
Upon enrolling in Year 5 at her new school in Sydney, Jones Kirby is fortunate to be matched with shy, thoughtful August Genting. They both face significant challenges. August’s parents are unhappy together and his domineering father pressures him to excel at footy when he’d rather be reading or knitting with his sister. Jones’s family moved from the country to the city due to the drought and miss their old home and friends. Jones lost an eye to childhood cancer and fears a return of the disease and total loss of her sight. Together, August and Jones create a bucket list. The strength of their friendship helps them achieve their goals despite difficulties along the way.
Recommended for students in Years 5 – 7 who enjoy reading about Family and Friendship. (NB: not a verse novel)
Upon enrolling in Year 5 at her new school in Sydney, Jones Kirby is fortunate to be matched with shy, thoughtful August Genting. They both face significant challenges. August’s parents are unhappy together and his domineering father pressures him to excel at footy when he’d rather be reading or knitting with his sister. Jones’s family moved from the country to the city due to the drought and miss their old home and friends. Jones lost an eye to childhood cancer and fears a return of the disease and total loss of her sight. Together, August and Jones create a bucket list. The strength of their friendship helps them achieve their goals despite difficulties along the way.
Recommended for students in Years 5 – 7 who enjoy reading about Family and Friendship. (NB: not a verse novel)
February 19, 2025
This book is told from two perspectives; augusts, a boy forced to play footy by his sporty father, but who would rather read in the library or knit with his sister, and jones, a girl adjusting to the move from cotton to a city in Sydney.
When the unlikely pair become friends, they create a must see bucket list to explore the world together.
The main part of the story is the struggles faced through medical problems.
When jones was two she had one of her eyes surgically removed. Almost eleven years later, the cancer comes back in her other eye. If this one is removed then jones will be blind.
How will jones be able to see the world with august if she can’t see? How will she be able to climb mount Kossie if she can’t see the view at the top?
This story shows the power of friendship and loss, and of just how much you can achieve with help.
When the unlikely pair become friends, they create a must see bucket list to explore the world together.
The main part of the story is the struggles faced through medical problems.
When jones was two she had one of her eyes surgically removed. Almost eleven years later, the cancer comes back in her other eye. If this one is removed then jones will be blind.
How will jones be able to see the world with august if she can’t see? How will she be able to climb mount Kossie if she can’t see the view at the top?
This story shows the power of friendship and loss, and of just how much you can achieve with help.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2022
When I saw this book come up to review, I had to get a copy. I loved reading Because Of You and knew that I needed another novel by Pip Harry on my shelf. I wasn’t wrong. This book was an easy read for me and I felt for both August and Jones as they navigated their lives as eleven year olds. Both have had big things happen to them that they needed to process. Whilst I’m not a crier, there were certain events that made me tear up. I also love the bucket list August and Jones did and it was so cute to see them tick them off one, by one.
I do also like the mentions of Aboriginal culture through rock art and diet. Whilst mentioned briefly, it’s important to highlight this culture when possible in Australian literature.
I do also like the mentions of Aboriginal culture through rock art and diet. Whilst mentioned briefly, it’s important to highlight this culture when possible in Australian literature.
August 3, 2022
What to say about Pip Harry’s latest middle grade fiction novel…
-the main protagonists, August and Jones, (the story is told through their alternating viewpoints) are two of the most endearing and gorgeous children’s characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long time
-somehow, despite dealing with bullying, serious medical illness and disability, family breakdown, mental health and financial stress, this book is like a ray of sunshine
-Knowing it’s inspired by real life kids adds an extra element of wonderful to it
-Reading this book may make you cry and worry but it will also lift you up and believe in the power of friendship, love and hope.
-the main protagonists, August and Jones, (the story is told through their alternating viewpoints) are two of the most endearing and gorgeous children’s characters I’ve had the pleasure of reading in a long time
-somehow, despite dealing with bullying, serious medical illness and disability, family breakdown, mental health and financial stress, this book is like a ray of sunshine
-Knowing it’s inspired by real life kids adds an extra element of wonderful to it
-Reading this book may make you cry and worry but it will also lift you up and believe in the power of friendship, love and hope.
June 5, 2023
I had no idea until I got to the author’s note at the end that this was inspired by a true story! There’s a true life Jones and August out there with the same condition, and the same results and friendship. Even the rainbow scarf was real.
Obviously there’s a lot of artistic liberties taken, but ultimately this was a tale of loyal friendship and facing adversity. There’s a slew of real life issues thrown in, and a combination of completely dysfunctional and overwhelming supportive families. I liked how generational trauma and abuse was portrayed, and how it also showed people have the power to transform and become the best version of themselves.
Obviously there’s a lot of artistic liberties taken, but ultimately this was a tale of loyal friendship and facing adversity. There’s a slew of real life issues thrown in, and a combination of completely dysfunctional and overwhelming supportive families. I liked how generational trauma and abuse was portrayed, and how it also showed people have the power to transform and become the best version of themselves.
June 21, 2023
I thought this was just going to be about a girl Jones who gets kicked off the farm from the drought - bit cliche
But it takes us on a journey of much more - cancer in the eye and the concept of going blind as a year 5 student.
Making new friends with August - who hates footy but is forced to play and has a family that is falling apart and divorcing.
Lots about family dynamics and how we need to communicate and have empathy and support each other's unique circumstances.
Set in Sydney so all very relatable to a student.
Year 3 and above would be fine with this
But it takes us on a journey of much more - cancer in the eye and the concept of going blind as a year 5 student.
Making new friends with August - who hates footy but is forced to play and has a family that is falling apart and divorcing.
Lots about family dynamics and how we need to communicate and have empathy and support each other's unique circumstances.
Set in Sydney so all very relatable to a student.
Year 3 and above would be fine with this
June 26, 2023
August hates football but has played it since he was three. Jones moved to the city after the farm was sold due to drought. Both are searching for where they belong. Gus wants to find the courage to give up football, and Jones must fight for her life.
What brings these two Year Five students together? How do they help each other?
I enjoyed the complexities and rich dilemmas the characters had to address—where do you fit into the world, speaking up, making hard choices and finding your happy place?
Recommended for readers aged ten years and older.
What brings these two Year Five students together? How do they help each other?
I enjoyed the complexities and rich dilemmas the characters had to address—where do you fit into the world, speaking up, making hard choices and finding your happy place?
Recommended for readers aged ten years and older.
September 5, 2022
This was just lovely - a gorgeous Middle Grade novel about family, friendship, and finding the courage to do what needs to be done. The dual POVs were distinct enough that I never had issues telling them apart, and I appreciated the different perspectives each brought to the novel. Both characters had battles they needed to fight, and at times this novel dealt with some big issues, but overall it was a sweet and uplifting tale.
November 1, 2022
Goddamnit. I am quickly becoming a sucker for middle grade books, and I think AussieMG is at the forefront of the reason for why that is.
August and Jones is the perfect tale of friendship and perseverance. I wish that I had lots of books like this growing up, because li'l Jess would have fallen in love with both Jones and August.
So glad I bought this, and looking forward to reading more of Pip Harry's past and future works! I've got 'Are You There, Buddha?' on my shelf ready to go. ;)
August and Jones is the perfect tale of friendship and perseverance. I wish that I had lots of books like this growing up, because li'l Jess would have fallen in love with both Jones and August.
So glad I bought this, and looking forward to reading more of Pip Harry's past and future works! I've got 'Are You There, Buddha?' on my shelf ready to go. ;)
July 23, 2023
Eleven year old Jones moves from her drought stricken farm to Sydney. But not only does the family have to content with the move, but she is starting to loose sight in her eye. Hass the cancer returned.
Also meet August, friendless and geeky at school and harassed by his sports domineering father at home.
This unlikely friendship is beautiful and so uplifting. Pip Harry does it again in a wonderful novel - perfect for a class read aloud. Ages 11-13.
Also meet August, friendless and geeky at school and harassed by his sports domineering father at home.
This unlikely friendship is beautiful and so uplifting. Pip Harry does it again in a wonderful novel - perfect for a class read aloud. Ages 11-13.
September 29, 2022
A great read, featuring the story of two pre-teens who both feel they don't fit in, but when Jones moves to the city and is in August's class, they feel they're made for each other.
Also deals with Jones' cancer in her eyes and the treatments undertaken.
Also deals with Jones' cancer in her eyes and the treatments undertaken.
July 21, 2023
A very worthy inclusion on the CBCA shortlist this year. A super sweet story about two friends and the way they help one another navigate one life’s challenges. A great introduction to stories with alternating perspectives for middle grade readers.
February 23, 2024
Wholesome kids book. Was going to cry in the middle of it but didn’t. Also dad redemption arc. The only thing I have to say is that was the least realistic thing given an Aussie dad with that kind of pride would NEVER have gotten over it so easily. But that’s ok glad he did.
July 29, 2022
A sweet middle grade novel told in POV format but felt a little like it had agendas to address.
June 21, 2023
I really enjoy Pip Harry's writing, but this one felt a little rushed in parts.
July 9, 2023
Tears! Beautiful book about two beautiful friends battling their own battles, together.
July 16, 2023
A lovely story about the power of friendship, overcoming obstacles and fears and growing as a person. I really enjoyed this story, although at times it was so sad!
August 10, 2023
Well deserving of CBCA shortlist. Lovely themes of friendship, change perseverance and family. Cancer was explained well for kids. Recommended for stage 3 (year 5-6)
July 17, 2024
A nice, feel good read about the beautiful friendship between two awesome kids.
A few older themes to explore, but it’s done very respectfully.
Looking forward to teaching this for Term 3.
A few older themes to explore, but it’s done very respectfully.
Looking forward to teaching this for Term 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews