Suitabook

Of ice and icing

Cassie Vlk

Reading: Let the mystery unfold before discussing its solution. Pause after Bromm learns more about his parents or Aunt Melinda’s work, and invite the reader to separate evidence, guesses and assumptions about other people.
Themes: Seeking family truth: Bromm knows little about his parents and investigates the secrecy surrounding his aunt’s business. The plot places unanswered family knowledge at the centre of Bromm’s investigation, but does not show whether the book treats secrecy as protective, harmful or both.
Looking beyond school status: Gayle is described as unpopular and teased, yet she has information that may help Bromm; the pair investigate together. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
Curiosity and boundaries: The investigation and the reported admirer’s behaviour may raise questions about curiosity and boundaries; the detail of how these are developed remains unclear. The book’s stance on this remains unclear.
Worth knowing: Consider reading alongside the child if references to parents dying in an accident, family secrecy, school teasing or an over-attentive admirer may need context. The level of detail and the ending are unclear.