Looking for Alibrandi

Melina Marchetta's debut novel, Looking for Alibrandi, follows 17-year-old Josephine Alibrandi through her tumultuous final year of high school in Sydney. Josie, an outspoken Italian-Australian, faces immense pressure from exams, school social dynamics, and a blossoming first love with Jacob Coote. Her world is further complicated by the sudden appearance of her estranged father and the tragic suicide of a friend, John Barton. The narrative delves into themes of identity, family secrets, grief, and cultural belonging, as Josie learns that true emancipation comes from understanding and accepting her past. This book is ideal for young adults aged 12-18, offering a poignant and empowering exploration of growing up.

Josephine Alibrandi is 17, and in her final year of school. Dealing with her mum and the ways of her Nonna are daunting enough as she prepares for her exams. But Josie is about to discover real life gets in the way of her carefully-made plans. She suddenly has to deal with having her father around for the first time in her life, falling in love and uncovering her family's secret background. Despite all the turmoil, this is the year Josie discovers that emancipation doesn't mean escaping from your past. Sometimes you need to face up to who you are in order to set yourself free.