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Description
Tev is being packed off to his mum's family in Tonga to be "sorted out". But Tev gets more than his parents bargained for. First there's the culture shock of life in Tonga, then a cyclone, a death in the family, a grand passion.. and a whole lot more.
Quick Summary
When Tev's parents decide he's out of control and ship him off to live with his mum's family in Tonga, he thinks his life can't get any worse but things are about to get wild. Between culture shock, a terrifying cyclone, and a deeply personal loss, Tev finds himself navigating experiences that push him way outside his comfort zone, and along the way he discovers unexpected things about who he actually is and where he belongs. The humor is genuinely funny (Tev's voice is snarky and relatable), but the story also hits hard with real emotional moments, especially around family and identity. It's one of those books that doesn't lecture you about appreciating different cultures it just drops you right into Tonga and lets you feel the good and the hard parts together. Kids who like humor-driven stories with real heart will likely devour this, and it's a great pick for reluctant readers because the pacing moves quickly and nothing gets too heavy for the MG crowd. If you've read anything by Ben Hatke or enjoyed books about kids figuring out their place in the world, Tev fits right alongside those.