Miracle

'Miracle' won the Ngaio Marsh Award 2024 for the Best YA Novel and was shortlisted for the New Zealand Book Awards 2023.
Born in the middle of Australia's biggest-ever earthquake, Miracle is fourteen when her world crumbles. Thanks to her dad's new job at Compassionate Cremations - which falls under suspicion for Boorunga's spate of sudden deaths - the entire town turns against their family. Miracle is tormented by her classmates, even by Oli, the boy she can't get out of her head. She fears for her agoraphobic mother, and for her angelic, quake-damaged brother, Julian. When Oli plays a cruel trick on Miracle, a chain of devastating events is set off.
Then her dad is arrested for a brutal attack. Miracle takes the full weight on her shoulders. How can she convince the town of her dad's innocence?
Heartbreaking, delightful and quirky, Jennifer Lane pulls off another family story that packs a punch.
'Ingeniously plotted, with the best combination of grit and quirkiness, Miracle is sure to become a fast favourite with a wide range of readers.' Catherine Robertson (Author, Bookseller, Reviewer)