Kids into books: Trailblazers

Author: Elizabeth Pulford

Illustrator: John Bennett

Publisher: Shortland Publications, $7.80

Age group: 10-12 years


We both walk slowly, side by side, up Dee Street. At the far end is Wangs Supermarket. Mum and Dad work there. I turn to Joel. "Do you want some bubblegum?"

Joel's face brightens. "OK."

We go into Wangs. I go straight to the confectionary department and pick two packets of green gum. It's the kind that explodes when you chew it. I go up to Dad. He's the checkout person in the express lane. The women at the supermarket tease him for being the only man on the checkout. Dad doesn't care. He says it's one of the best jobs he's ever had. Mum got it for him. She's one of Wang's bigwigs.

"Hi kids," says Dad, grinning.

"Hi, Dad. We've got to go walking," I tell him, putting down the gum.

"Hello, Mr Turner."

Dad digs into his pocket for some money.

"Matt, this is the last gum this week."

I nod. I'm not bothered. He says the same thing everyday.