Kids into books - Destination Disaster

b>This weeks title: Destination Disaster

Author: Fleur Beale

Publisher: Shortland Publications $8.95

Age Group: 9-12 years

She sat on her bed and rubbed her forehead tiredly. "Look, Jem - just do it, all right? He thinks it'll be good for you."

"Make a man out of me, you mean," I said with a scowl.

"Whatever. It's something he's wanted to do for ages. You'll miss some school, but it's so hot you're probably not learning anything anyway."

Great. Just what I like. Having my life turned upside down and I don't even get asked about it.

"Go and pack," Mum said. "I have to leave in half an hour, so move it!"

I packed my gear in the backpack Pa had given me for my birthday, even though I'd told him I'd wanted a new hand-held computer game. I put the essentials in first: Walkman, chocolate bars, cap. Then I threw in sneakers; a jersey; some shorts; four T-shirts; socks; clean boxer shorts; and my hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste and soap. And, of course, the cellphone, spare batteries for my Walkman, and my old computer game that I could do with my eyes shut. You know, the essentials.

Mum came bustling in. She gave me a quick hug. "Thanks for not making a fuss, Jem. I only found out I had to go about an hour ago."