Geraldine McCaughrean 
Middle of Nowhere [PDF ebook] 

When her mother dies from a snake bite, Comity Pinny’s life in the middle of the Australian outback changes for ever. Her father, Herbert, retreats into his work trasmitting telegrams, abandoning Comity when she needs him most. Comity turns to Fred, the young Aboriginal yard boy and he becomes her only friend. But then a new assistant arrives who delights in playing cruel games. Soon Comity struggles to hold things together as events begin to spiral dangerously out of control. A gripping tale with an explosive climax from award-winning storyteller, Geraldine Mc Caughrean. "Geraldine Mc Caughrean is an awe-inspiring writer with a miraculous talent for bringing to life past times and faraway lands." — The Sunday Telegraph "Superbly constructed and beautifully written." — Newham Bookshop "Geraldine Mc Caughrean’s The Middle of Nowhere was a real breath of fresh air — beautifully written and drawing you in to the time and environment with great skill." — Young Quills Historical Fiction Award