'Coming-of-age stories about teenagers in peril are commonplace but Anna Spargo-Ryan’s delightful second novel, The Gulf, is exceptional in many ways. It’s the story of 16-year-old Skye, who lives in Adelaide with her mother, bank teller Linda, and adorable 10-year-old brother, Ben. The family is down on their luck and it’s a tough existence, but Skye enjoys school and she and Ben have friends.' (Introduction)