A Room for Ryel (Emma Cameron, Wombat)

Within modern shifting family dynamics, Emma Cameron’s A Room for Ryel emerges as a heartwarming tale that adeptly explores the intricacies and joys of blending families. The book seamlessly transcends its suggested age group of 9–12, skilfully navigating the theme of adapting to change while emphasising the profound importance of family bonds. Ryel and his father move into a house with Lonnie and her two sons, Darcy and Harry. This new living arrangement presents Ryel with the challenge of sharing a room for the first time, leading to a series of adjustments. Although they are friends at school, living together and sharing a room is a significant challenge for the boys. Ryel, who was accustomed to living only with his father, begins to struggle academically due to sleep disturbances at home. What sets this story apart is Ryel’s determined quest to earn his own room through a school tournament, adding an intriguing twist and encompassing both family dynamics and personal growth. Cameron employs an accessible writing style, conveying Ryel’s and his family’s emotions and challenges. The characters are well developed, and the plot is easy to follow. Cameron’s subtle delivery of the overarching message of compromise and the significance of building connections within your family helps avoid didacticism. This book will resonate with readers who enjoyed New from Here by Kelly Yang.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Nominated for Bookseller of the Year (2023), Emma Pei Yin is also a freelance writer and reviewer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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