‘A powerful coming-of-age story … Atkins writes with clear-eyed sensitivity, and although I longed to hear Nona’s voice, its absence is deliberate and effective. Nona & Me is poignant young-adult fiction invoking the complex and often overlooked realities of remote indigenous life.’—Sydney Morning Herald
‘Clare Atkins writes about a place and a time with love and care, and explores a complicated and fraught situation with honesty and respect … Nona & Me is one of those wonderful books that takes you deeply into a rarely seen world and brings it vibrantly to life.’—Books + Publishing
‘[Nona & Me] is written in a clear, poetic style that creates a powerful sense of place as the story moves between communities, time and cultures, with a strong narrative pull that increases in tension until the very end.’—ABC Local Radio Central West NSW
‘This novel provides insights into the lives of a quintessentially Australian community which so few people have deep knowledge of.’—Kate Howe, age 16, Launceston Examiner
‘Rosie’s story brims with the joy and pain and complexity of friendship and love at sixteen. I adored this smart, heartfelt book about family, kinship, country, and finding out what really matters.’—Fiona Wood
‘[Clare Atkins] wrestles with some of this country's most hotly debated political issues with a rare lightness of touch. [Nona & Me is] a convincing portrait of a naive but feverish first love, friendships waxing and waning, and the clash between fitting in and sticking to your values. Above all, there's a warmth and optimism that's hard to resist.’—Sunday Age
‘Clare Atkins’ debut novel is a triumph: a coming-of-age tale that celebrates friendship and loyalty, family and community. Here is a striking new voice in Australian youth literature, and her story is one that will surely leave its mark.’—Kill Your Darlings
‘This [is a] powerful, beautifully contoured story of cross-cultural friendship.’—The Weekend Australian
‘Clare Atkins delivers a polished, unflinching book that deserves to be read’—The Age
‘A thought-provoking debut’—The West Australian
‘A delicate, quiet tale that you’ll … think about long after the book is finished.’—Pop.Edit.Lit
‘Nona & Me … journeys into some remarkable places … a complex and moving story.’—Cooma-Monaro Express
‘Atkins has chosen difficult terrain for her first novel and mapped it with honesty, style and insight.’—Adelaide Advertiser
‘A fascinating book, beautifully told, with rich insight into a deeply Australian but little known community.’—Jackie French
‘Deeply moving ... Nona & Me is a beautifully affecting story that will make you question what you think you know.’—Crash My Book Party
‘An unforgettable read’—Good Reading Magazine
‘Highly recommended.’—Readings Monthly