The Thing About Oliver

Twelve-year-old Tilly aspires to be a marine scientist but struggles with feeling overlooked as she cares for her younger brother, Oliver, who is autistic. Living in a drought-stricken town, Tilly's dreams of learning to swim seem distant, especially as her family's focus is primarily on Oliver's numerous therapy needs. When her mother announces a move to the Queensland coast, Tilly's excitement for new opportunities is accompanied by anxiety over how the changes will affect Oliver and their family dynamic. This heartfelt story explores themes of resilience and the challenges of balancing personal dreams with familial responsibilities.