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Catch Me If I Fall
Ashleigh and Aiden are thirteen-year-old twins who promise to always look out for each other. Aiden is more dedicated to the task than Ashleigh, but when it comes to matters of life and death, they both exhibit a fierce protectiveness that will change the course of their lives.
'We've been worried about Aiden too, Ash,' said Mum. 'He's always been such a … predictable child. You're not the only one to have noticed the changes.'
Ash and Aiden Delatour are identical twins, living a privileged lifestyle with loving parents. In a world that has fallen apart at the seams, they want for nothing. All they have to do is be there for each other, no matter what.
But after Aiden suffers a terrible injury, he isn't the same brother Ash always relied on. Something has changed, and it will lead to a discovery that will turn their whole world upside down.
A brilliant and timely middle-grade novel from the bestselling author of My Life As An Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear.
'We've been worried about Aiden too, Ash,' said Mum. 'He's always been such a … predictable child. You're not the only one to have noticed the changes.'
Ash and Aiden Delatour are identical twins, living a privileged lifestyle with loving parents. In a world that has fallen apart at the seams, they want for nothing. All they have to do is be there for each other, no matter what.
But after Aiden suffers a terrible injury, he isn't the same brother Ash always relied on. Something has changed, and it will lead to a discovery that will turn their whole world upside down.
A brilliant and timely middle-grade novel from the bestselling author of My Life As An Alphabet and A Song Only I Can Hear.
258 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2020
21 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Barry Jonsberg
45 books105 followersBarry Jonsberg is an Australian author and teacher originally from Liverpool, England. He holds degrees in English and Psychology from Liverpool University and moved to Australia in 1999. His debut novel, The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull, earned acclaim in 2005, and his follow-up, It’s Not All About YOU, Calma, won the 2006 South Australian Festival Award for Children’s Literature. Jonsberg has continued to receive numerous honors, including awards and shortlistings for Dreamrider, My Life as an Alphabet, A Little Spark, and Smoke & Mirrors, affirming his place in contemporary young adult literature.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
November 29, 2020
I love being surprised by a book. The blurb hints at what the story is about but it’s actually surprisingly different. Barry Jonsberg’s latest book, Catch Me If I Fall is one of these books. What at first seems like just a story about twins and an event that changes their relationship is actually much more complex.
Ashleigh and Aiden are identical twins who have always been there for each other. Aiden is protective of his sister and always looking out for her. They live a privileged life in a huge house in Sydney and attend a prestigious school. They are some of the lucky ones, with plenty of money to keep them fed, comfortable and safe. Australia has been ravaged by storms and rapidly rising seas, a result of catastrophic climate change. The majority of the population has been left homeless and clinging on to survival, while the wealthy live in mansions or compounds, protected by security services. When Ashleigh gets in to trouble while kayaking on a school camp Aiden comes to her rescue but suffers head injuries in the process. After the accident Ashleigh notices changes in Aiden. He starts acting and speaking differently, which worries Ashleigh. Little does Ashleigh know that these changes will lead to a shocking discovery that will turn her world upside down.
I was completely gripped by Catch Me If I Fall. It starts off as one kind of story and morphs into something completely different. There’s a lot packed into the story, from family dynamics to white privilege, climate change to ethics. It’s certainly not your average story about twins. Sure, there are family issues and the story does focus on Ashleigh and Aiden’s relationship, but the story is set against a background of climate change. Barry Jonsberg’s vision of a near-future Australia ravaged by climate change feels scarily possible. It’s certainly not far fetched to imagine the constant storms and rising sea levels that have caused the wide-spread destruction in the story.
My thoughts about the twist turned out to be correct but this didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story. This just added another layer to the story and made me desperate to know how it would end. Wow, it’s really hard to explain what I like about this story without giving out spoilers!
Ashleigh certainly has a lot to deal with in the story. By the end, her idyllic life has been altered forever. Her family will never be the same and neither will she. She has lived most of her life sheltered from the reality of the world, and the truth of how most people live is shocking to her. I was quite tense following Ashleigh throughout the story and I found myself losing track of time as I had to keep reading to know how it would end. Barry certainly didn’t disappoint.
Catch Me If I Fall would make an amazing read aloud for Years 7-9 or as a novel set for this age group. The story is really engaging and lots of interesting discussion could be had about the issues involved. This book reminded me of how much I loved Barry Jonsberg’s earlier books and I now want to read all of his latest books.
Ashleigh and Aiden are identical twins who have always been there for each other. Aiden is protective of his sister and always looking out for her. They live a privileged life in a huge house in Sydney and attend a prestigious school. They are some of the lucky ones, with plenty of money to keep them fed, comfortable and safe. Australia has been ravaged by storms and rapidly rising seas, a result of catastrophic climate change. The majority of the population has been left homeless and clinging on to survival, while the wealthy live in mansions or compounds, protected by security services. When Ashleigh gets in to trouble while kayaking on a school camp Aiden comes to her rescue but suffers head injuries in the process. After the accident Ashleigh notices changes in Aiden. He starts acting and speaking differently, which worries Ashleigh. Little does Ashleigh know that these changes will lead to a shocking discovery that will turn her world upside down.
I was completely gripped by Catch Me If I Fall. It starts off as one kind of story and morphs into something completely different. There’s a lot packed into the story, from family dynamics to white privilege, climate change to ethics. It’s certainly not your average story about twins. Sure, there are family issues and the story does focus on Ashleigh and Aiden’s relationship, but the story is set against a background of climate change. Barry Jonsberg’s vision of a near-future Australia ravaged by climate change feels scarily possible. It’s certainly not far fetched to imagine the constant storms and rising sea levels that have caused the wide-spread destruction in the story.
My thoughts about the twist turned out to be correct but this didn’t lessen my enjoyment of the story. This just added another layer to the story and made me desperate to know how it would end. Wow, it’s really hard to explain what I like about this story without giving out spoilers!
Ashleigh certainly has a lot to deal with in the story. By the end, her idyllic life has been altered forever. Her family will never be the same and neither will she. She has lived most of her life sheltered from the reality of the world, and the truth of how most people live is shocking to her. I was quite tense following Ashleigh throughout the story and I found myself losing track of time as I had to keep reading to know how it would end. Barry certainly didn’t disappoint.
Catch Me If I Fall would make an amazing read aloud for Years 7-9 or as a novel set for this age group. The story is really engaging and lots of interesting discussion could be had about the issues involved. This book reminded me of how much I loved Barry Jonsberg’s earlier books and I now want to read all of his latest books.
July 29, 2021
To be honest, after the plot twist, the book went down the drain for me.
March 14, 2021
That ending - wow.
How things stay the same after the apocalypse.
I have more to say, who knows if I'll ever write it here.
"I'm thinking about the way society is structured and how it means the rich get richer and the poor get poorer."
How things stay the same after the apocalypse.
I have more to say, who knows if I'll ever write it here.
January 16, 2021
This book has to have given me one of the biggest surprises yet. I went into this with certain expectations based on the cover and blurb only to have all of them turned inside out in the best way possible. While at first it seems like Catch Me If I Fall about a pair of identical twins and the ups and downs of their relationship, it quickly reveals itself to be about far more complex ideas, all set in the backdrop of a ravaged world quite different to the one we as readers know.
Both Ashleigh and Aiden are very likeable characters. Ashleigh is confident and self-centered, while Aiden is quiet and protective of his sister, a mixture at first seems to be perfect for them. As the story progresses, however, we see Ashleigh become more reflective and caring of others, while Aiden becomes more attuned to his own wants and desires outside of watching out for his sister. The turning point of these changes is when Aiden suffers a head injury, after which he seems to do a complete one-eighty in terms of personality, something that greatly worries those around him - just not for the reasons that one might expect.
Without ruining the surprises and twists this book presents, I can say that I was completely gripped by the events we follow Ashleigh through. I will admit that I did guess the twist a little early in the novel, but that only attests to the fantastic foreshadowing written throughout the book, and how expertly it keeps you hanging on for a definite answer.
If you're looking for a relatively short read that will keep you guessing the entire way, then definitely give this one a chance!
Both Ashleigh and Aiden are very likeable characters. Ashleigh is confident and self-centered, while Aiden is quiet and protective of his sister, a mixture at first seems to be perfect for them. As the story progresses, however, we see Ashleigh become more reflective and caring of others, while Aiden becomes more attuned to his own wants and desires outside of watching out for his sister. The turning point of these changes is when Aiden suffers a head injury, after which he seems to do a complete one-eighty in terms of personality, something that greatly worries those around him - just not for the reasons that one might expect.
Without ruining the surprises and twists this book presents, I can say that I was completely gripped by the events we follow Ashleigh through. I will admit that I did guess the twist a little early in the novel, but that only attests to the fantastic foreshadowing written throughout the book, and how expertly it keeps you hanging on for a definite answer.
If you're looking for a relatively short read that will keep you guessing the entire way, then definitely give this one a chance!
September 27, 2023
I read this Y.A novel as my students will be studying it next year … multiple issues to unpack from climate change ,
A.I & the bond between siblings
A.I & the bond between siblings
November 3, 2020
Ash and Aiden Delatour are identical twins, living a privileged lifestyle with loving parents. In a world that has fallen apart at the seams, they want for nothing. All they have to do is be there for each other, no matter what.
But after Aiden suffers a terrible injury, he isn't the same brother Ash always relied on. Something has changed, and it will lead to a discovery that will turn their whole world upside down.
Set in futuristic Sydney, Australia, Catch Me If I Fall is a middle grade story, told from the POV of Ash. The world has been nearly destroyed by Global Warming, there is limited food and resources and Sydney now has a one child policy.
At first, I found Ash to be “a selfish brat”. She is completely unaware of her privilege and the world around her. Aiden, her twin brother appears to have a better understanding of the world around him but all he cares about is protecting Ash. As the story progresses, so does Ash’s character arc. With the subtle help from her teacher and some underprivileged kids in a park, Ash begins to discover just how sheltered she is.
I was completely caught up in this story. I just didn’t want to put the book down. The world Barry Jonsberg created was incredible and I just needed to know more. The story was fast-paced and had a strong build of tension that kept me turning the pages. I did predict the plot twist but it still had the desired impact.
The story explores privilege, societal constructs, family dynamics and the world we could easily be facing if we don’t do something to stop climate change. I absolutely loved this book and strongly recommend you pick up a copy for yourself or a young person in your life.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me this one in exchange for an honest review
But after Aiden suffers a terrible injury, he isn't the same brother Ash always relied on. Something has changed, and it will lead to a discovery that will turn their whole world upside down.
Set in futuristic Sydney, Australia, Catch Me If I Fall is a middle grade story, told from the POV of Ash. The world has been nearly destroyed by Global Warming, there is limited food and resources and Sydney now has a one child policy.
At first, I found Ash to be “a selfish brat”. She is completely unaware of her privilege and the world around her. Aiden, her twin brother appears to have a better understanding of the world around him but all he cares about is protecting Ash. As the story progresses, so does Ash’s character arc. With the subtle help from her teacher and some underprivileged kids in a park, Ash begins to discover just how sheltered she is.
I was completely caught up in this story. I just didn’t want to put the book down. The world Barry Jonsberg created was incredible and I just needed to know more. The story was fast-paced and had a strong build of tension that kept me turning the pages. I did predict the plot twist but it still had the desired impact.
The story explores privilege, societal constructs, family dynamics and the world we could easily be facing if we don’t do something to stop climate change. I absolutely loved this book and strongly recommend you pick up a copy for yourself or a young person in your life.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for sending me this one in exchange for an honest review
July 26, 2022
This was a bit of a weird one.
I initially picked it up because the blurb said it was about a brother and sister who were identical twins, and I went, cool, a trans MC book. But no. Identical twins of different genders is actually possible and is addressed pretty early on in the book. (I googled. It is a thing, just highly unlikely because the egg has to be fertilized by two sperm at exactly the same time.)
It starts off with the 12yo twins entering a private school after being home schooled and tutored previously. It's a bit weird with some things that are said and mentioned, but it's not until you're a decent portion in that it's confirmed that you're in a future version of Australia (with tornados) where the apocalypse is basically happening because of climate change. The MCs have lived a very sheltered and entitled life, and it shows in the narration.
The twist is pretty darn obvious for a really long time, so I was glad when it officially became part of the story.
It's a nice story about sibling love and loyalty, but didn't really grab me
I initially picked it up because the blurb said it was about a brother and sister who were identical twins, and I went, cool, a trans MC book. But no. Identical twins of different genders is actually possible and is addressed pretty early on in the book. (I googled. It is a thing, just highly unlikely because the egg has to be fertilized by two sperm at exactly the same time.)
It starts off with the 12yo twins entering a private school after being home schooled and tutored previously. It's a bit weird with some things that are said and mentioned, but it's not until you're a decent portion in that it's confirmed that you're in a future version of Australia (with tornados) where the apocalypse is basically happening because of climate change. The MCs have lived a very sheltered and entitled life, and it shows in the narration.
The twist is pretty darn obvious for a really long time, so I was glad when it officially became part of the story.
It's a nice story about sibling love and loyalty, but didn't really grab me
December 14, 2020
Another read looking for class texts in the 12-14 year-old range. A YAF dystopian piece done, I think, much better than many. It is certainly less pretentious! Taking a different look at the impact of climate change, social divides, and the development of AI, Jonsberg writes a narrative which interrogates ideas at a number of levels and provides sound characterisation. The novel affords the opportunity to diversify exploration and learning outcomes in a mixed ability classroom. There are no ideas that are strictly speaking new, but the arrangement and development of thought makes for a satisfying read.
August 10, 2022
Twisty confronting challenging
Sad hopeful
clever
Sad hopeful
clever
June 1, 2025
Uzun müddətdir mənə bu qədər təsir esən əsər oxumurdum. Mövzusu gözlədiyimdən fərqli irərilədi. Amma məncə bu kitabı haqqında nə qədər az şey bilərək oxusanız, hətta hansı janrda belə olduğunu bilmədən oxusanız daha çox zövq alacaqsınız.
Kitabda tək yumurta əkizi bacı və qardaşdan bəhs olunur. Uşaqlıqdan yeniyetməlik dövrünə qədər bir çox anlarına şahid oluruq və əsas hadisələr 12-13 yaşlarına gəldikləri zaman başlayır. Üstəlik yaşadıqları dünya da olduqca qəribədir. Oxuduqca hiss edirsən ki, bizim yaşadığımız tərzdə bir dünyadan bəhs edilmir. Hətta bir qədər distopik dünyası var idi. Daha sonra bəzi sirrlər üzə çıxmağa başlayır, kitab boyunca görəsən nə baş verəcək hissini üzərimdən ata bilmədim, bu da kitabı daha maraqlı edirdi. Amma bir nöqtədə olacaqlara dair ipucu gördüm.
Düşündüyüm kimi olmamasını, ya da daha fərqli işlənməsini istəyərdim. lakin olduğu halı ilə də təsirli və maraqlı bir roman olduğunu etiraf etməliyəm. Hər şeydən çox bacı və qardaş arasındakı bağı, onların hər zaman bir-birlərini qorumağa çalışmasını oxumaq xoşuma gəldi. Bundan başqa kitabda altını xəttlədiyim bir çox cümlə oldu. Aiden obrazını çox sevdim, onun düşüncələri, bacısına qarşı qorumacı davranışları xoşuma gəldi.
Nəticədə fərqli və xoşagələn ab-havası var idi əsərin, lakin yenə də bəzi hadisələrin daha fərqli işlənməsini istəyərdim. Və sonu da tam ürəyimcə olmadı. Haqqında çox araşdırma aparmadan, birbaşa əlinizə alıb oxumağı tövsiyə edirəm 👌🏻💙
"Annemin uyumadan önce bize okuduğu şu masallardan birinde gibiyiz, Ashleigh. Güzel kulelerinde yaşayan bir prenses ve onun prens kardeşi. Mükemmel, görkemli. Kahramanlar. Ama dışarıdaki dünyaya, çiftçilere, demircilere, askerlere, dilencilere, sarhoşlara, ölüme ve kendi çukurlarında ölmekte olanlara, pisliğe ve sefalete dair hiçbir fikrimiz yok. Ayrıcalıklı bir cehalet içinde yaşam boyu öylece sürüklenemeyiz. Elimizden gelen yerde yardım etmeliyiz. Bizi insan yapan budur. Değilse de öyle olmalı."
Kitabda tək yumurta əkizi bacı və qardaşdan bəhs olunur. Uşaqlıqdan yeniyetməlik dövrünə qədər bir çox anlarına şahid oluruq və əsas hadisələr 12-13 yaşlarına gəldikləri zaman başlayır. Üstəlik yaşadıqları dünya da olduqca qəribədir. Oxuduqca hiss edirsən ki, bizim yaşadığımız tərzdə bir dünyadan bəhs edilmir. Hətta bir qədər distopik dünyası var idi. Daha sonra bəzi sirrlər üzə çıxmağa başlayır, kitab boyunca görəsən nə baş verəcək hissini üzərimdən ata bilmədim, bu da kitabı daha maraqlı edirdi. Amma bir nöqtədə olacaqlara dair ipucu gördüm.
Düşündüyüm kimi olmamasını, ya da daha fərqli işlənməsini istəyərdim. lakin olduğu halı ilə də təsirli və maraqlı bir roman olduğunu etiraf etməliyəm. Hər şeydən çox bacı və qardaş arasındakı bağı, onların hər zaman bir-birlərini qorumağa çalışmasını oxumaq xoşuma gəldi. Bundan başqa kitabda altını xəttlədiyim bir çox cümlə oldu. Aiden obrazını çox sevdim, onun düşüncələri, bacısına qarşı qorumacı davranışları xoşuma gəldi.
Nəticədə fərqli və xoşagələn ab-havası var idi əsərin, lakin yenə də bəzi hadisələrin daha fərqli işlənməsini istəyərdim. Və sonu da tam ürəyimcə olmadı. Haqqında çox araşdırma aparmadan, birbaşa əlinizə alıb oxumağı tövsiyə edirəm 👌🏻💙
"Annemin uyumadan önce bize okuduğu şu masallardan birinde gibiyiz, Ashleigh. Güzel kulelerinde yaşayan bir prenses ve onun prens kardeşi. Mükemmel, görkemli. Kahramanlar. Ama dışarıdaki dünyaya, çiftçilere, demircilere, askerlere, dilencilere, sarhoşlara, ölüme ve kendi çukurlarında ölmekte olanlara, pisliğe ve sefalete dair hiçbir fikrimiz yok. Ayrıcalıklı bir cehalet içinde yaşam boyu öylece sürüklenemeyiz. Elimizden gelen yerde yardım etmeliyiz. Bizi insan yapan budur. Değilse de öyle olmalı."
May 3, 2023
Wow. Okay wow because I had no idea where this book was going.
The topics in this book are so incredibly important and valuable. Far more relevant and political than I thought but I enjoyed it.
I’m a twin myself so sometimes it was more emotional, again, that I thought.
I didn’t like the book at first, and stopped reading for a few days, but then I picked it back up and couldn’t put it back down!
Great read and such an interesting storyline.
The topics in this book are so incredibly important and valuable. Far more relevant and political than I thought but I enjoyed it.
I’m a twin myself so sometimes it was more emotional, again, that I thought.
I didn’t like the book at first, and stopped reading for a few days, but then I picked it back up and couldn’t put it back down!
Great read and such an interesting storyline.
May 30, 2022
The first thing that stood out to me when reading catch me if I fall was the setting being Australia specifically Sydney. Not many books I read are set in Australia and I enjoyed reading about a place I know. The other thing that stood out to me was how it addressed important issues such as global warming.
The plot I really enjoyed and the plot twist was unexpected. The ending I honestly didn’t like as I feel like there should be more to it but it also made me sob.
The plot I really enjoyed and the plot twist was unexpected. The ending I honestly didn’t like as I feel like there should be more to it but it also made me sob.
October 22, 2024
Für Jugendliche und (jung gebliebene) Erwachsene, das die brennenden Themen unserer Zeit aufgreift: Folgen des Klimawandels und der KI, Spaltung der Gesellschaft in Superreiche, Arbeiter*innen, Arme und Besitzlose. Raffiniert erzählt, spitzfindig, spannend
May 15, 2024
Fabulous year 6+ dystopian read. The themes are extremely relevant being around AI and climate change. Can’t wait to get this read into students hands.
March 20, 2021
A fascinating read set in the future when climate change has reeked havoc on the physical world and the population has fragmented into various groups. Told from the point of view of a pampered tween this book nevertheless deals with some heavy issues. Ash has to face the fact that nothing is as it seems. Her life has been mostly a lie, perpetuated by her brilliant but ruthless mother. Her family is a farce and Ash has to grow up very quickly and fight to survive. The environmental disfunction is alarming but so is the reality that Ash has to face about her family. A great high school read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2020
Ooo, this book was such a surprise! On one hand, it’s a simple family and friendship story, but the drip feed of clues make the reader question it all with the real truth finally emerging and all the puzzle pieces fitting together. Upper primary children are going to love this; it will be a great book for discussions around so many different issues.
May 10, 2025
it was a really good book I love all the twist and turns I just wish there was some background info on everything because at the start I was confused that they were living in the future and about the food shortage so yeah I definitely recommend this book you will get a bit confused but it will make sense at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2023
IT WAS SO GOOD BUT SO SO SAD AT THE END! The plot twist was so good and it wasn’t really an ‘adventure dystopian’ novel, but it was dystopian. I really hated Ash at the start but she grew on me. I hated the the mum so much!! Aidan was the best character in the story by far.
July 5, 2021
One of the best books I've ever read. It's just inexplicable how good this book is.
October 15, 2021
I fall in love with Barry Jonsberg's books because of this one. Most ingenuous of them all.
July 22, 2023
From the first chapter introducing them as indentical male female twins, you just knew something was off. Predicted the plot twist very early on and again it was just weird
October 23, 2020
Catch me if I fall is a brilliant and easy read, following the lives of twins as they navigate the world of ever developing technology and independence.
Synopsis from Allen and Unwin:
Ashleigh and Aiden are thirteen-year-old twins who promise to always look out for each other. Aiden is more dedicated to the task than Ashleigh, but when it comes to matters of life and death, they both exhibit a fierce protectiveness that will change the course of their lives.
Here are some little things I noted whilst reading the book:
- The book is set in a futuristic Australia as on page 163, Mr Meredith is quizzing the children and one of the questions is “The great barrier reef was officially declared dead in 2030. True or False?”
- Don’t judge a book by its cover. There are many times in this book where someone is portrayed poorly until their backstory is told. Mr Dyson said some words about the children being rich spoilt brats and how much working he has to do to put food on the table. Learning about him a bit later on, Mr Dyson lost his wife to the big Aussie bushfires and now raises their son on his own, struggling to live off what he earns. Charlotte comes across as a stuck up know it all, but in her home life, her parents are very strict on her studying and if she spends time with friends, she has to make up for lost time with extra studying during the week.
- Page 174: ... I was not expecting that in the slightest... What... All the clues were right in front of me!! The crazy questions, the green mush and the fact that Klinsmann’s disease is not a real thing, the close bond with their dog Zorro and the fact that only the twin’s mum would go to the clinic to be with Aiden.
- The book portrays an excellent execution as to what Australia could look like in years to come from the effects of Global Warming! It’s a good wake up call to the younger generations.
I really enjoyed reading this book, there were so many interesting components to it and some things that took me by surprise. Thank you Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy!
Synopsis from Allen and Unwin:
Ashleigh and Aiden are thirteen-year-old twins who promise to always look out for each other. Aiden is more dedicated to the task than Ashleigh, but when it comes to matters of life and death, they both exhibit a fierce protectiveness that will change the course of their lives.
Here are some little things I noted whilst reading the book:
- The book is set in a futuristic Australia as on page 163, Mr Meredith is quizzing the children and one of the questions is “The great barrier reef was officially declared dead in 2030. True or False?”
- Don’t judge a book by its cover. There are many times in this book where someone is portrayed poorly until their backstory is told. Mr Dyson said some words about the children being rich spoilt brats and how much working he has to do to put food on the table. Learning about him a bit later on, Mr Dyson lost his wife to the big Aussie bushfires and now raises their son on his own, struggling to live off what he earns. Charlotte comes across as a stuck up know it all, but in her home life, her parents are very strict on her studying and if she spends time with friends, she has to make up for lost time with extra studying during the week.
- Page 174: ... I was not expecting that in the slightest... What... All the clues were right in front of me!! The crazy questions, the green mush and the fact that Klinsmann’s disease is not a real thing, the close bond with their dog Zorro and the fact that only the twin’s mum would go to the clinic to be with Aiden.
- The book portrays an excellent execution as to what Australia could look like in years to come from the effects of Global Warming! It’s a good wake up call to the younger generations.
I really enjoyed reading this book, there were so many interesting components to it and some things that took me by surprise. Thank you Allen and Unwin for sending me a copy!
November 10, 2020
Twins Ashleigh and Aiden Delatour promised their mum when they were very small, to look out for one
another. And they have. Aiden more so than Ashleigh, but he's not bothered by that.
Ashleigh is a little self-centered and spoilt and takes her family's wealth and lifestyle for granted. They have three self-driven cars, when they hardly use one. Their school is expensive and exclusive, and their home controlled by a touch of a button. Mum is a computing and engineering genius, running her extremely successful company while Dad runs their children's busy and privileged lives.
A school camp changes everything. Even after a pile of paperwork and risk assessments, a bullet proof bus, and guards surrounding the pupils, there is still an accident. Aiden does as he promised and looks out for Ashleigh - saving her life.
But Aiden is injured and when he returns from hospital, he's not the same boy. He's asking questions he never asked before. How can they have so much, and others so little? He's suddenly breaking rules and wanting to know more about the people outside their safe 'bubble' of life.
Mum and Dad are worried, and then Mum drops a bombshell that Ashleigh can hardly comprehend.
Set in a future Australia where 20 million people were displaced by rising sea levels, millions more were lost in climate change famines and natural disasters, and population laws are now in place. Only one child is allowed per couple (unless twins or triplets). Instant sterilisation follows. There are huge gaps between the mega-rich and the country's poor, society now on a tiered system.
I never saw the twist in this story coming. Catch me if I fall begins with Ashleigh's view of her safe and ordered world, and I was cocooned along with her as I read. Although she takes all they have for granted, she isn't completely horrible, just oblivious to the world beyond her own. When this changes, she wakes up fast - she has to in order to save her brother. Eye opening and excellent. Barry Jonsberg has done it again. Fantastic read!
Age - 11+
another. And they have. Aiden more so than Ashleigh, but he's not bothered by that.
Ashleigh is a little self-centered and spoilt and takes her family's wealth and lifestyle for granted. They have three self-driven cars, when they hardly use one. Their school is expensive and exclusive, and their home controlled by a touch of a button. Mum is a computing and engineering genius, running her extremely successful company while Dad runs their children's busy and privileged lives.
A school camp changes everything. Even after a pile of paperwork and risk assessments, a bullet proof bus, and guards surrounding the pupils, there is still an accident. Aiden does as he promised and looks out for Ashleigh - saving her life.
But Aiden is injured and when he returns from hospital, he's not the same boy. He's asking questions he never asked before. How can they have so much, and others so little? He's suddenly breaking rules and wanting to know more about the people outside their safe 'bubble' of life.
Mum and Dad are worried, and then Mum drops a bombshell that Ashleigh can hardly comprehend.
Set in a future Australia where 20 million people were displaced by rising sea levels, millions more were lost in climate change famines and natural disasters, and population laws are now in place. Only one child is allowed per couple (unless twins or triplets). Instant sterilisation follows. There are huge gaps between the mega-rich and the country's poor, society now on a tiered system.
I never saw the twist in this story coming. Catch me if I fall begins with Ashleigh's view of her safe and ordered world, and I was cocooned along with her as I read. Although she takes all they have for granted, she isn't completely horrible, just oblivious to the world beyond her own. When this changes, she wakes up fast - she has to in order to save her brother. Eye opening and excellent. Barry Jonsberg has done it again. Fantastic read!
Age - 11+
June 7, 2021
2.5 maybe? But I feel bad being harsh because I'm definitely not the intended audience.....
I picked this one up because I recognised the cover/title on the "New In!" shelf and vaguely remembered hearing good things about it. I also love any chance to support #LoveOzYA and thought that this would be a much older story about confronting illness (or even disability? and how it might entirely change the paths of two people who have otherwise been "identical". It was not that at all. I didn't even realise how young it was until I got it home from the library.
Honestly I was going to give up on it. It felt verrry young and I was already ???? at the idea that the book that was labelled identical twins would have a brother? sister pair? That's not how that works and even the later twist doesn't... clarify it. So I consulted the goodreads reviews which were all pretty excited about the twist and calling it a good read even for adult readers, which left me torn.
And then I read about p.175, and curiosity got the best of me. Once I'd read that twist I had to keep reading to see how it ended... and then I went back and read the start to connect the dots. Basically, I was already the wrong audience for this and then I read it in the worst way.
I actually really liked the twist and the concept of this futuristic climate dystopia Australia but I wasn't too fond of the main character and the concepts were v heavy handed (in a way that suits MG but doesn't hold much crossover appeal!. I'd recommend for MG readers who like books on climate change and the integration of gentle sci fi.
I picked this one up because I recognised the cover/title on the "New In!" shelf and vaguely remembered hearing good things about it. I also love any chance to support #LoveOzYA and thought that this would be a much older story about confronting illness (or even disability? and how it might entirely change the paths of two people who have otherwise been "identical". It was not that at all. I didn't even realise how young it was until I got it home from the library.
Honestly I was going to give up on it. It felt verrry young and I was already ???? at the idea that the book that was labelled identical twins would have a brother? sister pair? That's not how that works and even the later twist doesn't... clarify it. So I consulted the goodreads reviews which were all pretty excited about the twist and calling it a good read even for adult readers, which left me torn.
And then I read about p.175, and curiosity got the best of me. Once I'd read that twist I had to keep reading to see how it ended... and then I went back and read the start to connect the dots. Basically, I was already the wrong audience for this and then I read it in the worst way.
I actually really liked the twist and the concept of this futuristic climate dystopia Australia but I wasn't too fond of the main character and the concepts were v heavy handed (in a way that suits MG but doesn't hold much crossover appeal!. I'd recommend for MG readers who like books on climate change and the integration of gentle sci fi.
January 24, 2023
Mein Eindruck:
Durch Zufall wurde ich auf das Buch aufmerksam und da ich Dystopien liebe und das Thema hier auch noch sehr interessant klinkt, war klar, dass ich diese Geschichte einfach lesen muss.
Für mich ist es das erste Buch des Autors und ich war schon sehr gespannt, was mich erwarten würde. Der Einstieg in die Geschichte der Zwillinge Amy und Aiden gelang mir ohne Probleme und ich war schnell mitten drin in der Geschichte.
Amy und Aiden leben in Australien. Allerdings leben sie in einer Welt, die nach dem Klimawandel ziemlich zerstört ist. Essen und das Wasser sind knapp, allerdings nicht für die „Elite“. Die haben genug von allem, während der Rest schauen muss, wie sie durchs Leben kommen.
Der Schreibstil des Autors hat mir gut gefallen, denn er ließ sich leicht und locker lesen. Die Spannung zog sich vom Anfang bis Ende durch das gesamte Buch und durch die unvorhergesehenen Wendungen kam zusätzlich Spannung auf. Durch die bildhafte Beschreibung des Autors war es auch gar kein Problem, sich alles genau vorzustellen.
Die Darstellung der Charaktere fand ich auch sehr gut gelungen.
Amy und Aiden waren mir von Anfang an sympathisch und handelten in meinen Augen auch authentisch. Sie sind ein gutes Team und man kann die Geschwisterliebe deutlich spüren.
Fazit:
Eine spannende und authentische Jugenddystopie, die mit einem ernsten und aktuellen Thema, sympathisches Protagonisten und Action vollkommen überzeugen kann. Klare Leseempfehlung von mir.
Durch Zufall wurde ich auf das Buch aufmerksam und da ich Dystopien liebe und das Thema hier auch noch sehr interessant klinkt, war klar, dass ich diese Geschichte einfach lesen muss.
Für mich ist es das erste Buch des Autors und ich war schon sehr gespannt, was mich erwarten würde. Der Einstieg in die Geschichte der Zwillinge Amy und Aiden gelang mir ohne Probleme und ich war schnell mitten drin in der Geschichte.
Amy und Aiden leben in Australien. Allerdings leben sie in einer Welt, die nach dem Klimawandel ziemlich zerstört ist. Essen und das Wasser sind knapp, allerdings nicht für die „Elite“. Die haben genug von allem, während der Rest schauen muss, wie sie durchs Leben kommen.
Der Schreibstil des Autors hat mir gut gefallen, denn er ließ sich leicht und locker lesen. Die Spannung zog sich vom Anfang bis Ende durch das gesamte Buch und durch die unvorhergesehenen Wendungen kam zusätzlich Spannung auf. Durch die bildhafte Beschreibung des Autors war es auch gar kein Problem, sich alles genau vorzustellen.
Die Darstellung der Charaktere fand ich auch sehr gut gelungen.
Amy und Aiden waren mir von Anfang an sympathisch und handelten in meinen Augen auch authentisch. Sie sind ein gutes Team und man kann die Geschwisterliebe deutlich spüren.
Fazit:
Eine spannende und authentische Jugenddystopie, die mit einem ernsten und aktuellen Thema, sympathisches Protagonisten und Action vollkommen überzeugen kann. Klare Leseempfehlung von mir.
February 12, 2021
Ashleigh and Aiden Delatour are thirteen-year-old identical twins bound by a powerful promise to always protect one another.
But the near future they have inherited holds very few promises. Sydney has been overturned by cyclonic weather patterns and tidal surges. Even from the climate controlled, eco-friendly techno-palace their high-flying AI engineer mother designed to keep them safe and comfortable, a world wracked by climate change and social unease looms outside.
Ashleigh is self-absorbed, entitled, and spoilt by a level of privilege most Australian readers would take for granted; access to schooling, fenced and guarded ‘wilderness’ areas for sport and rec camps, and a healthy (vegetarian-only) diet. Above all she takes for granted her brother’s undying devotion to her, and a mother who, while advancing global technological solutions for a world in crisis, spares no expense to delight and protect her darling children.
Until one day an accident sends their world spinning in unexpected directions. Unsettling, new circumstances send Ashleigh looking for answers that will upturn an already reeling world.
In another timely, middle-grade novel, Barry Jonsberg, opens the social and ethical conundrums of the world we are watching approach us at speed. If only we could offer our young people more than these heavyweight problems. This book certainly allows hope to lie in their intelligence, adaptability and courage.
But the near future they have inherited holds very few promises. Sydney has been overturned by cyclonic weather patterns and tidal surges. Even from the climate controlled, eco-friendly techno-palace their high-flying AI engineer mother designed to keep them safe and comfortable, a world wracked by climate change and social unease looms outside.
Ashleigh is self-absorbed, entitled, and spoilt by a level of privilege most Australian readers would take for granted; access to schooling, fenced and guarded ‘wilderness’ areas for sport and rec camps, and a healthy (vegetarian-only) diet. Above all she takes for granted her brother’s undying devotion to her, and a mother who, while advancing global technological solutions for a world in crisis, spares no expense to delight and protect her darling children.
Until one day an accident sends their world spinning in unexpected directions. Unsettling, new circumstances send Ashleigh looking for answers that will upturn an already reeling world.
In another timely, middle-grade novel, Barry Jonsberg, opens the social and ethical conundrums of the world we are watching approach us at speed. If only we could offer our young people more than these heavyweight problems. This book certainly allows hope to lie in their intelligence, adaptability and courage.
March 1, 2023
Ein interessantes Science Fiction-Jugendbuch, in dem die Zwillinge Amy und Aiden in einer nahen Zukunft unter starken Umweltschäden und Unwettern leben. Durch ihre reiche Familie sind sie jedoch gut versorgt, bis Aiden Amy bei einem Camping-Unfall rettet - und sich danach plötzlich total verändert, wodurch sie einem schrecklichen Geheimnis auf die Spur kommt. Die Geschichte beschäftigt sich auf jugendgerechte Weise wirklich mit allen wichtigen und diskussionswürdigen Themen, die für die Zukunft wichtig sein könnten; die Möglichkeiten und Gefahren künstlicher Intelligenz, die Umweltschäden durch den Klimawandel, die größer werdende Schere zwischen Arm und Reich, alles findet genügend Platz und regt ganz natürlich zum Nachdenken an. Außerdem ist der Plot u.a. durch eine große Wendung auch sehr unterhaltsam und man verfolgt ihn meist sehr neugierig. Der Schreibstil erzählt dabei aus Amys Sicht und liest sich relativ einfach und gut. Auch als Protagonistin ist sie ganz sympathisch und entwickelt sich gut weiter, während sie langsam umdenkt und sich der Probleme ihrer Welt bewusst wird. Auch Aiden ist interessant und für einige Überraschung gut. Insgesamt also ein tolles Buch, um Jugendliche an die möglichen Problematiken der Zukunft ranzuführen und sie anzuregen, sich ein eigene Meinung darüber zu bilden.
May 24, 2025
“Sometimes the worst things don’t happen with a bang, but a silence you can’t shake.”
“Not all truths set you free. Some just break the world you thought you knew.”
⸻
Catch Me If I Fall begins with twins Ash and Aiden living a seemingly normal life in a near-future version of Sydney. Ash is the quieter, more introspective brother, while Aiden is louder, more rebellious. But as Ash starts to notice strange gaps in his memory, inconsistencies in his world, and a growing sense of unease, the story starts to shift from a contemporary sibling tale into something much darker and more speculative.
As the truth unfolds, the novel touches on themes of climate catastrophe, ethics in science, and what it means to be human in a world that’s losing touch with its own conscience. Jonsberg plays the long game here—the twist, when it lands, reframes the entire narrative.
The story isn’t action-heavy; it’s more about the emotional and ethical fallout of the world these kids are growing up in. And while the pacing can feel a bit slow at first, it’s deliberately constructed to build toward a sobering, powerful climax.
⸻
My Thoughts
I’d rate it 3.5 or 4/5. I liked the psychological depth and the way it quietly built tension. While it wasn’t a jaw-dropping dystopian thriller, it stuck with me because of its emotional honesty and how gently it asked some very big questions—about identity, sacrifice, and survival in a collapsing world.
It’s one of those YA books that respects its audience’s intelligence—and that’s something I always appreciate.
“Not all truths set you free. Some just break the world you thought you knew.”
⸻
Catch Me If I Fall begins with twins Ash and Aiden living a seemingly normal life in a near-future version of Sydney. Ash is the quieter, more introspective brother, while Aiden is louder, more rebellious. But as Ash starts to notice strange gaps in his memory, inconsistencies in his world, and a growing sense of unease, the story starts to shift from a contemporary sibling tale into something much darker and more speculative.
As the truth unfolds, the novel touches on themes of climate catastrophe, ethics in science, and what it means to be human in a world that’s losing touch with its own conscience. Jonsberg plays the long game here—the twist, when it lands, reframes the entire narrative.
The story isn’t action-heavy; it’s more about the emotional and ethical fallout of the world these kids are growing up in. And while the pacing can feel a bit slow at first, it’s deliberately constructed to build toward a sobering, powerful climax.
⸻
My Thoughts
I’d rate it 3.5 or 4/5. I liked the psychological depth and the way it quietly built tension. While it wasn’t a jaw-dropping dystopian thriller, it stuck with me because of its emotional honesty and how gently it asked some very big questions—about identity, sacrifice, and survival in a collapsing world.
It’s one of those YA books that respects its audience’s intelligence—and that’s something I always appreciate.
January 18, 2021
Catch Me If I Fall is a middle grade/early YA book set in near future Sydney, where climate change has destroyed the world as we know it, creating an inhospitable environment with limited resources, and Australia now has a one child policy. Ashleigh and Aidan Delacourt are identical twins, in the loosest definition of the word, and live a privileged life.
The relationships in this novel are mostly toxic, with the possible exception of Ashleigh and Aiden, who are taught to take care of and protect each other. The way Ashleigh and Aiden's parents treat each other and their children is somewhat troubling; their stay-at-home dad is often treated with disdain by their mother, and towards the end of the book especially, Ashleigh, a thirteen year old, treats her parents, who yes, have been lying to her, with such disrespect I had to put the book down.
All in all, the story was interesting and I enjoyed some of the twists, but the characters were mostly unlikeable and despite Ash's character development throughout the book, she came across as a spoiled brat.
The relationships in this novel are mostly toxic, with the possible exception of Ashleigh and Aiden, who are taught to take care of and protect each other. The way Ashleigh and Aiden's parents treat each other and their children is somewhat troubling; their stay-at-home dad is often treated with disdain by their mother, and towards the end of the book especially, Ashleigh, a thirteen year old, treats her parents, who yes, have been lying to her, with such disrespect I had to put the book down.
All in all, the story was interesting and I enjoyed some of the twists, but the characters were mostly unlikeable and despite Ash's character development throughout the book, she came across as a spoiled brat.
January 20, 2022
Read this book in grade 8 and at the time this was definitely a book I needed. Did not expect that plot twist.
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