The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage

By Charlie Archbold
Reviewed by Helen Gearing

The Sugarcane Kids and the Empty Cage is the highly-awaited next in series from award-winning author Charlie Archbold. Its predecessor, The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat, brought Far-North Queensland to life through an edge-of-your-seat adventure following best friends Andy and Eli as they outmanoeuvred dangerous jewellery thieves and a deadly saltwater crocodile. This time, Andy and Eli, together with the other Sugarcane Kids, must discover who is stealing animals for the illegal native wildlife trade.

When Gloria, Old Jean’s beloved pet parrot, goes missing, the adults organise posters and search parties. Nobody takes Andy and Eli seriously when they suggest that Gloria isn’t lost, but stolen. Then Anna, a massive scrub python (and the library mascot) also disappears, followed by a bearded dragon from the golf course – and it looks like the boys’ suspicions were correct.

However, without proof of criminal activity the adults are still reluctant to admit the disappearances are anything more than unfortunate accidents. The Sugarcane Kids must investigate alone and face a daunting array of suspects, including a terrifying new canteen manager who seems to have a vendetta against them. As days pass, the children must unravel clues under increasing pressure, aware that time is running out for Gloria and the other animals – if they aren’t cared for properly they will die.

Animal lovers aged eight years and older who like funny, fast-paced adventures will thoroughly enjoy the new Sugarcane Kids story, although I recommend beginning with the first book as there is a large cast of characters to become familiar with. It’s also worth being prepared for somewhat lower stakes than the first title in this series (admittedly, it’s hard to beat a faceoff between a monstrously large saltwater crocodile and a rag-tag group of schoolchildren, armed only with a frozen chicken).

Andy and Eli’s close friendship is authentic and touching, as is the dynamic between twins Fletch and Bernie, who play a larger role in this story and must navigate how to remain close while getting older and increasingly spending more time apart. Archbold is also a master at creating a setting with as much personality as her excellent characters, and by the end of the story readers will feel like they’ve lived in Far North Queensland their whole lives alongside the Sugarcane Kids.

Teaching Notes

Text Publishing 2024

Charlie Archbold