The Secret of the Stone

By Kathryn Lefroy

Reviewed by Helen Gearing

Award winning screenwriter and author Kathryn Lefroy released her first middle grade novel, ‘Alex and the Alpacas save the World’ (shortlisted for the Western Australian Premier’s Book Award) in 2022. Her latest middle grade adventure, ‘The Secret of the Stone,’ is a thrilling story set in San Francisco which explores themes of power, friendship, and grief.

Twelve-year-old Olive thinks her biggest problem is Advanced Science. Her teacher is scary, she hates the thought of dissecting frogs, and if she doesn’t ace her next exam she won’t win an important scholarship to attend the same highschool as her two best friends.

But when Olive finds a mysterious stone that makes any wish temporarily come true, her life gets much more complicated. As she and her friends explore the stone’s power, they accidentally bring animals back to life, mind-control an obnoxious older sibling, and, most alarmingly, attract the attention of dangerous individuals desperate to find the stone for themselves.

However, when Olive and her friends contemplate getting rid of the stone, circumstances change – one of them needs its power to save a loved one – and it seems impossible to find a solution which won’t destroy their friendship.

The Secret of the Stone raises big questions (including whether power can be wielded without corrupting its holder) with nuance and sensitivity. Olive and her friends have strong social consciousnesses and they grapple with these questions thoughtfully – Lefroy doesn’t underestimate a 12-year-old’s ability to think critically.

This story brings a fresh perspective to the magical-object trope and witty dialogue, excellent pacing, and convincing characters combine to create an edge-of-your-seat adventure that packs an emotional punch. Readers ten years and older who enjoyed ‘Scar Town’ by Tristan Banks will also be gripped by The Secret of the Stone.

Fremantle Press 2024 (includes Teaching Notes)

Kathryn Lefroy