Bracken Block
- Kirsten Edwards
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
Author: Rollo Arnold Illustrator: W. Jenks
From the inside flap: "JR: SR: TR - these are the three sets of initials that Terry and Jill Hardy find carved on a desk in the derelict whare that stands on Bracken Block, the land their father is busy clearing. It isn't long before they learn the tragic story of the Rockwell family, who once lived on Bracken Block - especially the part played in that story by Sally Rockwell... As the days go by (long summer days, when Jill and Terry work alongside their father, taking the sheep to their new pasture high above the Waipiko River; burning off the hillside around Bracken Block) they find themselves vitally involved in the strange happenings of ten years ago, when the Rockwell family was the talk of the neighbourhood. It is left to the Hardys to supply the answers to riddles that were left unanswered all those years ago - and their detective work is not without its dangers, for there are certain characters in this quiet New Zealand hamlet who would rather those riddles were not solved. But by the end of summer, the name of Rockwell no longer carries a shameful stigma in the Waipiko Valley, and the villains of the piece have been brought to justice. This is an intriguing and unusual tale that leaves a memorable impression of the New Zealand countryside in summer."
Rollo Arnold, a New Zealand author, educator, and social historian, penned two children’s books, Bracken Block and The Freedom of Ariki, inspired by his childhood on a sheep farm in the Korere Valley. A former teacher, lecturer, and Professor of Education at Victoria University, Arnold infused these stories with authentic rural details, crafting them for his four children.
Bracken Block is a lively, fast-paced mystery that follows the Hardy siblings: Terry, Jill, and Bunny, as they spend their summer unravelling the enigma surrounding the mysterious doings of the Rockwell family. Set in the vivid landscapes of New Zealand, the story brims with adventure and intrigue.
Arnold’s firsthand experience of farm life enriches the narrative with evocative details, as seen in this vivid passage:
"They all loved a trip in the wagon. You were high enough to see things you couldn’t see standing on the ground. The crunching of gravel under the steel rims of the wheels was a good sound to listen to. You could hear it two ways, the ordinary way, and the special way when you put your hand over your ear and your elbow on the wooden sides of the wagon. Then it was the singing, humming vibration..."
This sensory-rich description immerses readers in the setting, making the rural backdrop a character in its own right. The book also includes a helpful map on the inside covers, guiding readers through key locations and landmarks, which adds to the story’s accessibility.
While the mystery is intricate and demands close attention, the plot is engaging, with twists that keep readers guessing. Character development for the Hardy siblings is minimal, but the gradual unveiling of Sally Rockwell’s story is compelling and heartfelt, culminating in a touching resolution.
Bracken Block is an excellent read for children aged 10 and up who enjoy a well-crafted mystery. Its blend of adventure, vivid setting, and emotional depth make it a standout choice for young readers.
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