Snowflake, Az

A timely, contemporary novel challenging ideas around health — our own and our planet's — and the stigma that persists around illness, by Printz Medallist and internationally bestselling novelist, Marcus Sedgwick.

Snowflake, Az is a compelling narrative that follows Ash, who has lived in eight states in as many years. With his mom having gone walkabout, his stepdad Jack becomes a father figure, and his stepbrother Bly is the best anyone could wish for. However, when Bly goes missing too, Ash sets off in search of him and uncovers something much bigger: the sickness of the world.

Upon arriving in Snowflake, Arizona, Ash discovers Bly living with a community 6000 feet high in the wide red desert. They call themselves the Canaries and suffer from various environmental illnesses. Ostracised by modern society, which continues to ignore climate change, global warming, and other self-inflicted damages to the planet, they navigate their isolated existence. When Ash falls ill, the doctor dismissively tells him, 'it's all in your mind.'

Spanning seven years filled with both triumphs and tragedies, Snowflake, Az presents a humane and deeply thoughtful exploration of resilience, trust, family, and love, as Ash learns how to live in a world at the brink of no return.