Author(s): Barry Jonsberg

Children's & YA

Much anticipated sequel to hilarious yet poignant popular debut novel The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull by Barry Jonsberg - a fresh, funny and engaging new voice in young adult books. Laugh-out-loud humour with a strong beating heart and a sting in the tail.

Calma Harrison is in love. Not just with herself, but also with the handsome checkout guy at Crazi-Cheep. But when Calma gets a job at Crazi-Cheep, her cynical approach to customer service makes headlines. And then there's the small matter of the rest of her life, which is fast falling apart: her absent father turns up unexpectedly and wants to talk' her mother, The Fridge, is keeping secrets and her new best friend, Vanessa, is hiding something horrible. Fearing the worst for her family and friends, Calma knows the only sure way to shape events is direct, personal intervention...

It's not all about YOU, Calma! is a bold and witty novel about friendship, loyalty and acting on impulse.

Praise for The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull:

This is the best teen fiction I have read in years. Barry Jonsberg's first novel is an absolute riot. As hilarious as it is poignant, The Whole Business with Kiffo and the Pitbull should be on every year-10 syllabus in the country. If this book doesn't make them want to read, nothing will.' The Age

Magnificent! Loved it! Laughed, snorted, and snickered maniacally on the subway all through it. It's taking great restraint not to run down the hall and read bits aloud to people - Nancy Siscoe, Knopf USA

Jonsberg's writing is fresh and funny, and bites with fierce teenage realism. Children's Bookseller & Publisher, April 2004.