Human Torpedo (Lockie Leonard, 1)

Winner Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards / Children’s Fiction 1990
Winner American Library Association / Best Books for Young Adults 1993

Bestselling author, Tim Winton, delivers the iconic trio of books that are still the foremost definitive texts on contemporary Australian life for teenage boys.

Lockie Leonard, hot surf-rat, is in love. The human torpedo is barely settled into his new school, and already he’s got a girl on his mind. And not just any girl: it has to be Vicki Streeton, the smartest, prettiest, richest girl in the class. But what chance have you got when your dad’s a cop, your mum’s a frighteningly understanding parent, your brother wets the bed and the teachers take an instant dislike to you and then you fall in love at twelve-and-three-quarter years old? It can only mean trouble, worry, mega-embarrassment and some wild, wild times.

“Tim Winton’s coming-of-age novel is relevant, funny, and touching. Lockie Leonard’s family has moved from Perth to the East Coast of Australia. He has just turned 13 and must start a new school. Although he’s a good surfer, he doesn’t think he has much else going for him. His father is a pacifist cop, his brother wets the bed, and he lives in a less desirable section of town. Lockie hits the jackpot when cute, smart, popular, and well-off Vicki takes a liking to him. They quickly become an item, and Lockie is suddenly popular. When things start moving too fast, Lockie’s need to slow it down causes Vicki to become bored with the relationship. With the help of time and his empathetic parents, he comes to terms with losing both Vicki and his popularity. Winton has tapped into the angst of young teen boys, and listeners will identify with Lockie. Librarians should be aware that use of the Australian vernacular is pervasive, and there is sexual content (make-out sessions and wet dreams). Stig Wemyss, an actor in both Australia and the U. S., narrates with great energy and enthusiasm, capturing the voices of all of the characters. Catchy musical interludes between chapters add a nice touch. Those who enjoy surfing and coming-of-ages stories or are Tim Winton fans might enjoy this audiobook.”
Customer Review

‘Winton’s dry, typically Down Under wit and his use of alien, sometimes challenging Australian slang should charm young readers on this side of the equator.’
Publishers Weekly

‘A slapstick coming-of-age story set in a small Australian town.’
Kirkus Reviews