On the day Cassie was born, they drowned her town. 12 years later, she and her classmate Liam are drawn to the man-made lake and the mysteries it hides. As summer heats up and the lake waters become lower and lower, secrets are slowly uncovered. Can Cassie bring the shocking truth to light before it’s too late?

Surface Tension is a compelling coming-of-age mystery for younger readers by award-winning Australian author Meg McKinlay. In 2012, this atmospheric novel won the Best Young Fiction category of the Davitt Awards, was Highly Commended in the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and was a Notable Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards. For more of Meg’s engaging junior fiction, read A Single Stone. www.megmckinlay.com

“A wonderfully layered story – reading it is like being gradually immersed in a pool of water as each layer of the narrative slowly washes over you ... There isn’t a dull moment in this book. The story is full of human connections that will delight readers and there is a whimsy to the text that makes it a great read for all ages.” Bookseller+Publisher

“Meg McKinlay expertly guides her readers through a well-plotted coming-of-age story that’s beautifully atmospheric … A real page-turner.” The Sunday Age

“Memorable and suspenseful.” The Wall Street Journal

“A 12-year-old girl discovers a town secret hidden under thousands of gallons of water in this earnest, thematically rich exploration of the relationship between history and truth.” Kirkus Reviews

“A poetic sensibility shines through this coming-of-age mystery.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)