About Finding David

Finding David by Brad Watson is an engaging story for young adults that will prompt readers to consider issues of relationships, resilience, mental illness and faith. It is a distinctly Australian story of growing up in a coastal town, transferring to a new school, and confronting choices and risk-taking that will be familiar to many teenagers.

A story of relationships, family, friends and taking risks for them all.

In recent years, resilience has been increasingly recognised as a key concept in effectively working with young people. Youth community and support workers observing anecdotal and statistical evidence have sounded the alarm on risk-taking activities, drug use, binge drinking, depression and suicide risk among increasing numbers of young people. But regardless of circumstances—and perhaps particularly amid negative life situations—resilient young people are more likely to make positive choices and researchers have focused on identifying the factors that build resilience in young people.

Written for readers aged 12 to 16, Finding David introduces readers to the concept of resilience and, in the form of an entertaining story, reminds readers that positive choices are possible even in difficult family and personal circumstances.

As the story’s central character, 15-year-old David is struggling to come to terms with the disruption to his family and their move to a new community, both caused by a mysterious tragedy somehow connected to his mother’s absence, a reality David confronts in an emotional scene that is part of the novel’s climax.

While intentionally educational, Finding David is firstly a worthwhile novel that never loses sight of its responsibilities to entertain and engage readers. The story has been carefully developed and the author has successfully maintained the fine balance between good storytelling and good intentions. Amid the serious issues David has to address, there are many opportunities for surfing and mountain-biking adventures, as well as various school-focused story elements.

As a stand-alone novel or as a resource for use in classroom and youth group settings, Finding David combines the author’s love of a good story with his personal experience as an educator and mentor to young people.

“As soon as he got on the bus, David knew the students at the back were talking about him!”

David didn’t expect much from his first day at a new school—but it seems he had “enemies” even before he got off the bus.

With his family falling apart, moving to a new area brings challenges and opportunities, particularly great surf and a nearby forest area seemingly made for mountain biking. With new friends, David confronts his own fears, as well as the task of forgiving and connecting.

"Seriously, the book's good."—Bree-Ann

"The story was really interesting and funny."—Ashley

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would read it again."—Ben