The Bell family's ancestors were showered with honours, gifts and grants of land. In exchange, they have bestowed a Gift, once every 25 years, on the town. The Gifts have ranged from a statue to a bell tower with stained-glass windows, but now it's Darius's father's turn - and there is no money for an impressive gift. It looks as though a wheelbarrow full of vegetables is the best they can do. Darius is determined to preserve the family honour, and when an earthquake reveals a glorious cave, with the most beautiful minerals lining the walls, he thinks he's found the answer.A wonderfully satisfying novel - fun to read, thought-provoking and wise.

 

This book was recognised in the Book of the Year category by the Children's Book Council of Australia Awards. It was recognised by the Younger Readers.

There are 240 pages in this book. This book was published 2010 by Allen & Unwin .

Odo Hirsch grew up in Melbourne and now lives in London. He is a doctor and a writer of adult fiction. This is his first book for children.