Making trouble by Brooke Blurton and Melanie Saward

Stella and her girlfriend Jamie travel from outback Western Australia to Melbourne to start year 9 at a new school. They both receive scholarships to board at MIC (Melbourne Indigenous College) and will pursue their special talents, ballet for Stella and AFL for Jamie, at the adjacent prestigious grammar school. This is principally Stella’s story told in the first person, plus her diary entries. We know Stella is very anxious about not only fitting into this posh grammar school but having to do art, which she doesn’t think she is any good at. She is anxious that Jamie will break up with her and partner with another queer football playing student. She is anxious that she won’t succeed with her dancing and expose something that she is embarrassed about to Jamie. Her anxiety leads to misunderstandings and some explosive angry reactions, and she needs to repair relationships with friends.  We also learn that she has been hospitalised for her anxiety in the past and is taking medication for it. 

Making trouble is a sequel to A good kind of trouble which is Jamie’s story prior to their move to Melbourne. 

Stella and Jamie are believable fleshed out characters. Stella is a bit dramatic and problematic but has good peer and adult support. She is also able to reflect on her behaviour. The dialogue amongst the largely indigenous cast truly reflects what young people might say. Themes of mental health and queerness are traditionally found in material for older young adults, but this is handled with a light touch here and so I believe it is quite appropriate for readers from years 7+. I do think there is a discord between the cover art and the intended audience.  I assumed it was targeted at much younger readers. I like the way the arts were championed in the story – the famous Bangarra Dance is mentioned plus a successful collage artist. Both authors are proud indigenous women and have written an engaging story which will enlighten nonindigenous readers and may help indigenous readers feel proud and affirmed too.

Themes: Mental health, LGBTQIA people, Friendship, Dance.

Jo Marshall