'It's just a walk in the dark. What is there to worry about?' That's what the head teacher, Johan, says. And so a group from Otway Community School sets out on an overnight hike, with no adults. But doesn't Johan know a storm is coming? When five teenagers head into the forest that late afternoon, none of them is aware what the night will bring. Each will have to find their own strengths to survive. Each will have to face the unknown, battling the elements, events beyond their control, and their own demons. It's a night that will change everything. Five head into the forest, but will all five make it out?

Jane Godwin is the highly acclaimed and internationally published author of many books for children and young people, across all styles and ages. Children's Publisher at Penguin Books Australia for many years, Jane's books include her novels A Walk in the Dark (September 2022), Falling From Grace, As Happy as Here (a CBCA Notable Book) and When Rain Turns to Snow (shortlisted for the CBCA Book of the Year for Older Readers and for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards) and picture books Tilly, illustrated by Anna Walker and The Best HidingPlace (illustrated by Sylvia Morris), both shortlisted for the CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. Jane is dedicated to pursuing quality and enriching reading and writing experiences for young people, and spends as much time as she can working with them in schools and communities and running literature and writing programs.
janegodwin.com.au