Oscar vs the Grand Old Dude Names York is a middle grade adventure novel by Ross Curnow released by Walker Books in August 2024. Grab a copy now!
REVIEW
Curnow knocks it out of this park with a terrific story… With rich humour and a protagonist that’s easy to root for, Oscar vs the Grand Old Dude Named York is a ripper read. Emerging and independent readers aged 8+ will soak up this story that rockets along to a satisfying climax.
Books + Publishing
- Scroll down for more reviews
ORDER NOW
SCHOOL VISITS
I am available to visit schools to talk about this book and the process of writing in general. Get in contact through the links below and we can chat about the details.
Contact ME
ABOUT ME
Ross Curnow is a former journalist, pastor and kids storyteller who likes nothing more than to create absorbing characters and storylines that will keep you guessing until the very end.
REVIEW
This is a great story that will thoroughly appeal to all students in upper primary and lower secondary. Oscar is a character who many will relate to, as he navigates the world of high school, girls, bullies, family dynamics and friendships, not to mention a mystery that will see him fighting for his own survival, in more ways than one!
Lamont Books
- Scroll down for the full review
REVIEW
This fast-moving mystery of tumbles and bumbles on the way to growing up is a lot of fun. Just make sure you are wearing your helmet as you go out on your bike with the irrepressible Oscar.
Reading Time - Children's Book Council of Australia - Scroll down for the full review
book REVIEW
- Books+Publishing 4 June 2024 A fresh and hilarious new voice in children’s literature springs forth from the page with delightful force in Oscar vs the Grand Old Dude Named York by debut novelist Ross Curnow. Oscar’s life is one zany mishap after another, mostly thanks to his neighbour, Mr York, who repeatedly pulls pranks on him and seems to want him dead. This summer, Oscar makes two big decisions: he will get to the bottom of why Mr York is after him, and he will ask Tiffany Crandle—who has no idea he exists—out on a date. When Oscar gives Tiffany a jewel-encrusted necklace bequeathed to him by his grandfather, it sets off a series of whacky incidents: Tiffany mistakes Oscar for someone else, there’s a break-in at Oscar’s grandfather’s antique shop, the federal police begin snooping around, and Mr York’s attempts to kill Oscar escalate. Can Oscar settle the score with Mr York once and for all? Curnow knocks it out of this park with a terrific story that’s perfect for readers who enjoy Tristan Bancks, Liz Pinchon and Morris Gleitzman. With rich humour and a protagonist that’s easy to root for, Oscar vs the Grand Old Dude Named York is a ripper read. Emerging and independent readers aged 8+ will soak up this story that rockets along to a satisfying climax.Books+Publishing reviewer: Brenton Cullen is an emerging writer and passionate collector of children’s books. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
- Reading Time (The Children's Book Council of Australia) 26 September 2024 Oscar Mattick is twelve, his insufferable sister Becky is fifteen, and his parents are doing their best to keep a lid on things, especially on the strangely insulting and aggressive behaviour of their neighbour Mr York towards Oscar. Mr York treats Oscar like an infested loaf of animal drool, or worse. When the federal police begin visiting his home in search of a stolen necklace, Oscar suspects Mr York is at the centre of a local crime. But is he, and is he as truly dangerous as he seems, and will the lovely Tiffany Crandle ever give Oscar the tiniest bit of attention? This fast-moving mystery of tumbles and bumbles on the way to growing up is a lot of fun. Just make sure you are wearing your helmet as you go out on your bike with the irrepressible Oscar. Recommended for readers ten to thirteen, and a good few adults who like riding bicycles too.Reading Time reviewer: Kevin Brophy The Children's Book Council of Australia
- Lamont Books Oscar Mattick has no idea why his neighbour, Mr York, seems to be out to get him. He torments Oscar at every possible chance but only his family believe him. The policeman Errol Devenish won’t take it seriously, neither will his best friend, Micah, who just happens to be Mr York’s grandson! But this isn’t the only strange thing going on in Oscar’s life right now. Oscar was very close to his grandpa who recently passed away. His grandpa ran an antiques shop and left him a very unusual gift – a necklace. Oscar is not sure why - it seems like a very strange thing to leave to him and not his sisters, but Oscar decides that he may as well give it to his crush, Tiffany. Surely she will notice him then? But after his Grandpa’s old shop is burgled, a chain of events starts that means danger, not just for Oscar, but for anyone who has come into contact with that necklace, including his friends Maddie and Tiffany! There are even detectives from Canberra in town trying to solve this mystery. Can Oscar get out of the mess that he seems to have made? This is a great story that will thoroughly appeal to all students in upper primary and lower secondary. Oscar is a character who many will relate to, as he navigates the world of high school, girls, bullies, family dynamics and friendships, not to mention a mystery that will see him fighting for his own survival, in more ways than one!Reviewed by Sam Lamont Books is Victoria's largest school library supplier and also supplies books to schools throughout Australia