With sea levels rising, and the land deforested, over-mined and affected by bushfires and drought – Tasmania is increasingly marooned, its people abandoned. Nyx’s father wants them to leave while they still can but, for Nyx, West Hobart is all she’s ever known, and where her mother is buried. She seeks solace in the single surviving tree near her home – an 80-foot pine that has defied all odds. Bea, too, finds solace in the tree, and facing a move to the mainland herself, leaves a despairing note, wedged into a hole in its trunk. Nyx finds the note, and writes back. But Nyx and Bea don’t realise how special their tree truly is…
Two of Australia’s most acclaimed and high-profile writers co-author a sensitive and ultimately hopeful story about our growing climate crisis.
Recommended for ages 8+.
Buy a copy of The Letterbox Tree here.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Letterbox Tree is a beautifully written YA novel by Australian authors Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon. In 2093, Tasmania is completely devastated from bushfires, drought, and deforestation as a result of the climate crisis. Nyx’s future is uncertain and she needs a sign of hope. When present-day teenager Bea runs away from bullies, she comes across a tree, in which she leaves a note inside, enabling Bea to form a communicative bond with Nyx. Messages made with a notebook and pencil are transported via the tree, forming a fast friendship between the two girls, regardless of their place in time. The characters were well-written and the story was so heartfelt. As I am a young adult who is concerned about climate change, I felt so emotionally connected to this story and the themes it conveys. I would recommend this book to anyone who is seeking hope during times of environmental uncertainty. Brittany, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed The Letterbox Tree! I really loved the futuristic aspects of it, and I am particularly fond of books with multiple character perspectives. The Letterbox Tree has funny, relatable, and well-developed characters that bring out the interesting plot lines. The ending was interesting and did not feel rushed. I had high expectations for this book because I am fond of both authors. This book not only met, but exceeded my expectations, and I hope these authors continue to make joint books as high quality as this one. I believe everyone now in this time must do their part to ensure that the future for their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren is happy, safe, and secure, and that they no longer need to worry about bushfires, floods, droughts, and climate change. I loved the plot lines and themes in this book that circle around climate change, time travel, and friendship. The friendship of Bea and Nix is a magical, amazing thing. Everyone deserves to have friends that care about them like Bea and Nix care about each other. The Letterbox Tree is a great story. Georgia, WA 5 Stars
I really loved this. I’m not the target audience (around 15 years past it), but I would recommend this to anyone. The book explores connection to other humans and the environment, parenting, bullying, forgiveness, growth, hope, and much more. We follow the friendship of Bea (living in the year 2023) and Nyx (surviving in the year 2093) and how they help each other and the Earth in different ways. The storyline felt both plausible and thought-provoking, and begs the question – are you willing to do your part to save the future? I found this book very profound and I believe it would make a great addition to the school curriculum or your teen’s bookshelf. Victoria, NSW, 5 Stars
Bea heads to a giant tree to find refuge from the school bullies and leaves messages in a hole in its trunk. Her dad wants to move to the mainland, away from her home. Nyx finds comfort in the only living tree near her home. One day she finds a message and writes back. An unusual friendship begins that crosses timelines. Nyx’s home is being destroyed by bushfires and floods. Can Bea help her to change the future before it’s too late? A book for both young and old to really show how our actions now have an effect on the future. Nicole, VIC, 5 Stars
I enjoyed reading this book and thought it would make a good classroom book that would open up discussion re climate change and time travel. I gave it to my 9-year-old granddaughter (nearly 10 and in Grade 4) who loved it. She said she wanted to crawl into the book and talk to Nyx and Bea. I think the author was very clever in embracing the different times and the changes that may be seen in 70 years. I have noticed this theme in other adult books like The Ghost Species. Authors have a way of making us take note of what is happening around us and the effects they will have. An enchanting, good read. Joy, VIC, 5 Stars
The Letterbox Tree is an inventive time-slip novel that challenges the minds of all ages. The way the authors have established a bond and connection with the reader astounds me. How they came up with the storyline I don’t know but what I do know is when this book is released the people of the world will swarm to bookshops. I could particularly relate to Bea in the present and I’m sure most 9/10-year-olds would too. This was an extraordinarily enjoyable book to read. Daisy (aged 9), VIC, 5 Stars
The Letterbox Tree is a story of two girls living in West Hobart, Bea and Nyx, who are separated by 70 years but united by friendship and eventually a common goal to save Nyx’s life. They correspond via a tree near their houses. This is a wonderful book that contains many themes such as collaboration, friendship, and saving the environment. It is heartwarming and one that I could not put down after starting. Twists in the story keep occurring, meaning that just when you think the story is panning out a certain way, everything changes. The Letterbox Tree contains one of the most important lessons I have ever read on friendship and how what you do in your life now affects those into the future. It is really well written and keeps you questioning and remembering its message long after you have turned the last page. Andy, NSW, 5 Stars
My 11-year-old daughter read The Letterbox Tree and thoroughly enjoyed it. She said it was written about two different girls and doesn’t want to give too much away but it was very easy to follow the change of each character. It was very well written and she could imagine the story in her mind. Katie, QLD, 5 Stars
This book is a climate fiction novel that surrounds two girls that communicate through different time periods using a special tree, The Letterbox Tree. The writing for this book is beautiful and even though it was written by two authors who had never met it was perfectly coordinated. It was a real tear-jerker that is perfect to raise awareness of the current climate emergency. I loved this novel and would recommend it for fans of The Worry Tree, Pax, and for people passionate about our environment. This is the best book I’ve read all year and I would say that it is best for 9+ years old. Alexander (aged 12), VIC, 5 Stars
Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon have combined forces to create a special YA story of two Tasmanian girls. Nyx and Bea never meet as they are separated by 70 years (of time) but manage to create a dialogue by sharing letters left in a ‘magical’ tree (which seems to act like a portal in time). The co-authors also have not met but have managed to create interesting and believable characters. Tasmania in 2093 is a scary place that has been ravaged by climate change and the actions of those current-day Australians. The girls are both misunderstood loners who work together to create change. The Letterbox Tree is a compelling and cautionary story that is suitable for all readers. Janelle, NSW, 5 Stars
My kids and I loved this book. It was a great insight, although fiction, into what the future could hold if we don’t care for this planet and make changes. My kids especially loved the time travel element and were filled with wonder and excitement. A great read. Samara, QLD, 5 Stars
This is a touching story of one tree, two young girls, and the climate crisis. Nyx is in upper primary school and lives in Tasmania, in 2093 – deforested, over-mined, blacked by bushfires, scorched by drought, and threatened by rising sea levels, which have left Tasmania abandoned by the mainland. Her favourite place is the single living tree on the dusty reserve near her home, close to where her mother is buried. Bea, an upper primary school student and victim of the mean girls, lives in the present, beautiful Tasmania but her family is about to relocate on the mainland. She will miss the giant tree that she climbs to escape the bullies. One day she pours her heart out in a note which she stuffs in a hole in the tree trunk. Nyx finds the note, and writes back. My 13-year-old read this while I was waiting to read it. He told me he loved the characters and the plot and thinks that the story is an important message to children in 2023. I agree. I can see it will be good tool for primary school teachers too. Read it. You will be glad you did. Mara, NSW, 5 Stars
Such a sweet novel to read. Great for young readers and those who are wanting to be inspired to do more for our planet against climate change. Was such a joy to read. Highly recommend! Sheree, NSW, 5 Stars
What a lovely book, linking two young girls over 70 years apart. Tasmania in the future is under threat from fires and floods and one girl from 2023, Bea, has a plan to save her friend Nyx. Linked through the Letterbox Tree they communicate over the time difference through letters left in a hollow of a giant pine tree. Through the challenge of saving her new friend Bea is able to bridge the gap between time and space and also to bridge a gap in her own world and unite new friends in a mission to save Nyx. I totally enjoyed this book and I think it will be best read by young teens. Ainsley, QLD, 5 Stars
The Letterbox Tree is a novel for young adults by Australian authors, Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon. Nyx and Bea: two teenaged misfits who have never met; two fathers intent on relocating from the one place that feels like home; a huge pine tree, their only source of solace; decades apart, Bea’s world under increasing climate threat, Nyx’s, the nightmarish manifestation of that threat. Highly credible speculative fiction, this is a thought-provoking, heart-warming and hopeful tale that asks: if we heard from the future, would we be brave enough to act? Marianne, NSW, 5 Stars
A beautiful YA novel. Amazingly written. Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon have done a fantastic job. This book explores themes of bullying, family, friendships, connection, and disconnections. We read this story from two POVs, Nyx in 2093 with her single dad and Bea in present-day with her “crunchy nerd” parents. I had to laugh on page 11 as I too binge watch the Lord of the Rings movies every couple of months. Melissa, SA, 5 Stars
What a truly beautiful novel is The Letterbox Tree. It cleverly addresses climate change through the eyes of the two main characters, Bea from 2023 and Nyx from 2093 who communicate across the decades through letters they leave in a recess of their shared tree. The friendship that develops is sweet, innocent, and yet wrought with fear and determination. I think that this novel will be loved by both children and adults as it addresses climate change in a way that is easily grasped… yet terrifyingly real. Loved it. Denise, NSW, 5 Stars
A wonderful shorter book that I read in one sitting. I lived in Hobart for over a decade so I loved the inclusions of local shop and street names – I could picture myself in those locations which made the book really special. Perfect for a pre-teen or teen read. Alanna, TAS, 4 Stars
Great book to read. Calls to action on stopping climate change and really got me thinking. Hayley, QLD, 4 Stars
Wow, what a tale! I haven’t read youth fiction for many years and thoroughly enjoyed my journey into the genre. Using a tree to facilitate the move between two time zones was a great tool that fitted perfectly with the theme of climate-induced land degradation vs sustainable living. The tree was significant in the novel in its own right as well as providing an excellent framework for the plot development. The two main characters, Nyx living in 2093 and Bea in the present day world, were likeable, imperfect heroes of their time who pushed their personal boundaries to support their friend from another time. Their friendship modelled a way to successfully deal with the bullying. I loved Tasmania as the perfect choice of setting for the novel. It is important for young readers that the authors crafted a sensitive hopeful treatment of climate change. Janelle, NSW, 4 Stars
The Letterbox Tree by Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon is a book I recommend for kids 10+. The authors did very well with the description of the surroundings and inventive things from 2093. The focus of the book is to look after the planet for the future generations and one child can change the world. The conclusion kept me guessing and I loved the twist and turns. Will there be a second book??? Kathryn, VIC, 4 Stars
While the story started off slowly, it was interesting from the get-go. I think that young pre-teen and teen readers would really empathise with the main characters. When things take a turn for the worst in the future, I really felt connected to Bea’s character, and I felt sadness and hope alongside her. Overall I think it’s an engaging read that will hopefully inspire young people to do their bit against climate change. The ending, however, was a bit too abrupt, and therefore disappointing, for me. I think the cover art could be better too, but that’s probably just petty. Suited for ages 10-15 ideally. Lauren, TAS, 4 Stars
Lots of flavours of The Lake House in this one – but rather than being a romance between two people this is a novel about loving the world we live in. Although it brings back (suppressed) memories of poring over a text for high school exams, I can recommend this one being added to a school syllabus. Cleverly written, it focusses on issues that will always be relevant to us – being different, bullying, the environment and most of all how friendships are made to lift us higher and to teach us to have concern for someone else other than ourselves. Fran, NSW, 4 Stars
This was a wonderful story that I enjoyed reading to my two 8-year-old girls, they loved the story as much as I did. We delighted in the tale of Nyx and Bea, we loved exploring their world and the magic of the tree. What a truly special story. Jessica, NSW, 4 Stars
Such an exciting and reviting book. It was nothing like I expected, I read it every chance I got just to see the ending. It was exciting, sad, and amazing all in one. Kathy, NSW, 4 Stars
With a very poignant message told to young readers, The Letterbox Tree is written beautifully and will appeal to an audience much larger than its target demographic. Following two unique characters, sharing a common bond, even though they live 70 years apart, we are all taken on a journey through friendship, loss and the desperate need to protect the planet we live on. A lovely story and well worth the look. It definitely gets you thinking about what we can all do to preserve our environment for future generations. Angie, VIC, 4 Stars
The Letterbox Tree by Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon is set in two time frames in West Hobart. In 2023, Bea, an unhappy girl, is bullied at school and finds refuge in a nearby giant tree. Nyx, finds solace in the same tree in 2093, although her needs are a result of severe climate change. They manage to communicate with each other via a knot in the tree. The book covers the distress felt when bullied and the need for everyone to have a friend. Family love and support are essential but do not compensate for a lack of friendship. Similarly, Nyx is facing an uncertain future due to the unbearable conditions of her time and desperately needs hope to endure. This book is aimed at those in middle school. It successfully offers the readers a chance to visualise the future if we ignore climate change but also the possibility that a little effort on our part can mean a better future for those still to come. It is a book of hope and the need for action, showing how anything positive we do will help. The book has many excellent teaching/learning points for class discussions. I highly recommend this book to all. Annette, ACT, 4 Stars
When everything seems hopeless and you don’t have a friend in this world you become friends with a tree and discover a friend in another time. A story of survival, friendship and believing in each other. It was an enjoyable read. Raelene, QLD, 4 Stars
A beautifully written book with a very important and positive message. Appropriate for children 8 years and up, maybe from 10 years up if for a particularly sensitive child. A must-read for sure! Kirsten, VIC, 4 Stars
Nyx, who lives in the future, and Bea, who lives in the ‘present’. Bea is faced with having to leave the beautiful area she has grown up in and writes a letter leaving it in the trunk of a tree. Nyx finds the letter and writes back. The girls then ‘send’ correspondence back to each other, across two different periods of time in a way that is similar to the film, The Lake House. What also happens is an opportunity for change, which only Bea could potentially implement. I enjoyed this middle school cli-fi story. I think the challenge of engaging readers, particularly young readers, in cli-fi is challenging, but with the added mystery of the letters, the time travel aspect, the friendship and finding common ground despite differences, are done well in this book. Aotea, QLD, 3 Stars
This book had a good storyline with a great environmental theme about how changes affect everybody. The points of view from two different girls was good, got a little confused sometimes, if you stopped reading and came back in a few days, as to which character was which. Very thought-provoking book, well written, for young people. My older Aunty read the book and was left confused as to which character was which with the chapters per character. Overall not a bad book. Sarina, QLD, 3 Stars
A story set across two time periods with two different characters. The story is led by notes they leave for each other which show that one person can make a huge difference. The time periods are vastly different making it easy to compare the now with what could be and I liked the effect that an act of today could have in the future. I did find that some of the technology of the future was a little difficult to comprehend, but being the future their reality is unknown. The central theme of climate change is apparent throughout the story. The story also touches on the themes of disconnection, friendship and fitting in. It’s a story that will appeal to young teens, especially those wanting to make a difference, and will give hope that change can happen. Jodie, WA, 3 Stars
A well-written adolescent book that had a good meaning behind it, making it obvious to the readers the importance of looking after the environment now to protect its future without enforcing it upon them. I thought the author did well with the ending. The book length was good, not too long, making it an easier read for this age group. I thought the author did well to jump between worlds in order to keep the reader engaged in the story. Katrina, TAS, 3 Stars
This novel for young people reminded me of the 2006 film, The Lake House, written by David Auburn and directed by Alejandro Agresti. The film revolved around an architect living in 2004 and a doctor living in 2006 who meet via letters left in the mailbox of a lake house where they both lived at separate points in time. They carried on a two-year correspondence while remaining separated by the time difference. In The Letterbox Tree, a hollow in a tree in Tasmania replaces the mailbox and the protagonists are two young girls separated by 70 years. Nyx lives in climate-change-ravaged Tasmania in 2093 and Bea in the present day. At the beginning, the language is typically that of ill-educated young people – “you know, like” – which is loathsome, but, towards the end, it morphs into quite adult language and I had to suspend my disbelief at how “grown up” and connected the characters suddenly become. Overall, it is a hopeful tale of what can perhaps be done now to save the planet for future generations and overcome bullying. Pamela, VIC, 3 Stars
This is the 2006 Keanu Reeves/Sandra Bullock movie The Lake House but with two young girls and a tree. I never got a strong sense of how old the girls were other than school age but they felt pretty young. I liked the darkness and real sense of awful impending doom in Nyx’s ecologically devastated future and how the authors never really backed away from making it feel like a terrible place. The two girls’ friendship evolved incredibly fast and it would have been better to allow for some back and forth to happen off-screen and allow the relationship to build to the point where the jeopardy was really able to be felt. The end lost me a little bit, possibly because I was trying to figure out the time travel logic and possibly because I felt the fix was a bit unearned. Lots of good stuff there but missed the mark. Richard, VIC, 3 Stars
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