There were a lot of things I liked about the book. Ellie is a great main character, very likeable and barely annoying. She does what needs to be done without agonizing about too much. The only thing I had a trouble with was the treatment of animals by the kids, as well as their tendency to ignore safer, more sane, options. 
 In regards to the animal thing, I get that they're "rurals", but I am too and wouldn't be that callous. I think it's some of the author's bleed through. 
 Decent book, interesting to read about Australians for...well...the first time.