What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

This is a YA novel I read sometime in high school (2009-2013). I can't remember if it's specifically an Australian-written or -set book but it takes place in a small beach town so I get that vibe. It's about an overweight, insecure boy who comes from a broken home and has an absent, drug-addicted mother. He moves to the beach town (I think to stay with distant relatives) and eventually comes up with an idea to start his own business washing cars as they travel over the town's car ferry, which gives him his own income and lets him come out of his shell to the town's other kids, including to a girl he has a crush on.






SPOILERS AHEAD:

At the start of the novel is a mysterious teaser of an unknown woman getting an overnight bus to some destination. I believe this is then occasionally flashed to during parts of the main plot as she makes her way somewhere. Eventually it's revealed that this is the boy's mother having discovered where he is and trying to reach him to reconnect, but I believe she dies in a car accident before she can make it there... ?

Is it Bridge to Wiseman's Cove by James Moloney? I read that in year 8 or 9 (2008-2009) too :-)

Theo wrote: "Is it Bridge to Wiseman's Cove by James Moloney? I read that in year 8 or 9 (2008-2009) too :-)"

Oh my god yes it absolutely is, thank you! I don't know why but that book has been in my mind for years

yay! it stuck with me too!

Glad you found your book, Jack.

A Bridge to Wiseman's Cove by James Moloney - Theo's find.