Go With The Flow – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Go With The Flow

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2009

68%

WISE Score

A love letter to the Australian outback filled with adventure stories and a healthy dose of frustration with the powers that be.

Go With The Flow

book

2009

68%

WISE Score

A love letter to the Australian outback filled with adventure stories and a healthy dose of frustration with the powers that be.

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Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is the type to build forts in the yard and dream of the desert, Rex Ellis is their guy. It is a collection of bush stories that feel like sitting around a campfire with a very experienced, slightly frustrated guide. It is not a 'kids book,' but for a strong reader who loves the outdoors, it is a solid window into a world of real-deal exploration.

The 2009 release date means it lacks the flash of modern nature influencers, which is actually its strength. It is grounded and gritty. However, be aware that the political gripes about bureaucracy might fly over a younger reader's head or simply put them to sleep. It is a 'dad book' that some kids will absolutely devour if they have the survivalist bug.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up. While the content is safe, the reading level and the focus on political/bureaucratic neglect make it a better fit for teens or adults interested in nature writing.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Models a deep connection to nature and a life of adventure, though the author's frustration with government management adds a layer of adult cynicism.

Imaginative

While non-fiction, the vivid storytelling about the Australian outback encourages a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.

Safe

As a standard print memoir, it is free from the digital risks of social interaction or manipulative design. Content is generally appropriate for older kids and adults.

Enriching

Excellent for building background knowledge on Australian geography, ecology, and the realities of environmental conservation.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Authentic adventure stories from a man who has spent decades exploring the most remote parts of Australia.
Environmental insight that goes beyond surface-level slogans to look at the actual health of the land.
Rich vocabulary and regional terminology that build language comprehension for strong readers.
Ecological advocacy that encourages readers to care about the preservation of wilderness areas.

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What to Watch For

Bureaucratic rants populate several chapters; if your kid isn't interested in land management politics, these sections will be a slog.
Dry pacing is a factor here, as it's a collection of memoirs rather than a fast-paced narrative.

Conversation Starters

"What did Rex Ellis mean when he called the outback a 'wide brown land'?"
"Why does the author think the government is doing a bad job of looking after the bush?"
"If you had to go on an expedition, what are the three most important things you'd take?"
"How does the author's view of adventure differ from what you see on social media?"

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