"Brisbane, 1983: A lost father, a mute brother, a mother in jail, a heroin dealer for a stepdad and a notorious criminal (who holds a national record for prison escapes) for a babysitter. It's not as if twelve-year-old Eli Bell's life isn't complicated enough already. He's just trying to follow his heart, learn what it takes to be a good man, and train for a glamorous career in journalism--but life just keeps throwing obstacles in the way--not least of which is Tytus Broz, legendary Brisbane drug dealer. But Eli's life is about to get a whole lot more serious. He's about to fall in love, do battle against the bad guys, and save his mother from a certain doom--all before starting high school. A story of brotherhood, true love and the most unlikely of friendships, Boy Swallows Universe will be the most heartbreaking, joyous and exhilarating novel you will read all year"-- Provided by publisher.