He was built for small things. But he dreams of adventure. All Half wants is a life free from Electricians. He’s sick of being shoved into remote controls, clocks, and talking toys.

But it’s hard to escape when you’re a rechargeable lithium-ion AA battery. Half dreams of adventure. Real adventure.

The kind he just doesn’t... have... the... energy... for.

Then he meets Hope, a brave little alkaline with a spark of her own.

Together, they set off to see how far two batteries can really go.

To the edge of the lounge room?

The borders of the house?

Beyond... into Space?

There’s just one catch: Half doesn’t hold charge like he used to.

Can a half-full battery still go the distance?

Lawrey can’t help but write whimsical, witty and outrageous stories that reflect his hyperactive and animated imagination. His screenplays have been been recognised and produced locally by QPiX and Screen Queensland, recognised internationally by BlueCat in LA, as well as receiving several laurels from international films festivals. His short story collection Odd One Out was shortlisted in Chanticleer Book Reviews 2020 which featured Cans for Change that went on to be published by Hawkeye Publishing. Lawrey illustrates his own books as well as supporting fellow authors with artworks, loves to review upcoming literature and has sat as a judge for writing competitions.

* Lawrey holds a Bachelor of psychological science and is a hands-on E-waste enthusiast. * Half-Life: contains historical content on electricity, electrical inventions and the physics avenues that make life possible; incorporates theme of psychogenic death. * Half-Life was long-listed in the Gertrude Warner Award for Middle Grade Fiction 2024 for Chanticleer Book Review; and long-listed in the Hawkeye Manuscript Development Competition 2024. Publicity: * Hawkeye’s publicity team: socials, advertising, reviewers, media. Book trailer in production. Author will be touring schools in SE QLD.

A STEM program’s dream book! The circuitry of electrical imagery, historical hat-tips, and scientific insights serve up a finely-woven narrative against an emotional coming-of-age tale. A marvellous read for students and teachers alike!’ L.E. Daniels, Awarded Editor, Poet, and Author

‘Brilliantly imaginative, mixing humour, adventure, and existential musings through the unlikely perspective of its battery protagonist, Half. I started reading this with my kid, only to hide in the bathroom to finish it myself. The writing is sharp, clever, and full of wit, and the illustrations complement the story with a comic-strip flair. An original premise and delightful look at how were never too small for big dreams.’ Jamie Michele, Reviewer

‘A delightfully humorous, informative, creative, quirky, unique exploration of the world of energy, batteries and science. Replete with numerous puns and humorous graphics on scientific terms, equations, theories, people, and practicalities, it is a coming-of-age story loaded with drama, first love, and taut family relations.’ Peter Long, QDAH, BA, MEd, EdD, Author educator

‘21st century humans take electricity - in all its varied forms and packaging - for granted, so its refreshing to read Goodricks take on the world from the perspective of a sentient rechargeable battery. Full of puns and historical anecdotes (and really nifty chapter headings!), Half Life will make you never think of batteries as disposable again!’ Eileen O’Hely, Author

 Lawrey Goodrick playfully litters the narrative with scientific nomenclature related to physics and chemistry in novel ways as he propels Half through the dangers of a weirdly grimy home.  Half regularly reflects on the impact of people who have contributed scientific advancement or invention in his world – from the discovery of the electric current, to the light bulb and the hadron collider – a habit that simultaneously converts this narrative into a history lesson.  Given that Science as Human Endeavour forms one of the key components of scientific literacy in the Australian National Curriculum, teachers could use this book as a cross curriculum link between Science and English for upper primary school students with its environmental link hard to miss.’ Sharon Williams, Specialist Science Teacher, BAppSc(Biotech)Hons, BEd, GradDipDiv

‘Lawrey Goodrick does it again! An original story with a sustainability theme that is presented in an entertaining, thought-provoking and educational way. His ideas are out of this world yet he makes the impossible possible. I was left with hope in my heart having felt as though a AA battery has a soul and a life to take charge of. It was the most entertaining history lesson ever. I could imagine reading to a class of students who suddenly become interested in the Leydon Jar and curious about why humans didn’t always know that lightning was electricity.’ Wendy Edmonds, Teacher and Guidance Officer, Bachelor of Drama/Bachelor of Education (UniSQ), Master of Education specialising in Guidance and Counselling (UniSQ)

‘A witty, lyrical journey across the circuit boards of life. Perfect for sparking discussions about relationships and self-discovery through the eyes of a discarded AA battery, searching for his meaningful place in the world.’ Jenny Catalano, Children’s Author and Illustrator