Odo Hirsch, an Australian writer, has made his name as the author of a number of children’s books. Yoss is his first book for young adults. Hirsch spins the tale of a young lad from a small village. Yoss and his friend, Herman, depart the village, as is done with young men every year. Herman turns back, however, after a short time, but Yoss continues into the world to explore the towns and find something to bring back to his village. Yoss meets a variety of different people, and explores life in one of the large towns. Trouble seems to find Yoss at every turn, though the action is a little slow paced. The book has a somewhat relaxed feel, though there are some very exciting scenes within its depths. The book has a strong moral theme that the reader has to find for him or herself. Yoss finds himself as a thief, a beggar, a workman, and a painter. Finally, Yoss returns to his village as an adult, where he left as a child.