One summer. One friendship.
One story that changes everything.

Book cover with watercolor illustration of a tree and a swing, a bright sun, and flying birds. Text reads 'Oscar was Here' by Julie Modra.

COMING SOON!
Release date: 5th August, 2026!

Oscar Was Here is a teen novella being published in August 2026 by Rhiza Press for the Rhiza Short list. Books in this collection are aimed at reluctant or busy teen readers who will benefit from a quick, easy, and impactful read.

This novella is a delightful story about friendship and adventure but also delves into issues that are relevant for teens while giving them a sense of hope. It is a story that will surely leave its mark on young readers and will be a treat for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia series.

When 13-year-old Milo is sent to spend the summer holidays with his grandmother on the outskirts of a quiet town, he meets Oscar—a boy who has a serious heart condition, a dog-eared copy of Prince Caspian, and an imagination as vast as Narnia itself.

When Oscar is bullied, Milo must find the courage to be the friend he’s always wanted to be. And when the summer holidays draw to a close, Milo faces the hardest battle of all: saying goodbye and believing that life—like the best stories—never truly ends.

Story Mood Board

Check out these visual elements
that capture the plot, themes,
and heart of the story.

A collage of outdoor activities including a sunrise over a field, a dirt trail through trees, children playing with sticks, watercolor paints, a hummingbird, a boy reading under a tree, a tree swing overlooking mountains, a boy fishing by a river, a person in a wheelchair on a path, soccer players with balls, and a person fishing by a lake.