Bridge of Clay, written by Markus Zusak, is a novel about a family of five brothers, the Dunbars, and their relationships as they search for the reason behind their father's disappearance.

The Dunbar brothers must learn to live in the adult world without guidance from their parents. Their mother, an immigrant who moved to Australia as a young girl, has passed away. After their mother's death, their father disappears and leaves the boys on their own. Each brother has his own personality and the boys find it difficult to continue their lives as a family as they get older.

This story is told from the point of view of the oldest brother, Matthew. The other brothers are Henry, the second oldest, Rory, the troublemaker, Tommy, the youngest, and Clay, the brother who does his best to build bridges, figuratively and literally, amongst his family members. In order to honor his parents, to help save himself, and to nurture and maintain relationships between his brothers, Clay builds a magnificent bridge.