Malla Nunn has personal experience of the kind of boarding school depicted in her novel. She brings the emotion of her memories and the truth of her experiences to her work. In the video above you will here more about her writing.
You will find the full review here. The CBCA judges say...Set in a boarding school in 1960s Swaziland, this novel deftly explores complex structures of race, class and gender. While the setting of a small country in Africa will be foreign to most readers, the power play between teenage girls is universal and recognisable and the added element of a missing boy moves the book into the mystery genre and will be sure to hold the reader’s attention. The setting is evocative, and the author uses rich language to portray an experience of Africa that many readers will not be familiar with. The main character undergoes a significant journey of personal growth and exploration during which she is forced to confront her own prejudices and question the societal structures that navigate her life. Lyrical prose, excellent sense of place, important themes explored with sensitivity and the author’s unique perspective gives us a book with high literary merit and a fresh view of the teenage experience. This book has been noticed:
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Lisa Fuller is a Wuilli Wuilli woman from Eidsvold, in Queensland. Fuller acknowledges the permission she received from family members to write about the community’s culture and spiritual beliefs. When you have finished this book you will be wanting to know more about this community and their stories. You won't be able to put this book down.
The video above has Lisa telling us more about the way she wrote this book. You can read the full review here. The CBCA judges say...Told with an undeniably authentic Indigenous voice, this is a haunting story of racism and small-town prejudices, alongside ideas of family history and culture. Through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Tace, after the disappearance of her twin sister, Fuller interweaves familial stories to create a mystery and a thriller that combines action and suspense with lyrical descriptions of the sisters and the tight bond throughout their community. The environment and setting are skilfully woven into the story, giving the reader strong insight into life in the Top End and a deep feeling of unease that is essential to maintaining the atmosphere of the novel. Fuller’s use of informal and colloquial language not only makes this book appealing to teenage readers, but also adds a level of sincerity that in no way feels contrived. Stories of culture and history form a strong theme of how past generations pass on beliefs and wisdom to their descendants, and how that can manifest in both positive and negative ways. There is clever interrogation of almost every theme. The book very successfully fills a void in Australian YA fiction. This book has been noticed:
This is not an easy book to read, particularly if you have supported someone with, or experienced a mental illness. The author creates the world of Biz through her eyes. As the book unfolds, what initially appears as confusion becomes a clear picture of the exploration of the mind. You will want to read to the end as you can't help but care deeply for Biz and her mother.
You can read a full review here. Below you can hear author, Helena Fox, explain the way she developed the main character in her story.
The CBCA judges say...This is a visceral and haunting exploration of mental illness and grief. It is not an easy book to read and trigger warnings should be heeded. It is, however, a compelling and important story. Narrator Biz is coming to terms with her identity and her struggles with mental health, and this is portrayed in a sensitive and realistic manner. Readers may feel confused at times as there is a lack of clarity surrounding Biz's diagnosis. This confusion adds to the tone of the novel and creates a feeling of fogginess which works to the advantage of the story. This author provides readers with a web of creative literary techniques that guide the exploration of the self and mind in great detail. The inter-generational relationship between Biz and Sylvia is particularly enjoyable and offers a sense of hope. This novel takes readers on a complex and personal journey without becoming didactic. It is an impressive debut about a topic that is becoming increasingly pertinent for young adults.
This book has been noticed:
This delightful book is a CBCA 2020 Notable Book in the Picture Book category for the Book of the Year Awards.
In this video, Johnny Malibirr talks about the his work and his ideas for illustrating 'Little Bird's Day'.
This is a time when we can think about how our lives are supported by the Earth. We can make some small changes to our daily lives that can make that have positive impacts on our planet.
Did you know our diet impacts the Earth? Should we eat bugs?
Did you know your T shirt is having a significant impact on our planet? Watch this video to find out more.
Now, what about your phone? Are phones sustainable?
Biodiversity (bio, meaning life and diversity, meaning variety) includes life forms, their ecosystem, characteristics and how they interact. Why does it matter? What does it have to do with your food, clothes and devices?
What can just one person do? This video has some great ideas for you. Will they change the way you buy products?
Library and Information Week is held during the last week of May each year. The theme for Library and Information Week 2020 is Create.
Library and Information Week aims to raise the profile of libraries and information service professionals in Australia and showcase the many and varied resources and services that libraries provide to the community. The event has been organised by the Australian Library and Information Association to promote the value of reading and literacy, the importance of Australia's book industry and the role of libraries. This interactive puzzle is just one of the creative activities on offer this week.
In 2020 Reconciliation Australia marks twenty years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled nation. Who are our First Australians?
How can you show respect for country? Use this interactive Map of Indigenous Australia as a guide for finding out about the Traditional Owners of the Land you are on.
What is the Uluru Statement from the Heart? Find out more by watching the video below.
The three themes of the statement are Voice, Treaty and Truth. Almost 300 people signed this statement. Find out more in the video below.
In her new book The Science of Fate: Why Your Future is More Predictable Than You Think, neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow explains neurological and genomic research in a way that is easy to understand. She presents thought provoking information about our brains and transgenerational memory. Find out more from the video below.
Hannah visited Adelaide this year and spoke at Writer's Week. Her session is available here.
Every year, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT Day) is an opportunity for friends and family of the LGBTI+ community to show their support - “I proudly stand with you”. On this day we pledge to speak up against homophobia, transphobia, interphobia, biphobia, and isolating behaviour wherever we see it.
Find your IDAHOBIT social media tiles here.
Something to think about...Do you make time to find out what pronoun a person prefers?
This video tells us about pronouns – and why they're so important.
Find out about being yourself and still staying safe online in this guide from ACON and Trans Pride Australia.
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We are learning how to ask questions and use research processes to meet and understand the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.
Not sure where to start your research? Looking for research tips and strategies to point you in the right direction?
Ask Linda. What's Linda reading?
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