While enabling students to see themselves
as the recipients of particular social, intellectual,
linguistic, artistic and technological heritages, teaching
and learning programs should encourage an open and questioning
view of them with students exploring other ways of thinking
and world views and seeing themselves as active participants
in their own continuing development of and that of their
society and the world.
Learning experiences enable students to draw on increasingly
diverse and complex sources of information that facilitate
comparison, contrast, synthesis, questioning and critiquing
of information. |
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| Students are encouraged to listen, view
and read widely and to develop a sense of themselves as
independent listeners, viewers and readers with particular
tastes, interests and strengths, and to share their experiences
of texts with other students. |
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Use the Doorways
theme to immerse students in the genres of Biography and/or
realistic fiction. Select texts that provide a glimpse into
the diversity of contemporary life or insight into how the past
can shape the present. Challenge students to evaluate their
society and lifestyle, and widen their vision of life .
Click on the approaches listed below
for learning ideas and fiction titles to get you started.
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Students could:
- Write an autobiograpical
excerpt or interview a migrant, older person
or a local identity (if possible) and write
a chapter about their life. Refer
to The
Biography Maker for guidance
in writing in this style
- Exchange letters or emails
with students from another school as in
Finding
Cassie Crazy
- Compare The October
Child (1976) by Eleanor Spence, also
about autism, with Mark
Haddon's novel, The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
- Debate: Reading gritty
realistic fiction is harmful to young people
- Examine 2 or more Focus
Books that provide insight into the perspectives
of Aboriginal Australians
- Complete the WebQuest
based on Out of the Dust
or the Dust
Bowl Integrated Unit
- Read selected titles in
Literature
Circles
- Find other books of survival
similiar to Dave
the Brave
- Complete some of the activities
detailed in the Teaching Notes for Burning
Eddy
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BIRCH, Reginald.
Wyndham
Yella Fella
Magabala, 2003
Biography. Age 15+ Reginald Birch was born in
1940 at Forrest River Mission Aboriginal Reserve on the north
coast of Western Australia to Mary and Cyprian Birch who both
had Aboriginal mothers and European fathers.
According to the government policies of the time these 'half
caste' Aboriginal people had to be taken from their 'pagan'
culture and assimilated into white Australian society. However,
Reginald Birch sees himself as an Aboriginal 'yella fella'
who did not have elders to teach him about his Aboriginal
spirit Dreaming and who is not part of mainstream white society.
In accordance with its mission
of publishing the stories of indigenous Australians, Magabala
Books has published Reginald Birch's story and reminiscences
in Wyndham Yella Fella. The first section of the book titled
Back to Wyndham, describes how the Japanese air raid on Wyndham
in 1943 resulted in the abandonment of the Forrest River Mission
and the eventual settlement of Reginald's parents in Wyndham
where they bought a house in 1946. He vividly recalls his
childhood memories of going to school and helping his father
with his work for the Main Roads Department. Certainly, the
family had a tough time and the errors of the 'Caucasian conquerors'
are readily revealed.
The next section, Kimberley Legends, relates the lives and
exploits of some of the identities of the Kimberley cattle
industry including Bill Hurst, Jack Campbell, Dave Rust and
Scottie Salmon. This section is followed by Kindred Spirits,
which is the story of Reginald Birch's wife Margaret who came
from the Moola Bulla Native settlement. A short section, All
Still Here concerns Reginald's two sisters and three brothers
who reside around Wyndham. A brief conclusion, Yella Fella
Dreaming affirms Reginald's commitment to passing on traditional
Aboriginal culture.
Mature and capable readers with an interest in Aboriginal
or Kimberley history would appreciate Wyndham Yella
Fella. Unfortunately, its use as a history reference
is limited by the absence of an index. This book may be suitable
to use in some secondary school libraries for Aboriginal studies
or as a real life text for senior English students.
Alison Lawrence, Broome SHS
DICKS,
David. Dave
the Brave
As told to Cyril Ayris.
Cyril Ayris Freelance, 1997
Details the 11 month journey of a young Western Australian
sailor, who at the age of 17 sailed around the world in his
small yacht.
DINGO, Sally.
Ernie
Dingo: King of the Kids
Random House Australia, 2000
Biography. Researched by his wife Sally, the life of
television celebrity Ernie Dingo born in outback Western Australia,
makes interesting reading. Written in an easy-to-read conversational
style the book begins in the 1930s with Ernie's grandfather,
Dingo Jim. Much insight is given into life as an Indigenous
Australian.
GARDNER, Scot.
Burning
Eddy
Pan Macmillan, 2003
Age 13+ Burning Eddy
is an unusual story about a fifteen-year-old boy, Daniel Fairbrother,
who after meeting eighty-six-year-old Eddy, learns that there
are ways to deal with the problems in his life.
Dan's family is overshadowed by the sour and dominating influence
of his father, a man whose past has made him secretive and
unsociable. Also in the family are Dan's mother, his teenage
sister, Kat and pre-school brother Toby. The story describes
the problems in the family caused by Dan's father, and traces
Dan's gradual maturing as he finds his own identity through
his love of animals, gardening, and the unique and engaging
wisdom of Eddy. By the end of the story Dan has shed the bullying
of his peers and their humiliating nickname for him, and has
built new relationships with his father and friends.
The strength of Burning Eddy lies in its
development of the characters of Dan and Eddy, in particular.
Dan's struggle to rise above the damage done to the family
by his father's anti-social nature is central to his growth.
As Dan learns new priorities about life and love, his problems
with his father and his peers are resolved. Dan's resilient,
caring nature is one of the brighter parts of a story that
at times is a little bleak.
Eddy's character is full of life, fun and spirituality. She
is unexpectedly bold with her bodily noises and belief in
the supernatural, however, it is her view of life and relationships
that resonates with Dan. Scott Gardner has created the kind
of person whom, all teenagers would love as their grandmother
- generous, warm, wise and non-judgmental. The reader comes
to like Eddy so well that her funeral at the end of the book
is quite moving.
Burning Eddy is set in an Australian summer
landscape, amid the ever-present danger of bushfire. The semi-rural
lifestyle of the main characters is well created, and for
animal and bird lovers, this book is a rare treat. The author
effectively links the setting with the development of characters.
Dan's compassionate nature is developed partially through
his love of nature and of nurturing growing things within
a bush landscape.
While the novel deals with some of the more confronting issues
facing young Australians today, it also shows how one boy
was able to recognise his own strengths and with the help
of a special old lady, mature into a well adjusted, happy
person. Perhaps the resolution of Dan's bullying problems
happen too easily, but the central messages of understanding
others, forgiving their faults, and being generous with your
love, still seems like a worthwhile philosophy.
I am not sure how popular Burning Eddy will
be with teenage readers. It is different and more sophisticated
in its intent than many other novels of this genre, but will
have appeal to the mature, thinking reader.
Brenda O'Neill, formerly Wagin DHS
GIBBONS, Alan.
Caught
in the Cross-Fire
Orion, 2003
Age 13+ Caught in the
Crossfire, like thousands
of other appropriated texts, features the classic ‘star-crossed
lovers’. Set in Post September 11 England in the town
of Oakfield, a feud brews between the racially segregated
housing estates of Moorside and The Triangle. Though equally
impoverished, the citizens tend to blame their troubles on
the cultural divide that separates them. Two families are
the focus of this intolerance.
Mike and Rabia are two teenagers
who meet and fall in love, but Mike lives in ‘white’
Moorside and Rabia in The Triangle, a Pakistani community.
Both have overtly racist brothers who are members of opposing
factions. Mike’s brother, Liam joins the right-wing,
white supremacist party, ‘The Patriotic League’.
Rabia’s brother, Tahir and his Moslem gang, openly oppose
them. The friction between siblings supplies much of the tension
in the drama.
So, why add another version of Romeo and Juliet to our fiction
collections? How can this treatment be so startling that it
has earned the Blue Peter Book Award? Third person narration
has captured the emotions and dialogue of embattled youth
but it is an almost cinematic montage of perspectives, which
proves so powerful.
Written in three sections comprising of thirteen chapters,
this novel changes perspective no less than 240 times or every
one to two pages. Incredibly, the point of view is constantly
shifting, almost minute by minute. Not only does this lend
the book an almost divine authority but it also rewards the
reader with the definitive ‘inside story’. The
pages fly by as we keep pace with the thoughts and actions
of Rabia, Mike, Liam, Tahir, Councillor Roberts, Suhail (Rabia’s
father), John Creed (the racist party leader), Colin Stone
(Creed’s ‘nazi’ henchman) and more! Such
a melting pot of interpretations, make Caught in the Crossfire
an excellent resource for learning about bias and point of
view. Of course, it would also make a suitable class novel,
which massages the perennial theme of racism.
With believable dialogue tracing historic cultural intolerance,
this drama culminates in a violent riot, which threatens to
destroy the two families. Can tragedy bring the communities
to their senses? Can the lovers be saved when they are ‘Caught
in the Crossfire?’ Can we risk the opportunity to find
out by passing up this popular fiction?
Deborah Robins, Bentley Park College (QLD)
HADDON,
Mark. The
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Fickling, 2003
Age 14+ The Curious Incident
of the Dog in the Night-Time
is a unique story told in the first person about a fifteen-year-old
boy named Christopher who has Asperger's Syndrome, a form
of autism. He has a photographic memory and he has a very
good understanding of maths and science but does not understand
humans. Christopher's father cares for him alone after his
mother dies of an illness.
Christopher makes a decision to write a mystery novel after
finding his neighbour's dog lying dead on the lawn. He wants
to track down the killer but in doing so he unravels other
mysteries about his family that will confuse him and turn
his world upside down.
The author, Mark Haddon has
written a fantastic, multi-layered novel. I had no real perception
before reading this story of how an autistic person would
process ideas but I now have a much better understanding.
Haddon's story skilfully describes the day-to-day struggles
of a child with a disability and also the difficulties and
heartbreak, the social and mental problems, of family members
who are the primary carers. It is a very honestly written
book, funny and sad, and everyone who reads it will have a
greater appreciation of the difficulties experienced by both
the child and carers. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the
Night-Time is a book that is worthy to be read by both students
and teachers.
Winner Whitbread 2003, Best Novel; Guardian Children's
Fiction Prize 2003; Booktrust Teenage Prize 2003, Shortlist;
Booker Prize Longlist.
Val Mancini, Hospital School Services
HESSE, Karen.
Out
of the Dust
Scholastic, 1998
Age 13+ This novel is outstanding. No wonder it is a
Newbery Medal winner. The blurb is quite accurate in detailing
the setting and plot: the Oklahoma dust bowl where Billy Jo
lives with her parents during the Great Depression.
The initiating events are her mother's pregnancy and an awful
accident which leaves Billy Jo and her father to grapple with
loss and grief and guilt. This is no schmaltzy new-age book.
It is all about life, pain and families.
Hesse's writing is extraordinary:
well researched, convincing and deeply moving. Her control
of language is stunning. She uses an economy of words in a
carefully crafted free verse style that is easy to read and
once begun is difficult to put down.
American history or for supporting units focusing on land
degradation and conservation, women Out of the Dust is a marvellous
way of accessinin rural communities, farming experiences,
families or innovative writing.
It is one of the most powerful novels you will read in a long
time. Buy it. Read it. share it around.
Lea Fairfoul-Hutcheon, Kalgoorlie SOA
Learning Activities to support Out
of the Dust. Refer to In
the Classroom. [Scroll down list]
JONES, V. M.
Juggling
with Mandarins
HarperCollins, 2003
Age 12+ An excellent book - and such a nice change to
have the main character, a teenage boy, dealing intelligently
with the problems of growing up.
Pip's father and brother, Nick, are soccer mad, and Pip is
expected to play soccer, despite his lack of skill and even
greater lack of interest. The boy's father suffers from the
'ugly parent syndrome' and the final straw comes for Pip when
his father is ordered off the oval during a game. Mortified,
Pip rushes off the field, and on the way home, vents his pent
up feelings and frustrations with both his father and the
game. His father is stunned at the revelations, and their
relationship is altered forever.
Madeline is Pip's eighteen-month-old
sister, with whom he has great affinity. Their father is upset
that she is still not walking, so Pip decides to teach her
in secret, so their father will not pressure her. At the same
time, his teacher challenges her students to learn to juggle
with three balls by the end of term. Pip decides that he will
take up the challenge, so both he and Madeline will be each
achieving a life skill. Unable to find three matching balls,
he uses three mandarins - hence the title.
A sporting complex opens, and Pip sneaks in to have a look,
discovering a huge climbing centre. In the process, he finds
he is a gifted climber and is given a scholarship to enable
him to train regularly. He does this in secret, determined
not to let his father's competitiveness spoil his love of
the sport. A major dilemma arises when a competition comes
up and he has to decide whether to enter. After much soul
searching, he does, and during the competition finds the courage
to make peace with his father, and establishes his right to
live life according to his needs and abilities.
Victoria Jones has created a wonderful story, well paced and
filled with well-rounded, realistic characters with whom we
can empathise. Pip comes across as a normal but caring and
sensitive teenager, who has reached a major crossroad in his
life. Despite his problems, we feel sympathy for his father
and relief when he and Pip start mending fences. Pip's mother,
brother Nick and baby Madeline are real individuals who add
depth to the family and therefore the story.
The language is reasonably complex, but this adds greatly
to the quality of the writing. The descriptions are so well
written, that we see and feel everything Pip experiences.
The emphasis on sport will appeal to boys but anyone not interested
in soccer or climbing will not be alienated. The pace is surprisingly
fast and it is very difficult to put the book down without
finishing it. I highly recommend Juggling with Mandarins.
Rae Radford, Lockridge SHS
KOERTGE, Ron.
Shakespeare
Bats Cleanup
Candlewick Press, 2003 Age 13+ Kevin is a fourteen
year old suffering 'mono' an illness that forces him to take
months off school. His father (a writer) gives him a journal
and suggests:
'You're gonna have some time on your hands. Maybe
you'll feel like writing something down.'
We learn about Kevin, his father and his friends as the novel
progresses, all from Kevin's perspective.
Last season's MVP in baseball, Kevin secretly borrows his father's
poetry book and experiments with poetry. The novel is written
entirely in verse featuring many forms of poetry and the rules
that govern the forms are explained. Some of the poetic forms
explored are Haiku, Sonnets, Pantoums and Blank Verse. This
may make the novel useful for introducing a variety of poetic
forms to students.
Shakespeare Bats Cleanup will particularly appeal
to a male readership - given the sports references - although
female readers will enjoy it equally.
Koertge displays understanding in his creation of credible teenage
characters. He captures the turmoil that is teenage relationships,
between boys and girls; and children and their parents. The
novel explores journal writing as a tool for discovering one's
soul and the cathartic benefits that it can have. Kevin's journey
offers an insight into the teenage mind, sometimes funny, sometimes
sad, but always candid. He discovers that poetry is pretty cool:
Almost as cool as baseball.
Megan Warren, Literature Student ECU
LI, Cunxin.
Mao's
Last Dancer
Viking, 2003
Autobiography. Age 14+ It is a well-worn saying that fact
is often stranger than fiction but such a sentiment can well
be applied to Cunxin Li's autobiography, Mao's
Last Dancer.
Plucked from obscurity and unbelievable
poverty in provincial China during the Cultural Revolution,
Li tells the story of his rise to fame on the international
ballet circuit.
The first part of the book describes in intricate detail his
life on the commune where food is in short supply and living
conditions are cramped and basic. What sustains Li and his six
brothers, parents and extended family is the love they share
for each other and the hope that, like the frog in an old Chinese
fable, one day one of them will be able to 'jump out of the
well' to a more hopeful future.
When Madame Mao's cadres come to the commune to select candidates
for the Peking Dance Academy, Li is almost overlooked. A twist
of fate - and the helping hand of his teacher - mean that Li
is chosen to train as a dancer. Throughout his seven years at
the Academy, Li undergoes a gruelling mental and physical regime
and is constantly tormented by loneliness and isolation. Even
the nutritious meals, his devotion to Chairman Mao and the friendship
of his colleagues and some teachers, cannot make up for the
despair that often overwhelms him.
When an America choreographer comes to the Academy, his eye
catches the strength and beauty of Li's dancing. And so begins
the third part of the book - Li's extraordinary roller-coaster
ride to international acclaim and the ultimate rejection of
the political values that he once held dear. Li is finally the
one who manages to jump out of the well.
Mao's Last Dancer is an amazing story of hope
and tenacity, of identity and cultural dislocation. It is also
a personal insight into the effects of Mao's Cultural Revolution
on Li and his family and would appeal to both Society and Environment
and English teachers and students.
The book's strength is in its simplicity and honesty. It is
hard not to understand and to empathise with Li's fate and his
personal conflicts. Recommended.
Geraldine Ditchburn, Murdoch University
MACLEOD, Doug. Tumble
Turn
Puffin, 2003
Age 11+ Dominic’s life is confused. His parents
only seem to agree on one thing: that he is weird and needs
help. His younger sister Dale has been a witch until recently,
but now has taken up netball and is showing an interest in pashing
Dom’s best friend and neighbour, Chris. Dom is overweight,
a budding Buddhist and troubled by his almost thirteen-year-old
emotions; his love objects vary from his teacher Ms Havercroft
to a stranger in green bathers at the public pool. He is trying
to make sense of it all, scared he might be gay and pouring
his heart out in emails to his Uncle Peri, estranged from the
family.
Tumble Turn inevitably invites comparison with
the Adrian Mole books. Like those diaries, the narrator’s
voice is authentic. The emails back and forth are a great device
for readers to get to know Dom and the Dear family. His re-telling
of his parents’ discussions (with each other and with
him) is presented in screenplay-style, which fits within the
format perfectly. Peri’s replies to Dom’s emails
are prompts to begin with; this is a new relationship and he
has an adult’s guarded tone. When it is necessary, though,
Peri reveals more of himself in order to help Dom start to make
sense of things. Among his last email are these gems:
Whatever happens
in your life, keep an open mind, don’t stop writing
and swimming, say Om, go easy on the Jam Fancies, read the
odd book, don’t throw pots at people, make new friendships
and maintain old ones.
MacLeod’s considerable ability as a writer is showcased
in this terrific book. The problems presented, especially Dom
struggling to understand his sexuality, are realistic and sensitively
explored rather than solved. Highly recommended.
Margaret Robson Kett, Young People’s Services Librarian,
Nedlands
MAH, Yen, Adeline.
Chinese
Cinderella: the Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter
Penguin, 1999
Autobiography. Age 10+ Story of Adeline Yen
Mah's childhood at the time of huge upheaval in China. It is
an absorbing and fascinating account, well suited to younger
readers, rare in an autobiography.
Parallels to the true Cinderella story are very evident, right
from the wicked stepmother, Niang, to the physical and emotional
abuse Adeline suffers at the hands of her older siblings.
Adeline's entire childhood was
one of total neglect and bad luck, through no fault of her own.
The only time she feels true happiness is when her grandfather
and unmarried aunt are with the family and then even they are
wrenched from her as a result of China's turmoil. Both in their
own way provide her with love, happiness and much needed money.
Adeline is successful at school and her friendships there provide
her with the affection and attention that is missing at home.
This academic success is her eventual saviour. She is sent to
England to study medicine; a career path chosen by her father.
Autobiographies for younger readers are very few and this unforgettable
account of Adeline's life provides not only a look at the person
but also China at the time.
Chinese Cinderella is a worthwhile addition to
the library collection and is recommended for mature middle
primary readers to middle secondary.
Marie Clarke, Frederick Irwin Anglican
School
MORIARTY,
Jaclyn. Finding
Cassie Crazy
Pan Macmillan, 2003
Age 13+ Finding Cassie Crazy,
Jaclyn Moriarty’s second novel again primarily uses letters,
supplemented by various other types of communiqués, to
tell the story, making it great for studying different styles
of writing.
Sydney schoolgirls Lydia, Emily and Cassie, in Year 10 at
the posh Ashbury High, are not thrilled by their English Pen
Pal Project, which involves them writing to the Year 10 boys
at the local boy’s school, which has more ‘tattoos
and prison time’. They comply, and their communications
and the resultant meetings, romances, conflicts, pranks and
endless discussions form the story against a backdrop of the
girls’ families and the class differences between the
two schools.
Not as amusing as Feeling Sorry for Celia, and without
the serious undertone, Finding Cassie Crazy has some fine twists
and humour, especially in the school notices and the variety
and the ultimate resolution of the group’s interactions.
While there is much to appreciate in the novel I was distracted
by the change of voice, style and character — it was too
fragmented for me and I feel that this will put off all but
the most dedicated reader, especially at 383 pages. There are
too many elements to keep track of — the occupations and
attitudes of the parents, which girl is writing to which boy,
who the keen writers are, the time frame and so on. While the
dialogue and interactions are sharp, ultimately I felt dissatisfied
with the results, a little bored by the letters and dissatisfied
with the development of the ‘bad guy’.
However, I suspect that the novel will appeal to the Year 8
to10 market (primarily girls) for the intrigues, introspections
and dramas. There is a zany and frenetic aspect to it, the teenage
vernacular will undoubtedly appeal and so will the teenage pranks
and angst, which form the basis of many of the letters.
Jenny Pausacker (The Weekend Australian, Dec 6-7, 2003, p.
R9) described it as ‘the best young adult novel of
2003’. I don’t agree, but I think it should be on
your shelves so you and your students can decide — and
because those who persist will be amused and entertained.
Kris Johnstone, Sacré Coeur College (VIC)
NA, An.
A
Step From Heaven
Allen & Unwin, 2002
Age 14+ A Step from
Heaven is a moving account
of Young Ju and her migrant family's struggle to adjust from
life in Korea to a new life in the United States. It is written
in a beautiful and engaging style which allows the reader to
share Young Ju's experiences first-hand.
The characters, with their traditional and cultural values,
are presented very openly. Many issues are explored: migrants
dealing with loneliness and differences, the conflict of old
and new values, family relationships and friendships.
The writing style is delightful.
It is simple but most poignant. When Young Ju hears English
being spoken for the first time, it is written as she would
hear it. 'Uhing Kel Thim' later becomes 'Uncle Tim'. The author
allows the reader to misunderstand and be confused, to appreciate
the experiences of the migrant.
An Na's description is powerful: 'My other memories of [her]
come in puzzle pieces . . . I wish I could gather all the pieces
from my mind, lay them out on the floor, and fit them together';
and it is precise '. . . a window sealed forever by too many
layers of renter's paint.'
The conclusion is touching and restorative as much for the reader
as for Young Ju. Some Australian readers may find the American
setting unfamiliar, yet as an exposé on any migrant experience
there is little lost as the Western way of life jostles for
first place in the migrant's heart. The only other criticism
is that Young Ju's friendship with Amanda is superficially handled
and seems to lack resolution.
A Step from Heaven is highly recommended for stronger lower
secondary students. It would make an excellent resource for
class study.
Teacher's notes for A Step from Heaven are available
from Allen
& Unwin.
Joyce Michael, Lynwood SHS
Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature
An interview with An Na can be found on Cynthia
Leitich Smith's site.
NORRINGTON, Leonie.
The
Spirit of Barrumbi
Omnibus, 2003
Age 12+ Set in the Northern Territory. Dale, while camping at
Barrumbi, has a disturbing dream about his older brother, Sean
and wakes to see Sean creeping away from the campsite. When
it is time for the family to leave, Sean cannot be found, but
they are forced to leave because of the risk of being flooded
in.
Back at their remote community,
Dale’s family wait anxiously to hear news of Sean. Sean
has strayed into a sacred Aboriginal place and his actions affect
everyone in the community, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.
The wet hits and wreaks havoc, two of the children nearly drown
and tensions rise as people blame Sean for the calamitous events.
When Sean eventually returns he is a changed person.
This is an attractively-presented novel with an eye-catching
cover and 24 well-linked chapters. A map at the front of the
book assists the reader to picture the Long Hole community.
The author also provides a short list of Mayali and ‘non-Mayali’
words used by members of the community.
The Spirit of Barrumbi is a highly-readable novel
full of adventure and lively dialogue. It effectively portrays
the complexities of living in two cultures — the traditional
Aboriginal and the contemporary world. The author uses code
switching/mixing to good effect to illustrate how the younger
people of the community need to be proficient in Australian
Standard English but also use the language of the elders. Aboriginal
cultural issues are dealt with sensitively including the importance
of land and place, and the novel provides students with an opportunity
to extend their understanding of Aboriginal communities.
Gay Tierney, Schools of Isolated and Distance Education
PRYOR, Boori with McDonald, Meme. Maybe
Tomorrow
Penguin, 1998
Age 14+ In a conversational style Boori explains the forces
which have moulded his life including traditional Aboriginal
beliefs. Much of his message is conveyed through anecdotes relating
stories of his meetings and interactions with teenagers throughout
Australia. Provides valuable insight and a wealth of material
to stimulate thoughtful discussion.
Eve Pownall Award for Information Books, 1999 Shortlist
STEVENS, Roger.
The
Journal of Danny Chaucer (Poet)
Dolphin, 2002
Verse Novel. Age 14+ Danny, in love with Jenny,
watches her from afar as she becomes involved with another young
man at their school. Danny's pleadings and anguished moments
take place in his mind as he never tells Jenny how he feels.
By the end of this novel, it is far too late.
In this coming-of-age story, Danny is a romantic and a cynic.
I found the part where he describes his Christmas, particularly
funny, especially when he questions the Queen after her annual
broadcast.
The novel is told in verse - sometimes
blank verse and sometimes interspersed with pages of rhyme.
Stevens is able to relate some of Danny's most painful moments
in the briefest of lines. He is able to give summaries of Danny's
angst in a few stanzas, and tell us of Danny's love in a phrase.
The Journal of Danny Chaucer is the most economical of novels.
It will not only appeal to readers who like verse novels, but
may attract those who want a thin novel, something to read quickly.
And they will be amply rewarded.
Fran Knight, William Light R-12 School (SA)
STONE, Miriam.
At
the End of Words: A Daughter's Memoir
Candlewick Press, 2003.
Memoir. Age 14+ This a true story of a daughter's
trauma over the impending death of her mother. Told in fifty-five
raw pages, the author uses narrative, verse and stream of consciousness
to tell the story of her mother's descent due to cancer. Miriam
is torn between wanting to learn about her mother's life before
she takes her secrets to the grave, and not appearing as if
she has given up on her mother's fight.
However, the images of Miriam using drugs and smoking jar against
the images of her mother descending into death. Told in months
and seasons, this story is twelve months in the life of Miriam:
six months while her mother is alive and six months after she
has died.
At the End of Words
is a healing piece of writing. It is therapeutic, hopeful, remembering,
embracing and accepting of death.
Judith Way, Mill Park Secondary College (VIC)
WILKINSON, Carole. Black
Snake: The Daring of Ned Kelly
Black Dog Books, 2002
Biography. Age 12+. My first reaction to this reader-friendly
text was 'not another Ned Kelly!' As I read on, however, I felt
there could be many uses for this story, which appears to combine
fiction and fact.
The book presentation is interesting. There are frequent annotations
attached in darker coloured boxes on the side of many pages.
These insert authoritative information into the colourful narrative.
The additions are sometimes, but not always, acknowledged. This
provides an excellent example of how researched facts can be
the basis of successful narrative.
Within the narrative, a range of characters
who 'would have been there' make comment setting up the chapter
that follows; very useful for teaching point of view. An index,
Internet sites, a time-line and reference sources are all valuable,
while photographs and maps increase the impact of the text.
Black Snake - The Daring of Ned Kelly has value
as a 'guided ' history reference and is a delightfully told
narrative. It will be useful on the library shelf and a class
set is worth considering.
Marlene Dullard, Hamilton SHS
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