Emotions
Title: ‘When Rain Turns to Snow’Author: Jane GodwinPublisher: Lothian, an imprint of Hachette AustraliaAge Range: 12+, middle grade, upper primary, lower secondary.Themes: family, adoption, divorce, step parents, parents, siblings, family secrets, coming…
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This bestselling novel by John Green was published in 2012 and has since been made into successful movie. There is something truly remarkable about the pull of ‘The Fault in our Stars’,…
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Jazzy today reviews a novel that I devoured and adored, ‘It Sounded Better in my Head’ by Nina Kenwood. This is a beautifully gentle coming-of-age story about friendships, self-image and first love…
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Title: ‘White Bird’ Author: R. J. Palacio Publisher: Penguin Books Australia Age Range: middle grade*, YA Themes: bravery, kindness, courage, World War II, survival, family, found family, friends. Inspired by her blockbuster phenomenon…
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A sophisticated, funny and emotional illustrated middle-grade debut about immigrating to Australia, being upstaged by an annoying little brother, baking cakes and overcoming loss. Title: ‘Pie in the Sky’Author: Remy LaiPublisher: Walker…
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In my humble opinion, Jane Godwin is one of the heroes of the kidlit world in Australia. A former publisher (responsible for the wonderful ‘Our Australian Girls’ series no less), Jane has…
READ MOREEncouraging young people to read widely and enjoy a balanced literary diet is something that can add immeasurably to their reading and writing journey. For many of us, poetry and verse novels…
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Jazzy is one of the most sophisticated young readers I know and she always stretches herself to read outside of her comfort zone. Her latest book has been, in her own words,…
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This is ChickPea’s first official review on the blog and it’s appropriate that it be of ‘Polly and Buster’ as she’s deeply in love with this trilogy from bestselling author Sally Rippin.…
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For the quiet ones and for the noisy ones (to teach us how to listen)…‘A Quiet Girl’ by Peter Carnavas will gently (and quietly) settle in your soul. Title: ‘A Quiet Girl’…
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Twice a year I try to post a list of the adult books I am reading and enjoying. To be perfectly honest I do not read a huge number of adult books,…
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Title: ‘Girl on Wire’ Author: Lucy Estela Illustrator: Elise Hurst Publisher: Penguin Books Australia Age Range: 5+ (ageless) Themes: courage, resilience, emotional wellbeing, support, self-esteem Awards: CBCA Book of the Year Awards 2019:…
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Multiple-award-winning author Meg McKinlay’s latest middle grade novel places the reader at that tricky intersection where logic and science meet magic and hope, a place where many of us find ourselves when…
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This week on ‘Five on Friday’ I’m talking about a ‘group’ of books (I’m stretching the friendship on five this week) which are perfect for middle – upper primary and into lower…
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Joe Visser, aka Book Boy, is one of my favourite young book bloggers, and is also the only teen member of the LoveOzYA committee, a group of volunteers who work together to…
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One of us is a bully. One of us wants to be understood. One of us loves a girl who loves another. One of us remembers the past as if it just…
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Over the recent school holidays I actually read some books aimed at my age group! I know. Surprised even myself. I mostly stick to YA and children’s books for recreational and work…
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Jazzy from Jazzy’s Bookshelf has been a long time reviewer for me and I always smile when I see one of her emails and reviews pop up my inbox. At twelve years…
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A lovely member of the Your Kid’s Next Read Facebook group asked the other day about books for young children which help to explain divorce. I had done a post several year…
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I’ve spoken before about the reasons I love audio stories: great for imagery; listening skills; and for calming overtired or over stimuluated children.You can find some audio story ideas here. Recently I’ve…
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