Deborah Abela understands and writes what children relish reading. Her books include The Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee, the ‘Max Remy Superspy’ series and Teresa: A New Australian. Final Storm is the third in her ‘Grimsdon’ series (Penguin Random House Australia) and is a rollercoaster of adventure, intrigue and futuristic invention, as well as being a […]
Read More Deborah Abela & Final StormMika & Max (Walker Books) is distinctive because of Laura Bloom’s superb writing, excellent characterisation and evocation of place. It is likely to be nominated for awards. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Laura. It’s a pleasure, Joy. Thanks so much for having me. Could you begin by telling us about some of your previous […]
Read More Laura Bloom and Mika & MaxInside the CBCA Short List Vikki Wakefield is one of Australia’s best contemporary YA authors. This is How We Change the Ending (Text Publishing) is her best book and my YA novel of the year. It may well be the perfect YA novel. It is highly engaging yet gives a profound insight into the character […]
Read More Vikki Wakefield and This is How We Change the EndingThe Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling (Allen & Unwin) is a young adult novel for mature secondary students. It has an engaging heroine, a vibrant bustling restaurant setting, a difficult home situation, and some weighty themes. Thank you for speaking to Paperbark blog, Wai. I reviewed your first novel, Freedom Swimmer, for the Weekend […]
Read More Wai Chim and The Surprising Power of a Good DumplingT.C. Shelley’s debut novel The Monster Who Wasn’t (Bloomsbury Children’s Books) is for children aged nine and older. As we read, we discover that it has a well-formed classical narrative structure, and how it unfolds for the reader is utterly original and keeps us guessing. Thank you for speaking to Paperbark blog, Shelley. What is […]
Read More T.C. Shelley and The Monster Who Wasn’tI was fortunate to be part of the children’s and YA literature panel at the inaugural ‘Share the Vision: Teachers and Librarians Symposium 2019’ at the State Library of Queensland this week. The program and presenters are on the website. The wonderful @RhiannaPatrick from ABC Radio chaired our panel. Here are Rhianna’s questions and some […]
Read More Children’s & YA Literature Panel at the SLQDetention (Penguin Random House) is a highly memorable insight into a complex, fraught situation. It balances the terrible quandary of refugees detained in or near Australia with kindness and help. Thank you for speaking to Paperbark blog, Tristan. Pleasure! Thanks for being such a great advocate for my books and a positive force in children’s […]
Read More Tristan Bancks and DetentionTristan Bancks’ Detention (Penguin Random House) gives a highly memorable insight into a complex, fraught situation. It balances the terrible quandary of refugees detained in or near Australia with kindness and help. Thank you for speaking to Paperbark blog, Tristan. Pleasure! Thanks for being such a great advocate for my books and a positive force […]
Read More Tristan Bancks and DetentionMy Father’s Shadow (Magabala Books) is a riveting, unputdownable YA thriller. I rarely say this, but I simply couldn’t stop reading it. High praise, particularly since this is Jannali’s debut novel. Thank you for speaking to Paperbark blog, Jannali. Thanks, Joy. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the book. What is your background and where […]
Read More Jannali Jones and My Father’s ShadowInside the CBCA Shortlist This is the 30th and final of this year’s CBCA shortlisted books that I have written about for PaperbarkWords blog. I have included a synopsis and ideas to use in the classroom for each book. Congratulations to all the shortlisted creators and we look forward to celebrating the winners and honour […]
Read More Here Comes Stinkbug! by Tohby Riddle
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