The F Team by Rawah Arja

“You’re an Arab from Punchbowl. No one will believe you.” (The F Team) The F Team is a compelling new YA novel set mainly in Western Sydney by Rawah Arja (published by Giramondo). It is impossible to put down because of its portrayal of a visceral masculinity and physicality inhabited by authentic, lively characters. It […]

The Other Side of the Sky by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

The Other Side of the Sky is another stunning collaboration between Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner. It is published by Allen & Unwin. It is a dual narrative featuring a duel between science and magic. It traverses power and politics, climate change, romance, identity, prophesy, colour, music and light. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, […]

Healing Lives by Sue Williams

“For all of us, it’s about making women free from suffering.” Healing Lives is Sue Williams’ powerful and moving recount of the friendship and work of Australian Dr Catherine Hamlin and Ethiopian Mamitu Gashe as they save women’s lives in Mamitu’s African homeland. Catherine, and her husband Reg, operated many times on Mamitu, who came […]

Tribal Lores by Archimede Fusillo

“But you’re from different tribes, Frankie. Us and them, we’re from different places mentally, historically, geographically, you know. It courses in our blood, all that stuff our parents brought over with them from the old country, even if we were born here. It’s part of who we are, good or bad.” (Tribal Lores) Archimede Fusillo […]

Breathless by Jennifer Niven

“You were my first. Not just sex, although that was part of it, but the first to look past everything else into me.” (Breathless) Not only is Jennifer Niven one of the most highly regarded and popular writers of YA literature in the world, she is one of the most lovely and charming people you […]

Hollowpox & the Magical Jessica Townsend

I was privileged to interview Jessica Townsend about her new book Hollowpox: the Hunt for Morrigan Crow, third in the Nevermoor series of nine books (Hachette Australia), in time for today’s book publication. I have outlined her responses here. Thanks for speaking with PaperbarkWords, Jessica. Hollowpox is a magical sounding title. But what is it […]

Bandits by Sha’an D’Anthes

Sha’an D’Anthes is both author and illustrator of the new picture book, Bandits (published by Lothian Children’s Books). Bandits has great visual impact, is set in a slightly futuristic society and looks at significant issues in a highly appealing way. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sha’an. You have such an interesting name and pseudonym […]

Little Lon by Andrew Kelly

Little Lon by Andrew Kelly, illustrated by Heather Potter & Mark Jackson (published by Wild Dog Books) Andrew Kelly is a stalwart of the literary community. He has undertaken many roles but is most recently recognised as the co-author, with Aunty Joy Murphy, of Wilam: a Birrarung Story. Wilam is featuring in children’s literary awards. […]

Guwayu – For All Times: A Collection of First Nations Poems

Guwayu – For All Times: A Collection of First Nations Poems Commissioned by Red Room Poetry Edited by Jeanine Leane Published by Magabala Books Guwayu features poems by well-known and acclaimed poets such as Ellen van Neerven, Samuel Wagan Watson, Evelyn Araluen, Ali Cobby Eckermann and Bruce Pascoe as well as exciting new voices. Interview […]

The Boy Who Steals Houses by C.G. Drews

Inside the CBCA Shortlist “I had nowhere to go, he wants to say. I’m the boy of nothing and nowhere. I’m invisible and forgotten, a thief of dust and cobwebs and house keys.” (The Boy Who Steals Houses) The Boy Who Steals House by C.G. Drews (Orchard Books/Hachette Australia) has been nominated for the prestigious […]