Deep Water by Sarah Epstein

“I’m always telling Dad that country people are far too trusting. Everyone may know everyone in small towns, but can we ever truly know anyone?” (Deep Water) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Sarah. Thank you for having me, Joy! Where are you based and how are you involved in the Australian YA community? I […]

How to Grow a Family Tree by Eliza Henry-Jones

“Life hasn’t stopped just because something difficult has happened. Something strange and unexpected. Life keeps trucking on …” (How to Grow a Family Tree) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Eliza. Where are you based and how are you involved in the world of Australian literature? I’m based on a small farm in the Yarra […]

Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller

Inside the CBCA Shortlist Ghost Bird is an exceptional YA debut by Wuilli Wuilli woman, Lisa Fuller. It explores the relationship between Stacey and her very different twin Laney, who disappears. Stacey seems to share some of Laney’s experiences through nightmares and she resolves to find her despite times of deeply unnerving danger. Thank you […]

A.J. Betts and Rogue

Rogue (Pan Macmillan Australia) continues Hayley’s dystopian story – in a surprising, and very different setting – which began in Hive. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, A.J. Why have you written a duology? It is unusual to have two books rather than one stand-alone, a trilogy or a longer series. There’s no real reason, […]

Taryn Bashford and The Astrid Notes

Taryn Bashford has now written and published two YA novels, The Harper Effect and The Astrid Notes (Pan Macmillan Australia). Both are gripping and memorable, dealing with situations that are rarely encountered in Australian YA. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Taryn. Thank you so much for having me and for your kind words about […]

Vikki Wakefield and This is How We Change the Ending

Inside 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 […]

Wai Chim and The Surprising Power of a Good Dumpling

The 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 […]

Children’s & YA Literature Panel at the SLQ

I 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 […]

Tristan Bancks and Detention

Detention (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 […]

Tristan Bancks and Detention

Tristan 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 […]