Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee

Dragon Skin by Karen Foxlee (published by A&U) Author Interview “If you find a dragon you need a friend.” (Dragon Skin) Every new book from Karen Foxlee comes to us with great anticipation. She brings magic into the world in both her realist and fantasy stories. Her books resonate with readers of all ages and […]

The Edge of Thirteen by Nova Weetman

I have closely followed Nova Weetman’s writing for children and young adults since her 2014 YA debut The Haunting of Lily Frost and was on the Aurealis judging panel when it was shortlisted. I reviewed Nova’s second YA novel Frankie and Joely for the Weekend Australian, as well as Everything Is Changed and her first […]

Footprints on the Moon by Lorraine Marwood

Lorraine Marwood is an acclaimed verse novelist for children. She won the inaugural Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Children’s Fiction with Star Jumps and was joint winner of the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children’s Literature in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards with Leave Taking. Lorraine writes with great eloquence about her important new verse novel, […]

Fozia and the Quest of Prince Zal by Rosanne Hawke

The Genesis of Fozia and the Quest of Prince Zal by Rosanne Hawke The wonderful Rosanne Hawke has written about her new book Fozia and the Quest of Prince Zal and how it fits into her flood series. Set in Pakistan, these books are of great appeal and interest for mid to upper primary and […]

Claire Zorn and When We Are Invisible

“I will be the sort of person who survives in this new world.” (When We Are Invisible) Claire Zorn is one of Australia’s best and most highly awarded contemporary YA authors. Her novels The Protected and One Would Think the Deep have won major awards, including the Prime Minister’s Literary Award, the CBCA Book of […]

Michelle Kadarusman and Girl of the Southern Sea

“I suppose it was told this way because people expect that a girl would choose her beauty over anything else. But maybe one day you will write your own version of the story about a girl who overcomes her hardships instead.” (Girl of the Southern Sea) Michelle Kadarusman has swept onto the Australian and international […]

Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus by Steven Herrick

“Be brave. Take risks. We’ll heal the bruises with love.” (Zoe, Max and the Bicycle Bus) Steven Herrick is a much-loved Australian writer. He is particularly well known for his verse novels for children and young adults and, although all his books are superb, his verse novel The Spangled Drongo is one of my […]

The Theory of Hummingbirds by Michelle Kadarusman

“Hummingbirds and angels don’t need two good feet. They have wings.” (The Theory of Hummingbirds) The Theory of Hummingbirds by Michelle Kadarusman (UQP) is an intriguing middle fiction novel with appealing, idiosyncratic protagonists Alba and Levi. It has an important message, told in a refreshing, imaginative way. Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Michelle. Hello, […]

As Fast as I Can by Penny Tangey

“I am going to the Olympics. Not just as a spectator because anyone can do that. I will be a competitor. I haven’t found out which sport I’m good at yet.” (As Fast as I Can) Thank you for speaking to PaperbarkWords, Penny. I have read all your books since being on the CBCA judging […]

This Taste for Silence by Amanda O’Callaghan

Brisbane author Amanda O’Callaghan has crafted a thoughtful, darkly-hued work in This Taste for Silence (UQP). This, her debut collection of short stories seems to be set in both Australia and the UK. The cover, with its still-life arrangement of three flying porcelain ducks and a comfortable but empty (apart from a painting) chair in […]