The Absolutely Elusive (But Totally Achievable) Task of Writing Fantastic Figurative Language

I feel envious of writers who can compose phenomenal figurative language. I love to weave words, but to adorn them in layers of meaning is such hard work. Like William Goldberg when he writes: “The sun in the west was a drop of burning gold that slid nearer and nearer the sill of the world” in Lord of the Fliesi. Will I ever be able … Continue reading The Absolutely Elusive (But Totally Achievable) Task of Writing Fantastic Figurative Language

The Girls Who Changed the World #1: Ming and Flo Fight for the Future

Twelve-year-old Ming Qong has noticed something alarming! According to the history books she’s been reading in school, girls haven’t really played a part in changing the future. But that can’t be right; girls must have changed the world! Ming, like most of us, would like to know why there are so few accounts of the women throughout history who changed the world.  So, when Herstory appears and casts Ming … Continue reading The Girls Who Changed the World #1: Ming and Flo Fight for the Future

The Great Fox Illusion

Justyn Edwards, The Great Fox Illusion, Walker Books Ltd., April 2022, pp., RRP $24.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781529501940 This review was originally posted on the Reading Time website – The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s book review site. This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. Many recent middle-grade books have included elements of fantasy and magic, though not all have been successful. The … Continue reading The Great Fox Illusion

Rapper Bee

Harry Laing, Rapper Bee, Ford Street Publishing, October 2021, 102pp., RRP $14.95 (pbk), ISBN 9781925804775 This book was gifted to me by The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Reading Time in exchange for an honest review. Make room, Elizabeth Honey; there’s a new kid on the block! Well, not quite a new kid – author Harry Laing has been writing poetry for children since he self-published his first … Continue reading Rapper Bee

The Flip Out: Sam Kerr – Kicking Goals

Sam Kerr: Kicking Goals is the debut early reader novel in a new series from real-life soccer star Sam Kerr. Kerr is the current captain of the Australian women’s soccer team (the Matildas) and advocates for women in sports. In her new novel, Kerr draws inspiration from her own experiences getting into professional sports as a girl with fewer options than the boys. Continue reading The Flip Out: Sam Kerr – Kicking Goals