Goodbye Jamie Boyd


Book Description

"Schizophrenia. Helicopter Man first demonstrated this, and Goodbye Jamie Boyd continues to do so, and whether mental illness inspires Fensham in some way because of the inherent internal conflict to be found there, or whether her research for Helicopter Man has prompted her to explore the theme for older readers is beside the point. The fact is that she does it very well, particularly in the way she keeps the reader somewhat in the dark for the first third or more of the book, keeping Jamies identity something of a mystery. As I read, I wondered in turn whether Jamie was (in no particular order): real; or an imaginary friend; or a ghost; or a manifestation of mental illness. And with every exchange between Anna and Jamie during the first part of the book, each of these possibilities provides its own sinister implications (although the scene on the bus is a bit of a loose clue). But as far as I can tell, this uncertainty about what is reality and what isn't is a very real part of the struggle with schizophrenia."--Provided by publisher.




Goodbye Jamie Boyd


Book Description

"Love's not a cake," I say. "You don't carve it into pieces 'til there's none left; it's more like the Magic Pudding - the more you use of it, the more it grows." Anna and Jamie Boyd are inseparable, the brother and sister team who face the world, their family and school together. Their love for each other is bigger than anything else they know and stronger than any ordinary bond. It is Jamie who challenges Anna throughout her life; Jamie who drives her to do things and makes her grow up; Jamie who dares her to jump off Ben Halls Rock, smoke weed and drive fast round Carrot Wash Bend. So when Anna kills her brother, what follows next is a revelation to everyone, most especially to Anna. A powerful verse novel from one of Australia's acclaimed storytellers




Brown Skin Blue


Book Description

Barry Mundy has brown skin and a blue birthmark and, at seventeen, those two colours define his life. When he gets a job at the Croc-Jumping cruises on the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory, he carries a list of names of the men who could be his father. They're all dark for different reasons and Barry hungers to know whose blood flows inside him. All he sees when he looks in the mirror is a brown mask that hides a blue secret. Brown Skin Blue is a compelling tale of a teenager searching for identity, love and family in Australia's Top End.




Bill Rules


Book Description

Bill and Matty are the best of friends. Matty is headstrong, willful and entertaining; Bill is loyal, patient and devoted to Matty. They are also neighbors which means their lives are intertwined and daily 'thinktanks' are held in Matty's backyard bath. When Bill learns that his father is coming home from jail, his world is tipped upside down. How will the kids at school take the news? And, most importantly, how do Bill and his mother feel about his dad being home? Worries start to mount but the ever-watchful Matty has an idea to help Bill keep his dad on the straight and narrow. However, life doesn't always go according to plan ...aaAn enchanting story of friendship, courage and trust from one of Australia's favorite storytellers."




Matty and Bill for Keeps


Book Description

Join Matty and Bill on their third and final adventure from award-winning author Elizabeth Fensham. There's a new boy at Matty and Bill's schoolCrispin de Floriette. He's from England and not like anyone else they've met before. Spoilt Isabelle soon notices Crispin and plots to make him her new friend. But Bill knows first-hand what sort of 'friend' Isabelle can be . . . However, Crispin is not the only one who needs rescuing. Maggot is back and Bill is anxious about his dad being caught up in another crooked scheme. To make matters worse, Bill has his own worriesfeelings so confusing he doesn't know how to describe them. Even Matty isn't sure how to help this time. An enchanting story of friendship, growing up and acceptance from one of Australia's favorite storytellers.




Matty Forever


Book Description

Bill and Matty are neighbors. And best friends. Together they share their deepest, darkest secrets and lean on each other when things aren't right at home. Bill is missing his father and having a hard time at his new school. And Matty is realizing that her family is not quite the same as everyone else's. But when new girl Isabella decides she wants Bill all to herself, Bill and Matty discover what true friendship means. An enchanting story of friendship, acceptance and trust from one of Australia's favorite storytellers.




The Verse Novel in Young Adult Literature


Book Description

Throughout history, the verse novel has persisted as a modest but noteworthy literary subgenre, from classic works like Eugene Onegin to contemporary volumes by Vikram Seth, Dorothy Porter, and Derek Walcott. In particular, the verse novel has emerged as a popular form for young adult readers, such as the Newbery Medal winner Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse. As this unique form continues to flourish, it merits closer examination. In The Verse Novel in Young Adult Literature, Brenna Friesner explores both the history and current use of the verse novel in teen fiction. Examining more than 220 titles written over the last few decades, Friesner discusses the verse novel’s evolution, analyzes key works, and considers how these novels can grapple with content that distinguishes them from traditional fiction. Though this study includes volumes written throughout history, its focus on contemporary novels further demonstrates the form’s relevance for today’s teens. By explaining its current popularity, this book acknowledges the verse novel’s potential to provide accessible, authentic stories for young adults to enjoy. The Verse Novel in Young Adult Literature will be of interest to librarians and teachers, as well as anyone wanting to learn more about this burgeoning aspect of young adult literature.




My Dog Made Me Write This Book


Book Description

A heartwarming and humorous middle-grade duology that will resonate with pet lovers of all ages. When Eric gets a dog, he expects to have a new best friend. But Ugly has other plans in mind... When Eric got a dog, he thought he was getting a best friend. But his dog doesn't even consider Eric to be his second best friend. Or his third. He even likes Eric's horrible sister, Gretchen, more than he likes Eric. Eric isn't sure where this betrayal came from. Maybe his dog is resentful that Eric named him Ugly, or that Eric's Mom is the one who feeds him and walks him. No matter the reason, it's got to change. Eric's ready to try anything and everything to get his dog to love him. Or if not love, at least show some half-hearted interest. But will Eric have what it takes to gain Ugly's affection? Or will he be in the doghouse...forever? Discover more of Eric and Ugly's adventures in My Dog Get's a Job! Why readers love My Dog Made Me Write This Book: the best book for middle school boys and funny book for kids 9-12 the ideal preteen gift for boys with doodles and drawings throughout the story, it is a great book for reluctant readers and for those who love graphic novels!




My Dog Gets a Job


Book Description

The perfect puppy chapter book and ideal dog chapter book for kids 9-12! Eric's life will go to the dogs if he doesn't devise a brilliant plan to keep Ugly out of trouble! Eric knows better than anyone that having a puppy can take a lot of work. As the (mostly) responsible owner of a big, shaggy dog named Ugly, Eric has basically mastered the art of dog training. At least, he thought he had. When Ugly gets into a series of mishaps, including the theft of a roast chicken and a bedroom decorated with slimy duck poop, Eric's family is less than pleased. It's clear Eric and Ugly still have some work to do. So Eric comes up with a genius plan—get Ugly a job! That way, he won't have time to get into trouble. But it's not as easy as Eric thinks... See where Eric and Ugly's story began in My Dog Made Me Write This Book! Why readers love My Dog Gets a Job: the best book for middle school boys and funny book for kids 9-12 the ideal preteen gift for boys with doodles and drawings throughout the story, it is a great book for reluctant readers and for those who love graphic novels!




Miss McAllister's Ghost


Book Description

Three children, Cassie and her two brothers Mick (at 13, one year younger than Cassie) and Wilf (8-years-old) discover a very old lady living a time-forgotten life in a nearby suburb. Her house is cut off from the world, she is largely self-sufficient but has a believable means by which she supplements her food requirements. Over the course of the story Miss McAllister moves from irascible and overbearing stranger to become the centre of the children's lives. Their own parents, caught up in their own lives, are on the periphery of their childrens. Miss McAllister provides stability, a much-needed sense of responsibility, a standard of ethical behaviour and ultimately, love. Miss McAllister provides a form of family togetherness.




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