Amy’s Balancing Act
Amy’s Balancing Act by Bjorn Sturmberg and illustrated by Laura Stitzel is an innovative and inspiring tale about clean energy and the power of diversity. This engaging story uses animals to represent different sources of clean energy and explains switching from coal to a diverse range of energy sources through renewables. Not only is the […]
You Don’t Know What War Is: The diary of a young girl from Ukraine
You Don’t Know What War Is: The diary of a young girl from Ukraine written by twelve-year-old Yeva Skalietska, living in Kharviv when she was jolted awake on February 24, 2022 to the horrifying sound and sight of an explosion. This is Yeva’s gripping firsthand account of her days (up to Day 67, May 1, […]
Texts to Help Teach Persuasive Writing
The following collection of books could be used to help teach persuasive writing and these titles include themes relating to animals (mostly animal rights and endangered animals), the environment, sustainability and refugees. A fractured fairy tale is also included. This list is by no means exhaustive and as always I am very keen to hear […]
Books to Explore at the Beginning of the School Year and Revisit Regularly – Collection 2
To view the first collection of books to explore at the beginning of the school year and revisit regularly, please visit the Reading Opens Doors blog here. The following collection of books either promote a growth mindset, celebrate difference and inclusivity, or are a source of inspiration for creating a class inquiry task. These books […]
The Tantrum That Saved the World
The Tantrum That Saved the World co-authored by Megan Herbert and Professor Michael E. Mann and illustrated by Megan Herbert, is a timely book that would make an invaluable addition to any library collection about climate change, activism and hope. This empowering and highly engaging solution focussed story, written for readers 5-9 years, in rhyming […]
Berani
Berani by Michelle Kadarusman and published by Allen and Unwin is an incredibly moving and inspiring eco-fiction title, recommended for readers 8-12 years. This story is set in Indonesia and is about two courageous children who are driven to release Ginger Juice, an orangutan held in captivity at Warung Malang restaurant. The commitment and the […]
One More Mountain
Title: One More Mountain Authors: Deborah Ellis Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: November 1, 2022 RRP: $16.99 (AUD) Teaching resource: A comprehensive teaching resource written by Robyn Sheahan-Bright is available to download from the Allen and Unwin website. One More Mountain, the fifth book in the Parvana series by Deborah Ellis is set in modern-day Afghanistan in 2021 […]
Little People Big Emotions
Title: Little People Big Emotions Author: Kylie Mort Illustrator: Tiina Morton Publisher: Serenity Press Publication date: October 2022 Additional notable information: Parent and teacher notes are included at the back of the book in addition to a QR code to scan to access a study guide Teaching notes including discussion questions as well as English, Drama and […]
Back On Country: Welcome to Our Country
Title: Back On Country: Welcome to Our Country Authors: Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing Illustrator: David Hardy Publisher: Allen and Unwin Publication date: November 1, 2022 RRP: $24.99 (AUD) Teaching resource: A comprehensive teaching resource is available to download from Allen and Unwin. Back On Country: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes, an Adnyamathanha […]
Accidentally Kelly Street
Title: Accidentally Kelly Street By: Briony Stewart with lyrics by Tim O’Connor from Frente Publisher: Affirm Press Publication date: 25 October 2022 RRP: $24.99 Briony Stewart has reimagined the 90s iconic song, Accidentally Kelly Street in her latest ebullient picture book published by Affirm Press. Her beautiful and lively illustrations have created a new timely […]