Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise and Published by Walker Books holds a mirror up to middle grade readers who struggle with self-doubt, feelings of insecurity, and/or are navigating change and adversity in their lives. This story gifts readers the ability to walk in the shoes of Cora Lane who has recently moved from Ipswich, Queensland to Caroline Creek in Tasmania and she sees this move as an opportunity to reinvent herself. What unfolds is a transformative journey of self-discovery and learning relatable truths which help Cora silence her self-doubt.
During a tumultuous time in Cora’s life, one of change and loss, Cora decides the timing is right to reinvent herself in her new home, a dilapidated theatre in Caroline Creek. Her family work tirelessly making it habitable and restoring it to its former glory. Cora imagines the new and improved version of herself that she dubs Cora 2.0, a confident, carefree and popular girl who wears Doc Martens. She is determined to say goodbye to Cora 1.0 the anxious, beige girl who is self-conscious and often gets tongue-tied.
Moving is not the only massive change consuming Cora’s life. She has recently lost her Pop, her Mum’s father, which sees her Mum struggle with this profound loss. Cora’s older sister, Bekah who she looks up to and shares a close bond with, is spending most of her time with Luella, her band and motorbike. Cora is also navigating life at a new school, meeting new peers and making new friends.
Cora draws comfort from a series of letters she discovers that are written by the much adored and famous singer, jazz legend, Clair de Lune, an important part of the town’s history. Clair de Lune graced the stage in what is now Cora’s home. The letters are addressed to Bug which happens to be the name Cora’s Pop affectionately referred to her as. In the first letter Clair talks about the feeling of living in a shell where no one sees the real you, “the armour is thick. And you are small inside”. People see the shell, not the person. Clair’s words deeply resonate with Cora. She feels “the world looks through her” and Cora pens a letter to Clair explaining how she feels, sharing her private and deeply personal thoughts. So begins a pen pal relationship as Cora writes back to more of Clair’s letters sharing her most inner thoughts, fears and secrets.
When disaster strikes at the theatre and a faulty pipe sees it partially flooded, the book containing the letters (Clair and Cora’s) vanishes. Cora convinces herself it must have been put in the rubbish with a lot of their other possessions that could not be salvaged. Cora finds out that someone must have the book as to her horror one of her letters is published in the local newspaper. Even more shocking to Cora is how well received it is. It is highly relatable to the people in Caroline Creek and hits a nerve with them and what’s more, they find Bug endearing.
These letters and Cora’s election to the Community Service Council where she forges strong bonds with peers who have become friends, sees Cora learn that everyone has insecurities, fears and often don’t divulge all of themselves to others for fear of being judged. Cora discovers that “the way to people’s hearts, it seems, is not pushing horn-rimmed up your nose and drinking espresso. It’s speaking my truth”. It’s this vulnerability that people relate to and connect with. Cora realises that Cora 1.0, the authentic Cora, the girl who likes to hang out in the library, carve wood and that what she perceives as her flaws are accepted and cherished by others. These things that make her unique are the very things that make her interesting and anything but beige.
Children in upper primary school will relate to many of the themes explored including courage, self-acceptance, navigating friendships, jealousy and insecurity in friendship circles, family dynamics and how change and/or loss impact these and community.