Prehistoric Googling

For those of us old enough to remember …..

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Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards 2013

Entries for the 2013 Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards are now open.

The oldest and largest poetry competition in Australia, these awards offer Australian students the opportunity to express their passion for poetry.  Divided into a wide range of categories, students are able to compete at both their age and competency level.   Couched around this year’s theme, Wherever the Wind Blows students are invited to submit their entry by June 30th to be in the running for some great prizes.

Full details can be checked out online.

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Twisted Tales!

Wary Myers, a husband and wife team based in Maine in the US, have created this fabulous installation cleverly titled: Twisted Tales.   Writing about the design on their website, they reveal the inspiration behind the design:

A Shakespearean reference of the old library’s books “shuffling off this mortal coil”. The books, some of which were actually once in the library’s stacks, were gathered from local bookshops, then twisted and trimmed to fit flush against the paneled wall. There are whimsical, nostalgic Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Harry Potter-esque references also, since it looks magical, and it’s under the stairs. Created for the VIA Advertising Agency, which recently renovated and moved their offices into the old Baxter building, which served as Portland’s public library from 1888 until the 1960s.”

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Getting eBooks into perspective!

Nice!

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The Covenant – Naomi Ragen

Living in Jerusalem, a city constantly overshadowed by random acts of terror, is a terrifying reality for Elise Margulies and her family.  Confined to bed with a difficult pregnancy, Elise waits for the return of her husband and young daughter from a ballet recital.  When told that their car was ambushed but that there was no trace of either her husband or her daughter, Elise’s life spins out of control.  The ensuing five day saga is told in the voices of those around her who desperately try to locate her family.  In parallel, the background story of a pact between Elise’s grandmother and three other women who survived the horrors of Auschwitz concentration camp, add a meaningful depth to this gripping, but at times, terrifying read.   A worthwhile read by International bestselling author Naomi Ragen.

Rating: *****
Theme Fiction: Religion & Culture
Suitable:  Year 10-12+

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Cassie – Barry Jonsberg

Dying to be accepted as part of the ‘in crowd’, Holly jumps at the chance to go on a shopping spree with Demi and her friends.  But on the home front she is struggling to cope.  Her aunt and her cousin Cassie have recently come to stay.  Put out that she’s had to give up the familiarity of her bedroom to accommodate them, Holly is torn by obligations to her Mum and a desire for acceptance at school. Published as part of the ‘Girlfriend Fiction’ series, strong themes of friendship and acceptance surface.  A good read from Barry Jonsberg.

Rating: ***
Theme Ficiton: Person to person
Suitable: Year 7-10

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The crush – Scott Monk

Of appeal to teenagers, particularly boys, Monk’s straight writing style makes for an easy read.   The story line, which revolves around rugby, control and girlfriends, flows seamlessly.  Interesting issues: rich vs poor, role models  (particularly fathers – Matthew’s Dad is in jail), parenting and  honesty are explored effectively in this novel.
Rating: *****
Theme Fiction: Sport
Suitable: Year 8-10

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Talking to blue – Ken Catran

As the main character, Mike, becomes obsessed with discovering the identity of a local serial murderer, we realize he is really schizophrenic.  With an unusual writing style featuring short incomplete sentences, Ken Catran pulls no punches with novel.  
 

 

Rating: ****
Theme Fiction: Thriller
Suitable: Year 8-10

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