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Junior and Young Adult Fiction
Hyde, Michael (editor) - The Girl Who Married a Fly and Other Stories
This collection of short stories was first published by the Australian
Association for the Teaching of English. The compilers chose well in using
teacher Chris Wheat's modern fable as the title story.
The Girl Who Married a Fly is an uncommonly good
and entertaining story for readers of all ages. Combining humour,
farce and wry observation, Wheat creates a rather Kafkaesque yet
peculiarly Australian vision, in the form of a spunky young woman's
decision to put her heart where her great love's proboscis is, despite
the fall-out from family and the wider community.
The strength of the collection as a whole is its variety, probably due
to the broad brief that established and emerging writers were given, when
invited to submit their work. The stories often involve school experiences
but aren't slavish to that setting, so themes, ideas and scenarios are
allowed to develop that acknowledge young people's lives in their total
environment.
Turnaround by Nadia Wheatley gives a blind
girl's perspective on her world, while Elizabeth Hutchins' Inmates
involves some supernatural elements arising from a school art excursion.
Four Horsemen by Jenny Pausacker examines war and poverty
through events at school, while Tony Sillitoe's Jammin' examines
the world of a talented young basketball player falling foul of
the system.
Narrator David Tredinnick is an experienced reader who gives a
competent though not particularly inspiring performance. His change of
voice is reasonable but betrays a certain sameness of tone and at times
his use of pause and emphasis could have given some stories more dramatic
effect.
But the narrator would have been helped by some simple
musical accompaniment to lift these readings--such an input would
seem de rigueur for a young audience used to multimedia.
The technique of using the authors' comments on their
inspiration for the stories as interludes between each reading is
occasionally insightful but seems old-fashioned, particularly for
a compilation for the national body representing the latest developments
in the teaching of English. A better listing of stories with broad
outlines and perhaps a sample of possible activities would have
made this a more complete resource.
As it stands this is a compilation of stories of
high standard that could have been explored further in this medium.
Age 12+
Martin Turner News Chronicle Community Newspaper
Education Department of Western Australia
Curriculum Materials Information Services Fiction Focus Vol. 13
No. 2 1999 p. 17-18
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Hyde, Michael - The Girl Who Married a Fly and Other Stories
A must for your high school English classes is The
Girl who Married a Fly and Other Stories, edited by Michael
Hyde, a new anthology of stories for secondary students which was
released last year by the Australian Association for the teaching
of English (AATE) and in audio form by Louis Braille Audio in 1998.
There are a variety of stories, some humorous, some serious and
others mysterious but just the sort of stories that will appeal
to students in Years 7-9.
Rita van Haren
ACT Department of Education and Community
Services
REACT 1999 Issue 6 p. 30
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Hyde, Michael - The Girl Who Married a Fly and Other Stories
This incredible pack--there are altogether five tapes
to listen to--is a compilation of some of Australia's best, and
includes authors such as Jenny Pausacker, Elizabeth Hutchins, Nadia
Wheatley, Daryl McCann and Janien Brian, to name just a few.
Children won't be able to put away this stunning
compilation where every emotion is depicted. For example, in The
Girl Who Married a Fly by Chris Wheat, we get to learn about
being different and about tolerance. Jenny Pausacker, in Four
Horsemen, forces us to look around and reassess our own comfort
in order to help the world around us. In Turnaround, by Nadia
Wheatley, we rediscover what it's like to be blind and to be treated
as if you never existed. In Inmates, Elizabeth Hutchins takes
us on a visit to an old gaol, where a young boy discovers the truth
about himself.
All the stories, which are complete and unabridged, are captivating and
will keep listeners enthralled for hours. Primarily recorded by Louis
Braille Audio for visually impaired children, these tapes also make
excellent listening in hospital or at school. From Year 5 and over.
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
September/October 1998 p.8-9
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Kelleher, Victor - The Ivory Trail
Jamie is a teenager with the unusual talent to travel
back in time. When he turns fifteen his uncle dies and leaves him
an ivory carved elephant. His family soon encourage him to use the
ivory elephant to travel back in time and discover the secret of
the elephant. Jamie is reluctant to try, but with the help of his
twin sister, he soon finds himself in the depths of 'Black Africa'
during the slavery days. He finds the experience awesome--even if
unsure of its purpose. He soon decides to 'channel' once more, but
this time, he finds himself not only in a different country but
also in a different era. The only links seems to be the ivory elephant.
What is the purpose of all this? It will be up to Jamie to find
the answers…
The Ivory Trail is a compelling story by one
of Australia's best loved authors. The storyline is unusual and
will keep the listeners guessing right until the end. The Ivory
Trail is also a story about the passage to adulthood, and the
maturity and wisdom the hero will have to come to terms with as
he 'channels' through times and continents.
The reading by Stuart Halusz is compelling too and
enables the listeners to completely immerse themselves in the great
adventure that is The Ivory Trail. Stuart Halusz has won the 2000
Sanderson Young Narrator of the Year Award for his reading
of The Ivory Trail.
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
September/October 2000 p.12
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Kelleher, Victor - Taronga
Humphrey Bower retells Kelleher's Taronga
with style! Bower's voice is clear and easy to listen to. The clever
use of variety in tones and volume to suit the characters, captivates
the audience. His graphic descriptions allow the listener's imagination
to expand. Even reluctant readers will become enthusiastic about
this novel.
The first cassette contains a synopsis of the story followed by
biographical details about the author. Taronga is a post-holocaust novel
set in Sydney's main zoo. It is two years after the 'last days' and
everywhere is a battleground. Decay, fear and violence dominate as
survivors struggle for food.
Ben who is able to communicate by telepathy is used to 'call' animals
in to be killed. Having lost his parents, he runs into the hands of
survivors who appear to have more humane intentions. He befriends a tiger,
Raja and an Aboriginal girl Ellie. Together they scheme to alter the
Australian ecological balance, despite the danger.
Not having listened to an audio book previously I found
the format interesting, however, a little intense. For Taronga
you would need to split the listening time. Nearly seven hours on
a car journey became rather boring. Reading the novel allows the
reader to skim/speed read faster than the audio version.
Despite this, I recommend this resource as a valuable teaching aid for
English and Senior English classes. If used intermittently it may motivate
reluctant readers. The format can lead to numerous activities that explore
theme, style and plot development.
Age 13+
Pippa Williams, North Albany SHS
Education Department of Western
Australia
Curriculum Materials Information Services Fiction Focus
Vol.14 No.2 2000 p.62
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Larkin, John - Pizza Features
Eric Underwood is in Year 9 and his life is a mess. He is struggling
through school, has abandoned Veronica only to realise that she is the
love of his life, and has trouble making friends. Even his parents have
pushed him out of the house to the garden shed when his mother announces
that she is expecting a happy event! Eric isn't convinced it will be a
happy event but loves the idea of having his own patch. From then on, he
tries to patch up his life. Follow him as he finishes Year 9 and tries to
get Veronica back, how he is sent on a mission to the UK to bring Gran
back to Australia before the birth of the baby (Gran has Alzheimer's and
is not how he thought she would be!) and how he decides to join the
school's cricket team as he starts Year 10…
Pizza Features is sure to appeal to boys aged
11 years old and over with its weird sense of humour. The story
provides a real insight into how boys that age function and how
they perceive the world around them--and are perceived by others
too!
There are funny moments in the story sure to amuse even the most
reluctant readers
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
July/August 2000 p. 12
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McKerral, Helen - Homestrung
When Lexie's mother dies, she is sent to live with
her grandmother and her Oma in the Barossa Valley. This is a stark
contrast with the lifestyle she has been used to. Her mother having
been a musician, Lexie was used to travelling from one place to
the next, always being the new kid in school, and mostly doing as
she pleased. But living on a little farm brings many changes to
Lexies's life: she now has to attend school regularly, tell her
Grandma where she is off to, and for the first time make friends.
Homestrung follows Lexie's painful journey
into grieving, accepting people for what they are, making friends
and generally growing up. I loved this story when it was first published
and I found pleasure in rediscovering it in this audio version.
Kate Hosking, as usual, conveys superbly the essence of this great
novel. She effortlessly becomes Lexie and perfectly communicates
to the listener the turmoil in Lexie's head. But what's more, Kate
Hosking also assumes the other two vital characters of the book,
Grandmother and Oma, with their totally different personalities,
age group and life experiences. A superb reading which I would love
to see shortlisted for the Talking Book Awards.
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
April/May 200 p.
13
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Marsden, John - The Night is For Hunting
The Night is For Hunting ( the sixth book
in the Tomorrow series) starts as they arrive at Stratton. The soldiers
come back to find the children who had been abandoned there previously.
Ellie and friends have to decide what to do. Should they risk their
lives for this rowdy bunch of gangsters or should they leave the
city? Ellie and her friends and five other kids manage to escape
and they all return to their hiding place deep in the bush. Hell.
My favourite characters are Ellie and Homer who are
great survivors. Despite her friends dying around her, Ellie still
manages to keep her fighting spirit.
The Night is For Hunting is an amazing action-packed
story. Despite its violence it is also an emotional story. Kate
Hosking's narration is perfectly suited to the novel and her enthusiastic
role-playing encourages anyone to listen to this rather lengthy
narration.
Stephanie Ferguson Year 9. Lollipops what's on for kids
July /
August 1999 p.14
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Marsden, John - The Other Side of Dawn
The war is in its final days and Ellie and her friends are pushed into
action by a visitor from New Zealand. D-day is coming and there will be no
more lazing around. Every weapon they've got is to be used, all their time
devoted. But will they win the war? And will they survive it? 'Hell' is
not safe anymore. Ellie and her friends are on the run and have to fight
on.
The final book in the Tomorrow series, The Other Side
of Dawn is one of the best stories Marsden has written yet.
It is a gripping action story and will not let you down.
Kate Hosking, who has narrated all the other Tomorrow series audio
books produced by Louis Braille, will keep you hooked on the story. She is
just perfect as Ellie, and you are guaranteed to love the story. A must
listen to!
Stephanie Ferguson, Year 10 Lollipops what's on for kids
April /
May 2000 p.13
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Metzenthen, David - Falling Forward
Troy Spinks and Bruce Daffin form an unlikely friendship. They are
dismissed from their work on a building site and lose their accommodation.
From this point on the listeners would wonder if they are falling forward
or stumbling along. Troy, the leader of the two, changes Bruce's life in
ways, at times, unwelcome but as Bruce slowly realises, in ways, that make
it more interesting.
As Bruce narrates the story he reveals a strong solid self that matches
his physical bulk yet reflects amazing solid values. Although Troy often
contravenes what Bruce thinks is right, Bruce recognises it is a matter of
survival for Troy. The listener wonders if they are going to stay on the
right side of the law. The leaking of Troy's past further fuels this
ambivalence.
Troy is Bruce's first friend and this is very important to Bruce who
has survived a dysfunctional family life, years on the streets and now
realises how lonely he has been. This is further developed in the story
when Bruce adopts a stray dog, Tiger, as his own.
The chapters are short and sharp. Ideal for classroom use. It would
even be possible to play two or three together. At the beginning I found
this shortness frustrating, as it was difficult to get into the story.
Later they helped to make ideal breaks.
This is a story that could be used with a range of students for many
different purposes:
· purpose of the title;
· characterisation study;
· relationships;
· issues of loneliness;
· issues to do with developing sexuality; and
· issues to do with knowing what we
value.
Falling Forward also can be listened to just
for the benefit of sharing a good story, involving students in a
literature program without needing to analyse it any further. In
particular I can think of many boys who would enjoy it.
The tapes are of a high quality, an important fact in using this medium
in a classroom situation. Age 14+
Kerry Boyd, Education Officer, Curriculum Council
Education
Department of Western Australia
Curriculum Materials Information
Services Fiction Focus Vol. 14 No. 2 2000 p. 63-64
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Metzenthen, David - Gilbert's Ghost Train
David Metzenthen has written this story in the first person, so that
the thoughts and feelings of Martin Dean, who is coming to terms with the
death of his younger brother, Dally, are to the fore. The first person
narrative is also very suited to a single voice audio recording. This
sensitively written story, is equally sensitively read by Stephen Pease.
Stephen is a young West Australian actor, whose light, gentle voice
perfectly suits the introspections of fourteen-year-old Martin.
The audio cassettes begin with Stephen giving some basic information
about the book and the recording. There is a brief biographical sketch of
the author, David Metzenthen. However, for a brief biographical sketch of
the narrator, Stephen Pease, you will need to read the back cover of the
box.
There is a synopsis of the story, too:
'Martin and Dally Dean are
brothers having to face up to the facts of life and death. When Gilbert
Royden Cutler makes his mysterious appearance, he brings with him a gift
of power they gratefully accept.'
Gibert's Ghost Train has much to offer children
pondering the death of friends and relatives, particularly the death
of someone young like Dally Dean. It would provide them with a vehicle
to explore their emotions just as Martin does.
The audio recording makes this story accessible to
children younger than those in the print market. The story has elements
of mystery, fantasy and history, cleverly woven together to hold
the listener's interest. It has friendship and humour. It has unanswered
questions, which remain so to the end, but as the answers are not
as important as Martin Dean once believed. Yet it is, despite these
elements, a seemingly simple tale. It is a well-told story, perfect
for listening to in the car, in bed or in the bath--anywhere! Age
11+
Margaret Strickland, Woodlands Inc SA
Education Department of
Western Australia
Curriculum Materials Information Services Fiction
Focus Vol. 13 No. 1 1999 p.32
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McVeity, Jen - The Dreamcatcher
Tess' father always says that he puts his family
first--even though he is never there. He is too caught up in his
political career. Tess has changed too. She has lost interest in
school and her swimming. In fact, the only interest she has now
is the Green Guerillas, the small environmental groups she leads.
Tess just isn't happy much anymore as she is shuttled between two
homes and mothers and her father lies to her and her half sister
Laura. But worst of all are the nightmares.
This is a great book which I am sure will go far.
Rebecca Macauley is my favourite narrator at Louis Braille Audio
and for good reason--along with the great storyline it is hard to
stop listening to the story.
Stephanie Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
July/August 2000 p. 13
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Monagle, Bernie - Blue Girl, Yella Fella
Ever been on the school camp which went wrong? It's nothing compared
to this! The camp was supposed to be for five days in the bush but
everything seems to go wrong. First of all, there is a man, covered
in yellow ochre shadowing the group as they bushwalk along, following
the river. Secondly, one of the teachers disappears and before long,
another has to leave to try and get the group to safety.
To try and entertain the group before all the trouble starts, one
of the teachers starts up The Epic, which is basically a story which
each person takes a turn adding a bit to. The story goes well, as
the people start to get enthusiastic, but what happens when it starts
seeming to come true? Is there really a Blue Girl out there? Is
she anything to do with the man streaked in yellow ochre who is
shadowing them?
This was a really great story from one of the kid's point of view.
It really seems to come out of the voice of a teenager and was as
if the author had been watching me and some of my friends, because
the teenagers sound that realistic! It is, in a way, a story of
survival and about what happens when people go back to nature and
have to face a variety of fears again. Move over Lord of the Flies,
because in a way this is similar. True, the people don't go completely
back to nature, the teachers keep some order, but it is really a
story which has a few similar themes, or at least, I think so. It
also is about growing up, which is pretty interesting, being from
a teenage point of view. I really loved this story!
The reader, Stig Wemyss, did really well in the role of Stuart,
who the story was "written" by (to show the teacher who
started The Epic what happened after he disappeared) and since it
was written in first person narration, Stig Wemyss made the story
even better, doing the voices excellently! This is a really terrific
audio book and I think it is probably one of the best I have heard
for a while, with a great combination of story and narrator!
Reviewed by Stephanie, Year 12
http://www.lollipopsmagazine.com/audio/adolescentfiction.htm 27/06/2002
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Moloney, James - Dougy
Dougy is the first title in the Gracey trilogy. It is the story of an
Aboriginal family who lives in a tiny, isolated outback town in South East
Queensland. As Dougy narrates the story we are lead through a series of
events that unfolds the racism that is just under the surface in town.
First there is the anger when Gracey wins a sporting scholarship, followed
by the eruption of violence at the same time as the river floods the town.
In the end Dougy has to save Gracey and in doing so starts to question his
direction in life.
Listening to the tape, narrated by (Stig Wemyss)Dougy,
makes the story even more poignant and the racism even more acute.
Perhaps this is the power of tape over written text. The story could
be used for analysis of the issue of racism or it could be used
to explore how adolescents determine their direction in life.
The narrative builds on Dougy's understanding of his own culture, an
understanding not supported by Gracey and his older brother Raymond. This
is perhaps the weak point of the story. It is hard to believe that they
could be so uncaring of their own culture.
My first reaction was 'where will I get time to listen
to four tapes?' This would be an issue for classroom use. It may
be possible to use the tapes as stimulus or to select a part of
the story for discussion. I must admit to listening to them while
driving to work and over a week. At times I couldn't listen and
realised that as a reader I would be skimming to see if my predictions
of what would happen next were right. Fast forwarding a tape is
not the same as skimming a text.
The quality of the tapes is very good. From this perspective they could
be shared with a whole class given a good player. Like a serial, each tape
finishes at such a point the listener is encouraged to move onto the next
one. Age 13+
Kerry Boyd, Education Officer, Curriculum Council
Education Department of Western Australia
Curriculum Materials
Information Services Fiction Focus Vol.1 2000 p.28
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Moloney, James - Dougy
When Gracey wins a scholarship to Hamilton College in Brisbane, the
small town of Cunningham is far from happy about it. "It's not fair", they
say, "Abos get special treatment". What's more Melissa has been expelled
from the very same school and now her father cannot enrol her in any
school at all.
When Melissa is found injured in the sand dunes,
everyone assumes that a blacky has done it. He must be found and
put in front of the courts. As racial tension amplifies, a series
of dramatic events ensues. At the same time, the local river breaks
its banks. Soon the town will be flooded, and it's now up to Dougy
to save his sister Gracey and brother Raymond.
If you haven't already read Dougy, you must--and
what a better way than to let Stig Wemyss narrate it for you. His
narration and role playing is superb and will soon have you glued
to your earphones for the full five and half hours. Let's hope that
this recording will soon be followed by the recording of the subsequent
novels which form the trilogy: Gracey and Angela. A must for all
schools, children's hospitals as well as for vision impaired teens.
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
July/August 1999 p. 14
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Moloney, James - Gracey
James Moloney's Australian novel Gracey will be
familiar to many people. This set of seven audio cassettes, presents
the story in an audio form which will be useful for visually impaired
students, or reluctant readers in high schools. Narrated by Melissa
Eccleston, who graduated from the Centre for Performing Arts in
1993, the story soon comes alive with her animated reading. She
has excellent diction and variation in tone throughout the reading
which lasts for approximately six and three quarter hours.
In this sequel to Dougy, Gracey his sister, comes home to Cunningham
from boarding school on school holidays. She is an Aboriginal state
athletics champion but now everything seems to have changed in her
hometown.
When Dougy, her younger brother, finds some human bones and a skull in
a trench being dug in town, life changes for him. The mystery deepens as
his friends try to find out the origins of the bones. Some people suspect
murder: everyone is curious. Dougy decides to hide the bones under some
junk collected in his backyard.
This is an interesting and useful alternative to the print version of
Gracey. It is also enjoyable and interesting to listen to the tapes. Age
13+
Jenette Graham, Cecil Andrews SHS
Education Department of Western
Australia
Curriculum Materials Information Services Fiction Focus Vol.
14 No. 1 P. 29
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Neilsen, Phillip and Crewe, Gary - Edward
Britton
Edward Britton and Izod Wolfe are both convicts at the boys' prison
at Point Puer. Both were transported from England to Australia.
That is where all the similarities end.
Edward Britton is an actor who claims to have been unfairly arrested.
He stands out among the other boys because of his age and because
of the ability to read and write better then many of the officers
guarding the prison. He falls in love with Susan Buckridge, the
daughter of one of the officers, and that is where all the trouble
starts for him, because he is considered to be scum, a criminal.
Izod Wolfe is Irish and his family is dead, having died of starvation
during the potato famine when their family was evicted for not paying
the rent. Izod was the only one to survive, a simmering rage being
all that kept him going for so long. He wants revenge for his family
against Buckridge, the man who ordered the destruction of his home.
I loved the contrast between the two boys: Edward, the romantic,
optimistic dreamer; Izod, the pessimistic realist. This is a really
sad and pretty shocking story, life in prison is not pretty and
was like hell for nearly all of the boys. The book started off switching
between following Edward and Izod but later on, their lives became
so entwined that what effected one, often effected both, despite
the fact they barely knew each other or even spoke to each other.
The narrator was really excellent, switching between Izod's gruff
Irish accent and Edward's more educated voice. I don't think that
he did the female voices very well but it would be hard as he has
too deep a voice to be able to and sound realistic.
This really is an excellent book but because of the events of the
book, I don't recommend it to younger listeners, there are some
parts in there which are really shocking.
Reviewed by Stephanie, Year 12
http://www.lollipopsmagazine.com/audio/adolescentfiction.htm 27/06/2002
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Park, Ruth Playing - Beatie Bow
Abigail Kirk and her mum have been living together
since her dad left them both. When Abigail's mother comes home one
day, she announces she and her ex-husband are getting back together
and that the whole family will be moving to Norway. Abigail is furious
and leaves the flat in a hurry. To find peace and quiet, she ventures
to the local park where she and the young neighbour she sometimes
looks after often go and play. And that is when she suddenly finds
herself transported into the late nineteenth century in Colonial
Sydney. She soon becomes embroiled in the life of the Bows, who
will not let her return home, believing that she is the stranger
announced in the prophecy which will preserve the family gift.
Playing Beatie Bow has got to be one of the
best stories I have listened to on tape recently. The narration
is simply superb and Cate Milte is an accomplished actor who effortlessly
becomes all the characters of this fascinating story--and all are
major characters at different levels of the scale of life.
First published in 1980, this exciting and captivating
narration of Playing Beatie Bow will bring this excellent
story to a new generation of children. A must buy for every primary
school.
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
April/May 1999 p.18
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Parry, Glyn - Sad Boys
Having a snip at tall poppies is an accepted Australian cultural
practice and a champion is only as good as the latest defence.
David Tredinnick won Narrator of Year Awards in 1998
and 1999 but his rendering of Sad Boys would not earn him
my Golden Tonsils prize. Whereas similarities in character voices
is part of the self-referential edge of TV shows such as South Park
and The Simpsons, Tredinnick's attempt to deal with the range of
male and female characters in Parry's Rotto romp are often rather
irritating. All his voices fall somewhere between outright Ockerism
and an Americian-influenced drone. The narrator fails to give enough
nuance to deliver us into the experience of Rabbit, Jacko and Ozone
and the rest; the characters are still on the storyboard, not fleshed
out. Yet for all Tredinnick's efforts, the bland delivery does not
totally manage to undo Parry's work.
Indeed, Sad Boys seems made for reading aloud,
Parry's linguistic gymnastics reflecting the rich promise as well
as the many thwarted hopes that the average Rottnest Rage (probably
Rave these days) delivers to hormonal teens.
In the end, this is a reasonably satisfying Rottnest
outing, but as with all such ventures, it is the quality of the
company that makes it memorable. Our tour guide in this instance
has good intentions but his performance is far from remarkable considering
the narrative's potential as a spoken text.
Martin Turner, News Chronicle Community Newspaper
Education
Department of Western Australia
Curriculum Materials Information
Services Fiction Focus Vol. 14 No. 2 p.64
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Pryor, Boori and Maybe Tomorrow by McDonald, Meme
This talking book is narrated by Boori Pryor an Aboriginal of the
Birrigubba people of the Bowen region in Queensland. An accomplished
didgeridoo player and dancer, there is no doubting the sincerity and
wisdom of this dynamic man who has a strong message of respect, tolerance
and understanding for all.
Although it is his first book, Boori Pryor is a successful wordsmith.
With his melodious voice, no doubt enhanced by his time spent as a
professional disc jockey, he narrates his own story. Starting with a
dedication to a sister and two brothers who committed suicide, Boori
doesn't gloss over the difficulties which his people have experienced.
However, Boori isn't a bitter or angry man. Instead he appeals to the
heart, for understanding and for true communication between all races. His
strong values are evident throughout the tapes as he explains the forces
which have moulded and shaped his life including traditional Aboriginal
beliefs.
Much of the message is conveyed through anecdotes relating stories of
his meetings and interactions with teenagers throughout Australia when he
has performed tribal dances for them.
I believe this talking book will work best as short extracts to be used
in English or Aboriginal studies where a real insight is to be gained into
some aspects of Aboriginal culture. I enjoyed listening to this audio
version but as I haven't read the original book, I can offer no
comparisons with that. Age 14+
Jenette Graham, Cecil Andrews SHS
Education Department of Western Australia
Curriculum Materials
Information Services Fiction Focus Vol. 14 No.2 2000 p.65
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Pryor, Boori and McDonald, Meme - Maybe Tomorrow
Boori Pryor is an educator and travels around Australia, performing and
talking to school and community groups about his life experiences and
Aboriginal way. Why he is doing this, is the basis of this
autobiography.
Boori's people are from north-east Queensland and he comes from a large
family of seven sisters and three brothers. Two brothers and one sister
have committed suicide and his thirteen-year-old nephew was killed in a
car crash.
These tragedies would be enough to embitter a lesser person, however
Boori, who had his own promising career as a DJ in Melbourne, gave it up
to carry on the work of his passionate brother, Paul. Paul was an actor, a
great didjeridoo player and a renowned storyteller in schools.
By taking on this role, Boori seeks to connect himself with his land
and his people. We realise reconciliation is taking place on may fronts:
Boori is coming to terms with his personal losses; reclaiming his
Aboriginality; and dedicating his life to reconciliation, because he
believes that this is the key to a harmonious future.
Boori's experiences in schools are interwoven into his story. He draws
in stories about his family and offers some practical suggestions for
facilitating reconciliation. His language is standard English yet there
are turns of phrase and expression and a looseness about the telling that
make it distinctly Aboriginal.
Maybe Tomorrow is very readable and should
be read by all teachers. As an information text it shows the direct
consequences of the loss of identity and sense of powerlessness
most Aboriginal people feel. It is valuable as a resource in Aboriginal
and or Australian Studies or as a non-fiction narrative text in
English for Year 10 upwards. Age 12+
Lefki Kailis, Kwinana SHS
Education Department of Western
Australia
Curriculum Materials Information Services Fiction Focus Vol.
12 No. 3 1998 p. 26
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Pryor, Boori and McDonald, Meme - My Girragundji and The Binna
Binna
The covers of the novels are shown on the plastic
folder containing the two audio cassettes for the novels. It is
a sturdy folder that will readily stand up on the bookshelf.
For some, these audio cassettes may provide a preferable
alternative to reading the text of the novels. Boori Pryor's two
novels feature his narrative from the first person perspective experiences
of his childhood. My Girragundji relates how as an Aboriginal
boy Boori grew up in Townsville and overcame his fear of the Hairyman
spirit when he got a pet girragundji or green tree frog which he
believes was sent by his ancestors to protect him. In The Binna
Binna Man Boori goes with his family to Yarrabah for the funeral
of his cousin, Sister Girl, and has to confront his fear of the
Binna Binna Man or Hairyman that lives there.
The colloquial, realistic narrative style of the novels
readily adapts to the audio cassette format. There is a separate
cassette for each novel and each cassette commences with a synopsis
of it. Borri Pryor's clear reading quickly engages listeners.
Students could listen to the audio cassettes while
following the text of the novel as the audio narrative is identical.
It would be feasible to use these with a group or class of students,
especially the cassette of My Girragundji which is only about
forty-five minutes long and could thus be listened to in one lesson.
This is a good quality audiocassette set which will be enjoyed by
students, especially Aboriginal students. Age 11+
Alison Lawrence, Broome SHS
Education Department of Western
Australia
Curriculum Materials Information Services Fiction Focus
Vol.14 No. 2 2000 p.63
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Pryor, Boori and McDonald, Meme - My Girragundji and The Binna
Binna
My Girragundji follows the childhood of a young lad
who is a bit insecure about the world around him until he finds
a Girragundji--a little green tree frog. He soon tells his Gundji
his problems and in return, she helps him deal with them. But one
rainy night, Girragundji gets eaten by a great big snake and the
boy is devastated. What will he do? But he soon learns that Gundji
is still here, deep in his heart…
The Binna Binna Man follows the story of a boy who
is growing up. When his Aunty dies, he gets to meet all his family
and soon realises the big cultural gap there is between the older
members of the family and the new generation. The new generation
of the family are trying to live their lives like everyone else
and in their bid to conform are forgetting where they come from.
But the boy soon gets to understand that if you forget where you
come from, you get weak. To stay strong, you must listen to old
people not only with your eyes and ears but also with your heart.
I preferred listening to this audio version of My
Girragundji and The Binna Binna Man more than reading the books.
In this version we are given the treat of listening to Boori Pryor's
warm voice and both enthusiastic and mesmerising storytelling skills.
The stories can be taken into two different levels. The story itself
with its sometimes humourous storyline is accessible to middle level
primary children. The philosophy behind the story makes an excellent
learning tool for upper primary and secondary students and their
teachers, and enables classroom discussions on many topics such
as growing up; the old and modern days; the relationships between
old and young people; family ties; and the importance of a cultural
heritage in ones life.
Boori Pryor is both an excellent author and storyteller,
and we can hardly wait for his next book, particularly in an audio
version.
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
April/May 2000 p. 12
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Pryor, Michael - The House of Many Rooms
When Saul is alone in his house one night, the Princess
and her followers enter his world in their bid to escape from the
evil Hollow Men. Unexpectedly, Saul finds himself in the middle
of a deadly fight against the frightening Hollow Men. But as he
slowly comes to grips with the strange world around the Princess
and her followers, he chooses to swear allegiance to the Princess
as she struggles to save the house of many rooms. Their quest soon
leads them to the Builders who know their way into the House. But
will they make it in time to save the House from destruction and
by the same token save the Earth?
I enjoyed The House of Many Rooms when it
was first published as hard copy last year and experienced the same
excitement as soon as I put the first cassette on. The narration
by Stuart Halusz, is gripping and will keep you at the edge of your
seat for the whole six hours it takes to listen to the book. Staurt
Halusz is exactly as I imagined the voice of the narrator would
be when I first read The House of Many Rooms, and when you
listen to this audio, you will quickly understand why he has won
the 2000 Sanderson Young Adult Narrator of the Year Award.
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
September/October 2000 p.12
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Rodda, Emily - Rowan of Rin
The stream has stopped running into the bukshah pool.
The bukshah are dying. This is a great tragedy for Rin since they
rely heavily on the bukshah for milk and wool. The town gathers
and chooses six heroes to brave the dangers of the mountain where
the stream flows from. Before leaving they call on Sheba, the wise
woman who knows the way up the mountain but she, annoyed at them,
enchants their map so the route is only shown when Rowan holds it,
so Rowan becomes the unwilling seventh member of the group. She
also makes riddles and prophecies to help them on their way up if
they can understand them.
Rowan of Rin is a wonderful story with adventures
at every turn as Sheba's prophecy comes true. The narration is not
amazing at first but gets brilliant later on. An amazing story for
8 year olds and over.
Stephanie Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
July/August 1999 p.13
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Walker, Sarah - Camphor Laurel
Julietta wants to be friends with Melissa. And what
Julietta wants, she usually gets. So in no time Julietta and Melissa
become inseparable. They go to school together. Spend all their
free time together. Go out together. Live for one another. But Julietta
is a tease who loves pushing people to their boundaries to see how
they react. She loves being noticed and Melissa, the shy awkward
girl, is soon mesmerised by her new friend. When Ursula, a new girl
enters the scene, Melissa hates her. She fears that Julietta will
prefer Ursula and Julietta seems to lap up all the attention Ursula
gives her. Feeling abandoned by her best friend, Melissa, cannot
control her fears and instead of asking the counsellor to help her
manage her newly found solitude, she inadvertently reveals a secret
which Julietta had told her not to tell. The revelation is the start
of a chain of events which neither Julietta or Melissa seem able
to control. Does it mean the end of their friendship? But what is
friendship anyway?
Camphor Laurel is a most unusual novel which
you will either love or hate. The girls' obsessive friendship is
a bit insipid at times and I'm not sure it perfectly reflects what
most friendships are all about--yes I know, I'm an adult so I have
probably missed the boat. Too much--a tape and a half--is spent
describing what the two friends are up to and it takes far too long
for the story to develop into something a bit more substantial.
The reader tries her best to portray the girls' innocence, but doesn't
quite achieve that feat as only Melissa is innocent and the girls are
sixteen years old and not twelve. Not my favourite choice as an award
winner but then I'm not a teenager!
Cecile Ferguson Lollipops what's on for kids
July/August 1999 p.
14
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Wheat, Chris - Loose Lips
I have long been a fan of audio books; they have been my companions on
journeys in the car, nights at home and whenever I have been too busy to
actually sit and focus on the printed text. This is the first adolescent
novel I have listened to, and I have to admit I could not leave it
alone.
Loose Lips is the story of eight teenagers from
diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, coming together to form
an unlikely alliance as they plough through the school year. Chelsea
is from a wealthy family. Zeynep is from a strict Greek family.
Angelo is an Italian sports fanatic, Georgia is a rebel in disguise.
Craig is determined to find a girlfriend and Khiem is a Vietnamese
youth with a leaning towards the wrong side of the law. Matilda
is the mystery; her past is slowly revealed but it is only when
she and Khiem become a couple that the truth about her origins becomes
known to the listener. Joshua, the main character in this complex
web, seems to embody the conflict within them all.
The teenagers gradually become close as the year
progresses, and many of their private thoughts and worries become
public property with the help of gossip-loving Chelsea. She is the
catalyst that allows each of these characters to explore their feelings
and personalities. Some of their decisions are radical; some of
the revelations towards the end are just plain unbelievable.
As a text about reconciling differences in race, gender and class, this
is an excellent and amusing example. Melissa Eccleston's excellent
delivery encourages the listener to become totally involved in the
unfolding drama. At first, the female narrator irritated me, but after the
first cassette I was comfortable with her style and from then on I found
the experience incredibly funny and very enjoyable.
The advantage of audio cassettes is that even the reluctant reader can
become caught up in a novel without having to actually focus on a page.
This medium can bring adolescent fiction to a generation of essentially
non-readers. I would encourage schools to begin, if they have not already,
an audio book library so that good contemporary Australian fiction can be
enjoyed by all kinds of learners. Loose Lips is an excellent choice. Age
14+
Rosemary Monger, Balga SHS
Education Department of Western
Australia
Curriculum Materials Information Services Fiction Focus Vol.
13 No.3 1999 p. 42
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