Summer school
Welcome to the hard working students, well, teachers really, from the Australian Government Summer School for Teachers of English.
Here are links to many of the books and websites that I will mention in today’s talk. I’m highlighting books about cultural identity and multiculturalism and indigenous writing. Oh, a couple of tasty graphic novels. Enjoy!
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Chang.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.
Unpolished Gem by Alice Pung. Coming soon to senior school reading lists! One of the best autobiographies for years.
Chenxi and the Foreigner by Sally Rippin. A new edition of this book, substantially rewritten.
The Birthmark by Beth Montgomery.
The Arrival by Shaun Tan. The adaptation by Spare Parts Puppett Theatre will be presented by the Centre for Youth Literature and the Arts Centre in Melbourne, 29 April - 2 May at the Arts Centre.
The Great Gatsby</em> by Nicki Greenberg and Beowulf by Gareth Hinds adapt two classics, one modern one ancient. Great website for Gareth Hinds if you want to get into the development of the book.
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: modernism, machinery and magic from a master illustrator. This week names winner of the Caldecott Medal.
And not forgetting some short story collections: Town by James Roy looks at life in a country town through thirteen linked stories, each told by a different person.
Brigid Lowry’s raved about new collection Tomorrow All Will Be Beautiful.
And some professional reading to keep you on top of the whole thing:
Right Book, Right Time by Agnes Nieuwenhuizen has hundreds of good books for teenagers (and for you). It’s thematic structure makes it a great place to start your search for the next book.
Making Books, Contemporary Australian Publishing by Carter and Galligan gives you the big picture on Australian books, how they are made adn how they are sold. An eye-opener.
Happy reading.
