Read Alert

The Secret History of Words and Numbers is for all students in Years 4 to 7. Two outstanding writers and a team of creative actors reveal the stories behind words and numbers in an enjoyable and informative 90 minute program.

The Word Spy introduces a whole world of English: euphemisms, malapropisms, acronyms, mondegreens, portmanteau words, [...]

Text Publishing, home to John Marsden, Bernard Beckett and Beth Montgomery, has announced the winner of its unpublished manuscript prize worth $10,000 and a book deal. Step forward Richard Newsome of Brisbane.Richard edged out a mere 300 other applicants.
Newsome described himself as ‘in equal parts honoured, humbled and hung-over’. He credited the postal service for [...]

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day, highlighting the need to assist Aboriginal communities across Australia in reading and writing. In Melbourne, the formidably able Kristin Gill put together a launch event at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar. Speakers included Aaron Davey from the Melbourne Football Club, Paul Jennings, Kaz Cooke and the emcee Ernie Dingo.
In talking about the [...]

Author Rachel Cohn has a free event on at the Melbourne Writers Festival!
Rachel Cohn in conversation
Rachel Cohn (USA) lives in Manhattan and writes funny, funky, hip YA fiction. Her three-book series Gingerbread, Shrimp, and Cupcake are on numerous ‘best of’ lists, and her collaborations with David Levithan - Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist and [...]

There’s more info about the book here.

Brigid Lowry’s Juicy Writing workshops for teachers on Friday 29 August is now fully booked.
The youth session on Saturday 30 August at 1pm still has places available. It’s a chance to spend a couple of creative hours with one of writings leading teachers and authors.

You can reserve a place by phoning Byron on 8664 7555 [...]

It’s official: Melbourne has been granted City of Literature status by UNESCO. The announcement recognises the quality and importance of literature to Melbourne. The centrepiece of the succesful bid is the Centre for Books and Ideas, to be housed at the State Library of Victoria and due to open in 2009.
Youth literature is a vital [...]

Older Readers
HARTNETT, Sonya    THE GHOST’S CHILD      Viking (Penguin Group Australia)
Younger Readers
WILKINSON, Carole      DRAGON MOON      Black Dog Books
For the other results, visit the CBCA website.

Nicely timed with the Writers Festival…
(via Kirsty Murray)

Writing workshop for teenagers!
Tune up your writing in this inspirational two-hour workshop for teenage writers. Juicy Writing is Brigid Lowry’s new guide to writing. It’s a treasure-trove of practical advice on creative writing, especially for teenagers.
Saturday 30 August, 1-3pm
Conference Centre, State Library of Victoria
Level 2A, La Trobe Street, Melbourne.
$7 per person.
Book at 03 8664 7555 [...]