NEW BOOKS!
We are pleased to announce that a selection of CBCA’s 2024 shortlisted and notable books are now available for borrowing at the GSC Library. We invite students to explore these acclaimed titles, each offering enriching narratives and diverse perspectives. Here are just a few from our collection. Happy reading!
HUDA WAS HERE BY H. HAYEK
From the CBCA-shortlisted author of Huda and Me, this is the second in the series:
“Huda hatches a bold plan to help her dad get a job – which lands her and her brother in all kinds of trouble. A delightful and hilarious story from a CBCA award-winning author, about a lion-hearted girl who just wants the best for her family. A thoroughly entertaining story full of hijinks, courage and hilarity.”
BEING JIMMY BAXTER BY FIONA LLOYD
A cleverly crafted, powerful and engaging read, this book expertly juxtaposes the protagonist Jimmy’s perception of life with the understanding offered by its adult characters. The plot provides Jimmy and the reader with the opportunity to learn and grow. His strength of character, vulnerability, love and determination empower him and simultaneously enable the reader to find joy and hope even in the darkest of experiences.
This text delicately integrates and balances humour in a way that engages the reader without compromising its authenticity. An arresting read that sensitively addresses challenging themes, including, domestic violence, mental health, life on the run and death, in a hope filled way.
Author, Fiona Lloyd had a talk with Not Quite Write podcast, listen here: https://notquitewritepodcast.com/podcast/interview-with-fiona-lloyd-at-words-on-the-waves/
THIS BOOK THINKS YA DEADLY!
Is an inspirational, illustrated compendium that celebrates the diversity and success of First Nations People.
Written by Corey Tutt, author of The First Scientists, this book features the profiles of more than 70 Blakfellas who are doing deadly things across sport, art, activism and science, through to politics, education and literature. It showcases the careers and Corey’s personal stories of First Nations People who have done great things in their respective fields, including Professor Marcia Langton, Miranda Tapsell, Tony Armstrong, Dr Anita Heiss, Danzal Baker (Baker Boy), Adam Goodes and Blak Douglas.
Listen to illustrator Molly Hunt who introduces the book and talks about the author. Molly Hunt is Balanggarra and Yolngu, is an artist, animator and writer with a passion for storytelling with her multi-disciplined, trademark bold and graphic style. https://youtu.be/5oXFvlCjlLA?si=jYDLV4pEC8iSD8RR
STRATEGIES TO HELP STUDENTS CHOOSE BOOKS!
Depending on how confident a student is about their reading identity, choosing books can either be enjoyable or frustrating. Students need different strategies to select books. They need the time and space to practice.
Students who know what they like to read
For students who know their reading preferences, browsing strategies may include looking for:
- favourite authors
- authors they’ve heard of and are interested in reading
- titles recommended by family, friends and reviews
- favourite genre sections (if books are arranged this way)
- recently returned books
- new book displays
- books that are shortlisted for book awards e.g. CBCA 2024 Shortlisted Books
Younger readers
For younger readers, selection strategies may include:
- Goldilocks strategy — is this book too easy, too hard or just right?
- I PICK mnemonic for ‘good fit’ books — I choose a book:
- that meets my Purpose
- that matches my Interest
- that I can Comprehend
- where I Know enough words.
Other general strategies
- Look at the title and the cover — does it appeal?
- Read the blurb — does it interest you?
- Read the first page or two.
- Read information about the author on the jacket.
- Look at the print size or layout for ease of reading.
- Listen to friends’, teachers’, parents’ and library staff’s suggestions.
- Look for popular authors and series.
- Check displays.
It’s also important to remind students to experiment. Share your own stories of trying something new. Some important messages include:
- Give a book a fair chance — read several pages or chapters before giving up on it.
- Try different genres and forms.
