Our Stories: Protest in Australia

Our Stories: Protest in Australia by Sue Lawson (Walker Books)

PB RRP $ 17.99

ISBN 9781922244543

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Change and how it influenced the history of Australia is another title from the excellent Our Stories series. The various forms this change took, mainly through protest in one form or another against injustice of every kind, and in the name of democracy, are documented here. There are seventeen entries not including the Introduction, Conclusion, Glossary and Index.

The entries begin with the 1804 convict uprising known as the Castle Hill Rebellion, or The Battle of Vinegar Hill. The Rum Rebellion is followed by the miners’ revolt at the Eureka Stockade and end at the Saving Whales entry.

The rallies, strikes, and petitions against unjust laws cover the Shearer’s Strike, the Wave Hill Walk Off, Freedom Ride, Stolen Generation, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy, Mabo and Land Rights, Women’s Suffrage, Aboriginal Vote, conscientious objectors and the Vietnam War, and Sorry Day.

This is a compact history of change linked to major events. Its valuable resource material can be used at home and in class for the 8+ year age groups. The easy to follow presentation makes learning or refreshing any aspect of Australia’s significant history accessible, particularly that part which relates to social and political causes for change.

The pictures, posters and photographs that draw us back in time, are resourced from archival material from the major State libraries around Australia. This series can be collected, and referred to time and again.

Freedom Ride

Freedom Ride by Sue Lawson (black dog books)

PB RRP $ 17.95

ISBN 9781925126365

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This deeply moving and at times disturbing book is based on real events. It takes us back to the Australian Freedom Ride of 1965. Influenced by the American Civil Rights Movement, Sydney University students formed the Student Action for Aborigines (SAFA) with Charles Perkins, the first Indigenous Australian to graduate from university, as their leader. A busload of students decided to travel through country towns to investigate the living conditions of Aboriginal people. It was when they came to Walgaree that is the focus of the story. What took place was the beginning of change within the social and political climate of Australia for Indigenous population.

The story of the Freedom Ride is delicately wound around a parallel story of the brutality of racism and bullying, the abuse of power, and the degradation suffered by whites and Aboriginals alike that stood up for human rights. It is also about having courage to change against all odds.

Robbie lives with his dad and gran, a narrow-minded, bigoted person without kindness or compassion, not even for her grandson. e has been told fro years that his mother diedHHe has been told that his mother died when he was three and she is never mentioned.

Barry takes over the caravan park in Walgaree after his father dies suddenly. Robbie gets a paid job there during the school holidays instead of doing odd jobs for gran’s gossipy friends for nothing. There he discovers the joys of real family life, kindness and interest, and love from both Barry and his mum.

With gossip a raging river in the town of Walgaree, everyone is blaming the Aborigines for all the vandalism and destruction of property. But Robbie knows who’s really doing it. But he dare not speak out.

Robbie’s friendship with the Aboriginal boy Mickey, also employed by Barry, is an excuse for the town’s bully to bash and persecute him mercilessly without any repercussions from his father who happens to be Walgaree’s police chief.

But this is the least of Robbie’s dilemmas. He discovers his dad and gran have lied to him for years. He also witnesses a gut-wrenching act that the two cover up, and he wars with his conscience about keeping silent.

Now that Robbie knows the truth, is he able to stand up for what he believes in and carve a new path in life?

Riveting and unforgettable, Sue Lawson has again created another exceptional piece of historical fiction. Fast-paced with crisp and precise writing, this book comes highly recommended.

You Don’t Even Know

You Don’t Even Know by Sue Lawson (black dog books)
PB RRP $ 18.95
ISBN 9781922179715
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This intensely moving novel reflects the sadness ad overwhelming emotions that conglomerate into pain during the grieving process.  Its themes cover loss, coping with death and dying, bullying, and the destructive results of parents’ expectations on their children.

An incredible journey of the Self is told through the character Alex from the Neurological Unit of a hospital in a before and after the accident sequence. He reflects on the way things are in his life and the way they are perceived to be.

Struggling to overcome his injuries, Alex also battles with guilt over his little sister’s death and the imminent passing from cancer of his room mate, Mackie, whose life and dreams are revealed through her journals. Alex also lives with his father’s blame for his sister’s death, and for not conforming to parental expectations as his brothers have. His mother escapes the grief of a dysfunctional family behind the pretentious façade of her wealthy lifestyle, rigidly determined to keep up appearances.

Additional themes of identity and sibling rivalry flow throughout the story. The extremely gifted Sue Lawson has again captured the voice and thoughts of youth with great insight.

Pan’s Whisper

Pan’s Whisper by Sue Lawson (Black Dog Books/ Walker)
PB RRP $ 18.95
ISBN 9781742032061
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Perfectly constructed with sparse prose, Pan’s Whisper is another of the shortlisted titles for the Children’s Peace Literature Award for Older Readers. Sue Lawson’s magnificent portrayal of the damaged teenager Pan, her placement within a caring foster home environment and journey towards inner peace, is a meticulous piece of writing.

Deeply moving although extremely painful to read in places, this book is a prime example of showing not telling. The point of view changes and what Pan believes to be true conflicts with her sister Morgan’s telling of the same situation. How misunderstandings cause inner conflict and what one sees or hears is not always how things are the story’s dominating themes.

Some scenes are tragic and the reader becomes Pan; feels her suffering and is torn by the same feelings of loss, grief, and lack of self worth. The supporting characters are a fine construction, perfectly synchronized with the message the writer is trying to convey. There is so much in this glorious read that this reviewer cannot do justice to this compelling piece of work that will not be forgotten. That is what a writer lives for and Sue Lawson has accomplished this.

Forget Me Not: The Story of One Family’s Voyage on the Titanic

It is one hundred years today that the opulent ocean liner RMS Titanic sank on her maiden voyage with the loss of 1514 lives. Neither she, nor her crew or passengers, will be readily forgotten.

 Forget Me Not: The Story of One Family's Voyage on the Titanic by Sue Lawson (Walker Books)

PB RRP $16.95

ISBN 9781742032108

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Forget Me Not is a story created from fact about the fictional Gilmore family’s voyage on the Titanic in April 1912. Their experiences cover the eight days of their voyage and are narrated alternately by the voices of teenage siblings Thomas and Evelyn.

Thomas is excited about the trip to America. All their belongings have been sold and they are sailing towards a new life. Although the family is quite wealthy, they travel second class. Thomas soon meets Hugh and his sister Meggie, who are returning to America after a holiday in France with their parents. The four become daily companions and Thomas and Evelyn learn much about America, the people and lifestyle.

But Evelyn feels sorrow at having left all that is familiar behind, especially her dog Dash, and her two best friends, Clara and Mary-Jane, who have gifted her a leather-bound book in which to collect autographs. (These autographs open each chapter that Eve narrates) Increasing her despondency is an inexplicable feeling of dread. Evelyn also has her snappy mother to contend with. Nothing she does seems right. Her gender places restrictions on her, and she must care for her younger sister, Bea. Slowly, her mother’s reasons for being waspish and bitter are revealed.

There are moments of joy and exploration for the children, and their father is a great buffer between them and their mother’s abrupt words. They all meet up with interesting characters on board. Information on the daily happenings, descriptions of the ship and the crew, activities and gossip, flow through the narrative up till the events of the dismal day.

There is a two-page glossary of nautical terms at the end of the book. Welcome are the additional facts included which are similar to those presented in The Watch That Ends the Night by Alan Wolf. These include the biographies of actual people that were on board the Titanic, and a list of Australians on board (the survivors and those that weren’t recovered) There’s a breakdown of statistics of men, women and children in each Class which includes how many were saved, how many lost, and a Timeline of happenings from the 10^th April to 1^st September 1912.

There is no possibility of this historical event ever being forgotten. Even after one hundred years, Titanic fans still thirst for books to read on a disaster that continues to hold people spellbound.


More children's and YA titles featuring the sinking of the Titanic:


The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic by Allan Wolf (Walker Books). Read the Buzz Words Books review here


"Titanic": The Ship of Dreams One from my own bookshelf: this is an outstanding creative non-fiction book with maps, journal entries, pop-outs and more to pore over.


Titanic Sticker Book


Titanic: An Edwardian Girl's Diary, 1912 (My Story S.)

Diva 6: Girls at Sea

Diva 6: Girls at Sea by Sue Lawson (black dog books: an imprint of Walker Books)
PB RRP $7.99
ISBN 9781742031729
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Mickey, Skye and Coco head out whale watching for an episode of Girls' Stuff TV. Skye loves whales and is super-excited. But she has a problem - she gets seasick and has left her ginger tablets at home. As in previous books, Mickey is always thoughtful and helps her friend solve her problem and the girls head out to sea. Coco's snobbery sees her come unstuck and patience with her antics is running thin with all.

Mickey Farrell and the Diva series is welcome relief from the deluge of fairy books for girls of this age and reading level. Mickey sings and dances and loves cool clothes. She is also smart and sassy and committed to her friends. Girls will be sure to lap up this instalment and be wanting more.

Girls Stuff

Girls Stuff by Sue Lawson (black dog books)
PB RRP $7.99
ISBN 9781742031712
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

The Dream Diva contest is over and Mickey Farrell now has the gig of co-hosting Girls Stuff TV with Dream Diva winner and friend Skye. The girls' excitement is tempered with the discovery that Coco, or Mini-Freak as Mickey has dubbed her, arrives on set due to legal shenanigans.

Girls will love following Mickey and Skye through the process of recording their debut TV program. the clothes, make-up, filming at a theme park and the 'diva-ish' antics of Coco as she attempts to upstage Mickey and Skye at every opportunity.

Mickey Farrell is a wonderful heroine who loves singing and is always supportive of the other girls. This series for younger readers is fun and easy to read and comes recommended.

Going Solo

Going Solo by Sue Lawson (black dog books)
PB RRP $7.99
ISBN 9781742031682
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Going Solo is the third title in the Diva series for younger readers by award-winning author Sue Lawson. The hero of the story Mickey Farrell is continuing on her quest to win the Dream Diva competition. Along the way she makes friends and encounters the best and the worst in people. I love how Mickey considers others and although Dream Diva is her ultimate goal she is not prepared to step on others to achieve it.


Going Solo has all the zip and fun of the previous two books in the series. In fact, with each book, I like the characters even more. It is wonderful that a book for newly competent readers or reluctant readers incorporates character development as well as fast action and snappy dialogue.

Going Solo is the perfect book for young fans of Australian Idol and similar shows and is great value at $7.99.  I expect that the shelves of many younger readers will include the whole series.

Rising Star

Rising Star by Sue Lawson (black dog books)
PB RRP $7.99
ISBN 9781742031682
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Rising Star is the second title in the popular Diva series, re-released for 2011. Mickey Farrell has reached round two of the Diva competition and things are heating up. Mickey is a very likeable protagonist who is keen to win and fulfil her dream of becoming a singing star but, unlike some of her co-contestants, is always aware of supporting the other girls. She has been reunited with her friend Erin and her nemesis Coco. Tricks abound, and friendships falter and are put right.

Lawson writes in a very easy style and telling the story first-person, present tense draws the reader into the fast-paced action immediately. Primary school girls are bound to love the Diva series and will recognise many of the characters and are sure to relate to Mickey.

It’s a Girl Thing

It’s a Girl Thing by Sue Lawson (black dog books)

PB RRP $7.99

ISBN 978-1-74203-167-5

Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

What a fantastic read for newly independent readers! No wonder black dog books is re-issuing the Diva series. In this, the first book of eight, Sue Lawson has written a fast-paced, fun and entertaining read about Mickey Farrell who dreams of becoming a singing star and when she spots the ad to enter the Dream Diva singing competition she jumps at the chance. Mickey confronts nerves and less than friendly competition from some other prospective divas with humour and good grace.

Told in first person, present tense, the reader sees the world through Mickey’s eyes. Lawson’s economical style is perfect for younger or reluctant readers. It’s a Girl Thing is a cut above many other titles for this audience with its well-written prose and commitment to providing the full picture in a simple manner. With its pink sparkly cover, this great value book will appeal to younger girls and all budding singing stars!

Dare You

Dare You by Sue Lawson (black dog books)
PB RRP $18.99
ISBN 978-1-74203-149-1
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton
http://www.buzzwordsmagazine.com/

Sue Lawson packs a lot into her newest YA release Dare You. The story revolves around three friends who are not only dealing with the specific difficulties of their families’ lives but also with the changing dynamics of their friendship.

Ruby, Sas and Khaden have been best friends throughout school but Khaden and Sas find their feelings towards each other are becoming something more. Sas, in particular, is confused by these changes and takes out her uncertainty on Ruby who feels left out but cannot understand why. This turmoil of emotions leads them down a dangerous path of dares and risk-taking which has catastrophic consequences.

Dare You has an innovative structure, something which is a feature of many black dog books’ titles. Chapters rotate between the three friends. Ruby and Sas tell their story in first-person; Khaden’s story is told from third person perspective. Lawson’s strength as a writer is in portraying the world through her characters’ heads and Dare You is no exception. The reader feels what the character feels and discovers truths with Sas, Ruby and Khaden as they mature. Young adults are bound to find much to relate to, and reflect upon, in Dare You.