Wantirna College Newsletter

News from the 

Library

VERSE NOVELS 

Verse novels are becoming increasing popular amongst young adults and often engage reluctant readers. They tell us so much with so few words and are often intense, diverse and engaging. The condensed word choice invites the reader to imagine what is unsaid, and are frequently written in the first person.  The Wantirna College Library is developing its Verse Novel collection, including:

  • What My Mother Doesn’t Know - A series of poems reflect the thoughts and feelings of Sophie, a fifteen-year-old-girl, as she describes her relationships with a series of boys and as she searches for Mr. Right. Character: Authentic  Pace: Fast-paced  Tone: Funny; Moving; Romantic
  • Sister Heart – (Historical) A young Aboriginal girl is taken from the north of Australia and sent to an institution in the distant south. There, she slowly makes a new life for herself and, in the face of tragedy, finds strength in new friendships. Character: Culturally diverse  Storyline: Own voices  Tone: Emotionally intense; Moving; Sad
  • Pookie Aleera is not my boyfriend - In a country town, in a school just like yours, the kids in Class 6A tell their stories. Writing Style: Spare
  • One - Despite problems at home, sixteen-year-old conjoined twins Tippi and Grace are loving going to school for the first time and making real friends when they learn that a cardiac problem will force them to have separation surgery, which they have never before considered. Character: Likeable  Storyline: Character-driven  Tone: Angst-filled  Writing Style: Richly detailed
  • The Poet X - Xiomara Batista feels unheard and unable to hide in her Harlem neighbourhood. Ever since her body grew into curves, she has learned to let her fists and her fierceness do the talking. Themes: Exploring faith; Write it out  Character: Culturally diverse  Storyline: Own voices  Tone: Moving
  • Brontide - Recounted through storytelling sessions at their school over a period of five days, four Australian boys chronicle their lives. Themes: Facing racism; Life in small towns  Character: Authentic; Culturally diverse
  • The Little Wave - When a Manly school sets out to bring a country class to the city for a beach visit, three very different kids find each other and themselves. Character: Believable; Large cast of characters  Tone: Angst-filled  Writing Style: Attention-grabbing; Spare