Library News

Jennie Easson

Library Coordinator

Author Presentation : Penny Tangey

Brunswick Secondary College was fortunate to host an author of Young Adolescent Fiction, Penny Tangey, who spoke to students about stereotypes in sports fiction books.

She referenced her latest book “As fast as I can” about a girl who dreams of running at the Olympics. Penny’s presentation to Book Club occurred just prior to the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Nelleke Mackey

Year 10

I really enjoyed hearing Penny's thoughts on gender representation in sports books.  I thought it was very interesting and it's definitely something I'll think of more often when I'm reading books and looking at their covers! Hearing her thoughts on her books and the publishing industry was an insight I don't get very often and I thought it was cool to hear a bit about things such as cover design, targeted branding and intended audience.

Aya Hocking

Year 10

Regarding Penny Tangey, I thought her presentation was really interesting and insightful as to how authors contribute to their book covers, and how covers can have an impact on who reads the book and how it is perceived. She also made me more aware of the representation of girls in sport books and the stereotypes associated with them. Super cool!

Chiara Aldridge

Year 10

I thought how Penny described how books are marketed to boys and girls (especially the covers) differently was interesting because I hadn't thought much of it before even though it was very obvious. It was also surprising to me that authors didn't get much say on the covers of their own books.

Eve Gilbert-Koska

Year 8

Penny definitely opened my eyes to how misrepresented women are in sport books. The fact that most girls on the cover of books weren't wearing anything sporty or were there as a love interest is appalling. It really showed me how ingrained stereotypes are in society so much so that we barely notice them. Penny was also really kind in signing a book for my sister, it made her whole face light up when she saw it. 

Alexandra Sharples

Year 12

I thought that Penny’s presentation was really wonderful. Mum and I had a fantastic conversation about it after watching Sinead Diver placed 10th in a marathon race. Sadly, a lot of the media attention was solely focused on how old she was and the fact that she has achieved Olympic success after having a family...This seemed relevant to our Book Club meeting but I was glad to share her experience with others! 

Audio books and eBooks at Brunswick

Students now have access to eBooks and audio books via the college library from the Brunswick Student homepage.  This innovation proved very popular during Lockdown and remote learning periods,  but we expect interest to increase even more as we return to face to face learning and students become familiar with the system.

The eBook platform allows users to customise their loan so that it is easy to read by changing the background and the font.

Manny Johnston

Year 7

I am loving the books!

Eve Gilbert-Koska

Year 8

It was great to have access to ebooks and audiobooks during Lockdown!  The website is really user friendly and easy to operate.

Oscar Hagarty

Year 7

I like to listen to the audio books, as they are a nice and effortless way to calm down. I think that it is a very cool thing.

Lucinda Blackmore

Year 7

I think that it is a great idea. Thank you for the thought and effort you put in to find the audio and eBooks. I hope it will continue.