Library

A Little Spark by Barry Jonsbert

"I don't tell Mum and Sam anything about my weekends with Dad. It would be giving them tickets into that world. The world Dad and I have created". This is a warm and funny novel full of unexpected twists and turns, joy and heartbreak.  Image: Goodreads 5/9/22

Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim  CBCA Winner 

Wen Zhou is determined to create a future for herself that is more satisfying than the life her parents expect her to lead. Equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful, the CBCA shortlisted and 2022 winner, Tiger Daughter is a wonderfully compelling and authentic Own Voices novel about growing up Asian in Australia.  Image: CBCA 5/9/22

Girls in Boys’ Cars by Felicity Castagna   CBCA Honours Award

Rosa was never really trying to hurt anyone, no matter what they said in court. But she's ended up in juvenile jail anyway, living her life through books and wondering why her best mate Asheeka disappeared. A page-turning novel about a complicated friendship; a road trip through NSW in a stolen car; the stories that define us; and two funny, sharp, adventurous young women who refuse to be held back any longer.

Image: CBCA, Review Google New books 5/9/22

How to Repaint a Life by Steven Herrick  CBCA Honours Award

Isaac is running from his old life when he steps off the bus in a small town. He doesn’t plan on sticking around and has nowhere to stay, but a local café owner's kindness offers him a chance to change his story. Then Isaac meets Sophie and learns he’s not the only one wanting to repaint his life.  This story be anywhere in regional Australia.  Isaac shows growing self-awareness and kindness as it has been shown to him. A really good read!  Review / Image CBCA website 5/9/22

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr   CBCA Book of the Year

Meixing Lim and her family have arrived at the New House in the New Land, inherited from First Uncle who died tragically and unexpectedly while picking oranges in the backyard. Everything is vast and unknown to Meixing and not in a good way. Big Scary. She is embarrassed by the second-hand shoes given to her by the kind neighbours, has trouble understanding the language at school, and with fitting in and making new friends. Her solace is a glasshouse in the garden that inexplicably holds the sun and the moon and all the secrets of her memory and imagination. 

Review / Image CBCA website 5/9/22

Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief  by Katrina Nannestad  

CBCA Book of the Year  It's spring, 1942. The sky is blue, the air is warm and sweet with the scent of flowers. And then everything is gone. The flowers, the proud geese, the pretty wooden houses, the friendly neighbours. Only Sasha remains.

But one small boy, alone in war-torn Russia, cannot survive.

One small boy without a family cannot survive.

One small boy without his home cannot survive.

What that small boy needs is an army!

Review / Image CBCA website 5/9/22