1988 Award Prize for Older Readers

You Take the High Road

by Mary K Pershall
Penguin Books

This adolescent novel shows a family preparing for the arrival of a long awaited second child. The older sister, Sam, particularly takes delight in her baby brother. Then the family is shattered by Nicky’s accidental drowning. Father, mother and daughter initially face grief alone. The totally believable portrayal of the father as a man unable to express his grief is in contrast to that of the mother and daughter who after many months come to understand and accept each other.

Commended

Melanie and the Night Animal

by Gillian Rubinstein
Omnibus Books

This is a delightful mystery about a shy eight year old who is encouraged by her family to conquer her fears.

A Hippo Doing Backstroke

by Thurley Fowler
Hodder & Stoughton

A humorous account of one family’s response to the problems of a ten year old boy with low self esteem.

Jodie’s Journey

by Colin Thiele
Walter McVitty

A moving story of a thirteen year old and her family in which the heroine displays courage and bravery in escaping a major bush fire, despite her crippling disease.