1999 Award Prize for Older Readers
The Dons
by Archimede FusilloPuffin Books
Paul is a teenager of Italian-Australian background, living with his mother and grandfather, who is in the early stages of dementia. The book centres on Paul’s increasing understanding of his grandfather’s world both past and present, and the impact of dementia on the whole family. The book achieves this whilst relating the very normal and at times humorous ups and downs of being a teenage boy. The Dons provides excellent insights into family, comparing old traditions with how the second and third generations of the family deal with a different society and its pressures.
Commended
Butterflies
by Susanne GervayAngus & Robertson
Butterflies centers around a seventeen-year-old girl’s struggle to come to terms with the ongoing ramifications of her burns and her relationships with her family and peers. It is a very good exploration of the issues for families living with chronic conditions and the impressively researched background strengthens the book. (For teaching notes, see www.harpercollins.com.au.)
1999 Annual Prize for a Picture Book
Princess Max
by Laurie Stiller and Gregory RogersRandom House
Max is a four or five year old boy who likes to dress up and dance, until he is made to feel bad about this by his cousin. Mum’s sensitive and humorous response protects Max’ self-esteem. Many families could identify with this story.
Commended
Sarindi and the Lucky Bird
by Janine Fraser and Kim GambleAngus & Robertson
Sarindi is a young Indonesian boy whose family is struggling to make ends meet. The book explores how the family members work together, despite having different ideas about how to bring about a change in their fortunes.
Books Useful for Therapists
The following books tell stories which may enhance therapists’ insight into specific problem areas. The committee strongly recommends that therapists read these selections critically before deciding whether they are appropriate to share with their particular clients. Because of the sensitive nature of some of these books, it is important that they be only one tool within an ongoing therapeutic relationship. Inclusion in this list does not mean a book is recommended as a self-help book.
Books for Older Readers
The Dons
by Archimede FusilloPuffin Books
Paul is a teenager of Italian-Australian background, living with his mother and grandfather, who is in the early stages of dementia. The book centres on Paul’s increasing understanding of his grandfather’s world both past and present, and the impact of dementia on the whole family. The book achieves this whilst relating the very normal and at times humorous ups and downs of being a teenage boy. The Dons provides excellent insights into family, comparing old traditions with how the second and third generations of the family deal with a different society and its pressures.
Butterflies
by Susanne GervayAngus & Robertson
Butterflies centers around a seventeen-year-old girl’s struggle to come to terms with the ongoing ramifications of her burns and her relationships with her family and peers. It is a very good exploration of the issues for families living with chronic conditions and the impressively researched background strengthens the book. (For teaching notes, see www.harpercollins.com.au.)
Beyond Duck River
by Angela MartinHodder Headline Australia
A generational story dealing with a number of issues (such as alcoholism, war, post traumatic stress and Aboriginality), which are not spoken about openly in the family. The way in which this is revealed forces the reader to think, and make a paradigm shift. The family’s struggle to accommodate to the dominant society, and the changes and impact on each generation, are sensitively portrayed.
Angel of Barbican High
by Michelle A. TaylorUniversity of Queensland Press
In poetry, this book explores a young girl’s grief and guilt on the death of her boyfriend. She tries to cope in a number of different ways, including contemplating suicide.
Choices Choices
by Dianne WolferFremantle Arts Centre Press
Parallel stories of Elisabeth (Libby/Beth) surrounding the decision to proceed with or terminate her pregnancy. The book highlights the ramifications of each decision, in a realistic way that doesn’t glorify either.
Willow Tree and Olive
by Trini SavvidesSceptre
Olive’s experience of remembering and disclosing sexual abuse is described sensitively, as are her ways of working through this (e.g. journaling). A mental health professional is portrayed as being of some help.
Picture Books and Books for Younger Readers
Princess Max
by Laurie Stiller and Gregory RogersRandom House
Max is a four or five year old boy who likes to dress up and dance, until he is made to feel bad about this by his cousin. Mum’s sensitive and humorous response protects Max’ self-esteem. Many families could identify with this story.
Sarindi and the Lucky Bird
by Janine Fraser and Kim GambleAngus & Robertson
Sarindi is a young Indonesian boy whose family is struggling to make ends meet. The book explores how the family members work together, despite having different ideas about how to bring about a change in their fortunes.
Passing On
by Mike Dumbleton and Terry DentonRandom House
A gently effective exploration of how the characteristics of a loved person can remain even after the person has died.
Three Kinds of Scared
by F. N. Monjo and Justin Monjo and Peter ViskaAllen & Unwin
A useful book for exploring, through anthropomorphism, realistic and unrealistic fears, with creative suggestions for dealing with these fears and anxieties.
