2003 Award Prize for Older Readers
Who Cares
by Krista BellLothian Books
It centres on the evolving friendship between two teenage boys, thrust together through a series of family circumstances. During a beachside holiday, Toby and Rhys learn to respect and accept each other's differences. Their growing friendship allows the unfolding of secrets, including the alcoholism of Rhys’ mother. These problems are resolved through family support and lead to greater closeness not only between the boys but between their families.
2003 Award Prize for Older Readers
The $1,000 Young Readers/Picture Book Award was not awarded this year. Of the small number of picture books and books for younger readers submitted, few met the criteria. Of those that did, none were of a sufficiently high standard to merit the award.
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, if they are used, 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.
Picture Books
Cuthbert's Babies
by Pamela AllenPenguin/Viking
When Cuthbert's mother brings home not one baby brother but four baby sisters, no one seems to have time for Cuthbert. His mother's way of reassuring him that there is enough love to go round makes the book a useful tool for discussing feelings of displacement.
Reggie Queen of the Street
by Margaret Barbalet, illustrated by Andrew McLeanPenguin/Viking
Reggie the dog encounters change and relocation. Things are not the same when you go back, but there's a future. A positive and engaging story.
Books For Older Readers
Saving Francesca
by Melina MarchettaPenguin
Reflecting some strong family relationships and positive values, the story depicts Francesca’s attempts to deal with the complexities of her world, such as her mother’s depression and the family’s inability to name it, peer relationships, and the adolescent struggle with differentiation and individuation, in the context of strong family and cultural norms. The book provides a useful platform for discussion; however, it is ineligible for the award because the issues are brought to a head by Francesca running away — not a positive way of working through difficulties.
Keep Your Hair On
by Elizabeth VercoeBlack Dog Books
A great book for adolescents and anyone working with young people managing cancer treatment.
Two Weeks in Grade Six
by Mary K. Pershall and Anna PershallPuffin
A realistic story about a girl in Grade Six, her anxieties around peer relationships, her experience of bullying, and the positive impact of her grandmother’s support.
Recovered not Cured
by Richard McLeanAllen & Unwin
A good book to enhance therapists’ and trainees’ understanding of schizophrenia. We strongly suggest that therapists read this powerful first hand account of a young man’s journey before recommending to clients.
The Naming of Tishkin Silk
by Glenda Millard, illustrated by Caroline MagerlABC Books
A sensitive story dealing with grief, rituals of inclusion and the acknowledgement of death in the family, which may be most helpful for adults attempting to understand a child's experience of grief.
Bad Boy
by Michael GliksmanPenguin
This is a book for therapists rather than clients, being a narrative exposé of a young boy’s systemic and sexual abuse by a therapist, most useful in training contexts.
