No 24, September, 2004

Greetings for the new school year.

I hope you all had a wonderful warm holiday break. I spent the time in a cold, wet and wintry Adelaide, carrying out my resolution to spend more time at home catching up on all the things that don’t get done when attending a succession of Conferences. So it’s been good and more lists have been now completed and others updated.

We have sent out with this newsletter a number of different lists for different school levels. For the Elementary school, there is a new list of literature which could be used to spark discussion of the various student attitudes listed in the Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureat. I am sure all Elementary librarians and teachers will find the list useful. For the Middle School, there is a list of fiction resources supporting the Areas of Interaction of the Middle Years Programme. Again I am sure this will also be helpful for Middle School teachers and librarians interested in books with an international and interdisciplinary emphasis, not just those following the IB programme. Finally for the Senior School, we have included a list of Ron’s latest readings in Asian literature suitable for the IB World Literature course or to extend Senior fiction reading for the Library. Ron greatly enjoyed reading these books. There are some exceptional titles, some new books and others which we just hadn’t seen before. If any of these lists are not included with your newsletter and you would like to receive them, they will be included on the website so please check it out. Or send me an email and ask for a copy.

If you could also pass on this newsletter and any of these lists to interested teachers at school, especially to the Primary and Middle Years coordinators, it would be very helpful. Communications at schools are always a problem and it is not easy to get the lists to all the teachers who are interested so thanks for your help with this.

I shall be updating more of the lists over the next few months and they will be added to the website. As you know it is always a constant battle to keep up to date with new titles and their changing prices as well as listing those that unfortunately go out of print. I have recently updated the list of Books about Australian Aborigines and also the list of Children’s Books about Asia so these updates are already on the website.

Back in March, we greatly enjoyed visiting Singapore again and also Manila. It was marvellous to have the time to spend a few days at the Manila Int’l School working and talking about books with teachers and libarians. In Bangkok, we attended both NESA and EARCOS and had time to visit a number of schools. I then fitted in a quick trip to Auckland which was my first visit to New Zealand. We shall be visiting Perth at the end of February for the International Baccalaureat Asia Pacific Conference/Workshops. I hope to be giving a workshop on books for the Primary Years Programme and shall have books on display for the PYP and also for the Middle Years Programme. Later in March, there will be the ECIS

Librarians Conference in Prague. It sounds wonderful and I am sure that I shall catch up with many librarians there.

Over the past few years, the number of teachers and librarians wanting this newsletter has greatly increased. If your school receives several copies and could make do with one or if you would prefer it sent by email, please let me know.

Books about Asia

The Really Big Food Project by Emma Barnard and Thomas Cho with help from Sally Rippin large format hardback $39.95
This is a wonderful idea for a book. Two students, Emma and Thomas have done such a excellent project on Rice and how people eat rice in different countries throughout Asia that it has been published by Curriculum Corporation. The book begins with a personal viewpoint as Emma and Thomas talk about how they came to do the project together. Thomas can’t really see how the project could be interesting as rice is small and white and tastes of whatever is put with it. However Emma loves food and rice in particular and can’t wait to find out how rice is eaten in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The children talk to as many people as they can to give a personal aspect to the double page spreads on each of the countries. There are many photos, recipes and interesting Fact Bites. This format is followed throughout the book. There are also humourous bits of information. For instance, did you know that “Young girls in China are warned that if they don’t finish their rice, every grain left in the bowl will be a pimple mark on the face of their future husband?” A large detailed map shows each of the nine countries. The children use a variety of research methods such as interviews, internet, email and books. I am sure the book will be very helpful for students as a guide on how a project can be put together as well as providing interesting, well set out information on how rice is eaten in so many different countries. (8 - 13 years)

Environments: Asia Pacific by Trevor Poultney bp $21.95
This book is a stimulating resource to encourage students (and teachers) to explore environmental issues in the Asia Pacific region. It contains a large amount of information on a variety of environments in the region. The format is magazine-style and develops in considerable detail the following topics: Land use and Forests, Living with Nature, Tourism and the Environment, People on the Move and Water Supply. A number of case studies throughout the region are presented for each topic and students are encouraged through guided questions and a range of suggested activities to think about possible further research through a variety of methods. An excellent introductory resource. (11 to 15 years)

Inspirations: Art Ideas for Primary and Middle Years by Ann MacArthur pack $59.95 This newly produced pack contains a marvellous range of images of contemporary, modern and traditional artworks from Asia. On the back of each image, there is background information as well as suggestions of ways of looking at the images and activities for students, discussion ideas and cross-curricular activities. The specific arts activities have a variety of approaches designed to support diferent learning styles. Images include works from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Persia, Philippines and Vietnam. There are some marvellous images and interesting suggestions for activities. (11 years up)

Squeamish about Sushi and other food adventures in Japan hardback $22.95
Last newsletter I reviewed a book called Tokyo Friends by Betty Reynolds which delights everyone who sees the book. I have since discovered this title by the same author written for older children and/or adults. It is written in the same entertaining format of illustrations with annotations in English, in Japanese phonetically and also in the Japanese script, however this is a more detailed exploration of the intricacies of eating sushi and other food in Japan. It contains a huge amount of information with lots of humour. (12 years up)


Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales retold by Sherab Chodzin and Alexandra Kohn illustrated by Marie Cameron pb $24.95
This is an illuminating and entertaining collection of Buddhist tales from India, Japan, China and Tibet. The tales illustrate various aspects of Buddhist thought and have been retold for children. While all the tales are entertaining, some are short, thought-provoking Zen anecdotes and others are longer stories often exploring the concepts of compassion, generosity and life afer death. Many are humorous; as Sherab Chodzin explains in the Introduction, the Buddha taught that life is like a dream: “we must not trifle with it, but we must not take it too seriously either.” (7 - 14 years)

Picture Books

Belonging by Jeannie Baker hardback $27.95
A new book from Jeannie Baker is always a treat because her intricate collages take such a long time to create. Belonging looks at an inner city suburb bleak in its drabness, ugly signs, graffitti and dilapidated houses and how over time the street is gradually transformed. By focussing on the scene through the window of a house into which a young family has just shifted with their four year daughter, Jeannie Baker shows the changing backyard as the family begin to plant native trees and flowers. As the little girl grows up, the vacant lot across the road also is gradually transformed into a park where children can play and people in the community can sit and talk. Gradually the ugly signs are removed, more houses are painted and gardens are created. The birds return to the area bringing life and splashes of colour. When the young girl marries, it is obvious that the community has gradually transformed their suburb into a pleasant, living place. Belonging follows the same format and structure as Window (pb $14.95) but whereas that had a bleak view showing suburbs expanding ever outward and swallowing up the countryside, this is a wonderfully positive book which shows that people can bring changes and can shape their own communities, giving them a distictive sense of place. (7 - 13 years)

Fiction

Rascal Stories by Paul Jennings illustrated by Bob Lea pb $9.95 each
Rascal the Dragon Rascal’s Trick
Rascal in Trouble Rascal Takes Off
Paul Jennings is one of the most popular children’s authors in Australia, but he is not a prolific author and so a new series is bound to attract a lot of attention, especially when it is directed at the beginning reader. The four Rascal Stories are very short novels even simpler than the Aussie Nibbles or Solos. Rascal the Dragon is an engaging young stray dragon who has been adopted by a young boy and his father in much the same way that a family would take in a stray puppy. The stories are enjoyable, humorous and have appealing computer generated illustrations by Bob Lea. Jennings has chosen plots which allow repetitive use of language, predictable story developments and close linking of text and illustration which allow the childen to work out what is happening through the text and the illustrations. Children will find the books very satisfying as they will quickly be able to read them for themselves. (5 - 8 years)

Good new Aussie Bites, Nibbles and Chomps just keep coming. One Night at Lottie’s House by Max Dann (pb $11.95) is a favourite brought back into print as an Aussie Bite. This is a very funny story about Arthur who goes to stay overnight at Lottie’s big old creaking scary house and is very glad that he brought his ghost-fighting kit. Check out the website www.australed.iinet.net.au for an updated list of Aussie Nibbles, Bites and Solos.


I have been surprised at how frequently Walkabout by James Vance Marshall (pb $12.95) is set as a class text in International Schools round the world. I have come across it in the US, UK, The Netherlands, Turkey and in India. It would rarely be set nowadays in Australia (and then perhaps as a comparison with more recent titles). It is generally regarded as a paternalistic text written by someone who had a romanticised view of Australian Aborigines and who I think never visited Australia. Following are a few suggestions of recent books which look at relationships between black and white Australians and are also directed at a similar age range that would make interesting comparisons. For other suggestions, do check out the updated list of Books about Australian Aborigines on the website.

Leonie Norrington was brought up in the Northern Territory and lived in an Aboriginal community as a child where she spoke their language. She is able to write convincingly about the country and about relationships between Aboriginal and white people. She also gives us a sense of the complexity of Aboriginal feeling for the land and their beliefs. She writes about this in The Barrumbi Kids (pb $13.95) in which best friends Dale and Tomias are brought up in the same outback country in the Northern Territory. One boy is Aboriginal and the other is white and they share many adventures. The book also explores the cultures of both boys and their love for their country. (9 - 13 years) In the sequel, The Spirit of Barrumbi pb $16.95 there is still fun and adventure, but there is also a much more serious side as Norrington touches on the importance of the Law, of Country and of Aboriginal spiritual beliefs. It is a very enjoyable story which succeeds in giving the reader an idea of some of the complexities of Aboriginal law and culture. (9 – 14 years)

The Last Muster by Leonie Norrington (pb $16.95) is set in the Kimberley cattle country in the north west of Western Australia. There is a strong sense of the country and of its history. It is ostensibly an outback story about taming wild horses and a friendship between Red, an Aboriginal girl, and Shane from a white family who has lived on the land for generations. However the story develops into much more as it touches on the way in which the land was taken from its original owners in a bloody conflict and the possiblities of how the families can perhaps live and work together now in a very different partnership. The novel gives us a much greater understanding of this amazing country and the people who live there. (10 - 16 years)

Benny and Omar by Eoin Colfer pb $14.95
This is the first book that Eoin Colfer wrote, before he became famous with the Artemis Fowl series. It is set in Tunisia. Benny and his family are Irish. Benny is a hurling enthusiast and this and his Irish background are about as foreign to me as Tunisia where he and his family go so that his father is not made redundant. Benny is not happy there and rebels. He does not fit in at all with the friendly unthreatening atmosphere of the kids and teachers at the international school. He finds it unbelievable. He can't believe that anyone could really behave like that and he all he can do is respond in his normal abrasive manner which understandably does not go down well with the school community. However he does makes friends with a homeless Tunisian boy Omar who has made a makeshift home for himself just outside the expat complex. Benny feels more at ease with Omar’s life which is lived always on a knife edge in his battle for survival. I found the book fascinating in its portrayal of someone from a very different background going to a country like Tunisia and his reaction to the students at the Int'l School there and also the local people. Through the friendship between Omar and Benny, Colfer does manage in a very believable but unsentimental way to give a portrayal of intense poverty and homelessness. Benny is about 11 years old. Omar is smaller but older. (10 years up)

The Garbage King by Elizabth Laird pb $14.95
This is a new title by Elizabeth Laird set in neighbouring Ethiopia and it makes an interesting comparison with Benny and Omar. It is not written with anything like the flair of Benny and Omar but it is a worth a look as it is so ususual to get a novel dealing with the very difficult topic of homelessness and even more so in a North African country such as Ethiopia. The story follows the lives of Mamo and his sister Tiggert. Mamo is kidnapped while in Addis Ababa and is sold to a poor farmer in the country. He escapes and manages to survive as a street kid, living with a group of other kids who share the proceeds of whatever they manage to beg or scrounge from the rubbish tip. They are joined by Dani a rich kid who has run away from home because of his terror of his threatening authoritarian father. There are many points for discussion. For me the book’s characters are not as convicing as those in Benny and Omar but it is a sincere attempt to give a sensitive portrayal of what life would be like as a street kid in Ethiopia. (11 - 15 years)

The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimarea pb $21.95
The film of the same name was adapted from this novel by the well known Maori author Witi Ihimarea. It has attracted world wide attention, especially when the young Maori actress was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance. The book was first published in 1987 and is one of Witi Ihimarea’s best loved stories. It deals with the courage of a young girl in standing against the tide of tradition and in so doing enables her tribe to again become connected with their ancestral life force. Many of its themes have a universal import since they deal with conflict between generations and genders, respect for nature and personal courage. It is a well written and absorbing story which will appeal to students from 10 to 16 years.

Where it Hurts by David Hill pb $13.95
David Hill is an engaging writer from New Zealand. In this novel, Mallory is regarded by all at school as a snob, as well as being rich and clever. Slade has just shifted to the town, his family never has much money and he is not feeling particularly confident and he and Mallory dislike each other immediately. However he later discovers that surprisingly they have quite a bit in common and become good friends. As he gets to know her more he realises that she has a secret which appals him When Mallory does not succeed to her expectations, she punishes herself by hurting herself physically. Slade sticks around and tries to help and understand. This is apparently a growing problem especially among young adolescent girls. David Hill has tackled the subject in a convincing novel in which there is also much humour. (11 - 16 years)

Sequels

Dragon Quest series 3
Dragon’s Nest, Shadowgate, Isle of the Dead and soon to be released The Sister of the South. pb $14.95 each title
I must admit that my interest has flagged in the Dragon Quest but kids are still very enthusiastic. In this series Four Sisters who are veil creations of the Shadow Lord, are poisoning Deltora and starving its people. Naturally it is up to Lief and his friends to save Deltora and I don’t think that it is giving away the exciting ending to say that, after many adventures, Lief and his friends do save Deltora. Many adventures and twists of the plot make for enjoyable reading for kids who enjoy these fantasy series. (8 - 11 years)

Brilliance of the Moon by Lian Hearn hardback $29.95
This is the final book of the Tales of the Otori trilogy. In some ways this is the most lyrical of the three books. It also brings to a conclusion the prediction of the prophetess that five battles would bring peace to the newly wedded Takeo and Kaedo. There would be four battles to win and one to lose as they strive to strengthen their domains and bring protection to the people. There are surprising twists and turns to the plot as we read this enjoyable novel and discover more of the complexity of character and plot. The books are set in a medieval period of Japan which is made all the more fascinating because of the elements of fantasy which are incorporated into the plot. The other books in the series are Across the Nightingale Floor hardback $29.95 pb $21.95, Grass for this Pillow hardback $29.95 pb $21.95 ( 13 years up)

Killswitch by Joel Shepherd pb $18.95
This last book in the Cassandra Kresnov series has attracted considerable attention. It was listed as the top selling science fiction novel in Australia for about four weeks. Much of this is word of mouth, as science fiction novels don’t attract many reviews in newspapers but there are also very interesting comparisons with the recently released popular film I, Robot and perhaps the interest in the film and the discussion of artificial people (or robots) has increased sales. In this book the political intrigue increases as Tanusha is under threat and Cassandra herself has to go into hiding to try and figure out just who is behind the deadly attacks on her life. As with the other titles this is a fast moving, entertaining science fiction novel for senior students. Of course since it is written by my son, you must also take into account the fact that I may also be biased! The other books in the series are Crossover pb $18.95 Breakaway pb $18.95 (15 years up)

Non-fiction

The Way Things Work by David Macaulay with Neil Ardley pb $45.00
It is wonderful to see this exceptional book back in print in a new revised edition. The book is inspired because as well as a detailed description of the working of hundreds of machines and the principles behind their technology, Macaulay also uses extremely humourous illustrations and descriptions of mammoths from prehistoric times to give further ingenious examples of these various principles. It is most surprising to find a book which combines humour and science, and especially with such flair. The machines described in the book are grouped according to the principles behind the workings of different machines, rather than by their uses. There are sections on The Mechanics of Movement, Harnessing the Elements, Working with Waves, Electricity and Automation, The Digital Domain and The Invention of Machines. (9 – 15 years)


THE AUSTRALIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL
BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2004

The winners and honour books have only just been announced. As usual there is quite a bit of controversy over the choice.

Book of the Year: Older Readers (NB Some of these books are for mature readers)
Winner
Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta pb $24.95
Francesca is reluctantly starting Year 11 at an all boys’ school which is for the first time taking in Year 11 girls. Melina Marchetta explores the influence of this influx of girls on the culture of this previously all boys’ school. This a warm realistic novel and students will relate strongly to the various characters portrayed, especially to Francesca as she searches to understand her true self. (13 years up)
Honour Books
Boys of Blood and Stone by David Metzenthen pb $18.95
A well written absorbing story about two young men, one on the way north to windsurf with his mates and the other who has volunteered to fight in the First World War. Metzenthen skilfully contrasts and links the lives of Andy Lansell killed in France in 1918 and of Henry Lyon whose life changes when by chance he stops at a country town where his path crosses that of Andy Lansell. (13 years up)
Mister Monday (Keys to the Kingdom Book 1) by Garth Nix pb $14.95
This is the first book in a new fantasy series called Keys to the Kingdom. It is densely written and has a complex plot. For fantasy fans. (12 - 16 years)
Shortlisted Books
Burning Eddy by Scott Gardner pb $14.95
A thoughtful novel which explores Daniel’s world. At fifteen years old, he is finding life tough but somehow meeting Eddy, an eighty six year old Dutch woman who celebrates all aspects of life, brings a change in the way Daniel views life. (13 years up)
Black Taxi by James Moloney pb $16.95
A crime/adventure with many humourous twists of plot that come when Rosie gets to look after her grandfather’s black Mercedes. There is nothing however that Rosie can’t handle. It’s good to have a determined, sensible, fun-loving and life affirming heroine. (13 years up)
How to make a Bird by Martine Murray pb $16.95
Mannie is distressed and leaves home for Melbourne wearing a long red dress. The story is told as a stream of consciousness and through the course of the long day and night we gradually discover the reasons for Mannie’s acute distress. (13 years up)

Book of the Year: Younger Readers
Winner
Dragonkeeper by Carole Wilkinson pb $19.95
An intriguing fantasy novel set in Ancient China where a slave girl saves the life of an aging dragon and together they make an epic journey across China. (8 - 14 years)
Honour Books
Do-Wrong Ron by Steven Herrick illus by Caroline Magerl pb $13.95
This is a story told in verse about Ron, a boy who tries to do the right thing but somehow it always turns out wrong until Isabelle comes to stay next door. (8 - 11 years)
The Naming of Tishkin Silk by Glenda Millard illus by Caroline Magerl pb $11.95
A gentle reflective story about an unusual family called Silk for whom story and play acting is very important. Griffin Silk is a young boy with a sad secret. ( 8 - 10 years)
Shortlisted Books
TruckDogs: A novel in four bites by Graeme Base hardback $24.95
Graeme Base has a unique imagination and a love of puns and word play. In this bizarre story, he has fun imagining the world of TruckDogs which are half dog, half truck with a personality to match. eg. Bullworth is a surprisingly timid bulldog/bulldozer and Sparky is an enthusistic Jack Russell/ute. Base’s detailed illustrations help us imagine these unique creatures. (9 - 12 years)
Stella by the Sea by Ruth Starke pb $12.95
Stella is a most resourceful young girl whose parents are very busy with their work. When she finds and rents a cubby house of her own, in the backyard of a rather lonely elderly man, she also becomes the catalyst for a new community spirit in the neighbourhood. This is a most engaging and amusing story. (7 – 11 years)
Mudlark by Michael Stephens pb $13.95
The sensitively told story about a boy who lives in the world of the imagination and struggles to come to terms with his mother’s severe illness. (9 - 13 years)

Book of the Year: Early Childhood (Picture Books)
Winner
Grandpa and Thomas by Pamela Allen hardback $24.95
Grandpa and Thomas spend a delightful day at the beach enjoying each other’s company as they paddle, picnic and feed the screeching seagulls. Lots of familiar rhythmic repetition.
Honour Books
Reggie, Queen of the Street by Margaret Barbalet illus by Andrew McLean hardback $24.95 Reggie is a dog well-loved by her owners as well as all the chldren in the street where she lives and she is most upset when her owners shift houses. However with a little perseverance, Reggie quickly makes new friends over a friendly cricket match.
Little Humpty by Margaret Wild illus by Ann James hardback $24.95
Very endearing illustrations of camels add to the charm of this story about Big Humpty and Little Humpty who set off across the desert, beautifully depicted in soft muted oranges, to the Big Waterhole. A warm story about playing, family love and making friends.
Shortlisted Books
Snap! Went Chester by Tania Cox illus by David Miller pb $14.95
Striking collage illustrations are the focus of this story about a crocodile called Chester who discovers what fun it is to creep up and snap at all the different creatures around the waterhole.
Shutting the Chooks In by Libby Gleeson illus by Ann James pb $14.95
The simple text brings to life the feeling of urgency as a young boy finds the missing chook (Aussie expression for hen) shuts her safely in and then makes a breathless dash through the darkening evening shadows to the wamth and light of the house.
Baby Boomsticks by Margaret Wild, illus by David Legge hardback $27.95
Opposite to the familiar traditional story of tiny children who never grow any larger, Baby Boomsticks is a baby who grows and grows until he is enormous, dwarfing his tiny but adoring parents and all the others in the village. A rollicking playful story.

Picture Book of the Year Award (These picture books may be for mature readers)
Winner
Cat and Fish by Joan Grant illus by Neil Curtis hardback $26.95
Striking black and white, pen and ink illustrations are the highlight of this simply written story about Cat and Fish who meet each other and show each other the very different worlds from which they each come. ( 6 - 9 years)
Honour Books
* Shutting the Chooks In by Libby Gleeson illus by Ann James pb $14.95
The Violin Man by Colin Thompson hardback $24.95
A story for older children about dreams and hopes, lost and found, which Colin Thompson has written and for which he created the illustrations on his computer.
Shortlisted books
Two Summers by John Heffernan illus by Freya Blackwood hb $27.95 pb $14.95
This story of the difference between two summers on an Australian farm is graphically illustrated but subtly told by a young boy pondering the difference between the last year when Rick came to stay on the farm and this year when the farm is stricken by drought. This is a striking picture book. (6 - 12 years)
Milli, Jack and the Dancing Cat by Stephen Michael King hardback $24.95
Nothing is ever the same again for Milli after Jack and the Dancing Cat come to town and Milli feels free to make all the wonderful things she can imagine. A rather zany story celebrating the joy of life and of imagination. (6 - 9 years)
* Reggie, Queen of the Street by Margaret Barbalet illus by Andrew McLean hb $24.95

Eve Pownall Award for Information Books
Winner
Animal Architects by John Nicholson hardback $24.95
A fascinating exploration of some of the remarkable engineers and architects of the animal world. It is divided into sections called nomads, diggers, weavers, carpenters and bricklayers. Beautifully detailed illustrations and interesting text. (9 years up)
Honour Books
The Gallipoli Story by Patrick Carlyon pb $16.95
For Australians and New Zealanders the Gallipoli campaign of World War 1 has mythic proportions. Fought on a narrow stretch of land in Turkey, the ANZACS were eventually forced to evacuate after eight terrible months. Carlyon describes the story of the campaign in factual detail and he also describes, often using their own words, the soldiers who fought there. There are photos, maps and an index. (11 - 16 years)
Art, History, Place by Christine Nicholls pb $12.95
A simply written introduction to Aboriginal art today which explores the traditions and history which have shaped its development. Some of the icons used in indigenous paintings are explained and there are many illustrations of art by Aboriginal artists. (10 years up)
Shortlisted Books
Bush Babies by Kim Dale hardback $29.95
A lift the flap book with illustrations of baby Australian animals, a simple rhyming text and extra factual information about the habitat and life of the animals. (7 - 10 years)
When I Was Little Like You by Mary Malbunka hardback $29.95
These are Mary Malbunka’s memories, both in word and in illustration, of her life as a child in Central Australia in the 1960s. The children went to school but it was when they went bush that they learnt about plants, animals, and their Dreaming stories. (7 - 13 years)
Zoo Album by Richard Morecroft Alison Mackay, illustrated by Karen Lloyd-Diviny hardback $26.95 An introduction to a number of real animals at real zoos, told from the point of view of their keepers who know and delight in the idiosyncracies of the animals in their care. The behaviour of the family group in the zoo and what it would be in the wild is compared. Animals described include the Western Lowland Gorilla, the Sumatran Tiger, the Andean Condor, the Echidna and the Komodo Dragon . (9 - 15 years)

Books marked * have been listed twice, in two different categories.


If you would like to order any of the books reviewed in this newsletter or in the accompanying list, send orders to Austral Ed by fax, post or email.

All prices are in Australian dollars. Prices include GST of 10% which is not applicable to overseas schools. For additional lists of recommended books and newsletters from Austral Ed, visit our website www.australed.iinet.net.au

© Kate Shepherd 2008.