Sally Murphy's Blog, page 4

What I Read in November 2024

Hard to believe it is December already, but my calendar says so, so I guess it’s true. And, as always, a new month means time to post what I read last month. A bit of an eclectic mix – eight books in all. Here’s what they were:

Books for Children Tweet, by Morris Gleitzman (Penguin, 2024). I was lucky enough to be on the same festival line up as Morris Gleitzman at the Scribblers Festival, and of course had to buy his latest book at the festival bookstore.  A fun story even while also dealing with big issues around  human impact on the environment, as well as grief and loss.Encyclopedia Brown Carries On, by Donald J. Sobol (Scholastic, 1980). One of the many books from my to-read cupboard which were rescued from a discard trolley years ago. I’m gradually getting through them. Can imagine young readers trying to solve the mysteries along with the main character.The Best Train Set Ever, by Pat Hutchins (Bodley Head, 1979). And another from the discard trolley. I loved Pat Hutchins’  Titch books but hadn’t come across this little offering which includes three sweet family stories.Too Many Babies, by Rose Impey & Shoo Rayner (Orchard Books, 1993). A third from the discard trolley (I do seem to read them in batches) featuring a family of tenrecs (Madagascan shrews), as their parents battle to raise their very large littler of babies. Blabber Mouth, by Morris Gleitzman (Pan Macmillan, 1992). Also a book I rescued from somewhere a while back and had in my to-read pile, this caught my eye because I’d been reading Tweet (above) and thought it was time I read this older Gleitzman. He has a knack for mixing humour with difficult concepts.Books for Young Adults My Family and Other Suspects, by Kate Emery (Allen & Unwin, 2024). A witty, entertaining murder mystery set in the WA’s Southwest.  Ruth, the narrator, is obsessed with murder mysteries, but she doesn’t expect to have one to solve at the family holiday house – but when her step Grandmother dies suddenly, the whole family becomes suspects.Books for Adults It All Makes Sense Now: Embrace Your ADHD Brain to Live a Creative and Colorful Life, by Meredith Carder (Hay House, 2024). I came across this one in  a bookshop and am glad I did, because it’s one of the best books on ADHD I’ve read – very accessible, good examples and some helpful strategies.Selected Verse, by Colin Thiele (Rigby, 1970).  I didn’t actually read all of this in November – I have been reading a few poems at a time for several months. I know Thiele best as an author for young people, but this poetry is definitely for adults, dealing with a range of topics from the everyday to the truly confronting.

 

That brings my total for the year so far to 108. Hoping for a little extra reading time in December as my work year is winding down a little. Currently reading two books – fiction on audio and nonfiction in hard copy, so off to a good start.  I’m also hoping to get through more from my to-read cupboard, to free up some storage space.

What are you reading?

What I Read in October 2024

It’s a new month which means I’m sharing what I read in the old month. In October I managed 10 books, with half being new purchases and the other half from my to-read pile which I had hoped to reduce significantly in 2024.  It is a wee bit smaller, but with two months to go, I know I won’t be getting that extra shelf back any time soon. So many books so little time! But what a lovely problem to have – too many books. Is that even a thing?

Anyway, here’s what I did manage to finish in October.

Books for Children Hester Hitchins and the Falling Stars, by Catherine Norton (Angus & Robertson, 2024).  One look at the cover of this delightful hardcover offering and I knew I had to buy it. And I wasn’t disappointed – an adventurous story of girl-power set in England in 1866 and following the adventures of Hester Hitchins as she tries to take up a place at a Nautical navigation Academy usually only open to boys. Mouse and His Dog: A Dogtown Book, by Katherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenko, illustrated by Wallace West (Welbeck, 2024). I hadn’t read the previous Dogtown book, but this one sat alone pretty comfortably. Set in a dog shelter and told from the perspective of a mouse called Mouse who is determined to help the dogs who, it seems, may never find homes of their own.  Really cute. The Long Walk, by Kerry Greenwood (Hachette, 2004). This one has been in my to-read pile for quite a while after I bought it from a library discard trolley. Set during the Great Depression, and against the backdrop of the building of the Great Ocean Road, it is the story of Isa Wyatt who, left alone with her three younger siblings, sets off  on a journey from Melbourne to Apollo Bay, looking for their father. Heroes of the Secret Underground, by Susanne Gervay (Angus & Robertson, 2021). More historical fiction – this one a time slip between Sydney in the year 2000 and Budapest in 1944, during the German occupation of Hungary. As such it deals with some really challenging times, but does so in a way with which young people can connect. Leo and Ralph by Peter Carnavas (UQP, 2024). It’s a Peter Carnavas book so I knew before I opened it that I would love it. About imaginary friends, real friends and being true to both.Hey, Kid, by Rita Golden Gelman, illustrated by Carol Nicklaus (Franklin Watts, 1977). Another from my to-read pile. This caught my eye on a library discard trolley ages ago, and has lived in my to-read pile ever since – even though it is a quick read.  It’s quirky – and, if Google is to be believed, a bit of a collectible, selling on Abe Books  for $32 US.  Maybe I should sell my copy? The King and the Sea, by Heinz Janisch & Wolf Erlbruch (Gecko Press, 2015). Another quirky offering from my to-read pile. 21 extremely short stories about a little king – some funny, some to leave you thinking. I loved it.Books for Young Adults The Happiness Quest, by Richard Yaxley (Scholastic, 2018). Another from my to-read pile, and glad I finally got to it. As Tillie tries to understand why she is sad, her counsellor suggests she try to find out what happiness is – leading to a lot of realisations not just about herself, but also about her family and friends.

 

Books for Adults How to Not Work Forever: Start Investing and Build a Life You Love, by Natasha Etschmann & Ana Kresina (Wiley, 2024). Not my usual type of read, but that’s the point, I think. A really clear guide to the how and why of investment. Inspired me to make some changes to my finances. A Girls’ Guide to Winning the War, Annie Lyons (Honeysett Books, 2024). I’ve spent much of this year delving into the role of women in WW2, so I couldn’t not read this novel, set in London where librarian Peggy Sparks joins the wat workforce for the Ministry of Information. A pleasing blend of history, friendship and romance.

 

That brings my total for the year to a respectable 100 books read.  Happy with that. What have you been reading?

What I Read in September 2024

September has come and gone, and I managed to read 9 books. I’m not reading at pace these days, but I am enjoying what I read, which is key.  Here’s what I read.

Books for Young Readers

The War that Saved My Life, by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley (Puffin, 2016). I listened to the audio version of this one and couldn’t stop listening when I got out of the car – which is always a sign that a book has drawn me right in. Set in WW2, the story follows Ada, a girl whose very difficult life in London is replaced by a life of hope and healing when she joins other London children sent to the country for safety. The War I Finally Won, by Kimberley Brubaker Bradley (Text Publishing, 2017) And, since I had already fallen in love with young Ada, I had to read the sequel straight away. Really satisfying. The Sky in Silver Lace, by Robin Klein (Text Classics, 2017). This is the third book of a trilogy, the other two of which I read a year or so ago, with this one sitting in my to-read pile till now. I love robin Klein’s writing, and this is no exception – a poignant slice of life of the Melling sisters, struggling against poverty as they move to the city in the late 1940s.

 

Books for Young Adults

One Night, by Margaret Wild (Allen & Unwin, 2003). Being one of the first verse novels I ever read, I love to keep going back and rereading this one – the first time in a few years, and still really powerful.

 

Books for Adults

The Ghosts of Roebuck Bay, by Ian W. Shaw (Pan Macmillan, 2014) . I have spent much of this year delving into WW2 history, and this was part of that exploration, telling the story of the bombing of Broome in 1942, a tragedy I knew only a little about. Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life, by Terry Brooks (Ballantine Books, 2003). I picked this up second hand in London earlier this year, and finally got round to reading it.  An excellent blend of memoir and writing advice.Iris is More than Okay, by Natalie Cooper (Audible,2024). Every now and then a contemporary romance is what I need, and this one, recommended to me by Audible, fitted the bill.  I thought it was going to be predictable and, being a romance, there was some of that, but there was also a twist I didn’t see coming. How to Keep House While Drowning: A gentle approach to cleaning and organising, by KC Davis (Cornerstone Press, 2022). Not sure why it took me so long to read this – I bought it after hearing the author on a podcast – I can’t even remember which one – and falling in love with her attitude. Key takeaway, for me: having a messy house is not a moral failing. Best Wishes, by Richard Glover (ABC Books, 2023). I really enjoyed this one – witty in some places, serious in others, as Glover makes, and explains, a series of wishes to make the world a less annoying place – from banning pre-ripped jeans, to wanting the ‘debate’ over climate change to end.

 

That brings my total for the year to date to 90.  What have you been reading?

What I Read in August 2024

Being Bookmonth, August is always a busy month, so I’m not surprised to report that I read only 7 books last  month. Still, they were an excellent mix of books, and seven is so much better than none.  Here’s what I got through.

Books for ChildrenThe Little Street Library, by Amy Adeney, illustrated by Erin Maclean (Affirm Press, 2024). I love little street libraries, and am delighted there is a picturebook celebrating them and the way they can build communities.Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody, by Patrick Ness  (Walker Books, 2024). I received an advance copy of this, which meant I read it ahead of its release, which is coming up in September. As quirky as one would expect from Patrick Ness, younger readers will love the animal characters.BrilliANT, by Rosi Ngwenya ,illustrated by Sandy Flett (RivetedPress,2024). Oh wow! I heard the author of this boo interviewed on Your Kids Next Read podcast and had to go out and buy the book straight away. Such a geniously simple concept – a whole story told using only 14 words, all ending in ANT – and, of course, about an ant. It makes me giggle, but also wonder at the cleverness.The Apprentice Witnesser, by Bren MacDibble (Allen & Unwin, 2024) . the most perfect dedication I ever read – ‘To all gentle hearts with deep hopes for a kinder world. Stay true.’ – leads into an equally perfect book, following the journey of Bastienne, apprentice Witnesser of Miracles, and her quest to find family and belonging in a post-apocalyptic world where women  are in the majority and must rebuild. Sky Country, by Aunty Patsy Cameron & Lisa Kennedy(Magabala Books,2024). A stunning picture book set in Trouwerner (Tasmania) and showing a journey of  children with their grandmother as they visit a mountain and she shares the story of their Ancestral Beings.  The visual imagery is  beautiful, as is the accessible story showing the handing down of knowledge between generations.Books for Young AdultsTwo Can Play That Game, by Leanne Yong (Allen & Unwin, 2023) . Easy to see why this was shortlisted in this year’s CBCA Book of the Year Awards – you don’t have to be a gamer to enjoy the tension between Sam Khoo, who wants nothing more than to be an Indie Game Maker, in spite of her parents’ hope she will go to university, and Jay Chua, who is standing in the way of her dreams.  The fact that their Asian families think their connection could be a courtship, there’s no way either teen is going there.  Or is there?

 

Books for AdultsThe Book That Wouldn’t Burn, by Mark Lawrence (Harper Collins, 2023) . I listened to the audio version of this which, at 22 hours play time, was a pretty long read. Fantasy, set in a world which has been severely impacted by war and time, and based in and around a magical, mysterious library which houses a copy of every book ever written. Two parallel narratives – of a girl who becomes a trainee librarian, and a young man who has bene trapped living in the library all of his life – make for lots of interesting twists and turns.

 

That brings my total to the year to 81. I’m thinking I  might manage to get to 100 for the year, considerable lower than last year’s total – but that was something I planned. I was keen this year to worry less about getting through a certain number and more about enjoying the reading journey – and that’s definitely happening.

 

What I Read in July 2024

It’s a new month which means time to share what I read in July. A very low total of four books finished, which doesn’t surprise me because I have returned to my full time academic role and been doing a lot of reading for the teaching semester which I’m not counting here.  Still, now that semester is underway I look forward to grabbing a few more opportunities to read the fun stuff in August.  Here’s the four I read in July.

Books for Young Adults The Left-Handed Booksellers of London, by Garth Nix (Allen & Unwin, 2020). I am not sure why it took me so long to read this – I love Garth Nix’s way with words, and this took me into a magical version of London with action aplenty. Jinx, by Margaret Wild (Allen & Unwin, 2001). Not the first time I have read this book, and won’t be the last either – this is the first verse novel I ever read and led to my fascination with the form and, of course, to me then writing them myself.Books for AdultsDon’t Hang Up, by Benjamin Stevenson (Audible Original).  I quite enjoyed this quick read, available only as an audiobook., and listened to it on one trip up and back to Perth. A  midnight to dawn dj gets a call from a caller who threatens to kill a hostage if the dj hangs up. Secret Fleets: Fremantle’s World War II Submarine Base, by Lynne Cairns (Western Australian Museum, 2011). I bought this several months ago, because it overlaps with the research I’ve been doing  for my current WIP, set during World War 11 in WA. Really interesting to learn about the submarines based in Fremantle during the war.

 

That brings my total to for the year to date to 74. I’d love to hear what you’re reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Riding Gallery: Teacher Notes, Launch and More

It’s hard to believe it’s only a week since The Riding Gallery was officially released. I could have sworn it was longer – with every day new reviews, new sightings in the wild, and lovely new messages from people who have read and enjoyed it.  Thanks to all who have reviewed it or sent a message – you have made me smile. I am so pleased Anton’s story is touching people in the way I hoped.

If you are an educator, I am pleased to say that there are now some excellent Teaching Notes available, prepared by Belinda Bolliger, and produced by Walker Books. You can see and download them here.  If you do share The Riding Gallery in your classroom, I’d love to hear what your students think!

In other news, if you are in Perth next week, you  would be very welcome at the official launch of The Riding Gallery, to be held at Curtin University’s School of Education (where I work) on Thursday July 18. The event is, of course, free, but you can register here so we know you are coming.

Lastly, it was really exciting to see that The Riding Gallery is the Primary Book of the Month at Lamont Standing Orders. If you don’t subscribe to the standing order, you can still read their lovely review here

My part of the world is really cold and wet at the moment – not my favourite weather at all, but not a bad time of year to be curled up with a good book!

What I Read in June 2024

I’ve been busy celebrating the release of The Riding Gallery, and spreading a love of reading on behalf of the Premier’s Reading Challenge, and somehow overlooked that a month had ended without me posting my reading list. So, better late then ever, here are the 13 books I read in June.

Books for Children Poetry Comics, by Grant Snider (Chronicle Books, 2024). I fell in love with this book in the conference bookstore at the AFCC last month and, in spite of my luggage already overflowing, knew I had to own it.  A blend of image and work to make perfect little poems for children – and adults – to adore. Tree, by Claire Saxby and Jess Racklyeft (Allen & Unwin, 2024). Oh wow! Full disclosure: Claire is a lovely friend of mine, but I don’t think that could have made me any more in love with this book. The ecosystem of a single tree, in poetic text and with sumptuous illustrations make this an absolute work of art. Seed to Sky: Life in the Daintree (Nature Storybooks), by Pamela Freeman & Liz Anelli (Walker Books, 2024). A perfect complement to Tree, this one traces the journey of a different tree (a Bull Kauri pine) from seed, to sapling, to towering tree. Just lovely.Let’s Chase Stars Together: Poems to Lose Yourself In, by Matt Goodfellow (Bloomsbury, 2022). I picked up this collection in a bookshop in London and am very glad I did. The poetry is aimed at middle grade graders, and covers tough topics, like family breakdown, domestic violence and loneliness, as well as happier ones that made me smile. It’s excellent.The Flying spring Onion, by Matthew Sweeney (Faber & Faber, 1992). I didn’t know Sweeney’s work, but an activity on a writing retreat last month used one of his poems, Fishbones Dreaming, led me to want to read more and I managed to find a copy of this book. A mix of nonsense, whimsy and curiosity. A Leaf Called Greaf, by Kelly Canby (Fremantle Press, 2024). This beautiful picture book made me cry – it is such a perfect depiction of grief, in its many forms, accessible for young children but also sure to touch adult hearts, as it did mine. Antarctica, by Moira Court (Fremantle Press, 2019). Another beautiful picture book with collage art bringing to life the diverse animal inhabitants of Antarctica. The Kindness Project, by Deborah Abela, Puffin Books, 2024). I’ve been anticipating this one for a while, knowing that Deborah Abela was working on a verse novel and being equally sure that it would be wonderful. It is!Watercress, by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Jason Chon (Neal Porter Books, 2021). I was lucky enough to meet Andrea Wang and hear her speak at last month’s AFCC in Singapore, and knew I needed to own this stunning picture book about belonging, and memories, and families.

 

Books for Young Adults Where the Heart Should Be, by Sarah Crossan (Bloomsbury, 2024).  Oh. This is brilliant. I knew it would be – Sarah Crossan is one of my favourite verse novelists. This time she is sharing a story of love, family, and hardship set in the midst of the potato famine in Ireland.  I picked this copy up in England, but am pleased to see it’s available in Australia.Books for Adults Alphabetical: How Every Letter Tells a Story, by Michael Rosen (John Murray, 2013). Purchased at the Southbank second hand book market in London, because I can’t ever walk away from a Michael Rosen book. The history of the alphabet told with Rosen’s intelligence and humour. So many interesting tidbits and side quests. How to Avoid a Happy Life, by Julia Lawrinson (Fremantle Press, 2024). I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this one – I know Julia personally, and admire her for many reasons. Her honest, open voice, and ability to share some really torrid and almost stranger-than-fiction life events makes a really powerful read. A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers, by Sari Solden and  Michelle Frank (New Harbinger, 2019). I listened to this on audio, and found it would likely be better in hard copy, simply because it had some useful exercises and, because I was driving, I couldn’t do them, and because I had ADHD, by the time I wasn’t driving I’d forgotten to do them. But otherwise, this had lots of good and affirming advice for women with ADHD.

That brings my total for the year to date to 70 books. At halfway through the year, I’m happy with that. Here’s to lots more wonderful reads in the second half of 2024.

 

The Riding Gallery: Out Today

Tadaaaaa!

Here it is: The Riding Gallery, written by me, illustrated by Martina Heiduczek and published by Walker Books – and it’s out today!

Ever since I read a tiny mention of Anton Weniger, and the troubles he faced during World War 1, I have wanted to share his story with the world. Anton was a showman – he travelled rural Victoria with his rides and amusements and, every summer, was stationed in St Kilda, where children – and adults – came to rid and play near the sea.

But Anton had a German name, and a German accent, and was, in fact, a German immigrant. And, at the same time as his new, beautiful, spectacular riding gallery (you might also call it a merry-go-round) was opened, the world was at war – and Australia was at war with Germany. This meant that, while people loved the new ride, many did not love, or even trust, Anton.

While the ride remained in St Kilda for many years, Anton did not, and that makes me sad for a man who wanted to bring joy tot he world through a children’s ride.  He didn’t get to witness all the joy it brings, and nor could he have foreseen that, 110 years later, that ride is still turning, in Canberra, our nation’s capital.

The Riding Gallery is my attempt to share Anton’s story with the world. While it is a story of prejudice and bigotry and the hardships of World War 1, I also think that it also offers hope.

Welcome to the world, The Riding Gallery – and thank you, Anton Weniger, for building a ride that continues to make people smile.  Now available in all good bookshops – or ask them to get it in for you.

 

 

A Book Birthday!

Happy first day of July and also happy book birthday to Roses are Blue, which is 10 years old today.

It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since this little darling made its first appearance. I still get a tingle every time I look at the cover!

If you haven’t encountered the story of Amber and her mum, the book is still available from good bookstores and online. And, if you come back in two days time, you can also help me celebrate the release of my newest verse novel https://www.walkerbooks.com.au/book/9..., out on July 3.

The Riding Gallery: One Week to Go

Five years ago I peered through the shutters of a merry go round in the centre of Canberra and took this photo:

Even closed, the ride intrigued me, not the least because I wondered how it came to be there. A nearby sign indicated that the ride had been in Canberra since 1974, but that it dated back to 1914, when it opened in St Kilda.  I felt sure there was a story just waiting to be uncovered.

And I was right. That night I found, through some online research that the ride had in fact operated on the foreshore in St Kilda for many years – but that the first owner of the ride, a man named Anton Weniger, had not owned it for long – forced to give up ownership because he was born German, and his ride was operating in Australia, during World War 1.

This surprised me. How could a man who lives in Australia, and operates a business aimed at providing fun and entertainment for children, end up driven away?  Although he was indeed born in Germany, he had lived in Australia for more than 20 years, and been naturalised. Still, I discovered, his German origins drew unwanted attention in wartime and, after a riot, he was forced to leave.

It didn’t take me long to decide that I wanted to find out more – and to share this story. What took longer was piecing together just what had happened to Anton both before and after the war, and finding a way to weave this information into a story.

Two years ago I visited Canberra again and, while there, visited the ride with my publisher, Clare Hallifax, who had just read the story I’d written and loved it. We visited the ride together – and even took a spin on it.

Since then that manuscript has become, under Clare’s expert leadership, and with illustrations by Martina Heiduczek, a verse novel and, just a week from today, will be released into the world. I can’t wait!

The Riding Gallery is available to preorder from a local bookshop near you, or online. 

 

And, while you wait for its release you might also like to read this interview about my last verse novel by Queen Narelle, which has been published today on the Alphabet Soup blog.