Sandy Fussell's Blog, page 16
September 20, 2012
Book Stuff - My Brother Simple
It's not often I pick up a book for review and go straight from the blurb on the back to the first page and then spend the rest of the afternoon reading. It takes a strong hook to distract me from the work I really should be doing.
This is one of these books that reaches out to touch the reader in an almost physical way - it made me cry and I am still thinking about it a week later.
My Brother Simple by Marie-Aude Murail – Bloomsbury. Children, Young Adult. Paperback RRP $15.99
Isabelle was amazed when she saw the two brothers walk in. They were alike but the younger one looked older. He had brooding eyes fed by some internal fire, while the other one had eyes so clear they looked like windows open to the sky. You almost expected to see swallows flitting across them.
This is the story of two brother, Kleber and Simple (whose real name is Barnaby). Simple has severe learning difficulties and their father, in the early stages of a new relationship, wants to put him in an institution. Kleber loves his brother and can’t bear to think of that. So even though he is still in the last year of high school, he takes Simple and the money his mother left them when she died, and moves out.
But finding somewhere to rent with a brother like Simple is not easy. People are nervous, distrustful, cruel and even frightened. When he finally finds a flat-share, nothing turns out as planned. In the beginning Simple was the problem but as time goes by, he is the solution to each flatmate’s problem.
Simple is quick to admit he is an i-di-ot but character is measured in different ways. His brain might be small but his heart is huge. He changes the lives of everyone he touches. In the end, it is through Simple that Kleber, who was willing to sacrifice so much, is rewarded with exactly what he always wanted.
This is a gentle story, poignant and filled with beautiful images. A coming of age tale with the most unlikely of heroes.
August 30, 2012
Booking with Berry PS
Family illness has seen me less able to get out and about lately. But that hasn't stopped wonderful experiences and opportunities finding me. Last year I was a speaker at the Illawarra Australian Literacy Educators Association Professional Development Day. Prior to the day of the event I was introduced by email to Jan Turbill, a past ALEA president and university researcher, and the author of a number of literacy texts.
Towards a Reading-Writing Classroom - Andrea Butler & Jan TurbillJan is an inspiring woman - a life-long literary educator and book lover. She was working at Berry Public School as a 'critical friend' - sharing her love of literature and teaching students to read and write critically. She established a book club to encourage reading - and their very first book - was Samurai Kids: White Crane. It was then decided that the same text could be used to demonstrate the characteristics of effective and engaging narrative. It was decided to focus the club's attention on the reading-writing connections and demonstrate how ‘children must read like a writer, in order to learn to write like a writer’.
Jan told me: I could see wonderful opportunities to make explicit how you chose language to bring the characters to life - how the theme (or themes) are carried through the story and so on. Now these kids are avid readers but not necessarily writers and it is my belief and now experience that avid readers can be avid writers and learn many 'tools' for writing that they can use for all genres. So I suggested to the Principal and the teacher working with me that I have a day in Term 4 where we think about White Crane from the perspective of the author - and they have a go at writing as you have (the term I use is 'text as mentor' and living in the shoes of the author').
She had a different approach to the literature circles I was familiar with. The school wanted to see its avid readers be similary excited about writing. Jan has a favourite quote which she shared with me, a quote which helped shape her approach:
‘The author becomes an unwitting collaborator [teacher]. … Bit by bit, one thing at a time, but enormous amounts of things over the passage of time, the learner learns, through reading like a writer, to write like a writer,’ (Frank smith)
She asked if I would like to speak to the Book Club, talk to them about the writing the book, listen to them read their written pieces and answer some questions. Would I ever! It was a lot of fun doing this over Skype. I thought it would also be a good ideas if I provided some formal feedback and I looked at each piece identifying what worked well and two things which could be improved.
Earlier this year I had the privilege of participating when Jan presented a session on her work at Berry PS at the National ALEA Conference in Sydney. It was inspiring to see such tangible results and to know I played a part in them. This year there is a new Book Club of would-be writers and I am looking forward to doing the whole process again!
Ssanne Gervay, AJ Betts and me - ALEA 2012
Towards a Reading-Writing Classroom - Andrea Butler & Jan TurbillJan is an inspiring woman - a life-long literary educator and book lover. She was working at Berry Public School as a 'critical friend' - sharing her love of literature and teaching students to read and write critically. She established a book club to encourage reading - and their very first book - was Samurai Kids: White Crane. It was then decided that the same text could be used to demonstrate the characteristics of effective and engaging narrative. It was decided to focus the club's attention on the reading-writing connections and demonstrate how ‘children must read like a writer, in order to learn to write like a writer’.
Jan told me: I could see wonderful opportunities to make explicit how you chose language to bring the characters to life - how the theme (or themes) are carried through the story and so on. Now these kids are avid readers but not necessarily writers and it is my belief and now experience that avid readers can be avid writers and learn many 'tools' for writing that they can use for all genres. So I suggested to the Principal and the teacher working with me that I have a day in Term 4 where we think about White Crane from the perspective of the author - and they have a go at writing as you have (the term I use is 'text as mentor' and living in the shoes of the author'). 
She had a different approach to the literature circles I was familiar with. The school wanted to see its avid readers be similary excited about writing. Jan has a favourite quote which she shared with me, a quote which helped shape her approach:
‘The author becomes an unwitting collaborator [teacher]. … Bit by bit, one thing at a time, but enormous amounts of things over the passage of time, the learner learns, through reading like a writer, to write like a writer,’ (Frank smith)
She asked if I would like to speak to the Book Club, talk to them about the writing the book, listen to them read their written pieces and answer some questions. Would I ever! It was a lot of fun doing this over Skype. I thought it would also be a good ideas if I provided some formal feedback and I looked at each piece identifying what worked well and two things which could be improved.
Earlier this year I had the privilege of participating when Jan presented a session on her work at Berry PS at the National ALEA Conference in Sydney. It was inspiring to see such tangible results and to know I played a part in them. This year there is a new Book Club of would-be writers and I am looking forward to doing the whole process again!
Ssanne Gervay, AJ Betts and me - ALEA 2012
August 26, 2012
National Book Shop Day
I'm over a week behind with this post but it's never too late to celebrate National Bookshop Day. Last Saturday I was invited to Pages and Pages at Mosman to join other children's and YA authors in store.
And what a store! All the wonderful things I had heard were true. Almost like two shops in one - and one whole shop wholly dedicated to book for young readers. There is no brighter, more imaginative enticing world than a book store like this. I arrived early and left late, like the party guest who stays too long, I didn't want to go home. I wanted to keep talking books and making origami bookmarks and samurai with the enthusiastic kids who came in.
It was such a treat to browse the shelves. I miss that. I am often heard bemoaning the fact that I live in the third largest city in NSW and we don' have a bookstore. We have a University, an Art Gallery, a Performing Arts Centre and an Entertainment Centre. The only bookshop is in the Uni, too difficult to drop in to, with no parking nearby. It's certainly not as much fun book shopping on-line.
But on National Book Shop Day ... I arrived home to find an email telling me Dymocks was opening a store in Wollongong again.
What a day! What better way to celebrate bookshops!
And what a store! All the wonderful things I had heard were true. Almost like two shops in one - and one whole shop wholly dedicated to book for young readers. There is no brighter, more imaginative enticing world than a book store like this. I arrived early and left late, like the party guest who stays too long, I didn't want to go home. I wanted to keep talking books and making origami bookmarks and samurai with the enthusiastic kids who came in.It was such a treat to browse the shelves. I miss that. I am often heard bemoaning the fact that I live in the third largest city in NSW and we don' have a bookstore. We have a University, an Art Gallery, a Performing Arts Centre and an Entertainment Centre. The only bookshop is in the Uni, too difficult to drop in to, with no parking nearby. It's certainly not as much fun book shopping on-line.
But on National Book Shop Day ... I arrived home to find an email telling me Dymocks was opening a store in Wollongong again.
What a day! What better way to celebrate bookshops!
August 24, 2012
Book Week 2012
My feet are tired. My voice is almost non-existent. But I've been smiling to myself all night. Book Week is the most wonderful time to be a children's author.I spent my second day at Marrickville Library. I've never been to Marrickville before but the library is the place to go. Chelsea does a great job with the books and the local schools. I could have talked to her all day (so she was probably glad when the kids turned up and she could escape!).
One of my very first Book Week experience was a CBCA Schools lunch on a harbour ferry. I was lucky enough to sit with Shore librarian Margo Pickering and the libabry monitors. This year I got a chance to catch up again. The boys at Shore had been using White Crane in the classroom so the questions there were quite in depth.
Today I arrived early at Scots College to sit in the sun and watch the Book Parade - cats in hats, buzz lightyear, a zombie ninja and a Harry Potter or two. I couldn't find the librarian but Tin-tin turned up to rescue me (Hi James!)You know you're in trouble when during question time, a Year 5 pulls your book from under his jacket, flips it open and says "Now, here on page 122 ..."
These kids make what I am doing lots of fun and they remind me that what I am doing is important - meeting a real author makes reading and writing more accessible. I feel spoiledby their enthusiasm for my stories. And that's before I even mention the chocolates...
August 20, 2012
First Day of Book Week
I love Book Week when schools turn their focus to celebrating books. Even in this National Year of Reading, Book Week remains a highlight, expecially for primary and younger readers. And their authors. Like me.
I spent the first day of Book Week at Moriah College in Bondi Junction. Wonderful school. Wonderful kids.
The day had an unusual start. Moriah College is a security-gated campus and the security guard wasn't quite sure what to make of an author toting a wooden practice sword. "Is it a weapon?" he asked. "It's a bokken. It's used for weapons practice but I use it as a prop for my talk," I explained. "I think we need to show this to the principal," he said.
Source: Moriah College WebsiteThe great Japanese 17th century samurai Miyamoto Musashi wielded his bokken as a formidable weapon but in my hands it really is just a big stick. The principal had no concerns and the business of books began.
The kids laughed. I laughed. Great fun was had and excellent questions were raised. After I explained that Samurai Kids began as a stand-alone book and almost book-by-book evolved into a series, one boy asked: Wasn't that hard to do? When you write a series you need to have a problem at the start that isn't resolved until the end." Spot on! When a second book was mooted I had to search through White Crane looking for a thread I could weave through the subsequent books.
Luckily, I found one waiting for me! The teacher, Sensei Ki-Yaga is an ancient and eccentric, very wise man. A retired samurai warrior of once legendary fame. An almost magical figure - some people think he is a wizard. But I didn't want him to be too perfect so I told how the old women of the village muttered he might be Tengu - a samurai forced at night to assume the guise of a goblin mountain spirit until a terrible past misdeed was redeemed.
The greatest challenge in writing Samuari Kids has been taking this small thread and helping it grow and strengthen as it weaves through the books that followed. And I also had to answer the difficult question I had never intended to address - what could such a good man have once done that was so terrible. I think I have succeeded in pulling the thread tight. I get lots of emails asking me to reveal Sensei's secret.
Just before I left the college, the librarian (hello Chelsea) showed me a photo of one of the boys, listening to me talk. He looked enthralled. I felt thrilled to be able to connect like that, even more so when she said he was a student who was usually not interested in anything about books or reading.
Did I mention I love Book Week?
I spent the first day of Book Week at Moriah College in Bondi Junction. Wonderful school. Wonderful kids.The day had an unusual start. Moriah College is a security-gated campus and the security guard wasn't quite sure what to make of an author toting a wooden practice sword. "Is it a weapon?" he asked. "It's a bokken. It's used for weapons practice but I use it as a prop for my talk," I explained. "I think we need to show this to the principal," he said.
Source: Moriah College WebsiteThe great Japanese 17th century samurai Miyamoto Musashi wielded his bokken as a formidable weapon but in my hands it really is just a big stick. The principal had no concerns and the business of books began.The kids laughed. I laughed. Great fun was had and excellent questions were raised. After I explained that Samurai Kids began as a stand-alone book and almost book-by-book evolved into a series, one boy asked: Wasn't that hard to do? When you write a series you need to have a problem at the start that isn't resolved until the end." Spot on! When a second book was mooted I had to search through White Crane looking for a thread I could weave through the subsequent books.
Luckily, I found one waiting for me! The teacher, Sensei Ki-Yaga is an ancient and eccentric, very wise man. A retired samurai warrior of once legendary fame. An almost magical figure - some people think he is a wizard. But I didn't want him to be too perfect so I told how the old women of the village muttered he might be Tengu - a samurai forced at night to assume the guise of a goblin mountain spirit until a terrible past misdeed was redeemed.
The greatest challenge in writing Samuari Kids has been taking this small thread and helping it grow and strengthen as it weaves through the books that followed. And I also had to answer the difficult question I had never intended to address - what could such a good man have once done that was so terrible. I think I have succeeded in pulling the thread tight. I get lots of emails asking me to reveal Sensei's secret.
Just before I left the college, the librarian (hello Chelsea) showed me a photo of one of the boys, listening to me talk. He looked enthralled. I felt thrilled to be able to connect like that, even more so when she said he was a student who was usually not interested in anything about books or reading.
Did I mention I love Book Week?
August 14, 2012
Out and About
Its been a busy last last three months. These are the places I went and the things I did:
Iam McLean and meMaitland and Newcastle Teacher Librarians and educators (MANTLE) conference - I gave two presentations - one about fantasy and historical fiction and the other about social media - and its use in schools and libraries. I loved doing the research for the latter and found as I was making suggestions - there were many things I didn't get right myself! My references and resources are on my Mantle Pinterest Board. The conference was excellent, the food was wonderful and it was good to catch with illustrator extroadinaire Sarah Davis and Ian McLean, the very deserving winner of the 2012 John H Lee Memorial Award for “excellence in leadership in innovative and collaborative teaching practice through the integration of learning technologies”.
Sally Murphy and meAt SCBWI I did no work but learned a lot, caught up with heaps of writerly friends and had a very positive assessment of my YA work in progress by Jill Corcoran from the Herman Agency New York.
I visited five wonderful schools to talk about reading and writing in the National Year of Reading - Helensburgh Public School, Bellambi Public School, Thirroul Public School, Bulli Public School and West Wollongong Public School.
Suzanne Gervay, me and A J BettsI was involved in a project at Berry Public School and the subsequent presentation at the Australian Literary Educators National Conference in Sydney. More about that in a later post. I was lucky to sit on a few sessions and excited to hear Catherine Beavis frim Griffith University speak talk about gaming in literacy - a subject of great interest to me. Also at the Conference were Mem Fox, Jackie French, Libby Gleeson, Suzanne Gervay and A J Betts with a big smile on her face (see below - no doubt becuase the next fews days were to see the announcement of her receiving the Text Pubishing Prize for Zac and Mia!
Iam McLean and meMaitland and Newcastle Teacher Librarians and educators (MANTLE) conference - I gave two presentations - one about fantasy and historical fiction and the other about social media - and its use in schools and libraries. I loved doing the research for the latter and found as I was making suggestions - there were many things I didn't get right myself! My references and resources are on my Mantle Pinterest Board. The conference was excellent, the food was wonderful and it was good to catch with illustrator extroadinaire Sarah Davis and Ian McLean, the very deserving winner of the 2012 John H Lee Memorial Award for “excellence in leadership in innovative and collaborative teaching practice through the integration of learning technologies”. 
Sally Murphy and meAt SCBWI I did no work but learned a lot, caught up with heaps of writerly friends and had a very positive assessment of my YA work in progress by Jill Corcoran from the Herman Agency New York.I visited five wonderful schools to talk about reading and writing in the National Year of Reading - Helensburgh Public School, Bellambi Public School, Thirroul Public School, Bulli Public School and West Wollongong Public School.
Suzanne Gervay, me and A J BettsI was involved in a project at Berry Public School and the subsequent presentation at the Australian Literary Educators National Conference in Sydney. More about that in a later post. I was lucky to sit on a few sessions and excited to hear Catherine Beavis frim Griffith University speak talk about gaming in literacy - a subject of great interest to me. Also at the Conference were Mem Fox, Jackie French, Libby Gleeson, Suzanne Gervay and A J Betts with a big smile on her face (see below - no doubt becuase the next fews days were to see the announcement of her receiving the Text Pubishing Prize for Zac and Mia!
April 4, 2012
The Ripple Effect
Still on the subject of ripples, here's a video.
There's a scientific explanation (of course) but I prefer the concept: The ripple effect is a term used to describe a situation where, like the ever expanding ripples across water when an object is dropped into it, an effect from an initial state can be followed outwards incrementally.
Drop a pebble in a still pond and watch the ripple travel out in an ever expanding ring The Ripple Effect is rooted in the belief that all we are all connected by our shared Humanity.
There's a scientific explanation (of course) but I prefer the concept: The ripple effect is a term used to describe a situation where, like the ever expanding ripples across water when an object is dropped into it, an effect from an initial state can be followed outwards incrementally.
Drop a pebble in a still pond and watch the ripple travel out in an ever expanding ring The Ripple Effect is rooted in the belief that all we are all connected by our shared Humanity.
April 2, 2012
Nevada Young Readers Award
The best thing about writing for kids is feedback from young readers. Kids know how to make an author feel like they have written the most wonderful book in the world. I love to hear that kids are enjoying my books so I am particulary thrilled to learn Samurai Kids: White Crane has been shortlisted for a kid's choice award in Nevada US. It is one of five titles nominated by children for the Nevada Young Readers Award in 2013.
Ripple in Still Water
This is my favourite T-shirt. I bought it years ago (pre-kids) in Haight-Ashbury when my husband and I spent three wonderful months travelling across the US. Not only does it remind me of a great holiday but also one of my favourite songs. Ripple by the Grateful Dead (from the American Beauty album 1970)
LYRICS
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung, Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?
It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.
There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.
Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.
You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then whos to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.
You can listen to it here.
March 27, 2012
Keira High Iquanids
Year 8i (code name Iquanids), an all boys English class at Keira High School, is reading Samuari Kids: White Crane with their teacher. Yesterday I was lucky enough to spend an hour with the boys talking about being an author, the Samurai kids series and books in general. There were lots of insightful questions,
Look at the beautiful flowers they gave me! Japanese theme complete with two large bamboo stems that I am going to keep and use when I do samurai dress-ups in some of my Stage 2 presentations. I also received a big, beautiful card that they all wrote messages on. And Ciaran gave me some of his haiku.
This one is my favourite. It's called The Blizzard.
Freezing cold whitenessBlowing fiercely and stronglyShowing no remorse.
No wonder I always come away from school visits inspired all anew.
Look at the beautiful flowers they gave me! Japanese theme complete with two large bamboo stems that I am going to keep and use when I do samurai dress-ups in some of my Stage 2 presentations. I also received a big, beautiful card that they all wrote messages on. And Ciaran gave me some of his haiku.
This one is my favourite. It's called The Blizzard.
Freezing cold whitenessBlowing fiercely and stronglyShowing no remorse.
No wonder I always come away from school visits inspired all anew.
