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Sally Murphy, Australian author

What I Read in March 2024

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It’s the end of another month, so time for my reading roundup for March. After a slowish start to my reading year, this month I surprised myself by reading 16 books, largely the result of attending some excellent industry events and buying more books than I expected that I just HAD to make time for. A good problem to have. Here’s what I got through:

Books for Kids

  1. Another Day as EmilyAnother Day as Emily, by Eileen Spinelli, with illustrations by Joanne Lew-Vreithoff (Random House, 2014). It’s a verse novel which means I loved it before I even opened it – have yet to find a verse novel I don’t like. This one is about a girl who’s having a tough summer, and, when she reads about Emily Dickinson, decides to try the life of a recluse.
  2. Dream Within a DreamDream Within a Dream, by Patricia MacLachlan (Margaret McElderry Books, 2019). I’m a sucker for a gorgeous cover, and this one is not just visually gorgeous but the cover has a finish which makes it lovely to stroke (I think it’s got a vinyl finish?). The story inside is similarly lovely, about a girl who holidays with her much-loved grandparents every summer, and finds everything changing.
  3. Pearly and Pig and the Island of SecretsPearly and Pig and the Island of Secrets (Walker Books, 2024) Not only is this book dedicate to me (and our friend Claire Saxby, too), but I once dressed up as Pig to help  Sue Whiting speak about the book. I do a pretty mean Oink, let me tell you!  This is the third in the series, but stands alone – still, why wouldn’t you read them all. Pearly is an Adventurologist who, with her friend Pig gets into all kinds of scrapes, this time involving a remote island, puffins, a volcano and more.

Books for Young Adults

  1. The SidekicksThe Sidekicks, by Will Kostakis (Penguin, 2016). I spent time with Will at the Between the Lines Festival  recently and, although I’d read two of his later books, realised I’d not read this one. So, of course, I decided it was time. Great read – about three boys who all shared a mutual best friend, but don’t particularly like each other. But his death has repercussions for all of them. I really enjoyed the viewpoint here – each character has roughly one third of the book, with their stories overlapping, but gradually revealed.
  2. A Hunger of ThornsA Hunger of Thorns, by Lili Wilkinson (Allen & Unwin, 2023).Lili was also at the Between the Lines festival, inspiring me to buy a copy of this book which I then, coincidentally, started reading on the day the CBCA Shortlist was announced. Easy to see why this one is on the shortlist – I was drawn in to this alternative world where witches and magic exits in a contemporary world and Maude, the daughter of witches, tries to find her missing friend.
  3. BirdyBirdy, by Sharon Kernot (Text Publishing, 2024). Great to see a new verse novel from Sharon Kernot, some time after her first one. This one is the story of Maddy, who is selectively mute following an incident that has left her feeling ashamed and alone, and of Alice, whose daughter, Birdy, disappeared long ago. The pair form an unlikely bond, and move towards mutual healing.
  4. One Song One Song, by A.J. Betts (Pan, 2023). Not sure why it took me so long to get to this one, as I was eagerly awaiting its release last year. Anyway, glad I finally picked it up. Betts is a genius at the young adult novel.

Books for Adults

  1. Womxn: Sticks and Stones: Acrostics and Poems to Reclaim the Words That Have Hurt UsWomxn: Sticks and Stones: Acrostics and Poems to Reclaim the Words That Have Hurt Us, by Lexy Wren-Sillevis (Octopus Books, 2021). I love this! It’s easy to think of Acrostic poems as a simple exercise in matching words to letters, but this little volume is anything but simple. Using the acrostic form, the poet takes word commonly used to insult and hurt womxn (her spelling) and rewrites or redefines them in thought provoking and insightful ways.
  2. Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens: WINNER OF THE MILES FRANKLIN LITERARY AWARDChai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, by Shankari Chandran (Ultiom Press, 2022). I was fortunate enough to listen to the author on a panel at the recent Perth Writer Festival, inspiring me to take this out of the to-read pile. And, while I found it a really challenging read, that’s the whole point. Telling the story of the people who live at and love a nursing home in suburban Sydney and the events which escalate to not only threaten its existence, but also to divide a country, this is also a story of family, belonging, colonialism and racism.  Hard to do justice in just a few lines, but not only do I recommend this book, I am grateful to it for  challenging my knowledge and my privilege.
  3.  Greater City Shadows, by Laurie Steed (UWA Press, 2024). Another purchase at the Writers Festival, though I had planned to go to the launch the week before. Accessible, thought-provoking stories of humanity, connection, relationships and more.
  4. On the Homefront: Western Australia and World War 11, edited by Jenny Gregory (UWA Press, 1996). Read in my continuing research for a historical fiction I am writing, I found this really interesting.
  5. The Book of Tree PoemsThe Book of Tree Poems, compiled by Ana Sampson, illustrated by Sarah Maycock (Laurence King Publishing, 2023). This one was a gift, and will be long treasured. A beautiful collection, both visually and in its content, with poems about all kinds of trees, in all seasons, and by poets both well known to me, and those who are new. I read it cover to cover over a couple of evenings, but know that I will dip in and out of it many more times.
  6. ADHD For Smart Ass Women: How to fall in love with your neurodivergent brainADHD For Smart Ass Women: How to fall in love with your neurodivergent brain, by Tracy Otsuka (Headline, 2024). The author has a podcast of the same name and it’s excellent, so I knew I needed to also read the book. I listened to the audio version as it isn’t yet out in print in Australia (coming in May, I think), but will likely get the print version when it comes out as there is a lot of useful information which my ADHD brain might not retain but wants to revisit. Lots of practical advice and explanations.
  7. Goldenrod: PoemsGoldenrod: Poems, by Maggie Smith (One Signal, 2021). This one was given to me along with Tree A Poems (above). What a thoughtful gift  from a fellow poet. I savoured this two or three poems each day, mainly over breakfast, and really enjoyed it. One poem that particularly spoke to me was Wife for Scale, which is reprinted online (with permission)  here.
  8. Bitter & SweetBitter & Sweet, by Amal Awad (Panterra Press, 2023). I listened to this author on a panel at the Perth Writers’ festival last month, and just had to buy a book afterwards. An excellent read, although it left me hungry, with lots of food scenes 🙂

 

 

That brings my total for the year so far to 35 books, which is more than I expected, but a sign of a satisfying month of reading. What have you been reading?   

What I Read in August

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Another month, another monthly roundup of my reading. 13 books this month, with a lot of variation. I shouldn’t pick a favourite – but have a look at number 7. I’m in a book! I’ll be posting more about this when it’s officially released.

Children’s Books

  1. No Words, by Maryam Master (Pan Macmillan, 2022). I was interested in this one because Aria, one of the characters, is a refugee who doesn’t speak at school – and this reminded my of Amed in my own book, Worse Things. I love seeing how other authors have tackled similar issues. But in Aria’s case, it gradually emerges that his not speaking is not so much a language issue as one of trauma – he is selectively mute.  I liked the blend of Aria’s story with  those of Jaz and Hero, who both have problems of their own.
  2. The Book of Wondrous Possibilities, by Deborah Abela (Penguin, 2022). I have been waiting for this book to come out, and can say that the wait was worth it. What a magical book. Arlo is fearful and, since the loss of his mother, sad, but when he discovers his mother has left him a book that has the magical ability to make his  story come true, he is swept into a battle to protect everything he loves.
  3. Alone, by Megan E. Freeman (Aladdin, 2022). I always love coming across a verse novelist (and, thus, a verse novel) that I’ve not encountered before. This is the story of a girl left completely alone after an unexpected evacuation of her whole state.  The poetic form is an excellent way of following her thought processes through some truly confronting experiences.
  4. The 156-Storey Treehouse, by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton (Pan, 2022). This came to me as a review copy, and I had fun checking out the latest instalment in this ever-growing treehouse, with its two inventive, and funny, residents.
  5. A is for Australian Reefs, by Frane Lessac (Walker Books, 2022). I love anything related to the ocean, and this book, by a talented friend a, is no exception. With both well- and lesser-known marine life featured, this is a delightful blend of facts and stunning art, bringing the reef to life.
  6. Respect, by Aunty Fay Muri & Sue Lawson, illustrated by Lisa Kennedy (Magabala, 2020). I knew of this book but had somehow never read a copy. I bought it after hearing the authors speak at the recent CBCA National Conference. What a wonderful, child-friendly way of explaining the concept of respect – for the land, for history, for culture, for each other, and for ourselves.
  7. How to be The New Person, by Anna Branford (Walker Books, 2022).  What to say bout this book? I suspect I will be posting more as I process the absolute wondrousness of this story – and of the absolute honour and excitement I felt when I realised the main character’s favourite book is one of my mine. All the feels!

 

Books for Young Adults

  1. The Farseekers, by Isobelle Carmody (Penguin, 1997).  Am gradually working my way through this series on audio, read by the author. Carmody’s world-building is amazing, and I am loving hearing her voice.

 

Books for Adults

  1. Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir (Random House, 2021). I don’t read a lot of sci-fi, but enjoyed this one, which I listened to on audio. From the author of The Martian, this one sees a lone astronaut, with amnesia, gradually come to realise that he is on a mission that could save the human race. I did occasionally find the science explanations a little daunting, but was impressed by the author’s obvious knowledge/research. And the story itself was excellent.
  2. The Mother, by Jane Caro (Allen & Unwin, 2022). Not necessarily an easy read, with the subject matter including coercive control, but really well written, making the important topic accessible., and making me want to keep reading.
  3. The Deceit, by Sara Foster (Audible, 2022). This was an Audible exclusive audiobook novella. I really enjoyed  it – which is a funny way of describing listening to a thriller which placed a family in a terrible situation.
  4. Blood & Ink, by Brett Adams (Fremantle Press, 2022). Another review copy, and one I might not have otherwise read. It took me a while – not because of the quality of the writing (which was good) but because I found it a bit stressful, to follow the trials of an academic who finds himself framed for a series of murders – which he is desperately trying to put a stop to.  Really gripping, and I was glad I stuck with it.

Non Fiction for Adults

  1. Thinking Big, by Zig Ziglar and others (AUdible). This is a compilation of chapters and extracts from various motivational/self help experts and was free from Audible. Some good reminders and nuggets of wisdom, and an excellent thing to listen to in bed (I don’t sleep well when away from home, and listening  helps).

 

 

This brings my total for the year to 117. I’m on track to make my target if I keep up this pace, but there are so many more books I want to get through.

 

What have you been reading?

Teacher Tuesday: Using Meet Mary MacKillop in a Year 4 Classroom

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Welcome to the  eighth edition of Teacher Tuesday, where I match one of my books to a year level, and offer some activities for sharing the book in the classroom. In previous weeks I shared activities for Pearl Verses the World, Looking Up, Toppling,  Roses are Blue, Do Not Forget Australia, Snowy’s Christmas and The Floatingest Frog.

This week, I am focusing on my picture book, Meet Mary MacKillop which can be used to meet objectives in both  both the History and English curriculum areas.

Using Meet Mary MacKillop in a Year Four Classroom

Meet Mary MacKillop, by Sally Murphy, illustrations by Sonia Martinez

Published by Random House, 2013
ISBN: 9781742757216
Format 32page  Hardcover, RRP $19.99

Blurb:  Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first saint, was born in the 1800s and devoted her life to teaching children. Mary believed everyone should have the chance to learn, no matter how rich or poor they are. In 1866 she set up her first school and founded an order of nuns called the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. This book tells the story of that first school.

Sally’s Recommended Grade Levels: Year 1 – Lower Secondary, but these suggestions focus on Year 4.

Themes/Topics:

  • Famous Australians
  • Education/Schools
  • History
  • Women
  • Religious Education
  • Self-belief

Publisher teaching notes available HERE

This unit of work uses Meet Mary as the basis for examining both the life of Mary MacKillop, and examining the roles and significance of other famous Australians.

Curriculum Links:

Year 4 History and English

  1. Pose questions to investigate people, events, places and issues (ACHASSI073)
  2. Sequence information about people’s lives and events (ACHASSI076)
  3. Present ideas, findings and conclusions in texts and modes that incorporate digital and non-digital representations and discipline-specific terms (ACHASSI082)
  4. Plan, rehearse and deliver presentations incorporating learned content and taking into account the particular purposes and audiences (ACELY1689)
  • Before reading: discuss the word ‘famous’. Ask students what it might mean to be famous. Brainstorm a list of famous Australians.
  • Show students the book cover. Ask students who Mary MacKillop was and/or what the cover suggests about her.
  • Read the Story (apart from timeline).
  • After Reading: group work. Groups to complete table identifying words and images which show this book is set in the 1800s. Subheadings: Words/Language Used; Transport; Dress; School Equipment; Other. One column to identify what is portrayed in the book, and a second column to identify how these things might be today.
  • Discuss what a timeline is. Students to compose simple timelines of their lives so far. Share
  • Examine back of book timeline. In groups, students to identify which events are included in the story. Discuss: Why did Sally Murphy choose only part of Mary MacKillop’s life for the story? Can you understand Mary’s life without the addition of the timeline?
  • Students to choose another famous Australian – either from earlier list or from a list fo teacher suggestions, of a particular time period. Using library/class resource collections and/or internet research, students to research their chosen person and compile their own timeline. Additionally, have them answer the following: Why is this person famous? Where were they born? Which part of Australia did they live in? What was their main achievement?  How are they commemorated today (eg are they on a banknote, have buildings or roads named after them, memorialised in stories/songs etc). Why did you choose this person?
  • Students to compile a visual presentation about their chosen Australian: either digitally or as a poster presentation.

 

  1. Createliterary texts by developing storylines, characters and settings (ACELT1794)
  2. Plan, draft and publish imaginative, informative and persuasive texts containing key information and supporting details for a widening range of audiences, demonstrating increasing control over text structures and language features (ACELY1694)
  3. Re-read and edit for meaning by adding, deleting or moving words or word groups to improve content and structure (ACELY1695)
  4. Use a range of software including wordprocessing programs to construct, edit and publish written text, and select, edit and place visual, print and audio elements (ACELY1697)
  • Read other books in the ‘Meet’ series. If enough available, this could be done in groups, with each group examining a different book in the series. Identify key events in each person’s story, and also explore similarities and differences between the different books (each book has a timeline, for example, but the writing and illustrations styles vary. Some of the books cover a single episode in the person’s life, while others cover more of the person’s lives). Encourage students to elaborate which hones they like, and why.
  • Identify common features in adapting biographies to fiction (the term here is historical fiction): creating characters, use of dialogue, key details, use of details to set scene (time and place).
  • Students to use information from their timelines/presentations to craft a narrative telling their chosen person’s story – either one episode, or an overview of their life. This could be extended to create a picture book version.

 

Other suggestions for using Meet Mary MacKillop in your classroom include:

  • Mary wrote many letters to her mother and to other people throughout her life. Examine the elements of a letter, and draft and write a letter. the theme of letters is also part of my book Looking Up.
  • The work of Mary MacKillop continues through the sisters of St Joseph. There are various museums and centres across Australia and new Zealand which are open for school groups for different excursions.
  • Art: read the interview with the illustrator, Sonia Martinez in the official teaching notes. Create collage art using historical pictures, combined with the students own drawings.
  • Email the author(that’s me!) Your students can write to me through this website, and share their responses or ask questions.

Related Books

Mostly, I’d love to remind you that while I love to see my books used in classrooms, I also love to see kids just enjoying them. Reading a book should be pleasurable – whether it’s being used in the classroom or not.  So allow your students to enjoy reading Meet Mary MacKillop.

If you find this useful, or have any suggestions or comments, do leave a comment. And, if there is a particular book or year level or topic that you would like covered in a future edition of Teacher Tuesday, let me know.

Teacher Characters #4: Mary MacKillop

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As my series of posts about my teacher characters continues, today I move to a teacher character who is from history.

Who is my teacher character? Mary MacKillopmeet-mary-mackillop

What book does she appear in? Meet Mary MacKillop, part of Random House Australia’s Meet… series.

Why is she there? The book attempts to tell Mary’s story – or at least part of it. I was approached by Random House Australia to contribute to the series, and delighted when they suggested Mary MacKillop as the subject, as she is such an important Australian.

What role does she play? She’s the main character and the topic of the book, which shows how and why she set up her first school in Penola, South Australia. Mary and her sisters had to overcome many obstacles to start their school and ensure children had access to education.

What did I learn writing about her? I thought she was significant because she was Australia’s first saint. What I realised was how amazing she was as a strong woman in a time when women were expected be seen and not heard. Her role in establishing schools throughout Australia was very significant.

Favourite Mary moment? In the book, it’s when she tells the rich lady that although her son is very welcome at the school, he will receive the same treatment as everybody else. In real life, I think my favourite Mary MacKillop moments are when she stood up to Bishops and Priests who tried to dictate to her and treated her very shabbily.

Meet Mary MacKillop, illustrated by Sonia Martinez, and published by Random House Australia is available in good bookstores and online.

 

New in Paperback

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I’m really pleased that Meet Mary MacKillop has been released in paperback format today. This means it’s now available in a choice of three formats: hardcover, ebook or, of course, paperback. It’s nice to think of it reaching more new readers.

It’s been almost a year since its first release, but I still absolutely adore the cover, showcasing the illustrative genius of Sonia Martinez.

meet-mary-mackillop

And, of course, the internal illustrations are similarly wonderful.

Meet Mary MacKillop is the story of how Mary set up her first school, in Penola. She was an amazing woman who believed that every child should have the chance to be educated regardless of social status, gender, or religion.

You can find out more about the book here. It’s available in good bookstores. If they haven’t got it, ask them to get it in for you. Alternatively, it is also available online.

The Reviews are In (Well, one of them, anyway)

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There is nothing more nerve racking than waiting for the first review of a new book. Okay, apart from waiting to see if a publisher likes it enough to publish it. Or if you can actually get the text right in the first place. Or if the .. .Well, you get the idea. But I digress. I get pretty nervous waiting to see if reviewers will like my book. After all, reviewers are more likely to be honest than friends and family, and potential purchasers read reviews. Reviews can affect sales, and can also stoke (or destroy) fragile author egos.

Meet Mary Mackillop

So, I have a new book coming out in just a couple of weeks. Meet Mary Mackillop, illustrated by Sonia Martinez and published by Random House, will hit the shelves on May 1.  And, knowing that review copies have gone out, I’ve been not-so-patiently waiting to see what the reviewers would have to say. Today, at last, news of the first review came from the publicist Zoe.  And, I’m pleased to say, the review is positive. You can read it here, on Lisa Hill’s blog.

I’m especially delighted that Lisa not only likes the book (which, you know, is always kind of nice) but that she focuses on the appeal to the secular market. Yes, Mary Mackillop was a Catholic, and so the book is likely to appeal to Catholics and Catholic schools. But she was also a woman, in a man’s world,  who had to work against the odds to set up her schools and bring education to children who wouldn’t have otherwise had access. I’m so glad that Lisa gets this.

sallymurphy.com.au