Cirrus@Austlit

'Age, race, culture, loneliness, relationships and the pandemic are all neatly drawn together in this outstanding picture book for young children.

'Claire Malone and her cat, Marmalade are back in Claire Malones Makes a Friend, a delightful and charming picture book about life in lockdown. In her trademark style of positivity and action, Claire works through the loneliness and monotony of lockdown by looking outside her own life to affect change. Claire, yet again, shows us how to be an agent for positive change in our own neighbourhoods.

'A charming and relevant sequel to Claire Malone Changes the World with delightfully lively and colourful illustrations by Alisa Knatko.' (Publication summary)
 

'Underdog Leroy Jones’ life is a complete mess, shrouded with secrets to protect his vulnerable family. After his young step-brother is badly hurt while in his care, Leroy’s life spirals out of control.

'A fiery encounter at the hospital with an old lady, Betty, and an Asian boy, Aaron opens up an opportunity for Leroy to earn some badly needed cash.

'When Betty reveals a shameful secret, one she’s kept hidden for over sixty years, Leroy has two choices – keep it hidden or act to make it right.

'What should he do? He seriously has enough on his plate but Betty was so young when she made her mistake. Was she even to blame?

'Then again, how can Leroy possibly be Betty’s saviour when he can’t even save himself?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When Jake Rollins isn't worrying about his dad going ape-sh*t, he's busy creating out-of-this-world manga and hanging out with his best mate. Jake and his mum spend their lives dodging Jake's dad's fists, but it's the last year of high school and Jake has the perfect plan to escape home. All he has to do is nab a scholarship to Tokyo where he'll learn how to be a professional manga artist. But before then, Jake has to navigate his final year of high school, and keep himself, his mum and their dog alive. Baba Ami may look like an ordinary Australian Terrier but she's more like Jake's spiritual guide. She's got tons of wisdom, plus she talks, but the only person who can hear her is Jake. She's not the only surprising thing about Jake's life – his anime hero, Takehiko sometimes inexplicably comes to life. He's Jake's role model for friendship, bravery and being true to yourself. And let's face it, Jake needs all the help he can get when he ends up complicating his life by kissing his best friend, Phee and getting in with Clay Perez, the local graffiti artist who is always in trouble with the police.

'Jake's life takes a turn for the worst when he's arrested after Clay Perez dobs him in. When his dad throws him out of the house, he ends up being a homeless teenager with nowhere to go. Thank goodness for best friends. Life gets even more complicated when Jake's portrait of his dad ends up in the local paper. It will be a miracle if they don't all end up dead like Jake's little sister, Katie. 

'This is a story of survival, resurgence, and what it means to be bigger than where you come from. With themes of friendship, coming-of-age, family abuse, survival, creativity, courage and diversity, Can the Real JR Stand Up, Please? is a warm-hearted hopeful story about being true to yourself and learning to be brave.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Jenna’s just a teenager who wants to fit in. The popularity that she wanted though, quickly turns into infamy when two “well-meaning” friends spark a controversy that alters her life forever. What happens when the very group of teens you crave to belong to, end up being responsible for one of the most painful and humiliating events in your life?

'Inspired by Amanda Todd’s tragic story of bullying, Jenna’s Truth is more than just teen short story it’s a lesson in empathy, self-awareness, and speaking out about what matters, especially bullying. Jenna’s Truth written by Nadia L King is a gripping story, which explores the themes of cyberbullying, teen drinking, sex, and suicide. Life isn’t black and white, and sometimes teens can be the most insensitive people.' (Publication summary)

'When Zaytoon wakes up feeling sad, she goes on a search to find her smile. From the kitchen to the garden, Zaytoon searches high and low to eventually discover her smile - it's smiling at her from her reflection in the window! 

'The Lost Smile is a beautifully illustrated and colourful picture book demonstrating the importance of accepting our emotions. Zaytoon's journey shows children that it's okay to be sad and reassures young readers that sadness can be temporary. Themes include cultural diversity, emotional intelligence, family life and the importance of connecting with nature and animals.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'Swedish schoolgirl, Greta Thunberg has captured the world’s attention as she campaigns to raise awareness of climate change and calls world leaders to account.

'All children can follow Greta’s lead. Claire Malone is the hero of Claire Malone Changes the World, a feisty character with boundless energy to change her world for the better. Armed with her typewriter and the determination to make a difference, Claire is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary desire to change things for the better. Writing letter after letter, Claire advocates for change. One day she notices that her local park needs upgrading and she commits wholeheartedly to the cause.