My new book is out!

My new book called IN MY WORLD consists of two chapter books for readers aged 7+ between the covers . Both stories have a main character who is a young person living with a disability.

Basketball Tree

Sam is confronted by the fact that he’s very short (he has a condition of dwarfism) and may not fulfil his ambition to be a good basketball player. He also has to deal with bullying but at the school basketball tournament, he’s the one who rescues the bully.

Wheels of Fire

Bec was born with muscular impairment and uses a wheelchair. Despite this, she wants to be like other kids in her class. When she discovers a way to dance alongside them on stage she realises she can be the same as well as different. She also finds her wheelchair very useful for catching a thief.

Both stories address two general capabilities of the Australian Curriculum: Ethical understanding and Personal and social capability. Carole Lander is filling the gap in ‘kidlit’ by putting diversity front and centre.

Themes include: friendship, striving for goals, conflict and identity, dealing with diversity.

These are positive and affirming stories about kids today. They also depict the universal experience of people joining together through physical activity (basketball, dance).

 I am lucky to have endorsements from key people:

Judith Rossell

Award-winning author and illustrator of books for young children

We desperately need more diversity in children’s books. It’s so important for all children to read about children who live with difference. And any child with a disability would love to see themself as the hero of a story.

 Anette Ainsworth

Head of School Library, Hale School, Perth WA

Everyone should be able to read books that are inclusive of children with disabilities. It is important to highlight how children who happen to have a disability live their lives and how cherished they are by those around them. Books are an avenue for children to understand disabilities. They allow children to understand their siblings, friends and peers.

And here is the best one, from a young reader:

Henry, aged 10

Wheels of Fire is the best school based book ever. My favourite part was when they chased the thief. I like the concept of elements in the play. I think it’s great that Bec got to dance on stage.

You can find out how to buy a copy of this great book on the book sales page of my website.