Ann Scotchmer’s Diary 1918–1919
Eleven-year-old Ann Scotchmer records in her diary the events of one year during a global pandemic. Initial excitement about the end of the First World War fades as Australians learn how to live with this new threat. Ann’s family is not spared but she survives and maintains her ambition to be an artist.
REVIEW OF ‘ANN SCOTCHMER’S DIARY’
“What a charming and heartwarming book this is. It is written in the authentic voice of a bright eleven-year-old girl living in Nowra, NSW at the end of World War 1.
As an adult reader I found the story really engaging and vivid, with its portrayal of everyday life during the influenza pandemic of that time. Despite some heartbreakingly sad passages, I believe this book would be enjoyed by all ages, from senior primary school upwards.
The diary form is excellent as it keeps the chapters short, and the lovely line drawings add nicely to the general feel of the story.
The fact that Ann Scotchmer and her family were real people enhances the appeal of this book, and so many of the historical details like school closure, facemasks, social distancing and handwashing will strike a real note of familiarity to present day readers.
This is a marvellous read, and I would highly recommend it to a wide variety of readers.” [Carol Austin, Brisbane]
To purchase this book online the price for one book is $15.00 (Australian) plus $5.00 postage and handling. Please use the Paypal button below and if you wish to pay in another way please contact me on info@checkword.com.au
Copies can also be purchased at Dymocks in Nowra or Collins Books, Thirroul with more stores to come. Also, two local museums (Nowra and Wollongong) have copies where you can buy them – or via their websites .
Skater Girls
A chapter book for readers aged 7–12 years. For girls who want to ride skateboards. The story also features a boy on the Spectrum who becomes the true hero of the story. Available from Smashwords now.
Dreaming of Bollywood & Robots in Bollywood
Bollywood Series – two middle-grade novels (7–12 years) featuring Australian/Indian children – available from Smashwords now
Carole’s Reading Corner – anthology of short stories for children aged 7+
Available from Smashwords at:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1071260
Choose your own price or have it FREE!
Awakenings – anthology of short stories for adults
Available from Smashwords at:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1092982
Choose your own price or have it FREE!
In My World – two novels in one book for children aged 7+
Basketball Tree
Sam wants to be good at basketball. With his dwarfism he’s very short while his friend Tess is very tall. Can they both get on the school team? And will Sam ever find out what’s wrong with the class bully who’s behaving very strangely?
Listen to Chapter One here. (Scroll down to numbers 9 & 10.)
Wheels of Fire
When Bec’s new teacher suggests a way for her join in the school concert in her wheelchair, she’s not so sure. She’s more interested in catching a thief with her friend Damien. But Rima has plans for Bec’s costume and the concert night turns out to be a BIG one!
Listen to Chapter One here. (Scroll down to numbers 9 & 10.)
Author Carole Lander / Illustrator Michele Moore
UNFORTUNATELY all copies of this book have now sold out
Little People Big Lives
This book by Carole Lander gives voice to a range of people living with dwarfism. One of them is Warwick Davis, renowned British actor (Star Wars, Life’s Too Short) who co-founded Little People UK.
Several others profiled in the book are members of Short Statured People of Australia. They all agree that this book conveys a positive message about people living with a physical difference.
Professor Ravi Savarirayan, Head of Clinical Genetics Service at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia says:
“In an age where body image seems to be so important, this book will go a long way to proving that people living with a different physique can lead normal lives and achieve their goals.”
The profiles include men and women of all ages and backgrounds. They have a variety of careers and the Fast Facts sections provide interesting information that includes –
- Famous people in history who have been dwarfs
- Sporting achievements in the Paralympics and World Dwarf Games
- Artistic achievements now and in the past – actors, comedians, artists …
- Medical conditions related to dwarfism
The book is for a general readership. The What’s next … ? section provides an interesting way to explore topics raised in the profiles. It is highly recommended for secondary-age students as well as adults.
View a sample of the book as a PDF by clicking here
Download a sample of the book as an EPUB (for your e-reader) by clicking here
UNFORTUNATELY all copies of this nonfiction book have sold out
Checkword Publications
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