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sarjanie's review against another edition
4.0
This is the 2nd or 3rd junior fiction verse novel I have read and I really enjoyed it. The story is written from the perspective of an 11-year old girl going about her days at school and home during bushfire season. I could picture every scene and even imagine the smells and textures of the things described. I felt that the inclusion of Gundugurra words also added to the importance of the message within the story. It’s superbly written and would be a great pick for avid upper primary readers who want something a little different than the typical chapter book to read.
kimswhims's review against another edition
5.0
Part of my reading of books with indigenous Australian languages in the text.
This is a breathtakingly beautiful children's book by the author of one of my favourite poetry collections [b:Kindred|44087199|Kindred|Kirli Saunders|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558424243l/44087199._SX50_.jpg|68561173].
This work uses the language of the Gundungurra, who's country is just to the north of Ngunawal where I'm writing this. They are slightly inland and their country includes some of the Blue Mountains behind Sydney and further inland from the Blue Mountains. Their country also borders, The Darug and I was interested to note the difference in language to describe different things. The words for fire, for example are very different.
Canbe (fire), is a frightening part of this story, but the story of resilience, once the fire has past is heartening.
This is the second work that I've looked through that has featured illustrations by Dub Leffler and I can't wait to see more of their strikingly beautiful work.
Highly recommended.
This is a breathtakingly beautiful children's book by the author of one of my favourite poetry collections [b:Kindred|44087199|Kindred|Kirli Saunders|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1558424243l/44087199._SX50_.jpg|68561173].
This work uses the language of the Gundungurra, who's country is just to the north of Ngunawal where I'm writing this. They are slightly inland and their country includes some of the Blue Mountains behind Sydney and further inland from the Blue Mountains. Their country also borders, The Darug and I was interested to note the difference in language to describe different things. The words for fire, for example are very different.
Canbe (fire), is a frightening part of this story, but the story of resilience, once the fire has past is heartening.
This is the second work that I've looked through that has featured illustrations by Dub Leffler and I can't wait to see more of their strikingly beautiful work.
Highly recommended.
helluo_librorum_lgbt's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kateybellew's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love verse novels, but this has to be one of my favourites. This moving story follows the year in the life of 11 year old Bindi as she experiences some beautifully high highs and some tragic, terrifying lows. It’s a touching story about caring for Country, the importance of listening and learning, of family, of brokenness, of loss and, ultimately, of perseverance. The inclusion of Gundungurra throughout was effective and seamless, and the illustrations by Deb Leffler are absolutely beautiful.
frances_christina's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0