Tag: Books

Boys, Biscuits, and the Book Club Revolution

There’s something quietly radical about a group of students gathering to talk about books; in a world of endless scrolls and fleeting attention, the act of sitting together, face to face, page to page, is an act of resistance; it’s also an act of connection. Book clubs are often seen as quaint or optional, but research increasingly shows they are anything but; they are lifelines, especially for boys.

“A space for boys and books is a space for possibility.” — Nichols-Besel et al., 2018

Reading is, by nature, a solitary pursuit; but when we read together, when we discuss, debate, and share, we transform that solitude into community. The National Library of New Zealand (n.d.) emphasizes that social reading increases understanding, introduces diverse perspectives, and fosters authentic engagement; it’s not just about comprehension, it’s about connection. This matters deeply for boys, who often disengage from reading during adolescence. Nichols-Besel, Scharber, O’Brien, and Dillon (2018) found that boys respond positively to book clubs when given access to interest-based reading materials and male role models; their study showed that boys’ engagement and reading outcomes improved significantly in these settings. Similarly, a recent UK study trialed social book clubs across 17 school libraries and found that boys’ reading ages increased by an average of 1 year and 3 months or more than double the expected growth when reading was framed as a social, low-pressure activity (School Library Association, 2025).

“Book clubs create a space where stories become shared experiences, and readers become friends.” — J.N. Polleck (2022)

One of the primary roles of the teacher librarian is to foster a love of reading; this goes beyond managing resources and catalogues, it’s about cultivating curiosity, joy, and lifelong habits. Polleck (2022) argues that youth-led book clubs, especially those facilitated by librarians, are transformative spaces that prioritize student voice, identity, and emotional safety. Book clubs provide opportunities for students to review books, select new titles for the library collection, participate in reading competitions, and model positive reading behaviour for peers; these activities not only build literacy skills but also empower students to take ownership of their reading journey (Cutrer-Párraga & Hall-Kenyon, 2024).

Facilitating book clubs and fostering a love of reading aligns directly with the Australian School Library Association’s (ASLA) Standards of Professional Excellence for Teacher Librarians. Specifically, it reflects the standard that teacher librarians “develop and promote literacy and literature programs that encourage and engage learners” (ASLA, 2004). By creating inclusive, student-led book clubs, supporting reading for pleasure, and modelling positive reading behaviours, teacher librarians demonstrate excellence in both pedagogy and leadership. These practices not only build literacy but also nurture lifelong learning and a strong reading culture within the school community.

For boys, reading can feel like a chore; a subject; a test. But in a book club, it becomes a conversation; a safe space; a place to laugh, question, and be heard. Literacy circles and book clubs allow boys to explore texts in small, student-led groups, which fosters deeper understanding and emotional connection (The Weary Educator, 2024). And yes, food helps; at our school, we’ve learned that no boy can resist a food bribe. Biscuits, humble, crumbly, and beloved, have become our secret weapon; they lure students in, but it’s the stories and the friendships that keep them coming back.

In 2024, our school launched a student book club called Books & Bites for Years 7–9; just six students came. It was small, but it was something. I bribed them with food and with this lure, they came. Now, in 2025, our Years 7–10 club has grown to 28 students; that’s 28 young minds choosing to read, choosing to talk, choosing to belong. Whilst they still come for the biscuits, they stay for the books. Therefore, I felt emboldened with such a strong uptake, and decided to start one for our younger readers. So, this August, we started a primary book club called Lauries Literature Legends. On day one, 15 students turned up. Some came for the biscuits; all stayed for the books. Even more came to the second session… apparently the lure of sitting in the library reading and eating was stronger than playing out in the quad.

Book clubs are not just about literacy; they’re about identity, empathy, and agency. They teach students to listen and to lead; they offer a space where boys can express emotions, challenge ideas, and discover who they are—not just as readers, but as people. In a time when reading is increasingly seen as a subject to learn rather than a joy to experience, book clubs remind us that stories are meant to be shared. So, we’ll keep offering biscuits; we’ll keep making space; because every book club meeting is a quiet revolution, and every student who shows up is part of it.

References

Australian School Library Association. (2004). Standards of professional excellence for teacher librarians. https://asla.org.au/resources/Documents/ASLA%20standards.pdf

Cutrer-Párraga, E. A., & Hall-Kenyon, K. M. (2024). Facilitating youth-led book clubs as transformative and inclusive spaces [Review of the book by J. N. Polleck]. UCL Press. https://journals.sagepub.com/pb-assets/cmscontent/TCZ/Book%20Reviews/2024%20Book%20Reviews/January/Facilitating%20Youth-Led%20Book%20Clubs%20as%20Transformative%20and%20Inclusive%20Spaces-1705521637.pdf

Nichols-Besel, K., Scharber, C., O’Brien, D. G., & Dillon, D. R. (2018). A space for boys and books: Guys Read book clubs. Children and Libraries, 16(2). https://journals.ala.org/index.php/cal/article/view/6682/8971

Polleck, J. N. (2022). Youth-led book clubs and the power of student voice. UCL Press.

School Library Association. (2025). New study shows positive impact of social reading spaces. https://www.sla.org.uk/Services/Public/News/Articles/2025/social-reading-spaces.aspx

The Weary Educator. (2024, July 8). Implementing literacy circles/book clubs in your classroom in 10 steps. https://thewearyeducator.com/2024/07/08/literacy-circles/

National Library of New Zealand. (n.d.). Social reading and book clubs. https://natlib.govt.nz/digital-literacy/stories/projects-to-improve-student-learning/schools/reading-engagement/strategies-to-engage-students-as-readers/book-clubs

#boybooks -Why Jack Heath Belongs in Every Boys’ School Library

If you’re looking for books that speak directly to boys—stories packed with action, danger, and emotional grit—Jack Heath is an author who delivers every time. Based in Canberra, Heath has become a standout voice in Australian young adult fiction, known for his fast-paced narratives and male protagonists who face extreme challenges and somehow manage to survive. His books aren’t just entertaining—they’re powerful tools for building resilience, especially in young readers who need to see that courage isn’t about being fearless, but about pushing through fear.

One of Heath’s most popular texts in my school library is the Minutes of Danger series. Each book features ten short stories, each unfolding in real time over ten minutes. Titles like 300 Minutes of Danger, 400 Minutes of Danger, and 500 Minutes of Danger are perfect for reluctant readers, offering bite-sized thrillers that are impossible to put down. The protagonists are often boys who are caught in life-or-death situations. They must rely on quick thinking, bravery, and resourcefulness. These stories are not only gripping but also subtly teach problem-solving and emotional regulation under pressure.

The Liars series takes a different angle, blending tech intrigue with moral complexity. It follows Jarli, a teenage inventor whose lie-detecting app turns him into a target. Across titles like The Truth App, No Survivors, and Armageddon, Jarli navigates a world where truth is dangerous and trust is hard-earned. These books explore ethical dilemmas, the consequences of innovation, and the importance of standing up for what’s right, even when it’s risky. Jarli’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and learning to think critically in a world full of deception.

Then there’s the Money series, featuring Ashley Arthur is based around a teen thief with a conscience. In Money Run and Hit List, Ashley pulls off high-stakes heists while wrestling with questions of morality and loyalty. These books are like Ocean’s Eleven for young readers, combining adrenaline-fueled action with deeper themes about risk, justice, and the blurry line between right and wrong. Ashley’s cleverness and internal compass make him a compelling role model for boys who are learning to navigate complex social dynamics.

“Thrills, Truth, and Tough Choices”

Jack Heath’s literary universe doesn’t stop at young adult fiction—it boldly steps into adult territory with the Timothy Blake series, beginning with Hangman. This marks Heath’s foray into darker, more psychologically complex storytelling, offering older teen readers a bridge into adult fiction. I have recently acquired the series for my school library because these books are perfect for boys who’ve grown up devouring his YA thrillers as they provide a natural progression into more mature narratives. With a protagonist who’s part genius, part monster, and whose moral compass is as twisted as the crimes he solves, the series channels unmistakable Thomas Harris’ Hannibal Lecter vibes, intelligent, disturbing, and impossible to look away from.

For boys’ schools and educators curating their library collections, authors like Jack Heath are essential. His stories don’t just entertain. They shape character. They help boys confront fear, wrestle with ethical decisions, and develop emotional resilience. In a world that often asks boys to be tough without teaching them how to be strong, Heath’s books offer a roadmap. They help boys grow, not just as readers, but as young men learning to navigate complexity, responsibility, and identity.

Jack Heath’s stories are more than just thrill rides. They offer boys a mirror and a map, reflecting their struggles and showing them paths through adversity. His characters don’t have superpowers, but they do have grit, intelligence, and heart. For educators and parents looking to foster resilience in boys, Heath’s books are a goldmine. They prove that strength isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, ethical, and deeply human.

Book Review – The Hallmarked Man.

Robert Galbraith’s The Hallmarked Man is a riveting addition to the Cormoran Strike series, delivering a classic whodunnit with a modern edge. Published two years after the last book in the series, avid readers (aka me) were very excited about the release. The Running Grave (Book 7) was easily the best book I read in 2023, so I was very, very excited about this new title which was released today around the world. I excitedly opened up my Kindle edition at 12.01AM and picked up my hardcopy version at 10.15am. The eBook/Kindle version may be portable, but the hardcopy will always win with me!

The story opens with a gruesome discovery—a mutilated corpse whose identity has been deliberately obscured. Strike and Robin Ellacott are tasked with unraveling not just who the victim is, but why someone went to such lengths to erase him. The mystery is layered and atmospheric, steeped in London’s underbelly and the world of antique silver, with plenty of red herrings and unexpected turns.

I found the references in the novel to the Freemasons interesting, and the novel did often allude to the role Freemasons have in public office may be compromised by their own allegiances. This theme of secret societies is rather popular and does seem to appear in several crime and thriller fiction across a range of authors.

As the investigation deepens, Strike finds himself under media scrutiny, with past indiscretions resurfacing and threatening to derail both the case and his reputation. This subplot adds tension and continuity for longtime readers, tying in threads from earlier books and forcing Strike to confront uncomfortable truths.

The novel also tugs at the heartstrings, especially when Strike reflects on the death of his beloved uncle Ted—a man he calls a “proper man”—whose quiet strength and moral compass shaped Strike’s own. In a surprising emotional turn, Strike rekindles a relationship with his estranged father, Jonny Rokeby, adding layers of vulnerability and reconciliation to the narrative.

Ellacot, meanwhile, is navigating her own emotional minefield. Her feelings for Ryan Murphy—a charismatic, Paul Newman lookalike—are complicated by her loyalty to Strike and the unresolved tension between them. She’s also forced to confront the eternal juggle between motherhood and career, a theme that’s handled with nuance and realism, reflecting the pressures many women face in balancing ambition with personal life.

The novel is rich with minor plot twists that add texture without overwhelming the central mystery. Each twist feels earned, contributing to a narrative that’s both intellectually satisfying and emotionally resonant. Galbraith doesn’t shy away from darker realities either—human trafficking of young women is woven into the case, serving as a sobering reminder that this global crisis remains urgent and unresolved.

Galbraith’s prose is sharp, the pacing tight, and the resolution deeply rewarding. The Hallmarked Man is a triumph—gritty, elegant, and impossible to put down.

Book Review – The Vanishing Bride

Bella Ellis’s The Vanished Bride (2019) is more than a historical mystery—it’s a poignant reflection on the constraints and quiet rebellions of women in Victorian England. Set in 1845, the novel imagines the Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—as amateur detectives, drawn into the case of a young bride who disappears under violent and mysterious circumstances. While the plot is rich with gothic suspense and clever twists, its emotional core lies in the exploration of female suffering, silencing, and survival.

This book was an unexpected surprise. I have always been a fan of Austen adaptations, but I had never really looked for other works. Then I saw this book. Just sitting on a shelf in Chermside Library…. What drew me in, pulled my eye onto a shelf filled with books, was the cover and the beguiling title – who vanished?

The vanished bride herself becomes a symbol of the countless women whose voices were erased by marriage, patriarchy, and social expectation. Her disappearance from a blood-soaked room is not just a mystery to be solved—it’s a metaphor for how women were often consumed by the institutions meant to protect them. The Brontë sisters, still unpublished and largely dismissed by society, are portrayed as fiercely intelligent and empathetic women who refuse to accept the limitations imposed on them. Their determination to uncover the truth is an act of resistance, a refusal to be passive observers in a world that demands their silence.

Ellis’s depiction of the sisters is deeply respectful of their historical reality. Each woman brings her own perspective shaped by hardship: Charlotte’s yearning for recognition, Emily’s wild defiance of convention, and Anne’s quiet moral clarity. Their investigation is not just about solving a crime—it’s about asserting their right to think, to question, and to act. In doing so, they challenge the rigid gender roles of their time, offering a glimpse into the emotional and intellectual lives of women who were often denied both agency and autonomy.

What makes The Vanished Bride especially compelling is its ability to weave these themes into a gripping narrative without ever feeling didactic. The gothic setting, the eerie clues, and the complex characters all serve to highlight the emotional toll of being a woman in a world that sees you as property, decoration, or burden. Through the Brontës’ eyes, Ellis invites readers to consider not just the mystery of a missing bride, but the deeper mystery of how women endured, resisted, and ultimately reshaped the world around them—often through the power of storytelling itself.

The Whimsical Wonder of Readathons: Reading for Joy, for Fun, for Pleasure!

Normally, my annual fundraiser is Frocktober, where for the month of October, I celebrate the gloriousness of frocks whilst fundraising for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. But this year, I’m mixing it up with something equally delightful and just a bit more bookish: a readathon! And not just any readathon—The World’s Coolest Readathon, hosted by the Australian Book Foundation. I saw that another wonderful Teacher Librarian Barbara from Bourke High School had signed up and then I thought… why not do it myself?

And what better way to kick things off than with a mystery? My first book for this readathon is Diabolical Bones by Sue Ellis—a Brontë Girls Mystery, borrowed from the ever-wonderful Brisbane City Council libraries. Gothic Yorkshire, clever heroines, and a touch of the macabre? Yes please.

A readathon, I’ve decided, is the perfect sequel to Book Month—like the epilogue where the characters (aka readers) get to celebrate their love of stories with wild abandon. It’s the encore performance, the bonus chapter, the literary afterparty.

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away (okay, it was my bedroom in Brisbane’s Southside), I embarked on a noble quest: the MS Readathon. Armed with a stack of books taller than my bedside lamp and a sponsorship sheet that made me feel like a literary philanthropist, I read my way through mysteries, adventures, and magical lands—all while raising money for a good cause. It was glorious.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself whispering reminders like a mantra: Read for fun. Read for joy. Read for pleasure. Because somewhere between grown-up responsibilities and inbox avalanches, the simple delight of reading can slip through the cracks.

Why Readathons Are Brilliant (and Backed by Science!) 

Readathons aren’t just nostalgic—they’re powerful tools for literacy, wellbeing, and community. Here’s why they’re so magical:

They Spark a Love of Reading: Choosing your own books makes reading feel like breathing—natural and joyful.

“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

–Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird

They Boost Brains and Wellbeing: Reading for pleasure improves mental health and cognitive skills.

“Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are.”
— Mason Cooley

They Create Lifelong Readers: Even reluctant readers get swept up in the fun.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.”
— George R.R. Martin

They Build Community: Fundraising through reading turns stories into shared kindness.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
— Aesop

A Readathon Renaissance

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, librarian, or just a book-loving human, readathons offer a delightful way to reconnect with the joy of reading. They’re flexible, inclusive, and can be tailored to any age or interest. Plus, they’re a fabulous excuse to wear pajamas all day and call it “literary immersion.”

So if you, like me, sometimes need a nudge to read for the sheer pleasure of it, consider joining or hosting a readathon. You’ll be part of a movement that’s not just fun—it’s transformative.

And if you’re ready to dive in, check out The World’s Coolest Readathon. It’s got all the charm of the MS Readathon days, with a modern twist and a mission to make reading joyful again.

References

Real Men Read

Empowering Boys Through the Power of Story

The “Real Men Read” initiative, recently hosted at my school was intentionally held between Book Week and Father’s Day as a event to bring our Primary students and their male caregivers to reinforce the importance of positive male role models in improving literacy outcomes for boys. The event brought together fathers, grandfathers, and male mentors together for a pleasant evening celebrating the positive outcomes from reading. Two dads kindly volunteered to talk about how and why they read. They discussed their own role models and how they support their sons in their literacy journey. We also had a fabulous guest speaker from Brothers and Books – Dylan Conway to talk about the impact reading has on building resilience and reducing stress. The impact was immediate—students were more engaged, more curious, and more eager to pick up a book themselves. In fact, I received an email from a dad that next morning.

Thanks again for all of your efforts last night.  We are lucky to have such wonderful teachers that genuinely care for our sons.  Conor actually got up this morning and said he wants to read his new library book with me tonight.  Success!

This event powerfully demonstrated that when boys see and hear about men they value and respect reading, they begin to associate literacy with strength, intelligence, and emotional depth. In a world increasingly shaped by digital distractions and narrow stereotypes, the presence of caring, literate male figures offers boys a broader vision of what it means to be a man.

The research backs this up! A study by Merga and Ledger (2019) found that boys are more likely to engage with reading when they see male role models actively participating. Furthermore, recent findings by Smith and Taylor (2023) suggest that boys who regularly read with male caregivers demonstrate improved vocabulary acquisition, reading comprehension, and a more positive attitude toward school. These outcomes are not only academic but also social, as reading together fosters empathy and communication.

The National Literacy Trust (2025) further supports this, stating: “Fathers today are more involved in their children’s lives than ever before, and their engagement in early learning activities like playing, reading, singing, drawing and visiting parks or libraries supports children’s emotional, cognitive and educational development, as well as their early language and literacy skills.”

As Dylan Conway pointed out from the not-for-profit organisation Brothers and Books, their campaigns have shown that when boys see men reading, they begin to associate reading with strength, curiosity, and emotional intelligence. Their organisation has championed the cause, encouraging men to read and donate books across Australia.

The Real Men Read event served as a powerful reminder that literacy is not just a school responsibility—it is a community effort. When fathers and male mentors take the time to read with boys, they are investing in a future where literacy is linked to confidence, connection, and lifelong learning.

References

Merga, M., & Ledger, S. (2019). Parents’ perceptions of the importance of reading and the efficacy of reading aloud: Implications for fostering reading engagement in the home. Australian Journal of Education, 63(2), 163–178. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004944119840077

Smith, J., & Taylor, R. (2023). Male role models and literacy development in boys: A longitudinal study. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 14(1), 45–59.

National Literacy Trust. (2025). Fathers’ engagement in early childhood literacy. https://literacytrust.org.uk

Australian Bibliotherapeutic Society. (n.d.). About us. https://bibliotherapy.org.au

Brothers and Books. (n.d.). Our mission. https://brothersandbooks.org

Celebrating Australian School Library Day: Why Every School Needs a Library and a Qualified Teacher Librarian

Today, across the country, we celebrate Australian School Library Day—a moment to shine a light on the heartbeat of our schools: the library.

This year’s theme, All the Literacies, reminds us that school libraries are not just about reading. They’re about empowering students with the full spectrum of literacies needed to thrive in a complex world. As educators, this day invites us to reflect on the transformative role libraries play in our schools and to advocate for the qualified teacher librarians who make these spaces come alive.

More Than Just Books: The Role of School Libraries

Modern school libraries are vibrant, inclusive environments that support curriculum delivery, foster independent learning, and build critical and creative thinking skills (ACT Government, 2022). When led by a qualified teacher librarian, these spaces become central to a school’s teaching and learning culture.Yet in Queensland and beyond, many schools still lack a dedicated library space or a qualified teacher librarian—especially in communities where literacy outcomes are already at risk (Queensland Teachers’ Union [QTU], 2023).

Why qualified Teacher Librarians matter?

Teacher librarians are dual-qualified professionals with expertise in both education and information science.

They:

  • Collaborate with classroom teachers to support curriculum goals.
  • Promote reading for pleasure and academic success.
  • Guide students in navigating digital and print resources.
  • Create safe, inclusive spaces that support student wellbeing.

Then there is nothing quite like seeing a student fall in love with reading for the first time. That joy is irreplaceable!

Literacy and Wellbeing: A Powerful Connection

Literacy is foundational and not just for academic achievement, but for emotional and social wellbeing. Research shows that reading and writing can significantly support children’s mental health, especially during times of stress (National Literacy Trust, 2020).

This year’s theme, All the Literacies, highlights the many ways libraries support students, from reading and information literacy to digital, cultural, and wellbeing literacy. A well-resourced library is a launchpad for lifelong learning. Emerging frameworks like wellbeing literacy emphasize the importance of teaching students how to communicate about their emotional and mental states (Oades, Robinson, Green, & Spence, 2021).

The Reading Crisis.

Merga (2017) has revealed a troubling trend: while many adolescents possess basic literacy skills, they are increasingly disengaged from reading for pleasure which is known as aliteracy. Between 2017 and 2021, the percentage of Australians who read books at least once a year dropped from 92% to 75% (Merga, 2022). This decline has serious implications for literacy development, academic performance, and future opportunities. Merga’s findings also underscore the vital role of teacher librarians in reversing this trend. By fostering reading habits and building relationships with students, they help bridge the gap between ability and motivation.

Australian School Library Day – A call to action.

Australian School Library Day was created to celebrate the incredible work of school library staff and to raise awareness of the essential role libraries play in education (Australian Library and Information Association [ALIA], 2025). It’s a day to:

Share appreciation for your library staff.

Showcase student voices and library stories.

Advocate for well-resourced libraries in every school.

If your school doesn’t yet have a qualified teacher librarian or a dedicated library space, today is the perfect time to start the conversation.

After all, every student deserves access to a library that supports all the literacies.

References

Merga, M. K. (2022). Reading engagement in Australian adolescents: Beyond ability. Springer.National Literacy Trust. (2020). Children and young people’s reading in 2020 before and during lockdown. https://literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/children-and-young-peoples-reading-2020-before-and-during-lockdown/

Oades, L. G., Robinson, P., Green, S., & Spence, G. B. (2021). Wellbeing literacy: A capability model for wellbeing science and practice. International Journal of Wellbeing, 11(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v11i1.727

Queensland Teachers’ Union. (2023, May 5). Do you have a qualified teacher-librarian in your school library? Queensland Teachers’ Journal, 128(3), 22. https://www.qtu.asn.au/journal/queensland-teachers-journal-vol-128-2023/queensland-teachers-journal-vol-128-no-3/do-you-have-qualified-teacher-librarian-your-school-library

Beyond the Bookshelf: Why Diverse Stories Belong in Every School Library

In every corner of a school library, stories wait to be discovered. Stories that open minds, build empathy, and reflect the rich tapestry of human experience. But what happens when those stories are missing? When shelves lack the voices of different cultures, identities, and lived experiences?

As an educator and lifelong reader, I’ve come to believe that diverse books aren’t just nice to have in a collection. But rather, that they’re essential. They shape how students see themselves and others, and they help build inclusive communities where every child feels seen and valued.

Representation Matters

Research consistently shows that representation in literature has a profound impact on students’ self-esteem, academic engagement, and social development. When children see characters who look like them, speak their language, or share their cultural background, they feel validated. And when they read about lives different from their own, they develop empathy and understanding.

  • A study by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center found that in 2022, only 33% of children’s books featured characters from diverse backgrounds.
  • According to the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, inclusive education improves student outcomes and fosters respect among peers.
  • The “Windows, Mirrors, and Sliding Glass Doors” framework by Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop emphasizes how books can reflect our own lives, offer insight into others’, and invite us into new worlds.

Growing up as a teen in Australia, I rarely saw characters in books who looked like me or came from my cultural background. It wasn’t until university that I encountered authors who spoke to my experience, and it was transformative. That moment of recognition made me realize how powerful literature can be in shaping identity and belonging.

One of the most vivid memories I have of feeling truly represented was during a recent trip to Mumbai. I walked into a bookstore and saw the latest issue of India Vogue. I was drawn to it because the cover featured models who looked like me, wore traditional fabrics with pride, and radiated a beauty that felt familiar. I stood there, overwhelmed. For the first time, I saw my heritage celebrated in a way that was bold, glamorous, and unapologetically authentic. That moment reminded me how powerful visibility can be, not just in fashion, but in every form of storytelling.

Now, as a teacher, I’m committed to curating a library space that reflects the diversity of our world. I’ve seen firsthand how students light up when they find a book that resonates with them. As one Year 9 student told me earlier this year when I handed him The White Tiger by Arvind Adiga, “This book feels like it was written for me.” That’s the magic we should strive for.

🏫 What should Teacher Librarians do?

To ensure every student has access to diverse stories, Teacher Librarians and schools must:

  • Regularly audit their library collections for representation across race, gender, ability, and culture.
  • Partner with local communities and authors to source authentic voices.
  • Provide professional development for educators on inclusive literature.
  • Encourage student-led book clubs and reading initiatives that celebrate diversity.

💬 Final Thoughts

Diverse books aren’t just about ticking boxes, they’re about opening hearts and minds. They help students navigate the world with compassion, curiosity, and confidence. When we fill our shelves with stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience, we send a powerful message: You belong here. Your story matters.

Let’s go beyond the bookshelf—and make every library a gateway to understanding.

Book Lovers Day – August 9

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin

This weekend we celebrated an unusual day. A truly inclusive day, where anyone and everyone can join in the festivities. This day celebrates the peculiar joy of falling headfirst into a story, where dragons roam, detectives brood, and friendships bloom between pages. Book Lovers Day is a gentle reminder that quality literature doesn’t just entertain the mind, rather it transforms. It tickles the imagination, sharpens the mind, and teaches us to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

“Reading is an exercise in empathy; an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.”

Malorie Blackman

Reading fiction is more than a leisure activity as it is a cognitive and emotional exercise that cultivates empathy, enhances wellbeing, and supports lifelong development. Classic novels such as 1984, The Handmaid’s Tale, Rebecca, and The Three Musketeers exemplify how literature invites readers to inhabit diverse perspectives, a process closely linked to the development of Theory of Mind (ToM).

ToM refers to the ability to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and emotions different from one’s own. Research shows a reciprocal relationship between ToM and reading comprehension: engaging with narrative fiction improves our capacity to infer characters’ mental states, which in turn strengthens our understanding of complex texts. This cognitive skill is foundational not only to reading but to social interaction and emotional intelligence.

Moreover, (and this is the part I absolutely love!), reading fiction contributes to stress reduction and emotional regulation. Works like Life of Pi, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Gone with the Wind and Wind in the Willows offer immersive experiences that promote relaxation and introspection. As noted in The Conversation, reading also fosters curiosity—a trait linked to career success and psychological resilience.

In sum, literature nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. On Book Lovers Day, we celebrate fiction not just as art, but as a vital tool for cultivating empathy, enhancing wellbeing, and deepening our understanding of others.

Book Review – Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally

Book of the Day

Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally was a very dry read.  It was drier than the cheapest plonk at the pub during happy hour.  Now before anyone starts collecting rocks to stone me, I would challenge them to read the book too and then comment.  

I am not denying that the material in the book is powerful.  I definitely acknowledge that the book is filled with names, places and intense facts.  But it is not prose. Upon thinking this further, I recollect the subject of the book and wonder if there is a reason for that.  If the author, in this case Thomas Keneally was aiming for an emotive piece, it would be a character lie. By all accounts, Oskar Schindler was a hard drinking and reckless businessman who cheated on his wife with regularity (Hurvitz & Karesh, 2016).  He destroyed his family business, sought to cheat, lie and swindle his way back into a life of comfort. Quite frankly, by all tokens, this man was an immoral and wasteful character. Then Schindler went on to save almost 1300 Jews from the concentration camps during those dark days in Eastern Europe.  This man, who by the standards of his time, and now; unworthy of attention; put his own life at risk to save others. His actions have been immortalised in a book, a major Spielberg movie production and the term Schindlerjuden or Schindler’s Jews, which is still used to refer to the descendents of those that were saved.   

So when you consider all these facts, the dryness of Keneally’s “Schindler’s Ark” makes sense.  It would be a lie if the book was anything other than prosaic. Instead, its matter of fact manner of describing the main character’s traits ensures that the reader does not view him with rose framed lenses.  The reader is made fully aware of Oskar’s failings as a man and a husband. It is in viewing these failings that Schindler’s true heroism is seen. The plain language allows the reader to envision the fear hiding between the stalwart words.  Conversely, the plain language also allows readers with little imagination to read the book without being overwhelmed.  

“Schindler’s Ark” was a very dry read for someone who is a lover of prose.  As an avid reader of fiction, I found this novel to be more informative than anything else.  I also found it heartbreaking, just like the sadness I feel when the happy hour wine is just awful.  But whilst this book was a struggle for me, it would be ideal for reluctant teens who struggle with engaging with fictitious stories.  The language, style and format of the book resemble information books and thus may satisfy their need for ‘facts’.  But whilst the Guardian review suggests this book as appropriate for 8-12 year old children, I would probably restrict it to students over 14-15 years old.  This would then correlate well with the year 10 HASS’s World War 2 and Holocaust unit especially the ACDSEH025 elaboration.  It would also work well in the Biographies and memoirs unit in Year 10 English.  

 REFERENCES:

Alannahbee, (2013). Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally – review. The Guardian. Retrieved 16th March, 2020 from https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2013/sep/25/review-schindler-s-ark-by-thomas-keneally

Axelrod, A. (2013). Schindler, Oskar. In Encyclopedia of World War II, vol. 2. New York: Facts On File. Retrieved March 16, 2020, from online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=19165&itemid=WE53&articleId=265017.

Hurvitz, M. M., & Karesh, S. E. (2016). Schindler, Oskar. In Encyclopedia of Judaism, Second Edition. New York: Facts On File. Retrieved March 16, 2020, from online.infobase.com/Auth/Index?aid=19165&itemid=WE53&articleId=263928.