Fiction - Age 8-10 years

Australian Writer J.C Jones  Run, Pip, Run  Allen & Unwin 2015  $15.99pb 193pp  ISBN 978 1 7433 1922 2

Themes: City life/ Foster care/ Independence/

Allen & Unwin, 2015  $15.99pb  193pp

 ISBN 978 1 7433 1922 2

Pip was left in an apple crate on the dingy doorstep of a old man called Sully who brings her up to believe she is his granddaughter. When she is ten years old (and a self-reliant, street-wise child) Sully dies and Pip finds herself out on the street running hard to avoid being caught by the Do-Gooders and taken into foster care. This is a fast-paced story that would read aloud well to a group of girls and boys and hopefully generate some discussion about where the sympathies should be  - with the child trying to escape or the adults trying to offer shelter (or both?).

Years 4-6 / Ages 8-10

The story, which is by a first time writer, was ‘discovered’ by the publisher’s Friday Pitch  - a service offered by them to writers who, sick of waiting often for months for an answer over publication, can be guaranteed contact within a few weeks. This is only, of course if they decide the book is for them – if they don’t like the manuscript you hear nothing (but quickly!!). Just Google Allen & Unwin Friday Pitch for all the details. This does not cover picture books, short stories or poetry.