Dim's Write Stuff

When a masterful storyteller distils the essence of the past and reinstates it into a meaningful, moving context for those for whom that past never existed, the result is forcibly compelling. Inkflower by Suzy Zail is this and more. Here is my review of this incredible tale which first appeared on  Kids' Book Review, 11 July 2023. Zail weaves truths and imaginings into a novel for young people that both spellbinds and beleaguers belief. She states her father taught her we have to talk about the things that scare us before we can change them, so too must the reader experience some uncomfortable realisations just as teen protagonist, Lisa Keller, is forced to after learning about the terminal condition of her beloved father. Emil Keller (formerly Rosenfeld) has a successful career, comfortable home and doting family. And only a handful of months left to enjoy them. Diagnosed with the debilitating Motor Neuron Disease MND, Emil embarks on one last quest before his time ends; to sh...

I recall the grim news reports back in winter 2018 of a group of boys trapped in a complex cave system somewhere in Thailand with the same shocked yet useless curiosity that so many other harrowing headlines elicit. We are moved for an instant yet our attention is inexorably pushed onto the next plight until it’s time to serve dinner. Distance, a deficit of understanding, edited media content and an inability to do anything meaningful in response can cause a wane in empathy, which I confess, I am not immune to. So, when I received a copy of Craig Challen and Richard Harris’, Against All Odds – young readers’ edition , I pounced on the opportunity to learn more. Against All Odds sits beside a small slew of titles covering this subject along with a couple of stirring motion pictures and Netflix series, but this edition, especially edited for younger readers, is by the two Aussies who helped make a significant difference to the outcome of this drama involving: Twelve boys. One coac...

I’m known to spend my brief lunch breaks pouring over my latest read, gingerly page turning with one hand. Shoving food down with the other. There are usually accidents thus there is always a sheet of paper towelling or a servette present, as well. Let me tell you; if Love Stories by Trent Dalton is your current lunch date, you’ll need a few extra rolls of paper towelling. Not because the stories within ignite a voracious appetite but because they unbottle a sea of emotions that by the very last pages even the most robust 3 ply paper towel could not possibily absorb. Love Stories is not a wanton sob fest however. It’s more of a two-armed hug. It’s warm and intimate. Compassionate and global. It cleaves your heart open then carefully welds it back together, better than it was before even if you’re a bit like me; someone who has never succumbed to the pull of Valentine’s Day, who regards romance as improbable as a lottery win. Someone who has craved love since she could toddle after...

Five years ago an incredible book emerged about an odd little bird who saved a family ; the Bloom family, who endured a horrific tragedy and learnt to live with pain and disappointment, heartache and renewed love thanks to an angel clothed in black and white. Penguin Bloom (HarperCollins 2016) was an instant success resulting in the production of a major motion picture still showing on the big screen. This Young Readers’ Edition is the movie-tie in and every bit an emotional heart tug as its parent editions. Samantha Bloom was a young energetic vivacious mother of three committed to life and adventure when she had a harrowing near death accident whilst on holiday with her family in Thailand. Her subsequent paralysation left her broken and wheelchair bound and in terrible mental decline. This was not the life she had planned. She was no longer the woman she thought she’d be. Her sons and husband, helpless bystanders in this tragedy felt every bit of her pain and despair but were un...

There’s been more than a smattering of children’s books released in the last few years embracing unsung heroes past and present. Life stories, particularly those of notable women, are especially popular not only with younger female audiences but also inquisitive young boys with a thirst for historical fact and interesting role models. Why are books that celebrate the past lives of extraordinary people so popular with our new generations? The answer is not easy to pinpoint however what is certain is that the right combination of art, fact, history and narrative verve can breathe spectacular new life into past achievements, revitalise history, and ensure tomorrow’s youngsters are more motivated than ever to pursue their own potential and dreams. This collection of nonfiction, biographical titles that endear and embolden young readers adheres to the adage that… MEMORIES TAKE US BACK, DREAMS TAKE US FORWARD Stand Up for the Future: A Celebration of Inspirational Young Australi...