Aimee Said
Aimee is a Melbourne-based young adult fiction author. "My passion for writing began with a passion for reading, so I'm extra-excited about the National Year of Reading. Through books, I've travelled to distant countries and other worlds, experienced adventure and heartbreak, triumph and joy - all thanks to my trusty library card. I can't wait to share the book-love in 2012!"
Alan Gould
The value of reading lies in how it ignites human imagining and from that awakening allows each of us to realise there is a secondary world that inhabits our being as well as the primary world where our eye might startle at a bursting firework, our nostrils twitch pleasurably at the aroma of fresh bread, or the soles of our feet curl against the razory surface of a rocky headland. This secondary world, communicating the quick and the depth of other people's take upon the world and its possibilities in nothing more than a series of squiggles on paper, allows us to inhabit both our time and their time, our sense of the possible and theirs. This is to say that, by reading, looking at pictures, hearing music, each of us develops a power to live, not only in our own epoch, but across times other than our own, and by growing mindful of how people remote from us thought, felt, and perceived possibility, partake of a life that is as much across time as it is in time. That is rather marvellous, given we know of no other creature with the potential for such an expansion of their being.
Alice Pung
"Growing up in Braybrook with the houses surrounded by carpet factories, reading was a way I could venture into different worlds, and not only inhabit different people's houses, but their lives as well. I loved how I could project my own imagination over the characters - how they would look, what kind of voices they would have, and the types of decisions they might make. Whereas a television or film is about passively watching the action unfold, reading does require work, but in the same way a really great conversation or adventure requires work."
Anna Patricio
Anna Patricio is a debut novelist. Her historical fiction 'Asenath' is set in Ancient Egypt. She is currently working on a second Egyptian novel. Needless to say, being a writer, Anna is addicted to reading. She is greatly looking forward to the National Year of Reading 2012. "Thomas Jefferson said it best, 'I cannot live without books.'"
Anne Vize
Anne Vize is a Melbourne educational writer who specialises in writing books for students with additional learning needs and their teachers. Originally a special education teacher, Anne has since discovered the joy of creating high interest, simple text Australian content for teen and young adult readers who find reading a struggle. Her latest lower literacy books for teen readers are 'Into Reading' (Phoenix Education). Anne is excited about the possibilities that the National Year of Reading will bring to readers who need a little extra help on their journey to becoming fluent, confident users of text.
Ashley Sanders
Ashley is a South Australian young adult fiction author. His debut novel Facing Demons is a heart-rending portrayal of four teenagers' struggles and triumphs through a rehab program. His career as a paramedic with the SA Ambulance Service continues to give him valuable insight into a diverse range of people's lives and has sparked inspiration for his writing. “I am excited to be able to support the NYOR 2012, and look forward to spreading the joy and inspiration books can bring to their readers.”
Barry Heard
Barry Heard is SCRIBE’s bestselling author. His first book - Well Done Those Men used in over 100 high schools throughout Australia in English. He visits these schools and gives talks on the book. Claimed as a classic, the author has received over 10,000’s of emails and some 30,000 letters in response to the book. The book is essential reading in most Australian University History faculties. In 2009, Barry Heard was appointed Australian Ambassador for libraries Gippsland Victoria. He has been involved with fund raising for: Hope Foundation, Fred Hollows Foundation, Oak Tree, Books for Bhutan, Care Australia and two Orphanages in Vietnam. Barry is pleased to be a friend of the National Year of Reading.
Brendan Gullifer
Brendan Gullifer is a Victorian writer and journalist. His first novel, SOLD, lifts the lid on the Melbourne real estate industry. Brendan says: "Books have been my life-long companion. They are my comfort during times of sickness, my entertainment during times of boredom, my friend during times alone. For me, reading books is like breathing or eating. The National Year of Reading is a great idea, and I'm delighted to be part of it."
Chris Womersley
'I am delighted to be associated with the National Year of Reading. As a boy, reading books for me was not only a terrific way of escaping into other, more exciting worlds, but was a complete education in itself. How else was one to journey to Lilliput or Russia? The sharing of stories - in all their forms - is a way of keeping culture vibrant and literacy for all Australians should be a major priority for all Australians.'
Chrissie Michaels
Chrissie Michaels is a Victorian-based author with an avid love of reading and writing, especially all things historical! Her latest novel, In Lonnie's Shadow, is set in late 19th century Melbourne. She has also written for the Australian My Story series. Currently, Chrissie is writing a range of English and History educational resource books for secondary teachers, which are due out in 2011. She is delighted to support the National Year of Reading 2012.
Clancy Tucker
"It's a pleasure to be associated with the National Year of Reading 2012 ... and why not? Books are cool. They take you away to awesome places. Watching a movie is easy. It's all there in front of you - no imagination required. However, it is my job as a writer to conjure up the same feelings and sensations in a reader's mind. That's the bit I love - climbing into my character's head, and relaying their feelings to the reader. I enjoy writing for reluctant readers; kids I classify as 'cotton wool' kids and 'struggling' kids. It's a great challenge, and I think it makes me a better writer. However, I have also enjoyed success as a poet and photographer. I've lived in four countries, speak three languages and have enjoyed a very interesting life. So, turn the tellie off, grab a good book and relax ... you never know where you might end up."
Daniella Brodsky
Daniella Brodsky is the author of six novels published by Penguin, Random House, and Simon & Schuster, one of which has been adapted by Disney as the film, Beauty & The Briefcase, starring Hilary Duff. Daniella teaches at ANU’s CCE and and at her Captain Cook Studio. A native New Yorker, she lives in Canberra, where she is writing her next novel, The Book Code, which has been awarded a 2012 Varuna fellowship. "I'm thrilled about the National Year of Reading. What can I say about books that hasn't already been said? They are wonderful, and whatever I can do to share the joy, comfort, and enlightenment they can provide, I'm thrilled to do it."
David Lovegrove
David is a Northern NSW based freelance illustrator, working for publishers and corporate clients. David is a big fan of Japanese Manga, Anime and Japanese culture generally. He has run many popular Manga creation workshops in libraries and schools around Australia and each year runs Manga workshops for the Consulate General of Japan, Qld in Japan Week. "I have been an avid reader since I was a young child and consider the ability to read with passion the best way to improve oneself and make a contribution to the world. I am particularily keen to promote manga and graphic novel interest as I believe that the old adage "a picture tells a thousand words" is absolutely true. Good art gives the reader the mental images of a world quickly, and helps them enter deeply into pure text works, especially set in unfamiliar eras. Having said that I consider Manga and graphic novels to be literature in their own right. I support the National Year of Reading wholeheartedly! Read on!"
Deby Adair
It’s a great pleasure for Deby Adair to be a part of the National Year of Reading. A writer and artist, Deby has just celebrated the release of her three novels - The WISH trilogy - a fantasy series for children and teens. Deeply influenced by books and the world of imagination as a child, Deby was writing stories and poetry as a young girl. She always felt that one day she would write books of her own making. After much of a lifetime as an equestrian and motivator, nothing gives her more pleasure than to promote reading and literacy, and to share a vision with young and old of making their own dreams come true.
Dee White
Dee White is a children's and young adult author who has always loved reading and wants everyone to have access to the wonderful world of books. During 2012, Dee will be donating 10% of fees from her author visits to foundations supported by The National Year of Reading, and towards helping people with learning difficulties that affect their ability to read.
Fay Tran
Fay Tran is a literacy consultant and teacher of children struggling with learning to read at school. She has many years experience as a classroom teacher, teacher librarian and learning support teacher. Fay is the author of Teaching Kids to Read, published by Wilkins Farago. Her twin passions are improving the way children are taught to read in the classroom and the provision of support for children with learning difficulties, so that every child can master reading skills at primary school. With friends in the field of learning difficulties, Fay’s special project for the NYR is a website for parents and teachers to keep them informed of the best ways of teaching children how to read, whether or not they have learning difficulties. ‘There is no point in encouraging children to read lots of books if they don’t know how to do it’
Felicity Marshall
Felicity Marshall is a children’s author/illustrator and a painter. She has published several picture books, short stories and poems and had numerous exhibitions of her paintings and illustrations both in Australia and overseas. She is completing two children’s novels and two picture books in 2012. She believes illustrations are just as important as text in children’s books and she loves the smell and feel of books, too. ‘I am thrilled to be a friend of the National Year of Reading. For me EVERY year is a NYR! Our family never had a television when I was a child, so I regularly climbed up a huge old pine tree in the paddock at my childhood home, lugging a pile of library books to my wobbly tree house. I also filled my pockets with snacks and tried unsuccessfully, to teach the dog to climb up the tree to keep me company. Reading took me to another place where I could escape family dramas, chores, and the boredom and drudgery of long hot summers in Perth. Books were permission to dream. From dreams come knowledge, creativity, inventions, and problem solving. I am still reading and still dreaming.
Fleur McDonald
Fleur McDonald is a farmer, mum and writer - sometimes all at once! She writes women's fiction for Allen and Unwin - her first novel (Red Dust) was shorted listed for the ABIA award Best newcomer/debut author for 2009 and for the R*BY award. As a child, Fleur spent quite a lot of time sitting at the top of her family's willow tree, reading, pretending she was at the top of The Faraway Tree or chasing robbers with The Famous Five. To pass a gift of imagination and words onto a child is a precious gift. That's just one of the reasons she's so excited about Nation Year of Reading.
George Ivanoff
George Ivanoff is a Melbourne author who has written over 50 books for kids and teens. George set his teen novel, Gamers’ Quest, entirely inside a computer game, hoping to catch the interest of game-playing kids and teens who might not otherwise pick up a novel. It seems to have worked, and the sequel, Gamers’ Challenge, is now available. As an “Old Mentonian”, George has accepted the honour of being appointed Patron MGRA (Mentone Grammar Reading Ambassador) to inspire and encourage reading among all members of the Mentone Grammar school community.
Helene Young
While Helene was growing up in East Brisbane her father wrote stories for herself and her two older siblings. Consequently she thought everyone read books and invented stories. Starting school and realising this was not the case was a rude shock. 'As a child I took reading for granted, but I now appreciate what a wonderful gift my parents gave me. Literacy is so important for achieving quality of life and reading is such an integral part of literacy.' Helene now lives in North Queensland where her Australian Suspense stories are set. Her first novel, Wings of Fear recently won the 2011 R*BY award. Her day job as a captain with Australia's largest regional airline takes Helene to places where literacy is still a work in progress. She's hoping National Year of Reading 2012 will bring many opportunities to those communities.
Ian Hoskins
I already knew I wanted to be historian and a writer by the time I was 10. I'm sure reading history and historical fiction, and poring over illustrations and photographs in these books fired up my imagination and love of words. Those early years spent reading were the best groundwork for realising a dream.
Jacqueline Harvey
Jacqueline Harvey has combined a successful career in education with her love of a good story. A primary educator based in Sydney, she is a passionate advocate for the improvement of educational outcomes for Indigenous Australians. Jacqueline is the author of nine books for children including The Sound of the Sea, a CBCA Honour Book in 2006 and the best-selling Alice-Miranda series which in published here in Australia and internationally in the USA, Indonesia, Singapore, Turkey and the UK. Jacqueline is thrilled to support the National Year of Reading. ‘Reading is one of the most important skills we can teach our children. Making sense of the world through print is ultimately empowering, being consumed by a fantastic story is an absolute joy.’
Jeff Sparrow
Jeff Sparrow is the co-author of Radical Melbourne: A Secret History and Radical Melbourne 2: The Enemy Within, and the author of Communism: A Love Story and Killing: Misadventures in Violence. He’s also the editor of Overland literary journal. ‘Reading widely and often is crucial to understanding the world. Books are a pleasure but they are also a crucial tool.’
Jeni Mawter
Hi, to everyone involved with The National Year of Reading 2012. I love stories, so guess what I became when I grew up? A children’s author! When I was little I used to run away. There were trees to climb, roofs to conquer, places to explore. But most of all, I’d run away through reading. Books took me everywhere, on adventures, solving mysteries. They made me laugh. They made me cry. Some of my best friends lived in a book. I wrote the ‘So’ series and the ‘Freewheelers’ series to show how much fun you can have with reading. In a good story, anything can happen. I can uncover a dog-stealing ring, put jellyfish in your undies, invent a fart factory, or cook deadly muffins. When asked to become a Friend and support The National Year of Reading I jumped at the chance.
John Hughes
Those who say ‘you only live once’, have never read a book. Reading is the only way you can be someone else while remaining yourself. No one can do this unaided, purely by imagination. But when the words are in your head, then the imagination can take you anywhere. That’s why I support the National Year of Reading. Because no other activity can transport you in this way, because nothing else sparks the imagination like a word.
Julie Fison
J.E. Fison is the author of Hazard River, a new adventure series for young readers. The books are action-packed fun with enough excitement to keep even reluctant readers turning the pages. “The National Year of Reading is a great initiative. I was staggered to learn that 46% of Australia’s adults don’t have the literacy and numeracy skills required to participate effectively in modern life. It’s definitely time for everyone to start reading or rediscover reading.” Julie Fison
Juliet Sampson
As an author and primary school teacher I believe reading is extremely important. At 30 I have just published my first book Behind the Mask and believe you write to be understood and read to grow. Through reading we can learn, share experiences and gain knowledge. Reading is also an opportunity to use our imaginations, travel to far away places and escape into other worlds simply for the sheer enjoyment of it. From a teacher's perspective, I have worked predominantly in the Early Years of schooling and so have been actively involved in teaching students the skills they need to read. I am currently working on a picture book. The world is a better place because of books and I am very happy to be a friend of the National Year of Reading.
Kate Treloar
I am a second-generation, second-hand bookseller passionate about the important positive role bookshops (especially independents) play in society. I am especially concerned that many "bricks-and-mortar" bookshops are struggling to compete in the digital age and so may be a dying breed, impacting incalculably on the literacy situation. My little bookshop, Chapter Two Books in the Adelaide Hills, is family-run and family-friendly with a major emphasis on quality and the joy to be found in books and reading. I embrace any opportunity to promote books and literacy and show that (good!) bookshops are wonderful places no matter what level you are reading at. I think the National Year of Reading is a fantastic initiative and am proud to support it.
Kathy Parra
I am honored to be connected with National Year of Reading! My passion for reading as many here came with my family's love to read, especially my mother who would pull out the Funk and Wagnall's Encyclopedias to reference when I had a question. I began writing/storytelling/reading my own stories when I was four years old and have carried this passion along my path into motherhood with my own children who as I write this very minute are yes reading! reading shares with all of us a unique way of "being" in that moment while we soak in the nectar of what one has written and this is a gift to each and everyone of us each time we pick up a book, hold it in our hands and lay our eyes upon the words that will ultimately become one with that which we read. Reading to me is like music, once the tune of the words stream off the page and into your heart, you are forever changed in that moment and perhaps for a lifetime. Let us read to ourselves and our children for here lies a new page just waiting to unfurl!...Kathy lives in Mesa, Arizona and has written for various publications, most recently she is the author of a children’s nature book Love is the Color of a Rainbow.
Kaye Aldenhoven
Kaye Aldenhoven is an important poet, using her experience of the country to inform her work. Through her involvement in the Northern Territory Writers Centre in Darwin, Kaye helps to foster many literary projects. Kaye was a Writer in Residence for the National Year of Reading 2012 Workplace Literacy project, taking part in two residencies; one at Mary River National Park and another at Garig Gunak Barlu National Park (Coburg Peninsular). She worked directly with Indigenous Park Rangers to develop their stories about the unique and sometime dangerous work that they do as Park Rangers on their traditional lands. Kaye produced 5 illustrated stories and made a journal of her experience. Kaye’s political, loving and sensuous poems have a clear and direct voice. Skin is Aldenhoven's second book. Her first, In my Husband's Country (2001), was admired for her intimate perception of the untamed country of Kakadu, NT. Kaye has also published numerous works, including poetry and short stories.
Ken Hall
Ken Hall is an author who is best known for his autobiographical book “What Next You Bastard”, described in The Australian as “a narrative packed with incident, villains and comedy”. Ken is pleased to support the National Year of Reading 2012, saying he has struggled with reading and writing all his life. Ken believes “Reading in life is very important - there is not a job where you do not have to read”.
Kirsty Murray
Kirsty Murray is an award-winning author of nine novels for children and teenagers . “I became a full-time writer so I’d have more time to read. I’m a member of two different bookclubs and when I’m not writing my own books, I keep myself busy reading books by other authors. The National Year of Reading is a fantastic idea – a great way to share the excitement of reading and spread the word that books can change your life.”
Lisa Gorman
As an avid reader, collector and lover of books I am extremely excited about the National Year of Reading. I am an Actor and Drama teacher and incorporate these skills in my business ‘Off the Page’…Bringing Books to Life. The program focuses on the study of Characterization and interactive story telling. It is designed to entice children of all ages to pick up a book and get those pages turning! Books are invaluable - they are a keepsake and holder of so many stories waiting to be read…hidden in the written word…
Mandy Magro
About 2 years ago I decided to put pen to paper and write about the many memorable adventures I have experienced on the land. Little did I know this would be the beginning of my fantastic writing career with Penguin. Rosalee Station is my first rural fiction romance novel and my second, Jacaranda, is due out in May 2012. I'm now working on my third, Melaleauca Homestead. In between writing, farming and being a mum I love to read. It is my favourite pastime and I find it so very relaxing. I am thrilled about the National Year of reading as it is so wonderful to see reading up in the limelight. Reading is great for all ages and in the busy lifestyle we all lead it gives you time to slow down, sit back and be taken on an adventure, fall in love, cry, laugh and cheer along with the characters. Words are very powerful and books use them in a very positive way.
Margareta Osborn
Margareta Osborn is an author of Australian rural fiction with Random House. A fifth generation farmer, wife and mother of three children, she was brought up reading the Billabong books by Mary Grant Bruce and the Silver Brumby series by Elyne Mitchell. “I was a bookworm from a very young age and my favourite novels were those that were about life on the land. Is it any wonder I now write ‘what I know’.” Her first novel, Bella’s Run, is set in the stunning mountains of East Gippsland, where she and her family live. Her second book, also rural fiction, will be published in March 2013. “I’m a great believer in it’s never to late to establish a love for the written word. I adore getting out into other rural areas to talk about two of my favourite topics – writing and reading books.”
Marjory Gardner
Marjory Gardner is a freelance illustrator of children's books and magazines. Based in Melbourne, she loves visiting schools and libraries with her folio of books and drawings. "I'm excited that The National Year of Reading in 2012 will encourage people of all ages to read more widely, as well as inspire them to write and illustrate their own stories!"
Mark Carthew
Award winning Australian author and educator Dr Mark Carthew loves working with illustrators, creating books and reading! His wacky joke, rhyme and riddle books, Newts, Lutes and Bandicoots, Wicked Wizards and Leaping Lizards and upcoming release Witches Britches, Itches and Twitches! are illustrated by UK illustrator Mike Spoor. Mark's picture book The Gobbling Tree, illustrated by Susy Boyer, was winner of Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year 2009. Mark's motto is... ‘Bump into a book!’
Maya Ward
Maya Ward, who has worked as a musician, urban designer and environmental educator, didn’t mean to become a writer. But she walked the length of the Yarra from the sea to the source, an experience she simply had to share. In doing so, she caught the writing bug, and wrote The Comfort of Water: A River Pilgrimage, published by Transit Lounge. She is very pleased to be a friend of the National Year of Reading, and on reading she says: Reading offers joyful, profound and powerful ways of meeting the minds and hearts of others. It can bring close the range and intensity of human experience. In a time of dispersed and global communities, books can guide and connect us, they can heal and give hope. Books, indeed, are our elders.
Meredith Costain
Meredith Costain has written many books for children, including the CBCA Honour Book Doodledum Dancing. A prolific reader herself, she enjoys talking to kids about the delights of reading and writing in libraries and schools around Australia. ‘Reading is wonderful. It can transport you to other worlds, open doors to new ideas, make your toes tingle and your brain fizz. So join the National Year of Reading and lose yourself in a book!’
Michael Pryor
Michael Pryor has written more than twenty-five books for Young Adults and loves the way that a good book can take us to other places, help us walk in other shoes, and make us lose track of our surroundings because we’re immersed in the wonderful world of story. He is the author of the best-selling ‘Laws of Magic’ series, and is beginning a new historical/fantasy/comedy/adventure/romance series called ‘The Extraordinaires’. He believes that every year should be a National Year of Reading, but 2012 is a good start.
Michael Salmon
Michael Salmon has been involved in children’s literature, TV, & Theatre since 1967. His many credits include his ‘Alexander Bunyip show’ (ABC TV 1978-88) and the writing and illustrating of over 160 books. In 2011 The ACT Government unveiled a bronze statue of ‘The Bunyip’ outside the new Gungahlin Library, celebrating the Bunyip’s role in helping children to read. Michael’s looking forward to spreading the NYOR’s message… this year!
Mick Walsh
Mick Walsh is the author of Australasia’s leading Pastoral Care student planners and website, conference presenter, leadership coach and former school leader for over 30 years. Mick believes reading is the key which unlocks the door for people to explore, question, connect to and understand the world through their eyes. Their capacity to read and make sense of what they read are essential enablers in the 21st century, in which learning will be what people will be predominantly doing. Our main priority must be to cultivate in young people, lifelong resilient, resourceful, reflective and relationship habits, of which reading is the lynch pin; the world needs more “good” people of character.
Morgan Schatz Blackrose
International storyteller and author presenting to K-12 students a repertoire of world tales that celebrate diversity and citizenship and promote literacy and tolerance. Storytelling resources for professional development available through the website.
Narrelle Harris
Narrelle M Harris has four novels, one play and several short stories under her belt. Narrelle also created the Melbourne Literary iPhone app, a guide to all things literary in the Australian UNESCO City of Literature. Narrelle is a proud supporter of Love2Read. "Reading enables us to live other poeple's lives vicariously, to discover ideas and ways of experiencing the world that we may never have encountered otherwise. The National Year of Reading is a great opportunity to encourage everyone to find the worlds inside books that can teach us about ourselves and our own world."
Nicky Johnston
Nicky is a primary educator, an artist, a mum to four boys and the author and illustrator of two children’s books “Go Away, Mr Worrythoughts!” and “Happythoughts are Everywhere...” Both of her books are based on her eldest son’s battle with anxiety, providing skills ‘little worriers’ can use to manage their worry thoughts. “I am passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues in young children, and love to be able to offer assistance to families through children’s literacy”. Nicky is the founder of “Happy Hero – helping little worriers find happiness” and is currently working on a new range of books and resources for 2012 to help build resilience and emotional well-being in children. She is pleased to be a friend of the National Year of Reading initiative.
Nicole Alexander
Nicole Alexander is an author and fourth generation grazier residing in northwest NSW. ‘Living in a remote area my imagination worked overtime from a young age. My early schooling was via the Sydney Correspondence School. Weekly lessons arrived in the mail and our mum would teach us around the dining room table. I will never forget those precious early days when worlds came alive via our readers. Reading and writing has always be a joy in my life. Let’s spread the word during the National Year of Reading.’ Nicole has been writing for over 18 years. Her poetry, short stories, travel & genealogy articles have been published internationally. Her novel The Bark Cutters was shortlisted for the ABIA’s Debut Novel for 2010 and remains the highest selling debut work in Australian Rural Literature to date. The sequel A Changing Land was a National Top Ten Bestseller in 2011 and her third novel Absolution Creek will be published in October 2012. Nicole splits her time between writing and working on her family’s mixed agricultural property. ‘I’m delighted to be able to assist in the promotion of The National Year of Reading.’
Paul Collins
Paul Collins has written over 130 books and 140+ short stories. He is best known for The Quentaris Chronicles (The Spell of Undoing is Book #1 in the new series), which he co-edits with Michael Pryor, The Jelindel Chronicles, The Earthborn Wars and The World of Grrym trilogy in collaboration with Danny Willis. Paul’s latest book is The Glasshouse, illustrated by Jo Thompson.
Paul Harvey
I welcome the National Year of Reading as a terrific initiative enabling more people, young and old, to discover the joy of books.
Ron and Margaret Sharp
Ronald Sharp BEM and Margaret Lynette Sharp are collaborators in the production of a series of modern Australian Short Stories, having to date published four volumes. In addition, they have recently submitted a further book for publication that provides answers to many of life's dilemmas. They both believe that reading broadens your outlook, knowledge, and social skills. "Reading books available in the City Sydney Library and Mitchell Library, enabled me to start my self-taught organ-building career," states Ron, who is best known as the creator of the Grand Organ in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. Margaret says "By putting a new focus on reading, the National Year of Reading 2012 is performing a significant educational and community service."
Roxanne Roberts
Roxanne is the author of children’s books designed to bring love, light and magic to the world of our precious young ones. She will be donating a percentage of her book sales during the National Year of Reading for the purchase of books in her local Whitsunday libraries. Roxanne is honoured to be counted one of the National Year of Reading friends.
Sally Morgan
Sally Morgan is an internationally recognised author, artist and illustrator who has published books for adults and children. Sally won the Human Rights Award for Literature in 1987 and the Order of Australia Book Prize in 1990. Her most recent books include My Country with her son Ezekiel Kwaymullina but Morgan is best known for her acclaimed biography My Place. Sally is an Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Project. "The National Year of Reading is a wonderful way to highlight the importance of storytelling to our culture. I will be using this opportunity to connect with friends and family by sharing what I am reading and what I am creating. I hope you will too."
Scott Monk
“Reading not only unlocks the door to the imagination, but closes the door on poverty. I’ve met young people from all walks of life who have dreamed of a better life for themselves and have seen reading and education as the key. They are the ones who will succeed in life. They are ones who are more rounded people. They are the ones who will learn from others, but think for themselves, because they are well-informed. Our next generation of leaders come from our best readers.”
Wendy Orr
Wendy Orr wrote the first draft of Nim’s Island when she was nine, even though she waited another 30 years to rewrite it into a book, and then a movie. Her books, for children, teens and adults, have won awards in Australia and around the world. She loves writing and reading because stories let you explore different lives, worlds and ideas in different ways than you could ever do by yourself. That's why she's so excited about the National Year of Reading. So join in, grab a book – and start reading!
