WTBA is a collection of and conversation about powerful books that strengthen, elevate, inspire and help to grow powerful, resilient kids. We're a book oriented guide for parents, grandparents, educators, aunts, uncles and anyone involved in nurturing children and caring for friends.
ages 14+ years
I have no idea how I came across The Changeling Sea—one day it was just on my bookshelf (probably purchased in one of my many book buying sprees back before kids—when my book budget was unlimited). No matter how it got there, I’m just glad it did. It’s a charmingly well written changeling fable, a classic fairytale story with a fresh and original twist.
Since moving house a few months ago, I haven’t had as much spare time for reading as I'd like. I've re-read a few of the books from my library but just haven’t had my head on straight enough to search out new reads.
Thankfully a friend lent me Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody and it was just what I needed—a new author and a great read!
Set in the distant future after the world has experienced near total destructions by something known only as ‘The Great White’,
Read MoreDo you have a go-to comfort book? One that you read over and over again because just the right mix that you need at a certain time?Summers at Castle Auburn is mine. It seems to be an all-round popular choice too, because I'm currently on my fourth copy, the previous three having vanished into the abyss of friends lending to friends.
Read MoreAsk someone to list their top 10 favourite books and chances are high that there'll be something on it from one (or all) of the Bronte sisters. Charlotte, Emily and Anne are famous for their passionate and original writing styles that contrast starkly with their upbringing in a parsonage at Haworth. Their journey to literary acclaim finds a new telling in this historical/fiction/fantasy novel by Lena Coakley.
Read MoreEveryone has fears—fear of failure, spiders, heights and so on. Personally I’m terrified of crocodiles. But imagine that the thing you are most afraid of is yourself and what you are capable of doing! A fear that you can not escape! That's how it is for Katsa, orphaned niece of the brutal king of the Middluns...
Read MoreFun books to inspire cooking and healthy eating. Sharing food from a book connects us to the book, to each other and to a world outside our own.
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If I had to pick a favourite reading genre it would definitely be Young Adult Fantasy.
I think it’s because when I read to relax and escape (which is often), YA fantasy delivers great story without so much of the ‘grit’ that's in older-adult books.And I find, when looking through my library, that my preference is clearly for female lead characters. Especially those with strong spirits, courage and kindness. Dashti from Book of a Thousand Days is just such a character.
Read MoreA conversation about books + kids. A website resource and book reviews for educators, parents, grandparents. The main focus is emotional resilience.
