Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature Winners 2015
Book Award Criteria 2017
Closing date for entries is 28th of February 2017 – late entries may be accepted, please contact admin@aaft.asn.au
The annual prize of $1,500 in the Older Readers category of the Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature is to be awarded to “Risk” by Fleur Ferris published by Random House Australia.
A contemporary expose about the risks and deception of engaging in online chat rooms and predatory behaviours. The story of Sierra who engages in risk taking behaviours which culminates in her secretly meeting her online “lover” Jacob Jones.
The outcome of this meeting has long lasting effects for Sierra and her friends.
A very topical story about the lure of the internet.
The annual prize of $1,500 in the Young Readers/Picture Book category of the Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature is to be awarded to “My Happy Sad Mummy” by Michelle Vailiu (author) and Lucia Masciullo (illustrator) published by Jo Jo Publishing.
“Is an engaging and sensitive picture book. It fills a major gap: explaining to a young child the impact on a parent of a major mental illness such as bipolar disorder.” Highlights the importance of having a support network.
BOOKS USEFUL FOR THERAPISTS
The following books tell stories which may enhance therapists’ insight into specific problem areas. The Committee strongly recommends that therapists read these selections critically before deciding whether they are appropriate to share with their particular clients. Because of the sensitive nature of some of these books it is important, if they are used, that they be only one tool within an ongoing therapeutic relationship – inclusion in this list does not mean a book is recommended as a self-help book.
BOOKS FOR OLDER READERS
None for this year.
PICTURE BOOKS/YOUNG READERS:
Being Agatha by Anna Pignataro (author and illustrator) published by Five Mile Press. This is a story about difference. It’s a story about being special. It’s a story about being the very best that you can be!
Sometimes other people can see qualities that we can’t.
Dropping In by Geoff Havel (author) published by Fremantle Press. Depicts friendship around difference, acceptance, inclusion and sticking together. Typifies adolescent male behavior with all it’s nuances.
Fly-In, Fly-Out Dad by Sally Murphy (author) and Janine Dawson (illustrator) published by The Five Mile Press. An increasing number of families have to deal with the unusual dynamic of having one parent absent for weeks at a time – so this book is both relevant and timely. The book highlights children’s resilience and acceptance of different circumstances.
Just the Way We Are by Jessica Shirvington (author) and Claire Robertson (illustrator) published by Harper Collins Children’s Books. A story about celebrating difference in families and that each have their own uniqueness.
New Boy by Nick Earls (author), published by Puffin Books. An interesting story about fitting in, racism and bullying. Has good messages and helpful family support. Depicts how someone new to Australia can struggle with the “lingo”.
Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature Winners 2014
The annual prize of $1,500 in the Older Readers category of the Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature is awarded to “Crashing Down” by Kate McCaffrey published by Fremantle Press.
Lucy thinks that her biggest struggle for this year will be completing Year 12, however her world is turned upside down when her boyfriend is involved in a car accident and suffers a severe head injury. She subsequently finds out that she is pregnant and faces a dilemma about whether to terminate the pregnancy.
She has a good support network in her family and friends, however a sequence of complications exacerbates her ability to make clear decisions.
The annual prize of $1,500 in the Young Readers/Picture Book category of the Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature is awarded to “Bully on the Bus” by Kathryn Apel published by University of Queensland Press.
A story about Leroy who dreads his daily bus ride to school because of the bully JD. JD picks on him relentlessly and he doesn’t know how to make it stop. With the support of his sister Ruby he eventually finds the courage to confide in his parents. Trusted adults provide him with the impetus to find his own strength and courage to stand up to the bully.
Highly Recommended – Younger Readers category of the Australian Family Therapists’ Award for Children’s Literature is awarded to “Roses are Blue” by Sally Murphy (author) and Gabriel Evans (illustrator) published by Walker Books.
Amber Roses’s mother has a car accident which leaves her different from other mothers as she is now wheelchair bound. Amber struggles to come to terms with her difference and the resultant changes. Amber has to overcome her own embarrassment about her mother and what people will think.
