Book picks similar to
Merryll of the Stones by Brian Caswell
fantasy
young-adult
australian
historical-fiction
See How They Run
David McRobbie - 1996
After moving around to several towns in the UK, the family finally emigrates to Australia, but trouble still follows them there.
The Fib and Other Stories
George Layton - 1978
Getting into trouble is much easier that getting out of it in George Layton's bestselling collection of funny, bittersweet stories about growing up in the Fifties.
Sunday's Child
Gudrun Mebs - 1983
Ten-year-old Jenny's new foster mother dosen't live up to her expectations until Jenny discovers that there are more important things in life than lavish gifts and fancy homes.
Foxspell
Gillian Rubinstein - 1994
Overwhelmed at school, Tod finds himself lagging behind his classmates and becoming entangled in a destructive gang. After Tod compassionately buries a dead fox, a fox-spirit offers him the chance to become a fox himself. Will Tod choose his complex, human life or the simple, wild life of a fox? Young Adult.
My Girragundji
Meme McDonald - 1998
But, when he is befriended by a green tree frog, 'girragundji', he realises that his ancestors have sent her to protect him and he can face his fears. This story combines the talents of Boori Pryor, one of Australia's greatest aboriginal story-tellers, and author Meme McDonald. It's a tale firmly rooted in aboriginal myth and culture, but one that will appeal to any child who's been afraid of the dark.
Billy Bunter of Greyfriars School
Frank Richards - 1947
This story is for children aged six to ninety plus.
Playing Beatie Bow
Ruth Park - 1980
Distraught over her parents' separation, Abigail follows a strange child called Beatie Bow and time slips back a hundred years where she becomes involved with an Australian shopkeeper's family.
Pit Pony
Joyce Barkhouse - 1989
Instead, 11-year-old Willie must work in the coal mines of Cape Breton, hardly ever seeing the light of day. But with the help of Gem, a gentle pit pony, he discovers that things aren't always as bad as they seem. And a surprising event reveals that miracles can happen, even in a coal mine.
Halinka
Mirjam Pressler - 1995
But all Halinka has is herself, a blanket from her beloved Aunt Lou, and a secret notebook where she holds her sayings. Just as she is losing hope of ever finding a home, and forgetting all she once loved, Halinka sees something that reminds her that everyone needs some beauty in their lives, like they need air, or food . . . and maybe a friend. But for that, Halinka would have to share her thoughts, secrets, and maybe even her memories. And she's not sure if she can afford to lose that much.
The Magic Pudding
Norman Lindsay - 1918
The adventures of those splendid fellows Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle and Sam Sawnoff, the penguin bold, and of course their amazing, everlasting and very cantankerous Puddin'.
Quirky Tails
Paul Jennings - 1987
Includes the nine quirky tales: Sneeze 'n Coffin Santa Claws A Dozen Bloomin' Roses Tonsil Eye 'Tis Unhappily Ever After Spooks Incorporated The Copy Stuffed No is Yes
Autumn Term
Antonia Forest - 1948
Twins Nicola and Lawrie arrive at their new school determined to do even better than their distinguished elder sisters, but things don't turn out quite as planned.
A Kid for Two Farthings
Wolf Mankowitz - 1953
Though it looks to most people like a white goat with a bump on its head, young Joe is certain it will make the dreams of his friends and neighbors come true—a reunion with his father in Africa, a steam press for a tailor shop, a ring for a girlfriend. Others may be skeptical of the unicorn’s magic, but with enough effort, Joe believes he can make it all real.
Redwork
Michael Bedard - 1990
It stands in the shadows...dark, crumbling, and forbidding. At night, smoke curls from beneath its doors, and an old man toils in secret.ROOM OF TERRORInside, something is moving...tongues of luminous color lap against the glass...coiling and curling...begging to be released.DEVIL'S WORKThe old man stands before his creation. Silently he tends the fires that feed it...waiting for the right moment to unleash its power upon the world.
Pastures of the Blue Crane
H.F. Brinsmead - 1987
It's the home her father grew up in - the one her grandfather hasn't seen in decades. The decision to go out there and fix it up, with her difficult grandfather tagging along, is more a matter of contrariness than anything else. Making the property profitable again is a challenge Ryl rises to, and along the way she learns about herself and her family.