Description
A diverse collection of poetry, short stories, song lyrics, novel extracts and illustrations from some of the most important creators today.
This anthology for upper high school students follows on from the success of the collection Things a Map Won't Show You, which was aimed at younger readers. Susan La Marca and Pam Macintyre have gathered an exciting mix of original and pre-published works that cover themes of Indigenous issues, friendship, migrants in Australia, environmental impact, dystopia, sci-fi adventure and death.
The anthology includes original stories from: Davina Bell, Meg Caddy, Shivaun Plozza, Peta Freestone, Scot Gardner, Barry Jonsberg, Meg McKinlay (with illustration by Kyle Hughes-Odgers), Gayle Kennedy, Shaun Tan, Felicity Castagna, Amie Kaufman and Leanne Hall. Other contributors are Margo Lanagan, Ali Cobby Eckermann, Andrea Hirata, Arwa Abousamra, Trudy White, Alice Pung, Tony Birch, Wil Wagner & Lizzie Wagner, Courtney Barnett and Kate Miller-Heidke.
Review
Where the Shoreline Used to Be is a collection of outstanding short stories, illustrations, poems, essays, and memories from some of Australia’s best known writers. Contributors include Shaun Tan, Alice Pung, Leanne Hall and Tony Birch, alongside up-and-coming new writers like Indonesian author Andrea Hirata, Palestinian-Australian author Arwa Abousamra, and siblings Will & Lizzie Wagner.
The stories in Where the Shoreline Used to Be are diverse and varied - Some are funny, some are poignant, a few are fantastical, absurd or surreal. They raise questions and promote discussion about a broad range of issues including indigenous issues, identity, culture, sexuality, religion, bullying and race.
The stories are punchy and quick to read, but invite further consideration by readers; whether about the subjects and themes touched on in the narrative or the narrative style itself.
Amie Kaufman’s family anecdote about the summer her father adopted a baby roo is laugh-out-loud funny, while Gayle Kennedy’s verse story about a Koori teen’s experience shopping for a birthday pre-sent is poignant and thought provoking. Barry Jonsberg’s story about The Pale Man is creepy and at-mospheric with a twist at the end, and Arwa Abousamra’s intensely personal story about her experi-ence as an immigrant child is even-handed and sympathetic.
Another great selection of works suited to all secondary students.
Reviewed by Lian
