AustLit

'From domestic dysfunction to extraordinary bad luck, Julia Lawrinson reflects on her intriguing and eventful life with disarming honesty and wit.

'Some people are born into bad situations, some people have bad situations thrust upon them, and some people find bad situations through their dodgy choices, lack of information and personal idiosyncrasies. Julia’s life sits at the intersection of all three.

'From high school dropout on a psych ward to card-carrying lesbian on a motorbike, from enduring a controlling relationship with her ex-lover’s brother to being chased by a media scrum outside a Perth court, the life of beloved children’s author Julia Lawrinson is stranger than fiction – and she draws on all her power as a storyteller to turn a life of intense headlines into a wild, marvellous tale.'  (Publication summary)

'On Monday 20 Februrary 1962, the people of Perth lit up their city overnight to acknowledge the special mission of American astronaut John Glenn – the first American to orbit the Earth. Glenn, in turn, observed that the city was clearly visible from space, and Perth became known worldwide as ‘The City of Light’.

'This true story is a snapshot in time that captures the excitement of human’s first forays into outer space. It is a time of Hills Hoists, friendly neighbours, and small TVs in the family lounge room. It’s a time when we received our news through newspapers, radio and television... or shared it with a neighbour over a cuppa or the back fence.

'This is a story of two small children with one big idea: an idea that captured the imagination of a city. It is also a story about connection – the connection of a community that came together to achieve a goal, and their connection with John Glenn who was travelling far from home.'  (Publication summary)

'Mel and Shell is the latest book for middle readers from award-winning author Julia Lawrinson.

'Shell and Mel are best friends, united by their love of ABBA. But when Scary Sharon decides she wants to be friends with Shell, and Mel begins acting strangely, things start changing fast. Confiding in her pen pal from 1829, Shell discovers she has a lot to learn about loyalty, honesty and roller skating.' (Publication summary)

'Maddie Lee is in year six. Her best and oldest friend Katy is busy with school duties and music and scholarship plans, and Maddie feels lost and lonely. Then a new girl starts at school. Maddie wants more than anything to become friends with her. And she does. But Samara’s friendship comes at a high price, with consequences Maddie could never have imagined.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'At times funny, at times heartbreaking, this is an ultimately uplifting story about the delicate fabric of family and friendship, and the painful realisation that not everything can remain the same forever.

'Year Twelve is not off to a good start for Amelia. Art is her world, but her art teacher hates everything she does; her best friend has stopped talking to her; her mother and father may as well be living in separate houses; and her father is slowly forgetting everything. Even Amelia.' (Publication summary)

'Telia makes her movements graceful as well as technically perfect. And when she finishes with a full straight-body twist – something I have never been able to do – her delighted grin makes everybody else smile. Even the judges.

'Even me.

'Even though I am wishing, more than anything, that I could perform like that. And knowing, with a horrible sinking feeling, that I never will.

'Chelsea is the hardest worker in her gymnastics club and she's determined to make the Nationals team, and then the Olympics.

'But new girl Telia has more natural talent. Chelsea gets jealous, which feels awful, because she really likes Telia, who isn't stuck-up like some other girls at gym. And it's not only envy that's bothering Chelsea – she's got family issues to worry about and her school friends are acting weird.

'It's time for Chelsea to figure out what's really important – and just maybe take a leap into the unknown…' (Publication summary)

'To avoid Losing It in the bushes with some random guy in a heavy-metal T-shirt after too many tequila shots, four best friends make a bet: to lose it before schoolies week - and preferably in a romantic, sober way that they won't regret.

'What follows is a sometimes funny, sometimes awkward, but always compelling comedy of errors as Abby, Mala, Bree and Zoe each try to find their Mr Right ... or at least get laid.' (From the publisher's website.)

'A lighthearted novel for children about the game of chess.

'Jackson is sporty and popular.

'Anna doesn't like the sporty, popular people.

'So when Jackson joins the chess squad, Anna does not initially welcome him. But Anna is about to learn some things about friendship, chess and physical fitness.' (From the publisher's website.)

'Sophie Callender wants to be famous so badly! When she is chosen for the hit TV game-show, MegaMatch, it looks as if her dream may come true.

'But is being famous as good as it seems?' (Publication summary)

'Is she - was she with Johnno?' said Erica.

'It doesn't work like that,' Trish said. 'Not like boyfriend and girlfriend stuff, as I've been trying to tell you. It's more - fluid.'

'Erica is restless for a life outside her office job, her boring boyfriend and her mother's tiny house in down-and-out Glebe.

'In the 1950s, Sydney is quickly building a reputation for sinfulness, and some of the most attractively sinful people are to be found in a group known as the Push. They meet regularly to discuss their wicked ideas at the Royal George, and Erica is drawn into the captivating crowd.' (Publication summary)