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J. C. Burke J. C. Burke i(A69889 works by) (a.k.a. Jane Burke)
Born: Established: 1965 Sydney, New South Wales, ;
Gender: Female
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Works By

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1 y separately published work icon The Things We Promise J. C. Burke , Crows Nest : Allen and Unwin , 2017 10673615 2017 single work novel young adult

'Gemma's older brother Billy made her a promise that he would ensure she looked fabulous for her first school formal. But his circumstances change dramatically and Billy's promise becomes the least of the family's concerns.

'There are two things you need to know about me. The first is that I remember life by what I was wearing. The second is that I think too much.

'It's the early 1990s and all Gemma can think about is looking perfect for her first school formal. Gemma's brother Billy - New York's up and coming hair and make-up artist - has made her the ultimate promise: he's returning home especially to 'create magic' on her and two friends for their end-of-year formal. Gemma's best friend, Andrea, is convinced it'll be their moment to shine; Gemma hopes it's the night Ralph will finally notice her.

'But when Billy arrives home from New York, Gemma's life becomes complicated. Her family's been keeping secrets; friendships are forged and broken; and suddenly the length of her formal dress is the least of her worries.

'Set in a time of uncertainty and fear, The Things We Promise is a beautifully told novel that sings with emotion, humour and heartbreak.' (Publication summary)
1 1 y separately published work icon Pretty Girl J. C. Burke , North Sydney : Random House , 2013 Z1935267 2013 single work novel young adult 'They tell you to never walk alone through campus. But it's not the loneliness that will destroy you... Sarah the Sensible, that's what Sarah's year 12 jersey said. Studying law, living at Galston College on a scholarship, happy to have found Wil, the ideal boyfriend. So why is Sarah dreaming about the boy she met in the laundry? Paige Miss Popular, Paige's jersey said. She and Tallulah have been best friends forever. And thanks to Tallulah, they're the only freshmen to have been invited to the hottest party on campus. So why is Paige now locked up as a patient in a sanitarium? What happened to Paige between then and now that she pretends she can't remember? The truth will illuminate the darkness - but what if Sarah and Paige don't want to hear it?' (Publisher's blurb)
1 10 y separately published work icon Pig Boy J. C. Burke , North Sydney : Random House Australia , 2011 Z1775677 2011 single work novel young adult crime

'On Damon Styles's eighteenth birthday, he is expelled from school. But it's what happens afterwards that changes everything.

'Now Damon must come up with a plan. It's the only way he can think straight. First, get his firearms licence. Then, see if the Pigman will give him a job - pig hunting will teach Damon what he needs to know. And he'd better get a lock for his wardrobe so his mother won't find what he's hiding.

'Damon's taking matters into his own hands - but so is the town of Strathven.' (From the publisher's website.)
1 5 y separately published work icon Ocean Pearl J. C. Burke , Northern Territory : Random House Australia , 2008 Z1546551 2008 single work novel young adult

'"Starfish who surf together stick together."

'It was Ace who wrote that in Kia, Georgie and Micki's blue booklets on the last day of camp. Yet it's Ace who's ended up ruining everything - ending the Starfish Sisters before they've even begun.

'The Starfish Sisters should be happy that they're on track to make the Australian Junior Female Surfing Team. But will lies, secrets, fighting - and love - keep them apart?' (Publisher's blurb)
1 Starfish Sisters J. C. Burke , 2007 series - author novel young adult
1 8 y separately published work icon Starfish Sisters J. C. Burke , North Sydney : Random House Australia , 2007 Z1423268 2007 single work novel young adult 'Georgie, Kia, Micki and Ace are thrown together at an elite girls' surfing camp. They're not friends straight away - there's jealousy, insecurity, secrets and lies to deal with first. Yet they soon realise that they need to stick together, because their friendship brings out the best in each of them. But will they all make the grade?' (Publisher's blurb)
1 Older Readers J. C. Burke , 2006 single work column
— Appears in: Reading Time : The Journal of The Children's Book Council of Australia , November vol. 50 no. 4 2006; (p. 5)
1 5 y separately published work icon Faking Sweet J. C. Burke , Milsons Point : Random House Australia , 2006 Z1296318 2006 single work novel young adult

'Holly's new at St Clementine's Girls High School. She already knows who to watch out for, though. Jess Flynn, the most popular girl in year nine. She's beautiful and friendly, she's the leader of the 'it' group, and she's even being nice to Holly. But Jess has a secret and Holly knows it. Holly's best friend back in Melbourne, Calypso, told Holly the truth. Jess is a liar, a shoplifter and a boyfriend-stealer. Calypso wants revenge for her ex-friend's betrayal, and Holly's only too happy to oblige.

'But Holly might find she's bitten off more than she can chew in getting revenge on Jess Flynn. For a start, it's not proving so easy to follow Calypso's plan and catch Jess out. And then there's the fact that as Holly gets to know her, Jess isn't fitting the terrible picture Calypso has painted of her. The question is, who's manipulating who?' (Publisher's blurb)
1 An Emotional Journey J. C. Burke , 2005 single work column
— Appears in: Viewpoint : On Books for Young Adults , Spring vol. 13 no. 3 2005; (p. 14)
2 9 y separately published work icon The Story of Tom Brennan J. C. Burke , Milsons Point : Random House , 2005 Z1257999 2005 single work novel young adult (taught in 5 units)

'A powerful story of love and loss, secrets and revelations - and making sense of a past that once seemed perfect.

'For Tom Brennan, life is about rugby, mates and family - until a night of celebration changes his life forever. Tom's world explodes as his brother Daniel is sent to jail and the Brennans are forced to leave the small town Tom's lived in his whole life. Tom is a survivor, but he needs a ticket out of the past just as much as Daniel. He will find it in many forms . . .' (Publication summary)
1 4 y separately published work icon Nine Letters Long J. C. Burke , Milsons Point : Random House , 2005 Z1206864 2005 single work novel young adult horror

'How many letters does it take to spell out the truth?

'Evie has a gift - a gift she's not always comfortable with. But when Alex suggests they conduct a séance, Evie reluctantly agrees. The letters on the board start spelling out one name - C-A-Z - over and over, and Evie knows she's been contacted again. A cryptic message with nine letters leads Evie to a family where two sisters, one living, one dead, share a dark secret that must be revealed.

'But is Evie strong enough to solve the mystery and reveal the truth in time to release both girls?' (Publication summary)
1 9 y separately published work icon The Red Cardigan J. C. Burke , Milsons Point : Random House Australia , 2004 Z1119837 2004 single work novel young adult
1 4 y separately published work icon White Lies J. C. Burke , South Melbourne : Lothian , 2002 Z980801 2002 single work novel young adult

'Mitch Davies has been surfing with his granpa for as long as he can remember. But now Paul is dying and one white lie is all that is needed for Mitch to remain focused and achieve his dream.'  (Publication summary)
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