6 May 2008

The book 'Sixth Grade Style Queen (Not!)' written by Victoria University's Professional Writing and Editing teacher, Sherryl Clark, from St Albans Campus, has been shortlisted for the Children's Book Council Awards in the Younger Reader category.

Given the number of childrens' books published each year in Australia, getting through to the shortlisting stage is an enormous achievement.

The novel, written in verse, tells the story of an awful year in Grade 6 for Dawn and the vulnerability and pain of twelve-year-old emotions. Dawn doesn't know where she belongs. It's not with the style queens at school. And it's not at home, where all her parents do is fight. Even her best friend, Emily, doesn't seem to want to be best friends any more.

The problem is, she's not really sure what she wants - but as everything in her life starts to change, Dawn learns that sometimes not having all the answers isn't such a bad thing after all.

Dawn may not have all the answers, but does have firm views - on make up:

"I have this theory about make-up
and tizzy-whizzing your hair (OK, so you call it styling)
the uglier you are
the less you do it."

And on girls' magazines:

"The latest issue is out
and just like she said
Melissa's got her photo in it
her and her foofy dog
she's famous at school
offers to sign kids arms
autograph their magazines
one day she even wears lipstick
and Ms Simpson just smiles - oh, puke."

Winners of the Children's Book Council Awards will be announced on Friday 15 August 2008

Sixth Grade Style Queen (Not!)'
Illustrated by Elissa CHRISTIAN
Puffin Books (Penguin Group Australia)
RRP $14.95
Paperback, 72 pages
ISBN-13 9780143303008

Sherryl's website is: http://www.sherrylclark.com

Media Contact: Andy Gash, Snr. Media Officer,
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 4950; mobile 0411 255 900