Stories Come Alive
From theatrical adaptations of beloved children's classics to honest reflections on mental health, Wenona's Book Week showcased the extraordinary power of storytelling to connect, challenge, and inspire.
Across campus, students immersed themselves in the written word through character parades, creative workshops, and conversations with accomplished Australian authors who shared both their craft and their humanity.
The excitement was overflowing in the Junior School as the students prepared for their annual Book Week Parade in the Hooke House playground. But the creativity extended far beyond costumes, with the students flexing their critical thinking muscles in a ‘You Be the Judge’ book review activity, stepping into the shoes of professional critics to evaluate the literature they have been reading. They also crafted poems and thank-you letters, discovering how words can express gratitude and wonder.
Tasmanian author Lian Tanner brought her imaginative worlds to life for the younger students, sharing tales from her Rogues Trilogy and The Keepers series. Her journey from a shy child who was "so bad at netball that no one ever wanted me in their team", to a celebrated author, resonated with the girls. Even though her career has been prolific, she still suffers from writer’s block at times, which she solves by taking “long walks on a quiet beach where dolphins play” - an idea that would strike a chord with any hopeful young writer.
For Years 7 and 8 students, Iranian-Australian writer Maryam Master shared her remarkable journey from arriving in Australia at age nine to becoming one of the country's most sought-after adaptors of children's literature. Now with more than 20 years in the industry, Ms Master’s story illustrates how diverse backgrounds enrich Australian literature. Her novels Exit Through the Gift Shop and No Words have garnered prestigious awards, with the latter winning both the Children's Peace Literature Award and the Readings Children's Prize. She has also brought author David Walliams' beloved characters to life for the stage, including Mr Stink, Billionaire Boy, and The Midnight Gang, all premiering at the Sydney Opera House. She has even written more than 80 episodes of television classic Home and Away.
Years 9 and 10 engaged with Felicity Castagna, whose powerful voice in young adult fiction has earned critical acclaim. Her novel The Incredible Here and Now won the 2014 Prime Minister's Literary Award for Young Adult Fiction, while No More Boats was shortlisted for the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Award. Ms Castagna's work explores complex themes of identity and belonging, speaking directly to the experiences of young people navigating an increasingly complex world.
The Senior College students met with Kirsty Eager, who has an authenticity and vulnerability in her work and presentations that creates an immediate connection. Ms Eager is the author of Raw Blue, Summer Skin, and Night Beach and the insights she shared went beyond writing technique to life philosophy. Ms Eager uses her presentations to share her struggles with depression, coupled with her determination to "try hardest of all as a mum" – offering students a candid perspective on how to balance creative pursuits with personal challenges.
What made these author visits particularly special was their emphasis on the human stories behind their published works. They served as a reminder that literature isn't just something we consume but something we can create and use to make sense of our own experiences and provided yet another wonderful Wenona Book Week.