Literature to support the Australian curriculum: annotated lists of fiction and poetry by Fran Knight

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Pledger Consulting, 2011. ISBN 978-1876678258.
Fran Knight is a South Australian children's literature specialist, renowned for her knowledge and experience in book selection and reader guidance. She has been assisting teachers and teacher-librarians for many years. This set of annotated lists will prove invaluable for school and public libraries, and for classrooms across Australia. ReadPlus (Pledger Consulting), an online database of fiction organised under themes, has supported this publishing venture, and for more information you are invited to visit http://www.readplus.com.au/trial.php
With access to an abundance of quality Australian children's literature, it is often a daunting task to select the best book for an individual or group of readers. Teachers and librarians rely on the wisdom of others as well as the knowledge they have gained from their own reading. Annotated lists are valuable tools; many of us will recall the reliable and interesting First Choice by Maurice Saxby.
Literature to support the Australian curriculum provides a reliable list of up to date titles pertaining to relevant topics studied in today's classrooms. Fran Knight's annotations are concise pieces of three to four lines, providing insight to the storyline of each entry, with an occasional informed comment about the text in terms of its purpose and achievement. Mention is made of series and sequels when necessary.
The contents of this great package include book lists relating to Asian themes, indigenous themes, and sustainability. Poetry titles are given, as well as suggestions for class texts and 'read alouds'. Each section lists titles for three age levels - Entry to Year 3, Year 4 to 6 and Year 7 to 10, and an index enhances the value of this collection of over 600 entries. Fran Knight has produced a very helpful, well-informed handbook for those working in the field of education and reader guidance which addresses the current curriculum in Australian schools.
Julie Wells

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