Local author Sarah Armstrong is on a mission.
Having watched reading rates among children plunge in recent years, the Mullumbimby resident is determined to write kids books that are ‘unputdownable’.
The latest result of this quest is Run, a fast-paced adventure aimed to appeal to reluctant readers who were born in the digital age.
‘The right book in the hands of a child ignites their imagination,’ says Ms Armstrong.
‘They’ll then look for the next book and the next book…’
‘So I wrote Run as pacey page-turner, that also has interesting ideas and heart, as a way of grabbing those kids that might not have the bug yet.’
The main protagonist in Run is Cas, a boy who thought running away from home would solve all his problems.
‘He runs from a complicated family situation but then finds himself lost in the wilderness and trying to survive…’ says Ms Armstrong.
A family hiding in the forest
‘He has no idea how to survive and he’s getting really scared that he might not make it. Then he stumbles on a family of three hiding in the forest from something massive.’
‘Its about survival, adventure… it’s a thriller but it’s also about family and forgiveness and a child’s relationship with nature.’
Having already penned two children’s books, Ms Armstrong is establishing herself as a key voice in Australia’s children’s literature landscape.
Workshops with young people and their parents
She is looking forward to running a series of workshops with young people and their parents about Run – guiding the budding scribes in a story writing exercise involving the use of suspense.
‘The best thing about writing for kids is the kids…’ she says.
‘I’m very fortunate to give talks and run writing workshops in primary and secondary schools and at writers’ festivals.
‘I love their imaginations and their enthusiasm for good stories.’
Run is available at most local bookshops, including The Book Room in Byron, The Book Shop in Mullumbimby, and The Book Warehouse in Lismore and Ballina.
For more information about Ms Armstrong and her work visit: saraharmstrong.com.
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