ISBN:9780648136668

A man sits at a lookout contemplating his future. When Jack Kelly signed up, the war was meant to be over by Christmas. It was supposed to be an adventure, a chance to escape his life for a little, something to tell the grandkids about. It wasn’t the adventure they promised. The war didn’t stay ‘over there’, it slipped its bonds in Europe and travelled all the way to his little town of Katoomba. It wasn’t meant to set neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend. Yet it had. Wife, brother, friends, all would be touched by the conflict in one way or the other. Seeping into the very fabric of local communities, the war finds out the fault lines between people testing the cohesion of the young nation. Making heroes of some and enemies of others. The man at the lookout could never have known what forces would lead him there, any more than he could guess at the stories that would live after him. Comforting stories to cover his uncomfortable reality. Poisoning the Nest, examines the damage done to individuals, families and society, by Australia’s involvement in the First World War. It tells the forgotten story of the home front, from the perspective of both supporters and opponents of the war. Intermingling with this story, is a meditation on the nature of heroes, and the desire to construct myths. Myths, which simplify difficult and painful histories, both in the private sphere and as a society.

ISBN: 9780645489644

This is the book I wanted and needed when I started teaching.

This book will change how you see Shakespeare.

This book has been written with teachers in mind. Whether you are new to teaching needing a helping hand, or an experienced teacher looking for something to reinvigorate your classroom practice with Shakespeare, you will find this an invaluable resource.

This book contains:

• four complete units of work.
• two major assessment tasks with marking criteria.
• all the worksheets required for the students.
• program templates using the Australian National Curriculum Outcomes.
• space for reflection and adaptation.
• teachers notes.
• glossary of Shakespearean words and terms.

Shakespeare is the most revered and challenging author that we have the privilege to present to our students. The way that we present this titan of English literature can influence our students' perceptions of his works for the rest of their lives. Let's make Shakespeare exciting and fun. Let's shake up Shakespeare.

ISBN: 9780648511069

A complete first draft in 12 weeks

Do you want to:

• Explore your creativity and build your confidence?

• Learn key skills for writing fiction?

• Learn what turns publishers and editors off your work?

• Explore your creativity and build your confidence?

• Learn key skills for writing fiction?

• Receive structured activities to help with the writing of your first novel?

• Complete a first draft of a novel?

Then this is the book for you.

Black Cockie Press 12 Week Creative Writing Masterclass Workbook takes you through the writing process step by step.

ISBN: 9780645489613

Growing up Bob Tuesday had few expectations of life. Well, how many expectations can a boy have, when your father is a waste of space and your mother is a genetically enhanced super soldier on the run from the authorities? But even in the irradiated wastelands of the Nevada desert, evil stalks Bob's world; in the form of criminal mastermind Earnest Fell.Thrust alone into the vast galactic empire known as the Unison, Bob must learn quickly how to navigate worlds of interspecies pimple popping, educational upgrades, suicide attack rats and a host of other catastrophes, as he attempts to answer the biggest question of all: "Where's my lighter?" Scum of the Universe is a riotous romp across the science fiction genre. Outrageously funny, this is an electrifying debut from Grant J Everett.

ISBN: 9780645489620

Bob Tuesday is back! Having survived his encounters with Earnest Fell and reunited with his wayward dad Jim, Tuesday is again scumming his way through life. This time aboard the Carpe Astrum the most advanced starship in the Unison.

Tuesday is joined by Jimmy Slummer, Nutrasweet addict and fry cook. Trace, a psychotic Enforcer with a dark secret and Lana an eager and naïve cadet on her first posting.

When the Carpe Astrum is crippled in a freak accident it jumps across seven galaxies. This unlikely band of survivors must find a way home after becoming stranded on the war ravaged planet of The Apex, the most feared species in this galaxy.

If the toxic atmosphere, the lack of water, the blinding heat, or their single jar of durian jam don't kill them. Then the poisonous vegetation, their guide, or their own hideously incompatible personalities just might.

The darkly funny sequel to Scum of the Universe will have you on the edge of your seat as Grant J. Everett takes you on a madcap adventure in the ever expanding world of Bob Tuesday.

ISBN: 9780645489637

The Earth is dead. Its burnt out shell is being mined for remnant plastic by the Slidge in their quest to remember how to repair their failing technology. The vast Human empire, The Unison is no more. Humanity itself has disappeared, reduced to its four most insignificant specimens. Only two of whom are fertile.

Join Tuesday, Trace, Lana and Jimmy in the final thrilling, hilarious installment of the Scum of the Universe trilogy.

Follow the last Humans in the universe as they race to save the Milky Way galaxy from imminent Slidge invasion. Find new friends in strange places and old enemies where they least expect them. And save the Human species from complete annihilation. All without killing each other in the process... Spug, we're screwed!

ISBN: 9780645489606

Contemporary fantasy novel set in Australia. This is Australia, but not as you know it. Adrian Walker, a little known minister, has taken control of the government. As if that wasn't shocking enough, rumours swirl around Canberra about Walker's strange and shadowy backers. When the General Election is cancelled Amber Yu, along with thousands of other ordinary Australians, takes to the streets in protest. After sheltering a neighbour, Amber comes to the attention of the security forces and her infant son Ollie is taken as a hostage. Amber must now risk everything she has known and depended on as she and Bec, a friend from their university days, set out to rescue her son.The Bonehead Resistance is an epic chase from the leafy suburbs of North Sydney to the dusty outback of Dubbo, as Amber flees, fights and inspires her fellow Australians. This thrilling debut from Narelle King will have you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

ISBN: 9780648136699

The summer sun shimmers in glimmering mirages on the drought baked plains of western New South Wales. The Stirlings’ dams have long since dried up and now the bore pump has packed it in. Marg Stirling faces a long hot drive through the red dust to town to collect the replacement part. Life in this part of the world is a battle, whether it is droughts or fires, isolation or missed opportunities, prejudice or ignorance, or beneath that the biggest battle, the battle with the land itself. During her long drive past battles fill Marg’s mind, as events conspire to make her wonder if there is not another way to live?

Drawing on the author’s own childhood experience of life in western New South Wales, The Red Dust is an affectionate, knowledgeable and often funny portrait of life in these isolated farming communities. 

ISBN: 9780648136675

Guru Stew brings together the poetry of Linda J McLeod. Ranging across a multitude of subjects from narrative poetry and humorous verse, to poems celebrating the highs and lows of friendship and family life, as well as self-reflective and meditative works. Guru Stew is by turns engaging, funny, and reflective. These poems speak with the original compelling voice of this outsider poet.