A spotlight on The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks
The Year the Maps Changed by Danielle Binks is one of the six books shortlisted for this year’s Readings Children’s Book Prize.
Here’s everything you need to know about this heartfelt coming-of-age story about family life and finding your own moral compass.
‘ The Year the Maps Changed has all the hallmarks of great historical fiction for young people, even though it’s set not that long ago. Danielle Binks has conducted an incredible amount of research into John Howard’s refugee policies at the time, and the arrival of Kosovar-Albanian refugees at the ‘safe haven’ near Sorrento. This precipitates Fred’s compassion and increasing awareness of the injustices in the world. With some heavy topics, this is a heartbreaking read about blended families, dealing with loss, and changing how you see the world.’
– Clare Millar, Chair of the judging panel
Who should read this book?
The Year the Maps Changed is suitable or ages 10+. Sensitive readers who care about the world and people around them will love this story about eleven-year-old Fred’s complicated extended family and the community around her. This sophisticated story is perfect for tweens and deep thinkers.
Look out for…
Danielle’s next book, The Monster of Her Age is young adult fiction, and touches on themes of art, family, forgiveness and love. It will be out in August 2021. Danielle was also the editor of the fabulous #LoveOzYA anthology Begin, End, Begin.
Meet the author…
Danielle Binks is a Melbourne-based writer, reviewer, literary agent, book blogger and Youth Literature Advocate. You can listen to a great conversation with Danielle on The First Time podcast, where she talks to her fellow author Fiona Hardy.
