I was really excited to find out my children's storybook Discovery at Paradise Island has just been chosen for the NSW Board of Studies Suggested Texts for English P-10 in Stage one, two and three, new curriculum - in the Social Sustainability, Environmental and disability area.
I have released a second paperback print run and a double cd audiobook version and a DAISY and PDF file and ebook on iTunes and amazon -ISBN - 978-0-9581610-7-7of the story as well. This book is one of the only Australian children's books written exploring disability in the family and also will be one of the only resources with mp3 files and audio cd of the book. This will greatly assist those with literacy problems or vision problems as well. This book also is a good resource for ESL and older readers as well. To order either email - boyces@usq.edu.au or click
http://www.discoveringdisability.com.au/index.php/about-us/online-shop

A Little About The Book - Blurb‘

The fun and discovery starts as soon as Alexandria and Sarah arrive at Paradise Island. What would usually be a relaxing holiday on a tropical island turns into an exciting adventure. Sarah thinks because Alexandria’s mum is in a wheelchair their holiday will be quite boring. How wrong is she?

The island activities, a mystery code, digging for pirate treasure, clues and discovery make for a surprising holiday and Sarah discovers some things she didn’t know before she went away with Alexandria’s family.'

Discovery at Paradise Island is a children's adventure storybook written for audiences aged seven to twelve years. The story gives children a chance to learn and discover about disability. This book aims to develop children’s literacy, numeracy and social intelligence, while at the same time making it exciting and fun to read. It integrates into the school SOSE syllabus and also critical literacies and numeracy with the code breaking work. It has teacher and parent directed activities included and engagement questions at the end of each chapter to encourage children to think about what they have read and apply it to their own lives.

Written by an author with a strong educational background and a thorough knowledge of disability both from a practical perspective and a theoretical framework this book explores a variety of social justice issues through the eyes of a child. Because this book can be used as a teaching resource across the curriculum and because it has a particular focus on disability it would be an invaluable classroom tool.

The book links into the SOSE syllabus especially the Culture and Identity strand, as well as critical literacy and numeracy. It also is a much needed resource in the area of disability awareness. The engagement questions at the end of each chapter encourage children to think about the issues they are reading about and to apply them to their own lives. At the conclusion of the book it has a section containing teacher and parent directed activities.  These can be used to develop a unit of work or activities based around the book and the themes contained within it.  

Sharon Boyce is available to come to your school to participate in author visits and also disability awareness sessions. Sharon is a registered teacher and is trained to work across all year levels. Sharon won the Disability Action Week Award for Individuals for this books first edition.

Enquires: 0417 708 945 or boyces@usq.edu.au 

Or the website – www.discoveringdisability.com.au

Kind Regards

Sharon Boyce

Hi Everyone
It has been a long time since I have written on my blog. I have been travelling and meeting some very amazing people in the Leaders for Tomorrow program I am working with. I have been to Canberra for the graduation of our June graduates and had an amazing time looking over Parliament House and having dinner at Old Parliament House. That bought back many memories for me about when I was ten and visited with my family - before I had a disability.
Then we flew to Melbourne and took part in the Disability Care conference. This was great and I was able to catch up with many amazing friends I have made across the disability networks of Australia. There are certainly many interesting things happening across the disability field in Australia at the moment.
Some of you may be interested in having a look and a listen to this post . I was interviewed by the ABC last week about disability and Australian society. Just click to follow the link. Have a listen and let me know what you think
http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2013/07/12/3801624.htm