Viola Vincent Reporting

A story about the power of one and about having the courage to chase the truth whatever the consequences.

The metallic scream of a motor, blasted her eardrums. Hot fumes flooded her nostrils. The wide eyes of the young biker met hers for a fraction of a second as he fought to control his bucking machine. Caitlin watched her mother , a surprised look on her face, somersault through the air like some bizarre circus performer, and land, with a dull thud, on her back.

Caitlin's life is shattered when her mother is seriously injured in a freak accident. She struggles to find her bearings in a world that has totally changed. Her mother, once her rock, has tuned out. Her grandfather is angry and doesn't want to know when Caitlin tries to tell him Mum's bike was dodgy. In the end, it's the ghost of her famous great aunt, a pioneering journalist, who eventually steers Caitlin's destiny and gives her the courage to take a stand.

Selling points

• Written by an award-winning journalist
• Powerful storytelling with an authentic voice
• Demonstrates how even a child can make a difference.

About the author

Anna Kenna is a well-known New Zealand radio and television journalist who has won a number of Qantas Media Awards for her work in investigative journalism. In recent years she has become a successful children's author, with many of her books and stories used in classrooms worldwide.

Awards

• Storylines Notable New Zealand Books: Junior Fiction 2011.

Reviews

This is a great story on a number of levels. It is well paced, it's well told and it is exciting. Kenna has created a strong and believable heroine who has the courage of her convictions. A great read for age 10 plus.

Children's Bookshop, Kilbirnie, March 2010

Viola Vincent Reporting is a fast-paced and interesting novel that will appeal particularly to girls. It deals with many ideas and issues that students will be able to relate to including family, relationships, friends, peer-pressure, and dealing with change. Rita's disability is dealt with in a sympathetic and credible way and the author examines the effects of the accident not just on Caitlin's mum, but also on the whole family.

The story is written using easy to understand colloquial language and text speak, making it accessible to young readers. The author introduces several intriguing sub-plots including what happened to Caitlin's dad and her interesting Aunt Viola, which adds depth to the story. Themes include family relationships, dealing with a tragedy, and persevering in the face of challenges to achieve success.

Scholastic New Zealand Limited, Teacher's Notes