Teachers notes
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Sample chapter
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Allie McGregor's list of problems is longer than movie credits. House renovations have forced Allie to share her room with mouse-loving little sister, Sarah. Her dad, Will, calls Allie 'The Hormonal One' during his popular radio program. Her brother, Riley, is just plain gross. Her best friend Lou is fighting with Allie's new friend, Romy. Oh, and Allie's mum has cancer.
Winner
Older Readers, 2007 Australian Family Therapist’s Award for Children’s Literature
It’s been happening in Allie’s life of 16 years, house renovations means she is sharing a room with her sister, which means smelly mice as well; dad talks about her as ‘the hormonal one’ on his radio program, her brother is gross, her best friends are fighting at school and her mum has cancer. That’s a lot of mixed feelings to sort out; a story about getting through the hard times, discovering what you should really stay true to and the strength of family— easy for teenagers to relate to.
— The Examiner
There’s much (teenage readers) will be able to identify with
— The Age
A heart-warming story about Allie, a typical teenager who has a list of woes longer than a list of movie credits... House renovations have forced Allie to share her bedroom with her baby sister and her smelly mice, Allie’s dad refers to her as ‘the hormonal one’ on his popular radio program, her two best friends are fighting — oh and her mother has cancer. Allie McGregor’s True Colours is a story about discovering who you really are. Ideally suited for 8+ readers.
— Classroom
A brilliant portrayal of the egotism and chaotic inner life of young teenagers... an optimistic novel which celebrates courage.
— Anne Briggs, Magpies
Lawson demonstrates her insight into the teenager’s hopes and fears by writing this story with both sensitivity and a great sense of fun.
— Wendy Noble, Good Reading
Teenage readers would find this an interesting exploration of families and coping with illness, as well as the trials of being a teenager
— Reading Time
The book demonstrates good parenting strategies, positive family relatiionships and mutual regard
— Judges’ report, Australian Family Therapists Award for Children’s Literature, Older Readers