Honour Book, Australian Children's Book Council Book of the Year 2023. The Raven's Song alternates between the stories of Phoenix, who lives in a near-future world impacted by climate change and a devastating pandemic; and Shelby, one hundred years in the future in a post-pandemic, post-pollution, post-city world where each community is exactly three hundred and fifty people sustainably subsisting on seven hundred hectares. The story of a world that is beginning to fall apart, and a chance to see it all put back together, The Raven's Song is a vision of hope for the future, seen through the eyes of the young people who will fight for it.

About the Author
Twice nominated for the Carnegie Medal, winner and shortlistee for the Australian Children's Book of the year, twice winner of New Zealand Children's Book of the Year, amongst many other accolades, Bren's books are set in climate changed worlds and can truly be described as 'award-winning'. Bren writes wild adventures for those curious about the future and hopes her stories give them courage, ideas and the language to talk about the future they'd like to see. Melbourne-based Zana Fraillon is an internationally-acclaimed award-winning author of books for young readers, including The Bone Sparrow, which was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and won the Amnesty CILIP Honour Award, and The Lost Soul Atlas, nominated for the 2021 Carnegie Medal. Zana's passion for empowering young people to find their voice is a feature of both her books and her work with writers of all ages.

Reviews

A powerful duology of authors produces a compelling and thought-provoking eco- thriller. Seamlessly lyrical writing, fascinating and credible world-building and characters who burrow their way into your heart make this an unforgettable read which will have huge appeal to readers, many of whom will share the author's environmental concerns. Highly recommended. (Book of the Month)

-- Joy Court * LoveReading4Kids *

A truly mesmerising time-slip novel that encompasses not only the way our planet changes under the humans that live on it but also the way, regardless of time and era, that friendships can last against all odds. Heartache amid laughter and melancholic tears for what once was, run through this incredible climate-change future-world story... A reminder perhaps of what may happen should we continue to treat our planet as a mere stone to stand on rather than the amazing natural life-source it is for animals and humans alike... The Raven's Song is a refreshing look into how we spend our time with those we love. I read it twice. Even more overwhelming the second time. There will definitely be a third reading, once my heart has stopped hammering and I don't fear the call of ravens as much.

-- Sarah P Broadley * My Book Corner blog *


Awards
Short-listed for Australian Children's Book of the Year Award: Younger Readers 2023 (Australia) and Aurealis Awards: Children's Fiction 2022 (Australia) and Children's Book of the Year 2023 (Australia).



Book Information
ISBN 9781910646816
Author Bren MacDibble
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Old Barn Books
Publisher Old Barn Books