Just So Stories

New Frontier Publishing

May 2025

ISBN : 978-1-923145-92-4

PRICE : $16.99

Meeting Ava Spark will be something quite different for most of your readers, I think. While they may already be aware or even familiar with some methods of communication, especially AUSLAN/sign language, which many schools are incorporating into their programs, not so many will be aware of more sophisticated or technological methods such as AAC s (Augmentative and Alternative Communication aids).

Ava uses one of these called an eye gaze device and while her friends are well used to it, when new girl Liv arrives from Australia, it is quite a surprise for her. Especially as Ava has been assigned as her ‘buddy’ but with plans bubbling for the upcoming Sports Day and Ava, along with her friends, Miya and Jack, coming up with some great ideas that will especially help Liv to feel included, a new friendship is soon unfolding.

This is a feel good story with real heart, and entirely well-suited to those younger readers who are working themselves into more complex but still accessible chapter books. Heavily illustrated, laced with humour as well as highs and lows of school and friendship groups, it will greatly appeal to your kiddos from around Year 2 and on to Year 4.

The teaching notes certainly support the springboard this could take to investigating alternative methods of communication, science around sound and sight, social and personal capabilities as well as building empathy and understanding for disabilities. And, I can easily see a thematic sports day being enthusiastically planned for and undertaken!

I think this would make a great read-aloud for your mid-range classes and offer up many valuable discussion points. I’m giving it a big 5 👀👀👀👀👀 rating for confident readers from about 7/8 upwards.