Document Type
Creative Work
ANZSRC / FoR Code
1904 PERFORMING ARTS AND CREATIVE WRITING
COinS
Creative Work
1904 PERFORMING ARTS AND CREATIVE WRITING
Publication Details
McHugh, S. A. (2003). My Story: Snowy - The Diary of Eva Fisher. Gosford, NSW: Scholastic.
Digital file not available. For access to a copy of this book, please contact Michael Organ, Manager Repository Services: morgan@uow.edu.au.
Further information available here and here.
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RESEARCH IMPACT STATEMENT
Research Background
This is a book of historical fiction aimed at a readership from 10-14 years, which describes the building of the Snowy Mountains hydroelectric scheme by a diverse migrant workforce a landmark Australian era. It is seen through the eyes of a twelve-year-old girl, the eponymous Eva Fischer. The book is part of the My Story series - a series of historical novels for older children published by Scholastic Australia, which examines turning-points in Australian history through a diary format with a young protagonist. It is a departure for me, being a work of historical fiction aimed at younger readers which is heavily based on my social history of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, 'The Snowy - The People behind The Power'.
Research Contribution
The book is heavily based on my award-winning history of the Snowy Mountains Scheme, The Snowy – The People Behind The Power (Heinemann 1989 and Harper Collins 1995 – winner of the Douglas Stewart award for non-fiction in the NSW Premier’s Literary Awards). The fictional storyline is dense with plot and character to engage the reader, while a comprehensive Historical Note explains what is true and what aspects have been adapted /altered.
Research Significance
The book has been on the NSW Premier’s Reading List for Years 7 and 8 (high school) since its publication in 2003. It has a high return on Educational Lending Right and sells well, indicating that it fills a gap in the field. It has also been well-reviewed in quality newspapers including The Age.