Full of unforgettable characters, a page-turning pace and outrageously good dialogue, this is a glorious novel - thoughtful, funny, heartbreaking and wise - about outsiders and secrets, and what it really means to be a hero.
Craig Silvey grew up on an orchard in Dwellingup Western Australia. He now lives in Fremantle, where at the age of 19 he wrote his first novel, Rhubarb, published by Fremantle Press in 2004. In 2005, Rhubarb was chosen as the 'One Book' for the Perth International Writers' Festival, and was included in the national Books Alive campaign. Silvey also received a Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelist Award. In 2007, Silvey released The World According To Warren, a picture book affectionately starring the guide-dog from Rhubarb. His second novel, Jasper Jones, was completed with the aid of an Australia Council New Work Grant. Outside of literature, Silvey is the singer/songwriter for the band The Nancy Sikes!
‘I’ve had success with Jasper Jones in Australian classrooms and international ones. Awesome book.’
Jason Underwood, 2018
‘[Jasper Jones] opened understandings to my students’ about their community and that which exists beyond themselves. Their minds and hearts began to open to the experiences of groups who are usually ignored or shunned.’
Pina Grozotis, 2018
‘I love this novel. I’ve read it quite a few times, as I teach at year 11, and it’s always one of the most popular texts in the whole school…Congratulations!’
Emma Steeper, 2017
‘I was recommended Jasper Jones read it and loved it. I honestly couldn’t put it down. I’m an English teacher and I’m going to suggest to my Head of Department that we include it in our curriculum. Can’t wait to read more of your work.’
Kirsty Dos Remedios, 2014
‘…I teach child abuse prevention programs in schools across WA. I was visiting a school during the week and a young girl said to me ‘my sister has read a book called Jasper Jones and she told me about the things that were happening to the girl in the story – we didn’t know things like that could happen’ this opened up an opportunity to further discuss a range of abuse prevention issues. Thank you.’
Justine Chippendale O’Malley, 2014
‘I am an English teacher at a boys’ school in Brisbane and I am looking at a new novel for my Year 10 students. I think I just found it in Jasper Jones. Beautifully written and very evocative.’
Dave Houston, 2014
‘Just leant your book to one of my year 10 students and he’s been reading it non-stop, asking to keep it over the holidays’
Colleen Fliegner, 2016
'This is such a powerful book to make kids think about differences and see them as good.’
Jason and Anna Ringrose, 2015
Jasper Jones Chapter Sampler by Allen & Unwin on Scribd