Outback Ferals

March 2022: Today’s news of mosquito- born, Japanese encephalitis spreading between waterbirds, pigs and humans is relevant to feral pig research done for ‘Outback Ferals’ some years ago.Fiction writers predict facts by researching and then saying, ‘What if?

Due to Pandemic Lockdown, increasing interest in the pandemic/infection threat underlying ‘Antarctica’s Frozen Chosen‘ and the sequel ‘Outback Ferals’.

YA readers and educators interested and using the discussion notes. (Ironically, written years earlier).

ISBN: 0734409354
e-book: 9780734413062
Author: Hazel Edwards
Publisher: Lothian / Hachette

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Visit your local bookshop or these online retailers have copies available now – just click through on the direct link and you can purchase online:

  • ‘Outback Ferals’ offers a range of classroom themes including ecology, environment and epidemiology.
  • Curriculum Press have created a comprehensive teachers resource pack focussing on sustainability as a curriculum unit. Click through to Curriculum Press to discover more.
  • A book rap provides students with a range of topics, questions and activities related to a book, over a number of weeks. The Book Rap for Outback Ferals includes an art brief to design a cover, an hypothetical about handling a pandemic and mateship, all related to discussion for the book. Click here to download a copy of the book_rap_for_outback_ferals.pdf.
  • swine_pandemic__outback_ferals_fiction_prediction_2.pdf Fiction prediction, often occurs when a writer researches and then says ‘What if?’  and then it happens!

  • Centre for Youth Literature: ‘An eco-warrior, feral disease conspiracy line runs through.'(PK)
  • Buzz Words:’…so original I can’t not like it…sure to be a hit – especially with boys.’  JM
  • Amazon: ‘…a convincing action-thriller …’ Rhys Tate
  • PIO newletter: ‘ Edwards reveals the quirky humour of the Territory through characters .’ S.Gervay
  • Nile   ‘ Outback Ferals works because it feels real. Kyle isn’t an action superhero’.RT
  • Reading Time: ‘Good reading for ages 10-15.’ JDA
  • Curriculum: ‘explores the need for strict quarantine security.’
  • Trendyanya ‘I enjoyed reading this book and I reckon anyone interested in the environment would too.’
  • NSW Assoc for Gifted and TalentedChildren:  ‘ Realistic fiction. Issues of ecology and environment.’

OAM Association Talk:
May 11th “Not Just a Piece of Cake: Being an Author” Will be on You Tube soon.

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Student Resources:
Crafting an assignment on Hazel Edwards? Get tips for school projects, and her uniquely answered questions.

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