School Journal Level 4 May 2017
Look inside this issue
Astrobiology: Finding Extraterrestrial Life
by Steve Pointing
This article explains the work of astrobiologists and invites students to consider the possibilities of life beyond Earth. It asks what extra-terrestrial life might be like if it does exist. Could we be invaded by a dangerous species, or would the aliens be friendly?
How to Fall
by Whiti Hereaka
illustrated by Rebecca ter Borg
"The rec centre’s packed. It’s like one big party, but Maia’s determined not to enjoy herself. Coming to see Aunty Emz’s derby game had been Mum’s idea. They needed a break from unpacking, apparently – although Maia’s pretty sure of the real reason: they needed a break from each other."
Hushed
by Paul Mason
illustrated by Mat Tait
"The door to the pod hissed open, and Tre stared at his new classroom, an uncertain flicker in his eyes. Children sat clustered around tables in small groups. In the centre of each lay a pile of building bricks, white as hospital walls."
Origin Story (with fairy)
by David Larsen
illustrated by Ross Murray
In “Origin Story”, schoolgirl Moana has a surprise meeting with a fairy. As the fairy greets her and introduces itself, Moana is forced to suspend disbelief. Time is also “suspended” in a freeze-frame style, and Moana eventually realises that she has a chance – and the power – to change the course of events.
Stitches
by Mary McCallum
illustrated by Elliemay Logan
"Before she threw back the covers, May’s eyes fell on the brand-new Wheeler & Wilson sewing machine, which stood black and gleaming like a cat on the dresser. How wonderful of Papa to buy it for her! He’d talked about nothing else since he’d brought it home: how many dresses May could sew in a week right here in her bedroom, how much money she could make, what a help it would be."
The Fight to Vote
by Susan Paris
"It's hard to imagine a world where women can't vote. Yet up until 1893, this was the reality. Not one country allowed women to have a say in their national government. In some parts of the world, it would stay that way for a long time. New Zealand was different. On 28 November 1893, women went to the polling booth for the first time. It was a famous victory – a radical change – but it didn't come without a fight."
The Trial
by Bernard Beckett
In this futuristic tale, readers will be confronted with a situation that has strong parallels with present-day moral dilemmas. “The Trial” provides opportunities for rich discussion about the concept of setting up a “new” society with clear rules and when the rules need to be questioned.
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