3 Reasons Why You Should Read Cora Seen and Heard by Zanni Louise

What’s the book about?

Being the new kid is hard enough, without your secret thoughts being put on display for all to see.

Shy, library-lurking Cora Lane moves to a small town, where her parents have bought an old theatre to renovate. After discovering the secret letters of a famous local performer, Cora writes back, using her imaginary pen pal to reveal all her secrets and worries. When her letters accidentally go public, Cora thinks her life is over – but no one would ever suspect the writer is the quiet new kid … would they?

Recommended for: 

Ages 10+.

Three reasons to read it: 

1. This is an important and engaging coming-of-age novel that has themes of self-acceptance, courage, friendship, family, dynamics, and community. There’s lots for middle-grade readers to take away with some vital lessons to be learnt.
2. Cora, like many other kids her age, is beginning to feel the confusion that comes with being on the cusp of childhood and adolescence. She’s feeling insecure, comparisons happen and she doesn’t feel noticed. But here, she learns that being seen and heard doesn’t always mean you’re the coolest kid in the class, and shows young readers to step out of their comfort zone to embrace who they really are.
3. Alongside the book’s lighter themes, Zanni Louise touches on heavier, yet just as important, themes of sexuality, puberty and abuse and alcoholism. But Louise touches on these in a sensitive and digestible way that young readers will absorb well. We recommend this book for children aged 10 years and up.

Buy a copy of Cora Seen and Heard here.

About the author:

Based in the Byron Bay hinterland, Zanni Louise is passionate about writing quality books for children and inspiring people to write their own stories.

Zanni has written 16 books for children, including picture books and junior fiction. Her books have been described as quirky, warm and funny, and are sold in many foreign territories. She’s been twice listed in the CBCA Notables, and her picture book Archie and the Bear was selected for the highly prestigious international children’s catalogue: The White Ravens.