THE RAVEN'S SONG BY ZANA FRAILLON AND BREN MACDIBBLE

The Raven’s Song is a story about collaboration, destiny and sacrifice. Set in two different times, we follow Phoenix and Shelby. Phoenix lives in an era where a mysterious disease is killing children and the planet has become more and more toxic. Shelby loves in a time after Phoenix, where communities live on 700 acre lots with only 350 inhabitants. There, they grow their own food and raise chickens and sheep to sustain their lives behind perimeter fences they must not cross.

These two worlds collide when Shelby and her best friend Davey explore outside their compound and discover an abandoned city. The only living human they encounter is Alle who has been left to look after the children frozen and only to be woken when a cure is found. They lie suspended in large egg-shaped pods with liquid being pumped into them to sustain them.

Both Shelby and Phoenix are drawn to a bog near their homes and the song of a girl who was sacrificed there many, many years ago. The Raven Girl sings to them both and helps each of them to find the solution to their problems. Phoenix and Shelby, although believing they are powerless children, both share a role that will help their people survive.

This writing collaboration between Zana Fraillon and Bren MacDibble came about with a Twitter conversation during the recent Pandemic. Together, they have crafted a story of hope and salvation. The warnings of climate change and damage to our planet play out here as a reminder that we can all help in some way, to try and find another path.

Shelby’s voice is clear and inquisitive and shows a girl who is curious and kind. Phoenix who sees visions, has a weight upon his soul that is at times heavy and despairing. He overcomes his fears and sees what is needed of him and what he was to sacrifice. The Raven’s Song will entrance Middle Grade readers with its intriguing descriptions of the future that may await all of us.

For Ages: 9 - 14 years

Number of Pages: 288

Published: October 2022 Allen & Unwin

Themes: Sacrifice, family and climate change.