Looking for a new book for the child in your life? These thought-provoking West Australian novels explore the unique challenges of healthcare in a state as vast as Western Australia and the impact of a childhood diagnosis of diabetes on an aspiring professional dancer. 

Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady by Dianne Wolfer

Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady tells the story of Robin Miller and her astonishing adventures as one of the first women to fly for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Set in a time when it took 10 hours to fly from Perth to Broome, this middle-grade historical novel paints a vivid picture of life in 1960s Perth for a lone woman in the aviation industry, delivering life-saving polio vaccines to remote communities.

The story touches on multiple societal issues, including the notion that women were not as skilled as men in the workplace, and illustrates Robin’s determination to prove her male counterparts wrong. If you’re intrigued by the evolution of health services, this book touches on how the Royal Flying Doctor Service transformed healthcare for those living in rural Western Australia. It also shows the remarkable difference in both planes and medicine compared to today, delivering a distinct shock factor and a flurry of rhetorical questions, the most common being: “How did they do that?”  

This is a striking read that sends the reader soaring through the vast landscapes of Western Australia and beyond. Robin’s story may have a bittersweet ending, but the readers is left comforted by the knowledge that she fulfilled her dream of flying to help others. 

Breaking Pointe by Chenée Marrapodi 

In Breaking Pointe, Perth author and journalist Chenée Marrapodi follows teenage ballet dancers Amelia and Valentina as they navigate the tough world of ballet. When a ballet scholarship is up for grabs and a new teacher arrives, the girls face fresh challenges in pursuit of their dreams. 

The story effectively highlights the importance of strong relationships with both friends and family. Set in a ballet school, the book doesn’t shy away from the everyday problems teenagers face, including anxiety, family struggles and peer pressure, with a bit of romance lightening the mood.   

Chenée does a fantastic job of showing that, even in the glamorous world of ballet, the personal and emotional struggles of growing up are universal, making the characters’ experiences both authentic and easy to connect with. The author also embraces her Italian heritage, beautifully showcasing the multicultural and accepting nature of Australia through Valentina’s proud Italian family. 

Central to the story is Amelia’s health journey, which educates young readers about coming to terms with a type 1 diabetes diagnosis and offers insight into supporting friends facing similar challenges. The book sends a powerful message that a medical condition doesn’t have to be a barrier to pursuing your passions. 

Breaking Pointe is a must-read book for young ballet enthusiasts.