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KY!: Award-Winning Novella About Bullying
Rida Khalid is a Muslim refugee from Iran. She is bullied by two girls at school for wearing a hijab (Muslim headscarf), reading books and wearing glasses, and seeks refuge in an old man’s garden after school. Rida meets an Asian girl at school, Ky, who also loves books, but Rida soon dumps her for a gawky girl, Carmen, who teaches her about fitting in. To be accepted, Rida removes her hijab at school, but she must wear her headscarf whilst competing in the inter-school sports. Her family will attend.Rida deliberately loses the first race because Carmen says, “Only nerds do well in sports”. The sports master berates Rida for losing the race and points to Ky who’s made an extraordinary effort to get out of hospital to watch her run. Ky is battling leukaemia. Rida wins the next two races and gives her winning ribbons to Ky for good luck.Rida enters the State Athletics Championships, but two athletics clubs lodge an objection to her hijab. Rida is shocked when a retired Queens Counsel (QC) represents her at the Equal Opportunity Commission. Who is he? Will Rida win the case? Will she run in the State Championships? Will Ky beat leukaemia, and who owns the garden that Rida has used as a sanctuary?
Paperback
First published April 19, 2015
About the author
Clancy Tucker
12 books2 followersClancy Tucker writes young adult fiction for reluctant readers but has also achieved success as a poet and photographer. Clancy has lived in four countries, speaks three languages, has photography accepted and published in books in the USA (Innocent Dreams, Endless Journeys & A Trip Down Memory Lane), used as covers for magazines (‘The Australian Writer’ - 2008 & ‘Victorian Writer - 2008), has work registered with the International Library of Photography, published in literary magazines and he’s written more than 90 short stories.
Clancy’s been short-listed and highly commended in writing contests: 2006, 2007 & 2011 Australian National Literary Awards, Raspberry & Vine (twice), Positive words, Australian Writers On-Line, Shaggy Sheep Tale, The Cancer Council Arts Awards (2005 & 2008), The Dusty Swag Awards (2010) and had ten short stories published in literary magazines (Page Seventeen, Branching Out & Positive Words), newspapers (The Standard, Mountain Views & The Advocate), written articles for Kid Magazine in the USA and won a poetry prize to name a life-size statue designed by renowned Belgian sculptor, Bruno Torfs. In 2010, Clancy was awarded a two-week mentorship by the National Education & Employment Foundation. He is now a full time writer but has been a speechwriter, public servant, farmer and small business operator. Clancy lectures students in the U3A, mentors more than 48 aspiring writers around Australia, has worked with street kids and draws on life’s experiences to write entertaining stories for kids.
‘Gunnedah Hero’ has been published as a paperback and also in eBook format via www.morrispublishingaustralia.com
Clancy is about to publish his next five books; some are novellas.
Clancy also writes an eclectic daily blog, mainly directed to authors and emerging and aspiring writers. The blog has regular guests from around the world - human rights lawyers and campaigners, authors, social justice activists, illustrators, musicians, journalists, young adults etc:
http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au/
Clancy’s been short-listed and highly commended in writing contests: 2006, 2007 & 2011 Australian National Literary Awards, Raspberry & Vine (twice), Positive words, Australian Writers On-Line, Shaggy Sheep Tale, The Cancer Council Arts Awards (2005 & 2008), The Dusty Swag Awards (2010) and had ten short stories published in literary magazines (Page Seventeen, Branching Out & Positive Words), newspapers (The Standard, Mountain Views & The Advocate), written articles for Kid Magazine in the USA and won a poetry prize to name a life-size statue designed by renowned Belgian sculptor, Bruno Torfs. In 2010, Clancy was awarded a two-week mentorship by the National Education & Employment Foundation. He is now a full time writer but has been a speechwriter, public servant, farmer and small business operator. Clancy lectures students in the U3A, mentors more than 48 aspiring writers around Australia, has worked with street kids and draws on life’s experiences to write entertaining stories for kids.
‘Gunnedah Hero’ has been published as a paperback and also in eBook format via www.morrispublishingaustralia.com
Clancy is about to publish his next five books; some are novellas.
Clancy also writes an eclectic daily blog, mainly directed to authors and emerging and aspiring writers. The blog has regular guests from around the world - human rights lawyers and campaigners, authors, social justice activists, illustrators, musicians, journalists, young adults etc:
http://clancytucker.blogspot.com.au/
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 11, 2015
“Reading books had always been the best way for Rida to learn, and to escape from reality. In the detention centre, she’d read to take her mind off the intolerable heat, the endless kilometres of red sand and the razor wire. Now, she read to avoid two bullies who didn’t like her. Rida was the only Muslim at her school, and wearing a hijab made her stand out. Wearing glasses didn’t help either.” – Ky!
The schoolyard can be a scary place, and even more so if you’re different in any way from your classmates. And so it is for Rida, the only Muslim in her school.
The story of Ky! is told in an engaging and easy reading style, but underpinning it all are strong messages about bullying, multi-culturalism, illness, courage, and fortitude. But more than anything, it was the strength of the relationships on all levels that touched me most.
This is a book aimed at teenagers, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to adult readers as well.
The schoolyard can be a scary place, and even more so if you’re different in any way from your classmates. And so it is for Rida, the only Muslim in her school.
The story of Ky! is told in an engaging and easy reading style, but underpinning it all are strong messages about bullying, multi-culturalism, illness, courage, and fortitude. But more than anything, it was the strength of the relationships on all levels that touched me most.
This is a book aimed at teenagers, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to adult readers as well.
October 10, 2015
A BOOK WITH IMPORTANT LESSONS!
Schoolyard bullying has been around for far too many years––brutal, heart-breaking, and often permanently damaging. The perpetrators thrive on power and the victims either can become so depressed they lean towards suicide or lash out, killing themselves or people around them.
But what if a victim rises above the situation with the support of a couple of people? What if he/she gets outside of his/her life by thinking of someone with even greater issues? That's exactly what happens to Rida, a young girl from Iran, after she's been accosted by heavy prejudice and hatred; when by just wearing her hijab she fears for her own safety.
There are some very important lessons in this book, but what also impressed me was not just its inspirational messages, but also how Clancy Tucker relates the step-by-step process a victim goes through when they are preyed upon. How they often spend hours thinking up ways to avoid conflict, whether it be by keeping their school locker open so they can grab their backpack immediately after their classes to quickly "go on the run," or looking for hiding places en route to their homes in case they are being followed, or, in this case, taking off her hijab just before she gets to school to lessen the attention it draws.
I believe for YA readers, displaying this thought process is very important for them, to assure them if they themselves are constantly problem-solving they, indeed, are not alone. Highly recommended.
Schoolyard bullying has been around for far too many years––brutal, heart-breaking, and often permanently damaging. The perpetrators thrive on power and the victims either can become so depressed they lean towards suicide or lash out, killing themselves or people around them.
But what if a victim rises above the situation with the support of a couple of people? What if he/she gets outside of his/her life by thinking of someone with even greater issues? That's exactly what happens to Rida, a young girl from Iran, after she's been accosted by heavy prejudice and hatred; when by just wearing her hijab she fears for her own safety.
There are some very important lessons in this book, but what also impressed me was not just its inspirational messages, but also how Clancy Tucker relates the step-by-step process a victim goes through when they are preyed upon. How they often spend hours thinking up ways to avoid conflict, whether it be by keeping their school locker open so they can grab their backpack immediately after their classes to quickly "go on the run," or looking for hiding places en route to their homes in case they are being followed, or, in this case, taking off her hijab just before she gets to school to lessen the attention it draws.
I believe for YA readers, displaying this thought process is very important for them, to assure them if they themselves are constantly problem-solving they, indeed, are not alone. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2015
Rida Khalid, a Muslim little girl from Iran, is given a hard time by kids at school. She loves reading books, which makes her appear like a nerd. After being bullied by two older girls, she meets a nice old man who spoke kindly to her and gives her a red rose. One day at school, Ky, a girl from Cambodia, sits next to her and introduces herself. She also likes to read books. Rida is happy that someone was prepared to talk with her. Carmen, an older girl, tells Rida she needs to stand up for herself if she wants to survive at school. Ky develops leukemia and falls desperately ill, which devastates Rida.
During inter-school athletics championships, Rida wins one race and comes second in another, which qualifies her for the State Athletics Championships. Visiting Ky at the hospital, Rida sees a sign ‘Run for Life’ and decides to seek sponsorship from students, people and businesses in support of leukemia research. In the finals, Rida receives a shattering note from Ky, creating a pivotal point for her.
In ‘Ky’, Clancy Tucker takes the reader into Rida’s wonderful world filled with hope, opportunities, obstacles and prejudice. With courage and determination, she overcomes the challenges life throws at her, gaining confidence and a growing circle of friends. Tucker’s smooth narrative and captivating dialogue will enchant young readers, but will also reward older readers with a reflection of what their own life might have been. The book offers poignant moments exquisitely written that will challenge the reader’s composure. My only regret is that Clancy Tucker has not developed ‘Ky’ into a fuller book, but what is offered will warm your heart.
During inter-school athletics championships, Rida wins one race and comes second in another, which qualifies her for the State Athletics Championships. Visiting Ky at the hospital, Rida sees a sign ‘Run for Life’ and decides to seek sponsorship from students, people and businesses in support of leukemia research. In the finals, Rida receives a shattering note from Ky, creating a pivotal point for her.
In ‘Ky’, Clancy Tucker takes the reader into Rida’s wonderful world filled with hope, opportunities, obstacles and prejudice. With courage and determination, she overcomes the challenges life throws at her, gaining confidence and a growing circle of friends. Tucker’s smooth narrative and captivating dialogue will enchant young readers, but will also reward older readers with a reflection of what their own life might have been. The book offers poignant moments exquisitely written that will challenge the reader’s composure. My only regret is that Clancy Tucker has not developed ‘Ky’ into a fuller book, but what is offered will warm your heart.
July 21, 2015
Since my first introduction to the Australian writer & poet, Clancy Tucker, I have been a staunch supporter of his literary works. I have just finished reading his latest book, KY!, & I was not disappointed.
KY! follows the journey of two young girls as they both try to assimilate into the Australian society & way of life. Sadly, because of their religious beliefs & cultural differences; the two girls are challenged at school. They both have an insatiable appetite for reading & learning, and their need to wear glasses. In light of these things, they are not only ostracised by their fellow students, but they are bullied (both verbally & physically). Rida, the young Iranian girl, finds solace & refuge in a stranger's garden. Ky is not so fortunate; she is fighting a far more formidable fight for her life. Ky & Rida become friends & they both discover different ways to fight & conquer their individual challenges.
The book kept me spellbound & on the verge of tears throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed Ky! & would recommend it to both children & adults alike. It will leave you questioning your own values & ideals. It will also leave you asking yourself - what sort of role model am I for my children?
A truly great read & one I enjoyed immensely. Well done Clancy.
KY! follows the journey of two young girls as they both try to assimilate into the Australian society & way of life. Sadly, because of their religious beliefs & cultural differences; the two girls are challenged at school. They both have an insatiable appetite for reading & learning, and their need to wear glasses. In light of these things, they are not only ostracised by their fellow students, but they are bullied (both verbally & physically). Rida, the young Iranian girl, finds solace & refuge in a stranger's garden. Ky is not so fortunate; she is fighting a far more formidable fight for her life. Ky & Rida become friends & they both discover different ways to fight & conquer their individual challenges.
The book kept me spellbound & on the verge of tears throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed Ky! & would recommend it to both children & adults alike. It will leave you questioning your own values & ideals. It will also leave you asking yourself - what sort of role model am I for my children?
A truly great read & one I enjoyed immensely. Well done Clancy.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews