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Star Jumps
A warm narrative verse-novel about a family’s life on the farm during harsh times.
A poignant verse novel depicting the joys and heartbreaks of a farming family as they struggle to cope with the devastating effects of long term drought. Told through the eyes of Ruby, day to day farm life involves playing in grassy paddocks with siblings, doing jobs and helping out, and witnessing birth, death and sacrifice. The family are devastated when they have to sell off some of their herd, but in the spirit of hope it is Ruby who tries in her own small way to help the family by making miniature bales of hay.
A poignant verse novel depicting the joys and heartbreaks of a farming family as they struggle to cope with the devastating effects of long term drought. Told through the eyes of Ruby, day to day farm life involves playing in grassy paddocks with siblings, doing jobs and helping out, and witnessing birth, death and sacrifice. The family are devastated when they have to sell off some of their herd, but in the spirit of hope it is Ruby who tries in her own small way to help the family by making miniature bales of hay.
128 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2009
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39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 27, 2023
I read this for English, and it's okay
September 6, 2017
Read this with my nine year old daughter. We both loved the simple, sweet story. My daughter especially loved the opening scenes in the marshmallow weeds.
January 24, 2019
A free verse novel, aimed at primary school age children, about a dairy farming family in a time of severe drought. Obvious themes for rural Australian children. The first person voice is Ruby, the youngest of them three children. It's about making your own fun and pulling together in times of hardship.
I don't doubt Lorraine Marwood's knowledge as she lived on a dairy farm for many years, but she repeatedly referred to the newborn calves baaing... do newborn calves baa?
I don't doubt Lorraine Marwood's knowledge as she lived on a dairy farm for many years, but she repeatedly referred to the newborn calves baaing... do newborn calves baa?
November 9, 2018
A lovely free verse novel about farm life during a drought. It would make a good read aloud for lower primary, with lots of discussion points.
May 16, 2015
Today We Did
Ruby is growing up on a dairy farm in rural Australia, which has experiencing drought conditions for some time. Ruby and her siblings, Keely and Connor want to help their parents to keep the farm afloat. Ruby is too young to help with the calving, but she watches, and tries to help where she can. If they all work together, perhaps they will see another year on the land.
Star Jumps is a touching story of drought and the struggle that accompanies it, told in beautiful verse from the perspective of a young girl on a dairy farm. The author has obviously experienced the vagaries of the weather for farmers firsthand, and has conveyed the sense of frustration and sadness that drought brings to those dependent on agriculture. The story also highlights the hardiness of those on the land, even the children, despite knowing the hardships, can still find pleasure and fun on the farm between jobs.
I’m not normally a big verse or poetry reader, but I found this book to be well written and moving. It is suitable for primary and lower high school students. Though I think children from country regions may be able to appreciate it more wholly than children without exposure to agriculture, it would be good for all children to read something a bit different. I will be adding Star Jumps to my daughters’ book shelf and encouraging them to read Ruby’s story. I hope Star Jumps will remind them that there is always some good in any situation, you just have to find it, or work to make it happen.
Ruby is growing up on a dairy farm in rural Australia, which has experiencing drought conditions for some time. Ruby and her siblings, Keely and Connor want to help their parents to keep the farm afloat. Ruby is too young to help with the calving, but she watches, and tries to help where she can. If they all work together, perhaps they will see another year on the land.
Star Jumps is a touching story of drought and the struggle that accompanies it, told in beautiful verse from the perspective of a young girl on a dairy farm. The author has obviously experienced the vagaries of the weather for farmers firsthand, and has conveyed the sense of frustration and sadness that drought brings to those dependent on agriculture. The story also highlights the hardiness of those on the land, even the children, despite knowing the hardships, can still find pleasure and fun on the farm between jobs.
I’m not normally a big verse or poetry reader, but I found this book to be well written and moving. It is suitable for primary and lower high school students. Though I think children from country regions may be able to appreciate it more wholly than children without exposure to agriculture, it would be good for all children to read something a bit different. I will be adding Star Jumps to my daughters’ book shelf and encouraging them to read Ruby’s story. I hope Star Jumps will remind them that there is always some good in any situation, you just have to find it, or work to make it happen.
September 1, 2015
I realise this is aimed at a younger audience than I was when I read it, but I know I wouldn't have enjoyed it at any age. The main character's voice did not feel authentic and I couldn't relate to it at all, because as far back as my memory can recall, I have had more complex thoughts than the majority of those portrayed in this book.
The first of two things I liked about it, was the scene of hiding and chasing through the long grass, as this was something I used to do as a child, and meant I was able to connect with the children (the only point in the book where I did so). The other small part that I appreciated, was when the main character mentioned her boots and her fathers boots - I can't quite recall what happened, but I remember that in that moment, what she was thinking about came across as something a real child would actually think.
I don't know who I would recommend this to, as although it seemed to be aimed at a very young audience, I don't think the storyline would appeal to young readers at all (it certainly wouldn't have appealed to me).
The first of two things I liked about it, was the scene of hiding and chasing through the long grass, as this was something I used to do as a child, and meant I was able to connect with the children (the only point in the book where I did so). The other small part that I appreciated, was when the main character mentioned her boots and her fathers boots - I can't quite recall what happened, but I remember that in that moment, what she was thinking about came across as something a real child would actually think.
I don't know who I would recommend this to, as although it seemed to be aimed at a very young audience, I don't think the storyline would appeal to young readers at all (it certainly wouldn't have appealed to me).
May 10, 2013
This book touched me deeply as I could make a text to self connection. Definitely a class reader for older students. Hidden messages about staying strong as a family when all else fails. Great book, easy to read and follow.
November 8, 2010
A moving look at life on the land as seen through the eyes of children. Masterful.
February 7, 2011
awesome
August 1, 2011
Oh Love Love Love this book. I cried, I laughed. Beautiful. There really is something special about stories told in verse.
June 14, 2013
It was OK but the problem and book didn't really relate to me. Not one I'd read again
September 4, 2016
Delightful. Hopeful. Sad. Real.
August 21, 2013
It was boring and wasn't my type of book to read
August 27, 2013
I thought it related to me and it was the best book ever!!! :)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews