The aim of this collection of recently published books is to bring students an awareness of different forms of literature and to develop individual student responses through shared reading and discussion.

All teachers are aware of their students' interests and abilities. It is necessary to build on the sum total of these to tap into the resources of the class. The teacher's role is to broaden students' concepts and stretch the boundaries.

To do this it is necessary to dip into various aspects of literature, develop interests, broaden horizons and tastes and involve all students through presenting a smorgasbord of literacy activities. There are reviews online, websites for authors and publishing houses and the means to research any subject in a library.

Opportunities are provided in the activities to develop students' abilities in dealing with electronic text.

Skills that can be accomplished from reading books in this collection are many and they are competencies set out for student attainment in documents produced by all the states.

Nancy Mortimer has been an English Co-ordinator, teaching from Year 7 to Year 12. She has taught English in Australia and overseas. She was the National Education Consultant for a large publishing house for many years.

Nancy has been on the committee for English Teachers' Associations, both state and national. She has written reviews for educational journals, contributed to school library journals and advised several states on curriculum issues. She is regarded with respect in educational circles and often called upon for her opinion and knowledge.