What Does #LoveOzYA Mean to Me by @ThoughtsbyTash



As someone who has adapted Australia as their home, but was luckily enough to spend my formative years in NZ. I have grown up with the movement of #LoveOzYA and have seen it grown.  From the small humble beginnings to the movement it is now.  It wouldn’t be the same movement without the champions and the novels that have come out in the last few years. We as readers and bloggers have had a role in this movement. A movement that has come so far, yet has so far to go. There have been pivot moments that have come and made their lasting mark. Yet in 2017 we were still seeking the own voice reads from the indigenous and seeking more diversity in novels despite what is out there.

If you asked me in 2011 who my favourite Oz YA authors were, it was easy and simple.  It would of been Melina Marchetta and Mary Grant Bruce. Authors like Steph Bowe weren’t in my world despite being published and readily available in the market. I grew up in a world where these books weren’t readily pushed towards me despite my love of reading . I gravitated to books that were popular or  were classic because of my education and choices available to me.  I had access to libraries like many others. Yet there was no screaming promotion or indication that there were beautiful stories out there from talented local authors.  Stories that I would love to have read as a teenager in Melbourne suburbia. 

OZ YA is a celebration of what a multi diverse nation we are to an extent, as there is still work to be done.  In the six years I have been blogging and been part of the community . I have seen many new stories comes out. Brilliant  life changing stories. Stories that  have educated me and changed my perspective on things. Books where I could utterly relate to the lead character and make me proud to say that I belong to this beautiful country.

#LoveOzYA maybe seen just a  movement to some but it is more just a movement.  It is not just an escape from the real world anymore, to forget things and find another character to love. #LoveOzYA is a way of life. Think about the bigger picture. We are supporting one of our own and every sale gives back to the industry.  Allowing the industry to invest and discover more of their stories. Allowing everyone to find their own little piece of  Oz YA.

Do I wish that as  a teenager, I had books like The First Third from Will Kotakis or  Life in Space from Melissa Keil. The books that current teenagers and future generations will have the privilege of  being able to grow up with. 

Yes undoubtedly. However I wouldn’t change a thing. YA is written for teenagers but I still find myself  drawn to the magic beautiful tales that exist. Lessons that as I as an adult still find myself relating to.

 #LoveOzYA isn't just a movement. It is a way of life.

You can find Tash via Thoughts by Tash  Twitter  Instagram and Goodreads




AusYABloggers 2018 Reading Challenge


Hey Australian and New Zealand young adult readers!

Some of you may remember from a few years ago, the wonderful reading challenge former moderator Nara created for the AusYABloggers and we're delighted to say that this year we're bringing it back. The challenge will be based on four prompts each month, including one prompt that will be specifically for a #LoveOzYA title. Super easy!

Complete the challenge and be entered into the draw to win prizes.

Feel free to invite friends, readers and bloggers as long as they're either Australian or New Zealand to be eligible to win. You can register HERE.

How does it work?

Four books per month, only one of the prompts can be a graphic novel or novella and one prompt will be a #LoveOzYA or #LoveNZYA novel, a young adult novel written by either an Australian or New Zealand author. Only one book may be used per prompt.

For Example

Each Month
#1 book prompt
#2 book prompt
#3 book prompt
#4 must be Aussie or NZ YA prompt.

We will release the monthly prompts three months in advance so you can plan your reads and include any review copies or ARC editions. But we ask that you not skip ahead. Please read only the prompts provided for that month or months prior within that month.

For Example

If you miss two prompts in February and it's now March, you may read the march prompts plus those you've missed during February. Do not read April prompts during March.

Everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into the draw to win one of three prizes.

How Do I report What I've read?

Well thank you for asking!

At the end of the month simply reply to the reporting post HERE. with the prompt and title of the book you've read.

For Example

JAN 1 BOOK TITLE
JAN 2 BOOK TITLE
JAN 3 BOOK TITLE
JAN 4 LOVEOZYA or LOVENZYA BOOKTITLE.

That's it. Simples.

Of course if you have any questions or need help with prompts, feel free to ask here or contact us on On Twitter.

Prizes


For everyone who completes the challenge, you will be entered into the draw to win one of three prizes. Check back for more prize details as we reveal them!

Prize Pack One

Our friends at Walker Books Australia have generously donated a prize pack of their most anticipated 2018 releases. These include:

The Chaos Walking Anniversary Editions. The Knife of Never Letting Go, The Ask and the Answer and Monsters of Men.
Also
Small Spaces
Scythe
On the Come Up

Prize Pack Two

A surprise young adult book pack donated by our generous friends at Bloomsbury Australia!

Prize Pack Three

To be revealed!
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