Just a Girl

Description

Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a truly extraordinary woman. And after 2000 years, the story of her brave and remarkable life continues to inspire and enthrall us, as that young woman from Nazareth wasnever 'just a girl'. In 72 AD, as the Roman army pillages Judea and destroys their village, fourteen-year-old Judith hidesher younger sister, her great-grandmother Rabba, a Roman slave called Caius and an unwilling goat in a cave used to store food. Judith's skills will save them as wolves - and humans - threaten the group during that long, icy winter. There are feasts to enjoy as they listen to Rabba tell stories of her youth; of her wealthy marriage in Jerusalem and her life in Nazareth as a child. But there is one story Rabba will not tell, no matter how much they coax her. It is the story of Maryiam, her beloved friend who faced the scandal and shame of an unwed pregnancy and the anguish of watching the crucifixion. And it is Maryiam's example that will give Judith, her sister and Caius the courage to step beyond their refuge. Because like Judith, Maryiam of Nazareth was never 'just a girl'.

Jackie French AM is an award-winning writer, wombat negotiator, the 2014-2015 Australian Children's Laureate and the 2015 Senior Australian of the Year. In 2016 Jackie became a Member of the Order of Australia for her contribution to children's literature and her advocacy for youth literacy. She is regarded as one of Australia's most popular children's authors and writes across all genres - from picture books, history, fantasy, ecology and sci-fi to her much loved historical fiction for a variety of age groups. 'A book can change a child's life. A book can change the world' was the primary philosophy behind Jackie's two-year term as Laureate. jackiefrench.com facebook.com/authorjackiefrench