Education & Literacy Features
Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years (PLEPY) Journal Interview
Featured Interview: Australian Literacy Educators’ Association (ALEA) In the October 2022 edition of "Practical Literacy: The Early and Primary Years," Charlene discusses the importance of moving disability representation from the medical section to the mainstream.
Key Insight from the Interview: "Having raised a child with a severe physical disability... it was essential to create empowering stories where the super-smart boy in the wheelchair always played the role of the hero." View Journal Details at ALEA
The ALEA October 2022 edition
(pages 42 & 43)
Awards & Professional Recognition
1. The Expert Validation (For Squishy Sand)
"It's refreshing to come across a book like Squishy Sand, which offers an honest, accurate, and positive depiction of disability in a story that focuses on empowerment and friendship." — Dr. Jen Harrison, The Children’s Book Review
2. The Series Recognition (For Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures)
"Author Charlene McIver has woven an engaging and helpful story... featuring genuinely likeable and realistic characters. [Her books] move disability representation into the mainstream." — Claire Ward-Dutton, Little Parachutes
3. The Literary Achievement (For The Mysterious Pool)
"A magical work of middle-grade fiction... Leigh’s wheelchair doesn't limit his exploration or his ability to help his friends protect secrets. An imaginative treat." — Self-Publishing Review
4. The Global Impact (Overall Author Review)
"Charlene McIver’s stories resonate with all who read them... proving to the children’s fiction realm how creative and necessary empathy and kindness are on the playground today." — Amy Lignor, Reader Views