the literary
Garden
“Flowers lead to books, which lead to thinking and not thinking and then more flowers and music, music. Then many more flowers and many more books…”
— Maira Kalman
As we slow down and savour the wonders of the literary world, we allow our minds to be ignited, our imaginations stirred and awakened, and in the end, we realise that there is only more and more wonder to be gleaned from the pages of a truly great book.
When I was a young person, I absolutely loved the stimulation of a good literary discussion. Now, as a Literature Teacher and Writer, nothing brings me greater delight than being able to lead others to this same experience; to hold space for young learners to cultivate and nourish their growing minds.
Each season we will embark on a voyage of minds and words and creativity, inspired by truly meaningful books and literary works. From classics to contemporary treasures, these online sessions run for 6 consecutive weeks, allowing young learners to ask big questions and share their ideas.
Led by an experienced practising Literature Teacher and published Author, each session will be recorded and uploaded onto your membership porthole for you to replay. Simply log in and listen as much as you like!
Learners will also be provided with a range of stimulating resources and activities to access and download, and the opportunity to submit work for supportive and helpful feedback.
If you would like your Learner’s writing to be assessed, simply check the box ‘assessment requested’ when you enrol.
Get started with this season’s literary study and begin a journey with no end, only new ideas and wonder again and again and again.
What’s included
Sign up each season to receive:
a text list with all of the books we will be reading and referring to in our sessions
a course reader with contextual backgrounds, explanations of important literary ideas, reflection activities and discussion questions
weekly focus questions posted through directly to your inbox to help our discussions online
fun and creative activities to support language development and learning
personal feedback on all assessments and submitted work
FAQs
For what age group is The Literary Garden designed?
Because Amanda is a Secondary trained educator who also works extensively with adults, her expression and the sophistication of some of the ideas discussed are more suitable for middle school and senior school students through to adult. In saying that, Amanda prides herself on accessibility and communication. It is recommended that learners are from ages twelve (roughly a Grade 7) through to adult.
How much content is there?
There is a generous amount of content, which makes this course very helpful to supplement Homeschoolings or students who are seeking additional learning to accelerate or feel more stimulated. A course reader is provided along with a weekly activity and focus questions.
How many learners are permitted in The Literary Garden?
In order to keep the class more intimate and not too overwhelming, The Literary Garden aims to have smaller class sizes. This also facilitates time for more 1:1 feedback during sessions.
Why is assessment not formalised for all learners?
In order to accommodate Homeschooling or even Unschooling preferences, there is no pressure for writing or creative tasks to be assessed. However, if you would like feedback on work and assessments, just check the box marked ‘assessment requested’ when you submit your enrolment information below.
What kinds of texts are chosen?
Text that align with the Australian English Curriculum will be given preferential consideration. Texts will also be considered based on their literary merit and the perspectives that a text may offer, which may well be invaluable as a source to deepen empathy, awareness and consciousness.
We will explore novels, short story, poetry and free-verse novels, film and even music!
Is it possible to request a text for study?
Yes! If you would like to suggest a text for consideration, please reach out to Amanda if you have something that you would especially love to study.
Is there a course prospectus for The Literary Garden?
Yes! Please see below for this year’s current course prospectus.
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Our inaugural season in ‘The Literary Garden’! We’ll spring into spring with the children’s classic, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Our discussions will focus on context and setting, characters and plot, themes of nature and healing, the power of love and friendship, and literary ideas of symbolism, imagery and allegory.
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‘Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?’
For Summer, we will dive into the timeless sonnets of William Shakespeare. Ah love! Learners will develop an understanding of the Shakespearean sonnet, iambic pentameter, structure, rhythm, rhyme, metaphor and much more. We will also read some contemporary sonnets and how Shakespeare’s sonnets have been adapted and changed over time for different audiences.
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Autumn leads us into the world of The Wild Robot by Peter Brown. A contemporary science speculative fiction novel for young readers, we will explore ideas of nature vs. nurture, ‘otherness’ and ‘wildness’, as well as the nature of love and selfhood. A beautiful modern treasure for young and old readers alike.
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It’s cold outside, but inside we’re keeping cosy with heartwarming tales of rescued animals in two contemporary free-verse novels.
First, we’ll read Kirli Saunders’ Bindi, which explores the perspectives and stories of Australia’s First Nations people. Then we’ll read Amanda Racanovic’s All The Ways To Let Go. We’ll look at how both of these Australian texts use form, poetic devices and perspective, and how both explore themes of healing through art, language and family connection.
Spring, 2026
Enter The Literary Garden
Dates of online sessions
Session 1: Wednesday 7th October, 2026, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Entering the Garden: Setting, Context & Displacement
Session 2: Wednesday 14th October, 2026, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
The Art of Seeing: Voice, Perspective & Belonging
Session 3: Wednesday 21st October, 2026, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Threads Between Us: Motifs, Characters & Friendship
Session 4: Wednesday 28th October, 2026, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Wild Things: Symbolism & Rewilding
Session 5: Wednesday 4th nOvember, 2026, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
The Healing Garden: Symbolism, Nature & Transformation
Session 6: Wednesday 11th nOvember, 2026, 4.30pm - 5.30pm
From Page to Screen: Film, Imagery & Metaphor
Purchase ‘Spring 2026’ (6 × 90 minute sessions and access to your online porthole) here for an introductory offer of only $220.00.
Join The Literary GardenPlease complete the enrolment form with a few details. We'll get back to you within 48 hours.