For many people, footy is a chance to get together with your mates, yell at the TV, and share in a moment that could create an everlasting memory. For Darren Groth, Origin represents all of that, but so much more.

With creative illustrations and enthralling writing, Lawrey Goodrick’s, Half-Life, is a must-read! It is sure to hook you in and have you finishing the book before you even realise.

Lawrey Goodrick’s word craft is electrifying. I was hooked on the first page.

The engaging illustrations complement the entertaining storyline, a must-read for anyone, especially S.T.E.M. fans!

Half-Life is a witty, lyrical journey across the circuit boards of life with scientific history as a bonus. I recommend you jump on – you don’t want to miss this current.  

Going to the ends of the earth for someone you care deeply for, could mean your demise. Ambitious, Half is a selfless example of a battery on a mission to prove his kin are more deserving than the kitchen bin. In a throwaway society, what effect do we as humans have on the environment, touching on sustainability, modern scientific discoveries, and questions for our future (renewable energies). Through love, loss, and LeapPad laptops; Half is amped for adventure and navigates the corrosive chaos with his nearest and dearest not far away.

The scientific concepts are relevant and important to understanding technology, innovation, and the development of 21st-century skills. Not only does the historical context highlight infamous inventors and discoverers, but the added element and functional use of various electrical components, old or new, is highly effective and educational in any classroom setting.

A valuable addition to any middle grade collection, this book is perfect for sparking discussions about relationships and self-discovery through the eyes of a discarded AA battery, searching for his meaningful place in the world.

Reminiscent of Renèe Treml’s narrative nonfiction, Lawrey’s new novel Half-Life is energy generating from start to finish, the perfect follow-up from his debut Cans for Change.

After reading Half-Life, I was curious and more knowledgeable, do yourself the same favour.

Jenny Catalano

Children’s Author and Illustrator

Author and graphic artist, Lawrey Goodrick’s, young adult’s illustrated novel, Half-life, is a delightfully humorous, informative, creative, quirky, unique exploration of the world of energy, batteries and science. Goodrick needs to be commended for publishing such a book to coincide with acknowledgement that we desperately need to interest the next generation in STEM.

JEFFREY NEIL finds, in Gillian Wills' novel 'Big Music', a drama that entertains, instructs, and makes you laugh. 

Hawkeye Publishing is delighted to announce the winners of the 2025 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize. We are proud to present the winners of this year’s competition whose manuscripts especially stood out to judges as being polished, entertaining, and full of heart

The Hawkeye Publishing team and our esteemed judges are thrilled to reveal the shortlist for the 2025 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize!

After careful deliberation, 6 outstanding manuscripts were selected for the shortlist. Our judges were truly impressed by the high calibre of writing and the diversity of voices in this year’s competition.

The Hawkeye Publishing team and our esteemed judges are thrilled to reveal the longlist for the 2025 Hawkeye Publishing Manuscript Development Prize!

This year, we received an astonishing 192 entries, showcasing an incredible range of storytelling talent. After careful deliberation, 22 outstanding manuscripts have been selected for the longlist. Our judges were truly impressed by the high calibre of writing and the diversity of voices in this year’s competition. 

Despite a period of uncertainty following the collapse of distribution giant Booktopia Publisher Services in July, 2024 closed out as a boon year for the independent trade publisher, with a total of 13 title releases, a shiny new distribution deal, and two of its debut authors ranking on bookshop bestseller lists.

Hawkeye Publishing is thrilled to announce that our very own Carolyn Martinez, director and passionate advocate for Australian literature, has been nominated for the esteemed Johnno Award for the third time.