Books with author Frank Brennan

Bullying has disastrous effects on the victim as well as the bully herself. The Leader of the Band is a coming of age story set in a charmingly boring small Ohio town told by a 17-year-old narrator who is forced to move there after her parents’ divorce. Jenna misses her father and dislikes her mother, who is the new English teacher at the high school. In an effort to make friends with the “good kids,” Jenna joins the marching band and tries hard to keep it secret that the unpopular drum major is her cousin and his girlfriend, the talented trombone player Julia Camp, is her friend. Under the tyrannical leadership of band director Mel Tigenhoff, the band marches on from summer practice to Labor Day to Homecoming to the last football game in November, and Jenna learns that careless bullying can destroy not only its target but also the bully. Even though she finally stands up for what is right, she cannot forgive herself for what happens. This novel for older young adults is set in 1963 when telephones had rotary dials, there were no MMR vaccines, and classic cars were Model T’s, not muscle cars. It is pleasantly reminiscent of simpler times yet also starkly realistic in its portrayal of timeless themes of family and women’s roles, mental illness, and mistreatment of the weak and unpopular.

Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life?Is a Catholic health minister in a fit position to legislate on women's issues such as the right to an abortion pill? When the prime minister invokes church leaders' support in going to war with Iraq - and those church leaders tacitly approve this - is there a moral issue at stake?In Acting on Conscience Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic Frank Brennan tackles these issues head on. He explores some of the legal, moral and ethical issues that capture the public imagination - and critically examine the figures in public life who pass judgement on them. Issues covered include:The War in IraqSame-sex marriage and parentingLate-term abortionPolitics and the judiciaryThrough detailed analysis of examples from both Australia and the US, Brennan asks: Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life? As citizens and voters, how can we ensure that in the future, our leaders will speak for us - but not out of turn?'In an age of fear and bigotry here is a welcome book of courage and conscience.' SENATOR BOB BROWN, Australian Greens

The largest land animals on Earth, elephants are celebrated for their remarkable intelligence and physical power. Readers will learn about elephants complex social structure, how they stay cool in the hot weather of Africa and Asia, and which foods they prefer to eat. They will also learn how some humans hold these incredible animals in high esteem while others have wreaked havoc on elephant populations in certain parts of the world.

Bullying has disastrous effects on the victim as well as the bully herself. The Leader of the Band is a coming of age story set in a charmingly boring small Ohio town told by a 17-year-old narrator who is forced to move there after her parents’ divorce. Jenna misses her father and dislikes her mother, who is the new English teacher at the high school. In an effort to make friends with the “good kids,” Jenna joins the marching band and tries hard to keep it secret that the unpopular drum major is her cousin and his girlfriend, the talented trombone player Julia Camp, is her friend. Under the tyrannical leadership of band director Mel Tigenhoff, the band marches on from summer practice to Labor Day to Homecoming to the last football game in November, and Jenna learns that careless bullying can destroy not only its target but also the bully. Even though she finally stands up for what is right, she cannot forgive herself for what happens. This novel for older young adults is set in 1963 when telephones had rotary dials, there were no MMR vaccines, and classic cars were Model T’s, not muscle cars. It is pleasantly reminiscent of simpler times yet also starkly realistic in its portrayal of timeless themes of family and women’s roles, mental illness, and mistreatment of the weak and unpopular.

Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life?Is a Catholic health minister in a fit position to legislate on women's issues such as the right to an abortion pill? When the prime minister invokes church leaders' support in going to war with Iraq - and those church leaders tacitly approve this - is there a moral issue at stake?In Acting on Conscience Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer and academic Frank Brennan tackles these issues head on. He explores some of the legal, moral and ethical issues that capture the public imagination - and critically examine the figures in public life who pass judgement on them. Issues covered include:The War in IraqSame-sex marriage and parentingLate-term abortionPolitics and the judiciaryThrough detailed analysis of examples from both Australia and the US, Brennan asks: Is there a place for personal beliefs in public life? As citizens and voters, how can we ensure that in the future, our leaders will speak for us - but not out of turn?'In an age of fear and bigotry here is a welcome book of courage and conscience.' SENATOR BOB BROWN, Australian Greens