About this episode’s KidLit Classic: Hating Alison Ashley, written and published by Robin Klein in the 1980s, is an endearing classic of Aussie #LoveOZMG and #LoveOzYA kidlit. In this episode children's author and editor Cassy Polimeni discusses reading this book as a child and reading it as an adult, its popularity and legacy, and the themes of class and adolescent insecurity that underpin the Erica vs Ashley drama. Cassy tells us about her new picture book, The Garden at the End of the World, and why so many Aussie authors write across categories and genres. About this week’s guest, Cassy Polimeni: Cassy is a freelance editor and children's/YA author. She was the editor of Destinations Australia magazine and has also worked as a TV book reviewer. The Garden at the End of the World, released in 2023, is her first picture book. Connect with Cassy Polimeni on Instagram: @cassy_polimeni / Website: confessionsofawordwrangler. Connect with host Sam-Ellen Bound: Instagram @samellenb / Website www.samanthaellenbound.com Find out more about Robin Klein website   Buy Hating Alison Ashleyhere Mentioned in podcast: Queenie in Seven Moves by Zanni Louise My Strange Shrinking Parentsby Zeno Sworder  Accidentally Kelly Streetby Briony Stewart The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni Enjoying KidLit Classics? Like, share, subscribe, leave a review! You can also show your appreciation via Buy Me a Coffee to ensure the future and sustainability of the show. Credits: Opening and Outro music: ‘Funny Whimsical Music’ by MoodMode, accessed via Storyblocks. Purchased and used under Storyblocks’Royalty-Free Individual License Agreement. Sound files: All Used under the Pixabay Music License Agreement. ‘little blender' by DimitrisM  'door open close' by TRP  'Doorbell2' by klangkonserve  'local neighbourhood' by stephb123 Thanks for listening! Stay up to date - Instagram @Samellenb https://www.samanthaellenbound.com/kidlitclassicspodcast