This episode includes a discussion of This Stays Between Us by Margot McGovern, a contemporary young adult horror novel that explores friendship, fear, and power. It also references other reading and text recommendations such as:
Also discussed are:
- The ways in which Margot has attempted to fill a gap in the market, including setting her horror novel in a distinctly Australian landscape;
- How reimagining the trope of the “final girl” can challenge the male gaze in horror by creating complex, emotionally authentic female protagonists;
- The exploration of friendship, secrets, consent, misinformation, and fear in the novel, and how these issues will resonate strongly with today’s students;
- Why its 48-hour timeframe, along with the use of foreshadowing, pacing, and symbolism, makes it ideal for studying narrative craft and genre conventions;
- Advocacy for open, supportive classroom discussions around trauma and consent, supported by clear content awareness;
- And, as always, the importance of teaching contemporary local texts to reflect and expand students’ understanding of Australian identity.
