Daisy Sunshine, by Susanne Gervay

When Daisy's dad loses his job and leaves home, Daisy and her mum end up at the Grand Private Hotel. The hotel is run by Mr and Mrs Papadopolous and their daughter Nina, who is 11, just like Daisy. The Papadopolous family take the pair in; Daisy is soon fascinated by the hotel and its guests. One in particular excites and inspires Daisy: Rainbow Rose, a young, free-spirited and determined woman. Daisy and Rose soon form a friendship that will help to change Daisy's life.

As Daisy's mum takes up cleaning work at the hotel and seamstress jobs to supplement her meagre income, Daisy is drawn into the heady atmosphere of the 1975 International Women's Year. Through Rainbow Rose, Daisy learns of the groundswell among women across the world campaigning for equality at home and in the workplace.

The energy and excitement of the women's liberation movement sweeps Daisy up; she is soon keen to participate in the march planned for Saturday 8 March. Meeting resistance from her mum, Daisy becomes frustrated. She clashes with her mum; however, the clash is soon over and actually serves to bring them closer together. Daisy is eventually given permission to join the march. Mr and Mrs Papadopolous allow Nina to join in and guests at the hotel, like Vietnam War veteran the Colonel and roly-poly Old Dot, are soon helping with preparations.

Being a part of the march helps Daisy see a world of possibilities instead of limitations: 1975 is turning out to be much better for Daisy, her mum, Rainbow Rose and many women across the world.

• What prompted Rainbow Rose to add 'Sunshine' to Daisy's name? Why did Rose add 'Rainbow' to her name? What descriptive word would you add to your name and why would you choose that word?
• Daisy urges her mum to study accounting at night classes; however, her mum thinks she's 'not good enough'. Why would Daisy's mum feel that way? What would you say to Daisy's mum to encourage her to study accounting?
• Rainbow Rose's room at the Grand Private Hotel is decorated with scarves, crystals, velvet pillows, women's liberation and anti-Vietnam War posters, and vinyl records of bands such as the Beatles. What does her room say about her personality? Think about what's in your room at home: what does it say about your personality?
• Rainbow Rose describes International Women's Year in 1975 as a 'new beginning'. What does she mean by that? What circumstances might have contributed to the declaration of International Women's Year? What were women across the world hoping to achieve in that year?
• Mr and Mrs Papadopolous are from Greece. Suggest why they left Greece and settled in Australia. What would be some of the challenges they faced upon arriving in Australia? How would you feel if your family moved to another country? What would you do to reduce the emotional stress of doing that?
• Explain why Daisy is attracted to the piece of chiffon material in the shop. Why does she choose to wear it as a scarf? Chiffon is a lightweight see-through fabric. Apart from using it as a scarf, what else might Daisy have done with the piece of chiffon?

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