Bernadette Hellard
Bernadette is a primary school teacher who has particular interests in literacy and physical education. She has co-written the bestselling Netball series with her sister, Lisa Gibbs.
Bernadette and Lisa have been involved in all aspects of netball for over 30 years, they both still play competitively and enjoy doing author visits to schools to keep in touch with their many readers.
Books by Bernadette Hellard
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Netball Mail
Rachel revels in her opportunities with the Victorian Institute for Sport. However, keeping up with the increased training demands and the ongoing pressure of schoolwork makes it difficult for Rachel to find time to spend with her best friend Sophie and boyfriend Daniel. Sophie and Rachel resort to e-mail to keep in touch. But staying close to Daniel is much harder. What will be more important to Rachel when the relationship finally comes to a head — her sporting ambitions or Daniel?
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Netball Diary
Rachel is now playing for a team called Phoenix and she is doing so well that she is regarded as a core member. When one of the key Australian players in the Australian Commonwealth Games squad is injured at the final training session, Rachel is called to fill the vacant spot. Her lifelong dream comes true!
While away Rachel keeps a diary for the two weeks of the Games, recording her battles with insecurity, victories on the court, travel experiences and the regular phone conversations with boyfriend Daniel.
The battle for gold between New Zealand and Australia is both exhausting and exhilarating.
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Netball Mission
Rachel's cousin, Cassie, is a nice enough girl, but she's very different from Rachel and Sophie. She's into make-up, clothes and staying up late, whereas Rachel and Sophie are more interested in sport, movies and early training sessions. The differences between them gradually become more obvious, causing friction, until Cassie eventually loses interest in the group and moves on.
Rachel and Sophie attend the Zone Talent Camp, where Rachel clashes with the head coach and thinks she has been left out of the squad as a result. It turns out that the coach was driving her to see what she could achieve under pressure. Rachel is offered a scholarship to the Victorian Institute for Sport.
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Netball or Nothing
Rachel is 15 years old and loves netball — she has her sights set on playing for Australia. Just when a club scout visits looking for promising players to upgrade, she twists her ankle. To make matters worse, the coach has just announced that their team will have to merge with another club.
Rachel tries out and makes the new team, but is finding a couple of the more experienced players hard to get along with. Will Rachel be able to overcome her difficulties and become part of the team?
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