The Gem-Bourne is a thrilling fantasy story created by children, for children - proof that big adventures can begin with a spark of imagination. The Gem-Bourne is an adventurous fantasy that brings together themes of friendship, courage, identity and transformation.

Deep within a forest, six very different children carry a secret: each has been changed, mutated, by a powerful gem shard.

Some have strange new abilities. Some bear mutations they struggle to hide. All of them are afraid.

Led by one brave Dragon, Floral, all six must unite when a terrifying prophecy is foretold - humanity faces the Omnicide - total destruction.

These unlikely misfits must learn to trust one another. to save the forest and everyone beyond it.

To do so, they must confront the scientists who created them and discover what it truly means to be brave.

Created by seven emerging young (aged 8-13 years) writers from Wagga Wagga's Write Club, The Gem-Bourne is a fast-paced fantasy adventure about friendship, courage, identity, and the power of imagination.

Wagga Wagga's Write Club includes emerging storytellers that prove big worlds can start in a small room.

Write Club began as an imaginative 8-week pilot program facilitated by local author Julie Busuttil and supported by Yellow Art House.

Wagga Wagga Write Club co-authors are Grace Ridley, Eve Riesterer, Sophia Harrison, Sam Busuttil, Dean Busuttil, Halle King, and Samual Riesterer, with the story facilitated and edited by Julie Busuttil.

Write Club's purpose is simple and powerful: to give children a real-world creative pathway and show them they can create something from nothing.

The dedication in The Gem Bourne reinforces this message, describing the story as created by children, and for children, and celebrating imagination as a strength that belongs to every age.