Paper Planes

The city is under siege. Bombs are commonplace and food has grown scarce. Eleven-year-old Niko and his family need to escape—but can they really get out?


Based on the true story of South Australian vet, Jarko Dobes, a Bosnian refugee who experienced of the Siege of Sarajevo as a boy.


‘Vividly realised, particularly Niko’s teenage brother and sister who rise to the occasion with courage and inventive flair.’ 4 stars. Katharine England, SA Weekend Magazine


‘This compelling and at times heartbreaking story is based on real experiences. … It is important for our young people to read stories like this, to feel empathy, to experience vicariously and to be hopeful for a better future. This story is a must for libraries.’ Sharon Seymour, Reading Time


First published in 2014, Paper Planes was a Children’s Book Council Notable Book, shortlisted in the Adelaide Festival Children’s Literature Awards and selected for South Australian and Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenges. The book has also been studied in schools around the country. Teaching notes can be found at www.allaynewebster.com/paper-planes


Allayne Webster is children’s author and South Australian Premier’s Reaching Challenge Ambassador. Her books include Our Little Secret (2007), Stresshead (2011) and A Cardboard Palace (2017. Her most recent book is Sensitive (2019).

For more information visit www.allaynewebster.com