List of publications
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L-Im?abba tal-Ku?ini
This was the first novel written by Tony C Cutajar and published in 1974. Alfred finishes his exams and comes to Malta from Australia for the first time. He lives with his aunts and becomes a great friend of his cousin Robert. At the same time he becomes attracted to another of his cousin Lina, a serious girl dedicated to her family. They fall in love and after two months he goes back home promising to keep contact. He starts working, saves money so that after three years he will come back and marry Lina. There was somebody else who was interested in the girl and his jealousy knew no bounds. He tried all sorts of tricks until Robert gives him a lesson. After two years Alfred has a fatal accident and when Lina hears of it she becomes sick and loses all interest in life.
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Id-Dubbien l-Abjad
Serial Book of the Month Number 73 published by Klabb Kotba Maltin.
We meet the same characters as L-Im?abba tal-Ku?ini after two years. Lina still thinks of Alfred whose accident brings a good sum of money to his parents. They pass them on to Lina and encourage her to find a new boyfriend. Robert was always attracted to her but he never dared ask her. In the meantime his brother is arrested for taking drugs and she pays for his pledge. This brings Robert and Lina together more so when she saw how he had sacrificed his life for her friend Maria.
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Il-Kitarra l-Misruqa
A class of lively children play a football match against a class from a private school and they lose. To get their own back they steal their personal things while they are swimming, including a guitar. Things get complicated until one of the culprits gets caught on Manoel Island and confesses.
“You have to buy the book and read the tale, or have it read to you. Now, come to think of it, that is a good way of wresting your children away from the computer, to do some reading.” Norbert Ellul-Vincenti.
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Dawl Imdallam
This is a translation of The Light that Failed by Rudyard Kipling. It is a sentimental tale set in the 19th century and tells the story of Dick, a successful painter, who however had an unhappy marriage with Maisie, his boyhood friend. Dick is blinded by a sword cut while painting, is abandoned by Maisie and finally decides to give his life in battle.
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The Young Falcon
“This magazine is intended for students between the ages of 6 and 14. The aim of The Young Falcon is to widen the use and knowledge of the English language. Hence it contains articles about all kinds of subjects popular with children of this age group. The British Council in Malta highly recommends the magazine for its quality content and for the effort put into it.” The British Council.
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East Lynne
This long sentimental novel by Henry Wood was popular with the Maltese since the beginning of the twentieth century when it was printed in weekly loose parts and sold door to door. It was one of the first foreign novels read by Charles Arrigo on Rediffusion. Tony C Cutajar abridged it, wrote it in modern Maltese and it was published twice.
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?abel u Satal
These are three simple workbooks for little children or beginners of the Maltese language. Each one of them contains 50 graded exercises which include little games and easy poems. The drawings make the book more attractive and help the children along in reading and spelling.
Storja ta’ M?abba
This is a translation and summary of the script of the popular and sentimental film The Love Story which has a very tragic end. It was commissioned in order to form the beginning of a series of books dealing with the subject of romantic love.
Il-? ojjin
A set of 8 Maltese readers for the Primary classes and the first two years of the Secondary. They consist of a collection of interesting prose and poetry written by various authors. They are graded according to the age and ability of the students. They proved very successful in the Church and private schools who had no means of obtaining copies of Id-Delfin - the readers being used in state schools. Various editions were made of the series and were in demand even when the publishers decided to stop them.
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L-G?ama ta’ Lourdes
This is a modern and shorter version of the original novel and which was adopted as the first book published in the series known as the Charles Arrigo Book Club. It is a novel of intrigue and romance and very sentimental about the Jew who brought up two boys whose parents he had killed as an officer. He sends them to two different colleges, one becoming a doctor and the other a lawyer. The latter marries and has a baby and later becomes blind, his wife gets killed and the baby kidnapped.
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Traduzzjonijiet
This is a collection of extracts for translation for students sitting for the Matriculation and other public examinations. There are 40 passages to be translated from English into Maltese and another 40 to be translated from Maltese into English. In his introduction to the booklet, Professor Oliver Friggieri congratulates the author for the dedication and experience he had shown in this useful book which should be of great help to the students in their studies.
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It-Tfal minn Sena sa Erba’ Snin
“Cutajar writes well and very much to the point, as one would expect from an author and translator with long years of teaching and broadcasting behind him. He avoids psychological jargon and explains everything in a calm, sedate manner that is bound to be comforting and reassuring for parents who feel overwhelmed with their novel experience.
Cutajar’s books are founts of commonsense that should be extremely useful to anyone faced with bringing up small children and not less to teachers and everybody else who is entrusted with the care of young children.” The Times.
“The book will prove a wholesome addition to any library - be it that of a home, a school, a youth centre, or belonging to anyone who sometimes is pressed into service as an emergency baby-sitter.” The Times.
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It-Tfal minn ?ames Snin sa Tnax-il Sena
This book is a continuation of the previous book, based on talks the author had given on Rediffusion during Carmen Carbonaro’s programmes from 1971 onwards. They are practical and easy studies of child psychology intended for parents, teachers and anybody else who have connections with children. They are based on research and personal experience. Both books were sold out and had to be reprinted in 1996.
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? o?wé
“Tony C Cutajar’s translation is competent and flowing, though at times tending to be too close to the original. Not totally his fault, as Girzone does his best to convey the atmosphere of the town in which most of the story takes place. The production of the book is pleasant.” ? or? Mallia.
“? o?wé was an enigma; something which he will remain even when you have read the book and thought deeply about it - and him.” Tanja Cilia.
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In?obbu ‘l ? es?
“Ably translated by Tony C Cutajar, this book consists of Mother Teresa’s thoughts on her mission… It is the kind of book that should provide an unending supply of ideas and anecdotes for Sunday morning homilies and sermons. Still, it is far from a stuffy religion book.” Louis J Scerri.
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San ? wann u l-Istorja Tieg?u
“This excellently-produced book is yet another typical and praiseworthy example of that pride in the various localities that has been generated following the setting up of local councils in 1993. This is perhaps one of the most positive aspects of this experiment that has worked out quite well in a good number of localities. Such books will give a permanent and accessible form to the great amount of work that is so often carried out by unsung researchers…” Norbert Ellul Vincenti.
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L-Arlo?? tad-Deheb
On his birthday Philip gets a gold watch as a present from his family. This disappears from among the other presents during the party. Everybody is being blamed. Nobody realised that the back door was open and a boy from the rival gang had managed to enter the house and steal it to get his own back. This great rivalry between the two gangs of boys dies down after Rose falls down the stairs.
“…Even Bidibadu has something to say about the matter. It is a long time since I heard that name, but here it is again immortalised, now for future generations in a children’s book… This book should keep members of the younger generation happy for a few hours, and maybe give them something to think and talk about.” Norbert Ellul-Vincenti.
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San ? wann u t-Toroq Tieg?u
“When he was Mayor of San ? wann, Tony C Cutajar saw to the publication of a book about his town with the useful information that one expects. It seems to be a first in local publishing history. No other book concerns itself simply with street names. What is so wonderful is that the information is given in a most pleasant and graphic way, with the help of experts in their fields, and colour illustrations of the best kind. … I cannot imagine any San ? wann resident being without this book. But others will want to have the information as well.” Norbert Ellul-Vincenti.
“A finely detailed and historically intriguing publication is always a joy to read. San ? wann Council have broken new ground in the appreciation of the town’s historyand other Councils should follow suit.” Gerald Fenech,
“This must be the first publication of its kind, because normally such articles contained in it only make it as far as parish newsletters or festa programmes which then suffer the common unglamorous destiny of all ephemera…. The importance of such a book is in the awareness it must raise in the people (generally young students) who will consult it.” Louis Scerri.
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Bidilni b’Im?abbtu
“Tony C Cutajar’s is a most competent translation that flows easily and respects Maltese rhythms. A book that has to say much in its few pages than many heftier tomes.” Louis J Scerri.
“The Jesuit writer needs no introduction. Maltese readers know him very well and his books are widely read, especially by those involved in renewal. Tony C Cutajar has done a great service to those who find it easier to read in Maltese, or who cannot read English at all, of whom there are quite a few.” The Times.
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Il-Misteru tal-Mensija
“These last years Tony C Cutajar has been concentrating on publishing adventure stories for older children as he feels that there are ample books in Maltese for younger children but very few for those attending secondary forms. This is another adventure story with a historical background.” The Times.
“This is a very entertaining novel revolving around the adventures of a young amorous couple who explore the myths and legends of the Mensija church. The whole is an easy read and as we charm ourselves to the genial characters of Alex and Monica, there is also time to slide away into the depths of time with statues and holy artifacts full of mysteries and legend. An enjoyable read and recommended to those who enjoy such fantasy.” The Times.
“Someone once said of Shakespeare’s works that all the Bard had done was string a list of idioms and other figures of speech together to make coherent wholes by the insertion of a storyline to make an interesting story. My children said something similar about L-Arlo?? tad-Deheb by Tony C Cutajar, although naturally the story is built that way so that the kids who read it can assimilate the idioms in their correct context, while at the same time enjoying the narrative and gleaning a lesson… All in all, an excellent summer read.” Tanja Cilia.
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Is-Serqa tad-Djamanti
Originally this was a play performed at the Manoel Theatre in the School Drama Festival and which won the price for the most original play. It’s a story about a small group of tough boys who used to play truant and meet in a camp they had built in a field not far from the school. One day they decide to sneak into a diamond factory nearby and see what they could lay their hands on. They manage to find a little bag of diamonds but on their way out they are confronted by a man. When trying to get away, one of the boys hits the man with a penknife. This happened to be ? ino’s uncle who eventually dies in hospital. There’s a lot of bickering among the boys and the story finishes on a very negative note.
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San ? wann Information Pack
This Information Pack is a folder containing a series of loose sheets dealing with subjects connected with the history of San ? wann. It is written in English to be used for school projects and for tourists. Other sheets dealing with the same subject can be added and placed in the folder. The information given has already appeared in the two books in Maltese on the same subject. The main titles are: a short history of San ? wann, the valleys, the historical monuments, the four wayside chapels, the parish church, the Local Council, names of streets, activities in the locality and a map of San ? wann. At the back there is another map outlining the route to be taken by the planned Heritage Walk which includes the historical heritage existing in the locality.
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L-Istorja tar-Radjudramm
“This small book documents the progress of the Maltese radioplay based on what the first protagonists had to say to the author about their earliest experiences. Tony C Cutajar is well-known for his publications. The former teacher, former mayor and presently councillor of San ? wann finds time to write books, especially adventure stories for children. He also still writes radioplays of which he has written over 150 so far, which have been broadcast on Rediffusion, Radio Malta, RTK and Radio 101. It was Mr Cutajar himself who introduced and produced the first radioplays on the last two stations, which unfortunately had to stop them, possibly for financial reasons.” The Times / The Malta Indipendent.
“This slim publication is able to pleasantly present between covers the story of the radioplay in Malta in so far as it was able to be retrieved. The author is himself one of the protagonists of the genre in more ways than one… It was a spark from Mgr Fortunato Mizzi that got the author moving, in his own words a little too late for some of the pioneers who had already passed to better grazing and shut up their mouths for ever.” Norbert Ellul-Vincenti.
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Il-Misteru tal-Lazzarett
“Few are the books written in Maltese especially for teenagers. Children attending school at secondary level have been hardly catered for. One author who recently has been consistently publishing books for this age group is Tony C Cutajar. This ex-teacher of 40 years’ standing has already five such books to his credit, not to mention some 30 others written for other age groups. Il-Misteru tal-Lazzarett is not an ordinary children’s story and neither does it sound very exciting. But it was a period in the history of these islands being studied by the boys of Form IVA….” The Malta Independent.
“Il-Misteru tal-Lazzarett presents history in a roundabout fashion as the students visit old historic buildings, research ancient texts and compile information in an effort to acquire the best prize after the presentation of the various projects. It is written in real mystery mode as have all the previously reviewed books from the ‘Il-Misteru’ series. Penned in flowing Maltese, it relates a somewhat realistic scholastic situation in a readable fashion, in impeccable Maltese and a sound story plot.” Marika Azzopardi.
“Tony C Cutajar is his old slick self and the writing flows with the best of them. The man can write and does so with deceptive ease… He must be recommended on taking what might be a dull, didactic storyline and developing in a way that is both exciting and gripping. I believe he managed to do this through the evolution of character progression. His background in education has served him in good stead here, for he evokes a picture of classroom interplay that is nothing if not realistic.” ? or? Mallia.
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Ix-Xandir f’Malta
“This volume deals with the social and historical implications of the main trends in the development of the Maltese broadcasting system. It treats the democratisation of broadcasting and the changing patterns in the system that brought about changes in methods and technology.” The Times.
“The book ends with an epilogue on good speaking by Prof. Oliver Friggieri, appendices, information on radio and TV stations, bibliography, a glossary and an index. There is no list of illustrations, unfortunately, but a great number of pictures trace very graphically and in a most nostalgic way - at least for those of us who were involved in the march of dignity on the air - the story of broadcasting in Malta. Many will be able to find their picture and find their name mentioned.” Norbert Ellul-Vincenti.
“This is a readable account that avoids raising too many ghosts. It certainly succeeds in jogging our memories and reminds of the many broadcasters of the past who became part and parcel of our cultural baggage.” Louis J Scerri.
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Kollu Tort tan-Nannu
“This is an adventure story which revolves around young people of secondary school age. In the author’s words: ‘It should be of special interest for such children as I feel there is a shortage of such books. This I noticed, when a librarian in a secondary school, that the students scoffed at the books I suggested they should read. They said they were too childish…’” The Malta Independent.
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Il-Misteru tar-Razzett ta’ Xindi
“Another adventure story for adolescents built on historical events which take place during the French occupation of Malta. Vincenzo Borg Brared was important for Birkirkara and for Malta and the story describes in a realistic manner how from a modest farmhouse, still in existence in San ? wann, he managed to support his fellow citizens and rid them of Napoleon’s troops. Amidst danger, gunfire and hard work, the reader is carried along through time-forgotten episodes, while passing through recognisable Maltese towns and villages.” The Malta Independent.
“Tony C Cutajar ably selects an excerpt from our very colourful national history and writes in a manner which fascinates and compels one to read on until the final stages of its development.” Marika Azzopardi.
“Tony C Cutajar, a good writer, has just written a historical novel for children and has managed to get hold of all the elements necessary for this genre to succeed, while making it flow enough for children to sit through and enjoy. The story is pretty historically accurate and Cutajar takes no liberties with that, as most other historical novel writers have done, and the historical narration is the whole of the book…” ? or? Mallia.
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Il-Misteru tal-Mag?laq
“Here’s another of Tony C Cutajar’s mystery stories written especially for adolescents. Again, this story is built on the history, or rather the prehistory of the Maltese islands. In Alley No. 2 in Main Street lives a group of children and secondary school students, some of whom are rather mischievous and up to no good…” The Malta Independent.
“The general lack of references indicate the popular intention behind this book that should appeal greatly to all those who live in San ? wann and anybody interested in the history of Maltese towns and villages. It may also prepare the way for a larger and more ambitious project: a more comprehensive and fully-annotated history of the area.” Louis J Scerri.
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Il-Misteru tar-Rotunda
Young people know very little about the real effects of the last world war and the bad experiences our grandparents went through. This must be the first time that such an interesting and informative story has been written in Maltese for our young people. In it meet a Mosta family and get to know what happened to their neighbours and village: air raids and life in the shelters, death and destruction everywhere, the sacrifices and bravery shown by the ordinary people, victory kitchens and food rationing, etc. We learn about the convoy of Santa Maria and the joy of victory but above all, about what might have happened to the Rotunda and the people who were in church if the bomb had exploded. Was it a mystery or a miracle? Then there is the story about the building of the Rotunda and the legend of the Bride of Mosta, besides other interesting information.
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The Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem
“There are various Orders of Knights even in Malta. So it was providential that Tony C Cutajar came up with the idea of producing this short history of our Christian Order in English and Maltese. Besides being a member himself, Tony is an established scholar and author locally and this work of his will definitely be appreciated by the general public. We as an Order do certainly appreciate this history…. In this way, I hope that the Order of St Lazarus of Jerusalem will become better known and respected and that the activities of its members will be better appreciated by the Maltese public.” Chev Reginald S Attard, Grand Chancellor.
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De La Salle College - Trying Times
“At last we are presenting the third volume of the history of De La Salle College, and this thanks to our dear friend and ex-colleague Tony C Cutajar. He dug into every nook and corner of our archives to report faithfully the main events that made the College what it is. The chronicling of some of these events of recent past go a long way to explain the refined and respectful icon which is De La Salle now.” Bro Martin Borg, Headmaster.
“This is a fine book written with love, gratitude and competence. A surprisingly wide range of disciplines, choices and interests goes into the making of this fascinating story. Chev. Tony C Cutajar narrates in a manner which at times recalls the methodology of a disciplined diarist. Such an integral approach to resource is indeed commendable…The book provides an intriguing insight into specific aspects of a given period and manages to integrate them in a smooth, natural manner. Clarity and vividness of style are never lost in the crowd of facts.” Profs Oliver Friggieri.
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Il-Misteru tal-Palazz de Vilhena
There is a rumour that people are seeing a ghost in this famous Mdina Palace which in the past served as the law courts, a prison and a hospital. Consequenly many people died there, including some who were executed among them a number of Napoleon’s soldiers. Is it possible that this ghost is one of these unfortunate people? Or maybe it has some conection with the disappearance of the official documents stored there during the revolt of the Maltese against the French occupation.
The history teacher takes his class on a visit to Rabat and Mdina as part of their project about this period of Maltese history. Do the students manage to see this ghost in the Palace? Will the teacher solve the mystery of the important documents? And what part does his daughter Martina play in this exciting story?
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Il-Ku?in ta’ l-Awstralja
This is a story dealing with a Maltese family from Australia during their first visit to Malta. They meet their relatives and compare notes about life in the two respective countries. The young cousins have plenty of adventures including excavating ancient tombs, playing with the Balluta waterpolo team and managing to catch a thief at Wied il-G?ajn. They get to know another cousin who lives a different life to theirs. At the same time, we learn about the history of Australia and about the first Maltese settlers in that vast continent.
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Il-Pro?ett tal-Millennju
This is the 15th book written specifically by Tony C Cutajar who has become the leading author of books for adolescents and upper secondary school students. This age group can no longer complain that there are very few books in Maltese written specifically for them. And this time the book is dedicated to all young adults, especially those who do voluntary work and those who love nature and the environment.
This is the type of a detective adventure story involving a Youth Centre which organises a very keen competition to celebrate the new Millenium. The young people are divided into different groups who work for months on end with the aim of having the best project in order to win the promised rewards. The rivalry between the groups is not always friendly and some individuals go to exaggerated lengths to obtain the best reward by spoiling the great efforts of others. Suspicions, distrust and strange behaviour are followed by investigations which eventually lead to the miscreants. The poor family background of the main culprit is responsible for the bad blood that is created among the youths.
Some of the language used and the various situations reflect the modern atmosphere where today’s adolescents are concerned. That makes Il-Pro?ett tal-Millennju rather unsuitable for small children. However, in the story we come across very positive and edifying points like the voluntary work done by individuals, among them priests and local councillors. There is also a special emphasis on drama, music, sport and the environment which should prove an interesting read to young and not so young adults.
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Mhux Skond iz-Zokk u Radjudrammi Stori?i O?ra
This book too is made up of three radioplays connected with different epochs in the history of three countries. Mhux Skond iz-Zokk goes back to the 16th century at the time of Florence’s glorious past when it produced eminent artists like Benvenuto Cellini. This is a human and touching play that happened when the lay brother was a mischievous and worthless boy. ?ejlu Tonna is the story of our country when the Order of St John and the Turks were at each other’s throats. We come across aspects of patriotism built around popular heroes and taken from the historical epic novel written by ? u?é Muscat Azzopardi. It-Tallab Misterju? takes us to the beginning of the 20th century during the turbulent times of the Bolshevist Revolution in Russia. It is a radioplay built on a legend which forms part of the history of those times and shows strong national sentiments and moral values. This book won second prize in the 2007 Book Awards presented by the Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi at the Auberge de Castille.
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Il-Vendetta u Drammi O?ra
In this book we have three dramatic radioplays which were broadcast on the various radio stations. They are tragedies that proved very popular with the listeners because of the subject matter. They create great emotions, excitement and uncertainty till the very end. Il-Vendetta is a bloody tragedy built on the passions and deep jealousy of one of the chief protagonists who wants to get her own back on the young woman for falling in love with her son. Reb?a Mhux Kompluta deals with the fatal consequences resulting from the difficult times during the last world war. The German occupation of France led to complicated conditions for both sides. Jaslu g?al Kollox is a modern radioplay about the activity of the secret services. Here we come across the conflict and struggle between one’s duty towards the country and society and love for one’s family.
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Kienu Tfal Imqarba…
This adventure story is about two good-for-nothings who hate school and spend their time roaming the streets. One used to indulge in cock-fighting and the other was a spoilt brat who could do what he liked. They were not completely to blame because they found themselves in difficult family situations. An adventure in Buskett leads them to make friends with a kind young man and a young teacher who take charge of them and help them to change their life altogether. Their antics and rough pranks are soon forgotten and they have interesting adventures and experiences among them in the natural reserve at G?adira, in Bu?ibba as well as in the law courts.
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?g?a?ag? fil-Bibbja
This book written specifically for today’s young adults represents a number of famous personnages in the Bible who in their youth showed interesting and exciting traits of character. They were and are still considered heroes who can still inspire today’s young people. Besides, even in their occasional frailty and even misdeeds, their great faith in God can serve as a model.
? Il-Misteru ta’ Mi?ra l-Fer?a
Martina and Sandra were very good friends and worked together even though they went to different schools. Sandra was very serious while Martina becomes very friendly with Stefan who offered to help her in her school project about the history of Malta. The subject was Count Roger and the Maltese flag. Martina’s social study project for Christmas was to prepare a scrapbbok about a historical figure. She decides to choose Count Roger so that the girls will work together.
Stefan gets his friend Patrick to take them in his car to Mdina, Rabat and Mi?ra l-Fer?a to take photos for the projects. The girls manage to be among the winners of the projects and convince their teachers to reward them by taking them to see the Italian circus at Christmas time. Among the adventures in this story we have Stefan falling in the sea fully clothed in winter and Patrick doing an akward abseiling exercise to try to solve the mystery.
Id-Drawwiet
This book is one of the 15 Volumes of Kullana g?at-Tfal -? a cultural encyclopedia or a programme of learning which works hand in hand with the needs of the national curriculum. The subjects covered in this book deal with the customs and practises of the Maltese people, i.e. the folklore, the feasts and the beliefs., in the past and in modern times. This book won first prize from among 23 other books in the 2007 Book Award ceremony presided by the Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi at the Auberge de Castille.
Is-Servizzi So?jali f’Malta
This is another volume which forms part of the Kullana g?at-Tfal. The subjects covered in this book deal with some of the social services available in Malta, i.e. the police, education, medicine and tourism.
?abib fil-B?onn
This is a very touching story which helps young people understand and integrate with those in society who have special needs. Stefan was extremely unhappy at home. His mother seemed to concentrate only on his sickly sister while the father decides to abandon the family and leaves home altogether. The young man tries to forget the bad situation by wiling away the time with his friends who had a bad influence on him. They find themselves in all sorts of mischief until they come across Charles who encourages them to participate in a sports competition. This was the beginning of a change of heart. They now do all they can to help others especially those with special needs.
? It-Te?or ta’ Bieb is-Sultan
This is an adventure story based on a historical episode in the time of Grand Master Nicholas Cotoner. He was the one who built the bastions all along the Cottonera Lines to protect the harbours as well as the people living in the three cities. The main entrance in the bastions leading to this area is the magnificent monument known as Notre Dame Gate or Bieb is-Sultan. On top of this famous building is the bust of the Grand Master and an old legend says that where he is looking there is a hidden treasure. While studying about the fortifications built by the Knights, a number of school children decide to find this treasure.
