Exploring the writer’s relationship with the more-than-human by traversing Mabi Forest: Towards an integrated perspective in middle-grade eco-narratives

The relationship between a writer and the more-than-human influences the writing of eco-narratives. Many middle-grade eco-fiction novels take an egocentric view, positioning humans at the narrative centre while relegating the more-than-human as either a backdrop or a cornucopia at humanity’s disposal. This paper explores how a sense of place fosters an ecocentric perspective by integrating empathetic mimesis and emotional qualia into the narrative fabric. The choice of middle-grade literature is deliberate, as this developmental stage is pivotal for shaping children’s evolving sense of self and their relationship with the world. Field research conducted in the critically endangered Mabi Forest in North Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands employed an iterative approach of research-led and practice-led research to enrich understanding of the region and forge a connection with place. Through immersive activities including photography, hiking and community engagement with a local revegetation group, this paper elucidates how such experiences inform a writer’s sense of place, subsequently shaping the portrayal of interconnectedness between the human and more-than-human within their written works. Writers that form an emotional connection with the more-than-human imbue the narrative with themes that encourage readers to adopt a more ethical stance and instil a sense of responsibility towards the care and preservation of our shared environment.