ReadPlus is a collection of selected books and films arranged under themes. This web site provides lists, reviews and resources for librarians, teachers and parents about books for young people aged 5 to 18.
Review Blog
Aug 28 2008
The highest tide by Jim Lynch
Bloomsbury, 2008 ISBN 9780747595090
(Ages 13+) When Miles finds a giant squid on the coast near where
he lives in Puget Sound, Washington State, he is on one of his night
time wanders in his kayak, alone with the sea and its creatures that...
more
Aug 27 2008
The cow that laid an egg by Andy Cutbill and Russell Ayto
Harper
Collins, 2008.
(Age 3-7) When Marjorie the cow feels left out because she has no
special skills, the chickens decide to help. The other cows can do
splendid things, handstands and riding bikes, but Marjorie feels very
ordinary....more
Aug 27 2008
Under the Same Stars by Suzanne Fisher Staples
Walker Books, 2007.
(Age 14+) In this powerful and superbly written sequel to Daughter
of the Wind, set in Pakistan, Suzanne Fisher Staples writes openly
about the Muslim culture and women's roles in a society bound strictly
to...more
Aug 26 2008
Crossing the line by Dianne Bates
Ford St Publishing, 2008. ISBN
9781876462703
(Age 14+) When Sophie moves into a share house, it is a new start. She
still attends sessions with her psychiatrist, Noel, is checked up by
the social worker, Jan, and monitored by her...more
Aug 25 2008
Triskellion by Will Peterson
Walker Books, 2008
(Age 11+) Surprisingly Will Peterson is the pseudonym of Mark
Billingham and Peter Cocks, both writers for television in
England. They have collaborated on a number of projects and
decided to write a trilogy for...more
Aug 25 2008
The (not quite) perfect boyfriend by Lili Wilkinson
Allen and
Unwin 2008. ISBN 9781741753462 (Girlfriend Fiction)One of the new series called Girlfriend Fiction, this story revolves around Midge whose best friend, Tahni never seems to have any trouble getting a boyfriend. Midge on the other...
moreAug 22 2008
True Green Kids by Jim McKay and Jenny Bonnin
ABC Books, 2008.
(All ages) There are a few of these books hitting the market at the
moment,
showing kids how they can do the most simple things to recycle, be
healthy, conserve energy and implement a green way of living in their
own...more
Aug 21 2008
The savage by David Almond
Ill. by Dave McKean. Walker, 2008.
(Age 9+) Highly recommended. Once again David Almond has created an
outstanding book which will challenge and provoke his readers. Blue
Baker's dad has died and his school counsellor tells him to write...more
Aug 13 2008
Marty's shadow by John Heffernan
Read by Stephen Pease
Louis Braille Audio, 2008. ISBN 9781742120355.
3 CDs, 3 3/4 hours.
Scholastic, 2007.
(Age 13+) Recommended. This is a finely wrought tale about 16 year old
Marty, a loner, resentful and riddled with doubts...more
Aug 13 2008
Swordbird by Nancy Yi Fan
HarperCollins, 2007
(Age 9+) The author was only 13 when she wrote this book and it will be
an inspiration to all young writers. She has created a believable world
populated by extraordinary birds. Turnatt, a red-brown hawk, has
kidnapped...more
Aug 12 2008
Nighttrap by Tom Becker
Scholastic 2008
Jonathan's friend Mrs Ellwood has been kidnapped by Vendetta the
vampire. As ransom Vendetta demands the Crimson Stone, a priceless gem
which is in the possession of Xavier, an elderly and fanatical antique
collector....more
Aug 12 2008
Gideon the Cutpurse by Linda Buckley-Archer
Simon and Shuster, 2006
ISBN 978
141691657
$19.95 369p
It's such a relief to read something in the third person. No teenage
angst here, but solid adventure, set in the past with a time travel
milieu, when two teens find themselves...more
Aug 11 2008
Daddies by Catriona Hoy and Mal Webster
Hachette Livre (Lothian Children's Books), 2008
(Age 3+) Recommended. This is a humourous look at fathers and what they do. Everyone
in the family thinks they know what daddies are for. Mum thinks they're
for washing dishes, grandma thinks...more
Aug 08 2008
Sovay by Celia Rees
Bloombury, 2008. ISBN 9780747598084
(Age 13+) It's difficult to resist picking up this book with its
beautiful girl on the front cover and the enticing words 'She fought
for her life. She robbed for love'. When the blurb describes...more
Aug 07 2008
Knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness
Walker, 2008. ISBN 9781406310252
Chaos Walking, Book 1.
(Age 12+) Highly recommended. This is a stunning, unforgettable
book with a totally
original plot that completely captures the imagination of the reader.
Todd Hewitt lives in...more
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