Reviews

The killer's tears by Anne-Laure Bondoux

Translated from the French, this short read will leave you pondering for a long while about friendship, love and redemption. At the end of the world, far from any town or company, Paolo lives with his parents, scratching a living from the bare rock, visited only by a traveling ornithologist or geographer, interested in mapping or watching birds on the southernmost tip of South America.

The bleakness of the surroundings is reflected in the confines of Paolo's life as he later reflects that no one ever hugged him or told him he was loved. Into this family comes a man on the run, Angel. He murders Paolo's parents and takes over as the only adult in the house. The two develop a way of living with each other, their dependence on each other increasing as time goes on. But a third man tips the balance of the household and together the three have an uneasy relationship until they decide to travel to the nearest town and buy some lambs. Here their baseless camaraderie dissolves, as Paolo realises that there are other influences that will change their lives.

Themes Redemption, Chile.

Fran Knight

Teeth marks by Rose Moxham

With all the time in the world, Nick and Robbie head west, intending to do some fruit picking and see what life has to offer. Their aimless drifting sees them interacting with many other people, not least Jude, who Nick falls for. But an accident lands him in the local hospital, where surrounded by people from the next ward, all of whom seem a little unusual, he must reassess what he is doing and how he is getting along with those he loves. Incidents in the hospital are very funny as he constantly makes mistakes through his lack of experience of thinking of anyone else but himself.

This is a road story, fragmented and teasing, as Nick lies in hospital revealing small chunks of what has happened and how he feels. His interaction with those in the ward pushes him to rethink many of his escapades, and the reader along with Nick comes to some understanding of what makes him tick.

Not an easy read, the disjointed story is sometimes difficult to reassemble, but the characters are wonderful, real and whole as we find out what they really want in life, and what motivates them. Kids around year 10 would find this a stimulating read.

Fran Knight

Teresa Moran, soldier by Ken Catran

The fourth in the Moran Family series by New Zealand author, Ken Catran, Teresa Moran is as exciting and fast paced as the three before it, Jacko Moran, sniper; Robert Moran, private; Jimmy Moran, regular, all showing one person's involvement in the twentieth century wars that Australia and New Zealand have been part of. While telling a personal story of each of the main characters, each tale reveals war and its horror to the reading generation, and shows the moral decisions which countries and participants must make in times of war.

Teresa is a survivor of an incident in East Timor and must now go to Afghanistan and Iraq where she is under some suspicion, and so relegated to a minor role. She bears the brunt of criticism from her comrades and she knows that they all have their own version of what happened to her. It makes her position even more challenging. Meanwhile she has a never-ending stream of advice and criticism from her father, now a member of a committee looking at the effects of Agent Orange on those who served in Vietnam. The stories of Teresa and her father go hand in hand in this examination of the role of combat forces in the defense of a country.

For those who want a good story line, embedded in realistic fighting sequences, this story will go down well. This book could well be presented along with non fiction like Scarecrow Soldiers (Davidson) and Animal Heroes.

Fran Knight

What happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles

Little, Brown, 2006 hbk.

Age 14+. Buried alive in a crate, Cass McBride faces the horror of the words on a suicide note left by David Kirby, 'Words are teeth. And they eat me alive. Feed on my corpse instead.'

David killed himself after reading a nasty note Cass, the most popular girl in the school, wrote about him. His brother Kyle is out to get revenge. He kidnaps her and buries her underground. As she contemplates the truth about her life, Cass, terrified and bloody, fights to use words to stay alive.

This is a tense psychological thriller that was simply impossible to put down. Gail Giles tells the story in three voices, Kyle, Cass and Ben the policeman who is investigating the kidnapping. The portrayal of the characters is a real strength of this novel. Gradually the reader gains an insight into the reasons for David's suicide and why Kyle takes such a drastic revenge on the manipulative and unfeeling Cass. Mrs Kirby is one of the most chilling mothers I have read about.

Chapters are short and the action and tension is almost unbearable. Readers will feel horrified as they identify with Cass as she struggles to stay alive, both physically and mentally. The psychological sell that Cass uses to try and get Kyle to keep her alive is riveting.

This novel has been selected for the  ALA Best books for Young Adults and ALA Quick picks for Reluctant readers. Recommended as a compulsive read.

Pat Pledger

The Fiery Salamander by Colin Thiele

A classic story of co-operation and courage, Colin Thiele's last book tells the story of brave animals that defeat a wicked salamander. The animals live in a beautiful land in the shadow of a mountain but every month they face the threat of a fiery salamander that comes down from his volcano home in search of something to eat. It is not until the animals gang together and show exceptional bravery and cunning that their enemy is overcome.

This is an exciting story with four short chapters that will really appeal to beginning readers and is also ideal to read aloud. The language is vivid and the animal characters are beautifully described. Working together, each group uses their particular skill to bring down the salamander. Spider monkey uses his brains, the cheetah his speed and the elephants, buffaloes and oxen use their strength to kill their enemy. Mark Wilson's pencil drawings capture the characteristics of each animal and enhance the story.

Pat Pledger

Black water by David Metzenthen

A new book by David Metzenthen is to be savoured - read with care and thought as the reader finds that his stories are always more than just stories; there are layers and depths to his books that necessitate contemplation and discussion. Black water is quite wonderful, a truly gripping story that has the reader wondering constantly what will happen, fearful that the main protagonists will not come out of it well, following the clues and leads given by the author as he espouses his thoughts about war and its far reaching effects. In a few lines I cannot do justice to this author and his new book, as his 308 pages had me engrossed for weeks as I read of the boys who lived on Swan Island, off the coast of Queenscliff near Melbourne, during World War 1.

Farren has left school and works at the local pub, his father a fisherman who one night does not return, his body washed up in the shore the next day; his brother Danny, a casualty of the Gallipoli campaign, in a hospital in Melbourne, about to be returned to his home, a crippled, disfigured young man. Together the boys muddle on, helped by locals, Farren always hoping that Danny will one day cross the bridge into town. Into their lives comes Souki, washed up one night from a shipwreck, and found by Danny, tangled in sea weed.

The themes in this novel are wide reaching, as Metzenthen brings all the force of his recent The boys of blood and bone to the fore, revealing war for the curse that it is, wrecking people's lives beyond anything we know. The minutiae of the lives of the people who live on the island are revealed subtly, Metzenthen displaying the different social standing through the biscuits offered with a cup of tea, the pictures on the wall, the clothing. Metzenthen's thorough knowledge and understanding of the times is everpresent in the setting, their speech, the work they do, their leisure time … everything is authentic and redolent of living in a country environment during World War 1.

For a novel which reflects the effects on Australian life during war, and young men growing up in incredibly difficult times, Black water is exemplary. Highly recommended.

Fran Knight

Going Bush by Nadia Wheatley and Ken Searle

When a group of children from a variety of schools in Sydney is taken on a walk with an author and an illustrator, magic happens. The 16 children walk through Wolli Creek, bounded by Sydney Airport, Cooks River and Botany Bay. The walk takes them over the ngurra, the land of the Eora people who lived along Sydney's coast before European contact. Along the creek they are able to see things the Eora people would have seen, used, eaten and traded. The children are shown the introduced species, discover pollution, sit where the Eora would have sheltered, listen for the sounds, draw what they see, take photos and enjoy themselves with a group they have not met before.

The results of this bush walk are stunning. Back in the classroom, the children were encouraged to write about what they saw and felt. They did a journey diary showing where they went and what they saw, annotated with their words, photos and drawings. They were encouraged to finish their drawings over the next 8 weeks, write poems, and research and share their memories. The result is Going Bush, which is far more than a picture book. Classes could use it as a basis for their own research and excursion, as it gives an incredible amount of detail about just what the students can do on such a trip. It is a most informative and enervating teacher reference book.

The reason for doing the book, Harmony Day, resonates throughout the whole, as the children make new friends, overcome their shyness, build relationships, talk and discuss what they have found. 'Our story begins with the ngurra, the land. That's what we have in common. No matter where our families come from, this is the place that we call home.'  Each double page spread of this beautiful book, shows the children working, or at play, talking, writing, drawing, taking photos and looking. Each page is filled with colour and light, with drawings, photos, found objects, things the students have made and written. It is a superlative model for teaching.

Fran Knight

Maisie Moo and invisible Lucy by Chris McKimmie

This brightly coloured and busy picture book will appeal to younger readers and adults alike as they follow Maisie Moo and Lucy through the days leading up to their town's Christmas concert. In a very few pages, we are introduced to the whole family, Dad off driving trucks, Mum selling things through the Gone Bonkers Discount Palace, and the effervescent Maisie helping Mum.

The family is strong and cohesive with Dad away but when he returns he tells Maisie wonderful stories. Maisie and Lucy help in the shop but when things go awry they are sent to bed. She often sleeps in and one morning when she wakes late, she hears two kookaburras in the kitchen, her father is home. That night Maisie plays the drums at the Christmas Party and everyone thinks she is 'a little bit wonderful'.

A delightful story, Maisie Moo and invisible Lucy will have small children telling of their own families and who they play with. The story gives children the opportunity to talk about their friends, whether real or imaginary, and what they really like to do. Visual humour abounds on the beautifully coloured pages, which reflect the range of medium used in its production. It's great to see this listed on the publications page too, as this gives the opportunity to older kids to work out how the drawings were done, and giving them another layer to the story.

Themes Fathers, Dogs, Enthusiasm.

Fran Knight

The taste of lightning by Kate Constable

A spin-off of the wonderful Chanters of Tremaris series, this adventure story will appeal to readers of that series, although it could also be read as a stand-alone. The book opens with a gripping description of the evil power that an evil witch, Wanion, holds over Tansy, a young laundry maid. It continues with the rescue of Skir, an imprisoned Priest-King by Tansy and Perrin a young soldier, who has been recruited to gain access to the prisoner.

Constable draws compelling pictures of each of her characters and the reader is drawn into the action of the escape and consequent adventures.
I found the story of Skir slightly confusing and wished that the author had concentrated on Tansy as the main character or provided more information about Skir's background early in the book, but the ending leaves lots of options for future sequels. The combination of action, romance and magic is memorable and the story will appeal to readers who like Tamora Pierce and Ursula Le Guin.

Themes Fantasy, Magic.

Pat Pledger

Ophelia by Lisa Klein

Allen & Unwin
Age 13-15 For girls looking for a sentimental and romantic story based upon the imagined life of Ophelia, had she lived, then they need go no further. In this take on Shakespeare's Hamlet, Ophelia and Hamlet become lovers, meeting in a hut dressed in country spun clothes for disguise, and marrying in secret, a la Romeo and Juliet. Pregnant and alone when Hamlet realises that his enemy is Claudius, the murderer of his father, and so must take a son's revenge; Ophelia takes mandragora to feign death. The luckless Horatio digs her up (wouldn't the weight of soil have killed her?) and helps revive her, and gathering all the things she requests, helps her to escape from Denmark. Dressed as a boy she goes to the Convent beyond Calais where she hears of the debacle that ends Hamlet's life and that of his mother, and her own brother Laertes.

I can imagine groups of girls would love it, taken up with the headstrong Ophelia as she gains control of her life, where none is allowed. But I prefer the original.
Fran Knight

Battle Order 204 by Christobel Mattingley

Courage, leadership and the human spirit are the key themes in this story about a World War 2 bomber pilot. The book meticulously describes how an ambitious young Australian, who wants to fly, joins the airforce and undertakes rigorous training that leads to participation in the massive bombing runs over war torn Europe. Christobel Mattingley has written her husband's biography using log books and insights from eye-witnesses. The pilot's saga progresses from incident to incident, each providing a lesson in humanity and survival. The story is interspersed with flashes to the progress of the pilot's final attack. The devastating effects of death and injury to the crews of the bombers are harrowingly told. It is well illustrated with photographs, poems and glossary. A gripping story suitable for ages 12 and up.
Paul Pledger

The Wollemi Pine by James Woodford

What a tale. The story reads like a detective story, with information given about the characters as they go about their search and identification of the pine tree discovered in the Blue Mountains in 1974, alongside the most incredible and involving detail about the beginnings of time in Australia, its flora and fauna, and most incredibly, the sex life of pines.
The journalistic style suits the story. It is a tale so engrossing that I couldn't stop reading. 
Fran Knight

The big Bazoohley by Peter Carey

Random House, 2006 (1995)
Age 10-12 This reissue of Peter Carey's first book for children has lost none of its freshness, and is admirably augmented with the illustrations by Stephen Michael King. Sam Kellow sleepwalks out of his parents' room at a hotel and is kidnapped by a crazy set of parents whose own son has developed chicken pox and so is unable to compete in the Perfecto Kiddo Competition now on in the same hotel. Despite Sam's lack of finesse and dress sense, the new parents think they will pull it off, but despite the whole evening spent readying the boy, things just don't go their way.

Carey has his tongue firmly in his cheek as he pokes fun at the appalling parents whose children are in this competition. So removed from ordinary children, they cannot cope with Sam's friendliness and lack of competitive spirit. Of course the climax of spag and bog gets out of hand, but Sam is able to save the day, the judge thinking along the same lines as Carey, and so presenting the winning cheque to the boy who is normal. A delightful read from start to finish, The big Bazoohley will find an new audience, with its new set of charming illustrations.
Fran Knight

On the Jellico Road by Melina Marchetta

Bolinda 2006 Read by Rebecca Macauley
Age 15+ The engrossing story told in Marchetta's third novel is well transcribed to the audio cassette, making it accessible to a wider range of readers. This complex tale had me intrigued when reading it because of the many strands needing to be pulled together to make sense of it. The listening of the story I found much more satisfying, as it made me imagine the characters and have something in my head to hang the story onto.

Taylor is a strong willed character whose mother abandoned her on the Jellicoe Road years ago. She is housed now at the school, a strange state boarding school, where many of the students are unusual in some way. Taylor, now a senior, is made house captain and so must attend to the needs of the students in her house. Her uneasy relationship with Hannah, a teacher who lives in her own unfinished house on the campus, is a mixture of love and competition, questioning and sneering.

Into this odd background come the cadets, the boys from the city who camp near the school every year. Taylor is strangely linked with their leader, Jonah, and an antagonistic relationship between the groups heightens the tension as the groups try to come to some truce about where each group can go, called the territory wars.

Taylor wants to find out about her background and so gleans all the bits of information she can. Jellicoe Road is a mystery, an adventure story, full of twists and turns, unusual characters and relationships which will intrigue its readers.

Rebecca Macaulay has a wonderful voice which well suits the range of young people involved in this tale. She takes on the hesitant strength of Taylor; the ambiguity of Hannah; the whispering voice which shows the reader that she is reading the story being written within the novel, that of a group of students who attended Jellico School twenty years before; and the male voices of the cadets, with ease and panache.

As with all audio books, this would be most useful in the classroom when studying the novel. Some students may like to listen in small groups with the book as a guide; some may use it to re-read parts of it within a small group; the teacher may use it to highlight parts of the story in class, under discussion, or simply to replay chapters when the class has finished reading the whole novel. An audio book has a huge range of uses, and can form an integral part of the English program.
Fran Knight

Lucky Baby Yak by Helen Manos & Max Maxfield

'Dedicated to refugees everywhere and in particular to Tibetans', this compelling picture book will bring tears to your eyes. It tells the story of a group of nomads whose animals are stolen by soldiers who have come to 'liberate' them from their old way of life.

Using Lucky Baby Yak, the first yak born that summer, as a focal point, Helen Manos vividly describes the nomads' way of life and its destruction through the eyes of sister and brother, Pema and Tenzin. She softens the trauma of the invasion by giving the reader a glimpse of the humanity of one young boy soldier. The author has spent time working with Tibetan refugees in the lower Himalayas and her deep regard for them comes through in this story.

The intense colours of Max Maxfield's illustrations bring to life the joy of a nomadic childhood, and the terror of having possession stolen and lives threatened by the soldiers.

This is a challenging picture book that confronts and makes accessible issues that are not normally available to younger children.

Themes Refugees, Tibet, Courage.

Pat Pledger