Usbourne, London.2008
ISBN 9780746081372.
(Ages 12+) This adventure recalls the television drama Lost and
Gary
Paulsen's Hatchet. It has just the right ingredients for an
exciting read. Members of the Lewis family, working as volunteers
in a war-torn African country, are caught up in a terrorist attack on
board a cruise ship.
Later a young boy is washed up on the shore of a nearby island which is
used by the French military for meteorological and strategic
observation. It appears that the entire Lewis family has been
lost at sea except for Joseph. Following a sighting of the boy on
the island, Joseph's grandfather, an influential and very wealthy
businessman, sets out to recover his grandson. There is much to
enthral the reader as the chase begins to find a boy scarred by gunfire
and grief, newly attached to this island paradise which offers refuge
and peace. An action packed storyline, involving modern day
terrorism amidst exotic settings make this book very readable.
Interesting characters with a number of twists in identity and
motivation keep the story moving. Though rather contrived at
times, the overall air of mystery which stays with us until the final
pages, makes this book a very satisfying read.
Bernard Ashley has been previously shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal
and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize - he has skilfully added to
the increasingly popular genre of adventure/thriller for young readers.
Julie Wells
Canyon by Christopher J. Holcroft
Poseidon Books, Burleigh, Qld. 2008
ISBN 978 1921406768
(Ages 12+) Told by an expert in the field of real life adventuring,
orienteering, outdoor education and Venturer Scouts, this story proves
the worth of team work in times of trouble, the importance of training
and organisational skills, and the national significance of rescue
management.
A canyoning trip leads to near disaster but, because of the timely
formation of a Rover volunteer network, an amazing rescue effort saves
young Scott, who was initially instrumental in forming the groups, and
his injured friend.
Though the story lacks the imaginative interest of fictional
adventures, this true to life account will appeal to the young reader
who prefers 'real' stories. Well researched and authoritative,
Canyon, for its instructional nature, reads well, providing a
good text
for outdoor education groups and the like, and applauding the efforts
of all Emergency Rescue Services. Mike, the Venturer leader, in
instructing the young volunteers says, 'My aim is to ensure you can
enjoy the challenges of the activity you choose to do and that if
anything happens to you, you are self-reliant enough to get out of most
problems or, you can get your mate out'. (p. 7) Such is the tone
of this novel.
Julie Wells
Cross my heart and hope to spy by Ally Carter
Lothian Children's Books, 2008
Ages: Year 6/7+ The Gallagher Girls Book 2.The Gallagher Academy
for elite girl spies is back in the spotlight.Cammie Morgan, the
Chameleon spy, the one who likes to blend into the background is thrust
into the spotlight again.Following a disastrous final exam in
which her ex-boyfriend has his memories erased, Cammie is caught up in
a new operation, code named Blackthorne.From the moment Cammie
and her friends see the top secret Blackthorne folder and the East wing
of the Academy has become off limits they will stop at nothing to work
out what operation Blackthorne is.
Once Blackthorne is revealed, the girl's world is turned upside down as
they deal with a group of elite boy spies from their academy.
Cammie is intrigued and seduced by Zach, whose real motives leave you
guessing until the very end.
I recommend this series, and this book to all girls who have ever
dreamed of being a spy.It has a great edgy feel, with just
enough of a romantic plot threaded throughout.Who knew being a
teenage elite spy could be so complicated.
Zana Thiele
The Floods - Better homes and gardens by Colin Thompson.
Random House Australia, 2009
(Ages 9+)This is the final in the Floods book series.The
series has won critical acclaim with a CBCA notable book listing and
Aurealis Award shortlisting.
The Floods are returning home to claim their rightful place on the
throne in Transylvania Waters.Cabbage is the only food around,
and the King and Queen are despised by their subjects - enter the
Floods.Nerlin and Mordonna should be King and Queen, but they
need to conquer a few nasty characters before that can happen.
This being my first introduction to the Floods (I know where have I
been!), I find myself curious to discover where it all began.The
story has plenty of references to previous books and explanations to
fill in the new reader so the story can be understood on its own.
The characters are gross - but in a cool 'I want to know more' sort of
way.Having read that they were a modern edgier take on the
Addams Family, I do somewhat agree, but find them way more left of
field and pushing the boundaries of grossness.This would be an
appealing read for those with a love of gruesome and scary.
Zana Thiele
Stop Watch the land of Kur by Sally Morgan, Ambelin, Blaze and Ezekiel Kwaymullina
Walker Books, Australia. ISBN: 9781921150777
(Age 7-10) Tick, tick, tick , Tom discovers new worlds of adventure and
intrigue via his grandpa's special stopwatch. Tom is drawn to the watch
despite specific instructions from his grandpa to stay away. He presses
the start button to first find himself invisible and then transported
to the Land of Kur, a planet far, far away from Earth.
There, aided by the amiable but not very bright Bilby, he finds himself
fighting the Mimocks in a David and Goliath style battle. To keep
himself out of a lethal spider cocoon, he then has to take on the
Bogon-stat Queen. Can he do it, using only his quick wits and his
trusty harmonica? And why does it seem like his grandpa has also done
battle with the Bogon-stat Queen?
Sally Morgan, author of My Place, has co written this fantasy
novel
with her children, Ambelin, Blaze and Ezekiel Kwaymullina. There are
references to Tom's indigenous heritage dotted throughout the book.
Written in the present tense, it emits a sense of energy and pace that
keeps the reader intrigued. The themes of brain over brawn and the
power of music are explored using humour and rhyme. Land of Kur will appeal to readers between the ages of 7 to 10.
Boys in
particular will identify with Tom and will also respond to the tongue
in cheek humour and energy of the story. The stopwatch itself has 60
markers that represent 60 worlds, so a series may well be planned.
Rachel Flenley ,
Zelah Green, Queen of clean by Vanessa Curtis
Egmont Children's, 2009.
(Ages 11-15) Highly recommended. Zelah Green is a 14 year old girl,
whose mother has died and been 'replaced' with a stepmother. She is
always on Germ Alert or Dirt Alert. Her life has been taken over by
rituals to ensure cleanliness and deal with her obsessions. She removes
smudges from mirrors and windows, and washes her hands each morning -
right hand, then left hand, 31 times. Her obsessive behaviour extends
to equally spacing the clothes in her wardrobe and even checking
checklists.
Her obsessive compulsory disorder creates problems for her and her
family. While Zelah is clearly different to other girls her age, she
also exhibits many characteristics of early adolescents. Her
relationship with her best friend Fran is similar to many other early
adolescent friendships. This will allow young readers to empathise with
Zelah and join her on her journey.
Zelah relates her story with great warmth in a first person narrative.
She uses a teenage vernacular, which gives her a very authentic
voice.There is also a fresh, original
use of language, which contributes to the book's literary merit.
Vanessa Curtis is a new children's author, but one sure to attract the
attention of young readers. In this book she provides them with real
characters, and an insight into one girl's family turmoil and grief. If
all of this sounds very heavy, it's not. The story is told with
brightness and a quirky sense of humour, and it moves along at a good
pace.
In a school setting this book could be compared to The curious
incident
of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon. In both books the
central
character is an adolescent with a different way of viewing and dealing
with the world and experiencing significant social disability as a
result.
High interest novel for this age group (particularly girls). Also a
very good read for adults.
Margaret Strickland
The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech
(Ages 8-10)Well recommended. This Carnegie medal winner has written a wonderful tongue in cheek modern fairytale. It is full of humour, innuendo and plain foolishness, mixed with a thinly disguised but intriguing plot. Certainly adults and interested young readers will enjoy the many trite and humorous comments on events, such as the personal characteristics of the royal children! Imagine a King who would rather lie on his brocade divan than deal with the forty seven 'Ministers of Inventory'! Imagine consulting an hermit who others refer to as 'the King's folly'! It's quite original and very amusing, especially when we wonder what royals really do! Pia and Enzio two peasant children, find a leather pouch with the King's emblem on it and the adventure begins. It's an easy and fascinating read. It could be a wonderful teaching example in the ways of exaggeration with twists and humour within the fairytale mould. Sue Nosworthy
Miki Falls: Summer by Mark Crilley
HarperCollins, 2007.
(Age 11-14) Miki tells the story about her forbidden love and the sort of
relationships that happen in this world since she's known her boyfriend.
Miki's boyfriend is a kind of supernatural being called Delivers. He
observes couples to see if they have true love and he gives tests to
see if the couples could survive. If they can't, he will take their
love and give it to another couple who have a chance. When Miki got to
his house planning to surprise him, she sees him with another girl, who
is a Deliver just like him.
Afterwards in her boyfriend's notebook, she sees some notes about her
friend and her friend's boyfriend. She finds out that her friend's
boyfriend is cheating on her with another friend.
Her friend accuses Miki of cheating on her with her boyfriend. Later
Miki's boyfriend takes her out on proper dates. Then at this time the
girl appears again to warn her off so Miki breaks up with her
boyfriend, but Miki and her friend forgive each other because her
friend's boyfriend confessed what happened. Miki's boyfriend still
doesn't want to break up.
Lisa Cao (student)
Daisy Dawson and the big freeze by Steve Voake
Walker, 2009.
(Ages 7-9) What is Daisy to do? Woolverton, the curious young lamb, has
disappeared into the ice and snow and Ricky the sheep dog is off
working. It looks like it is up to Daisy and her loyal pet dog Boom to
venture into the dangerous woods and rescue Woolverton. Who will they
encounter on their way and what will they find? And most importantly,
will they bring Woolverton home safely?
The third in the Daisy Dawson series by English author, Steve Voake,
this book continues telling Daisy's adventures. Daisy is an energetic
and kind girl who possesses the ability to talk to animals. Her home
and school life is warm and cosy, providing the backdrop for her safe
but satisfying adventures. The early chapters chronicle Daisy's day at
school in the snow, which while engaging, left this reader impatient
for the main storyline to develop.
The good-sized print, short chapters and regular illustrations make
this a good choice for newly independent readers. Its appeal will be
mainly for girls, particularly those who enjoy animal stories in cosy
and comfortable settings.
Rachel Flenley
Evernight by Claudia Gray
HarperTeen, 2008.
(Age 14+) Teen romance, vampire angst, and ancient hatred all feature
prominently in this plot driven story. Bianca has been enrolled in the
exclusive Evernight Academy by her parents who also teach at the school
and who are convinced that she needs to broaden her horizons and join
the real world. Bianca doesn't fit in with the perfect students, all
sleek and beautiful in their tailored uniforms. She wants to escape but
then she meets another newcomer, Lucas, and feels an instant rapport
with him, although he warns her to be careful. Can their love survive
their differences and what are the secrets that the school is hiding?
The story is told in the first person from Bianca's point of view.
Right from the start I was drawn into the plot and found it hard to put
down as I followed Bianca's attempts to fit in and find friends and her
growing obsession with Lucas. Bianca, although initially shy and rather
withdrawn, grows into a strong heroine who is prepared to fight for
what she wants. There are a couple of big surprises in the book and a
third love interest with Balthazar, a very popular senior, as well as
the inevitable battle between the vampires and their hunters.
Gray has written a suspenseful story with a great romance and her
exploration of how vampires would need to survive in a modern world is
leavened with humour. Readers who loved the Twilight series will love
this book as well, and sequels are on the way!
Pat Pledger
Alive in the death zone by Lincoln Hall
Random House Australia, 2008.
ISBN 9781741663372
(Ages 11+) Highly recommended. Alive in the Death Zone by
Australian
mountaineer Lincoln Hall successfully aims at the children's market,
and is an adaptation of his adult book Dead Lucky.
The title refers to the author's miraculous survival from being left
for dead overnight at 8,500 metres, just after summiting Mt
Everest. Only the last 3 of 12 chapters are on this
subject. Earlier chapters describe how Lincoln was introduced to
climbing through his school's PE teacher and follows his career from
initial excursions into the Brindabella's (ACT) and Blue Mountains,
through to training in New Zealand and then completing his first
Himalayan climb of 7,000 metre Dunagiri. It also
describes how he worked as a trek leader and expedition photographer
before his 2006 Mt Everest climb.
This book is brilliantly put together with the autobiographical story
being regularly broken up with informative text boxes and captions on
such topics as acclimatisation, snow blindness, dangers of couloirs
(mountain gullies), yaks, lists of equipment etc. The 103 pages
include 90 stunning photos enticing even the laziest person to have a
browse. Reality is enhanced with a photo of Lincoln's black and
decaying frostbitten fingers, parts of which are later amputated.
This book can be read in less than 2 hours, or savoured a chapter at a
time.
The climbing history of Everest is summarised: from the 1924 Mallory
expedition; the problem that access from either Tibet or Nepal was
forbidden for many years; and the successful attempt by Edmund Hillary
and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953. A list of the
world's highest mountains, a glossary and even a snakes and ladder type
game of 'the Everest summit' also contribute to make this book
educational. Alive in the Death Zone is highly recommended for all upper
primary and
secondary libraries. Its picturesque cover and colourful and varied
presentation from page to page will hold the interest of all.
Additionally it will be a useful reference for those doing climbing in
outdoor education. Adults seeking an inspiring story also will
love this book and find themselves subconsciously extending their
knowledge.
Kay Haarsma (Salisbury East High School)
Auslander by Paul Dowswell
Bloomsbury, 2009
(Ages 12+) Living in Poland with his German parents, Peter has only an
inkling of what it means to be an outsider, a foreigner, when the
German army comes racing through the countryside, killing and looting.
After his parents are killed by a German tank, he is sent to an
orphanage, but his German background and Aryan looks serve him well and
he is adopted by a high ranking German professor of Eugenics at Berlin
University.
Here he learns first hand that he must support the Nazi regime. At 14
he must join the Hitler-Jugend (Hitler youth) and be involved in
patriotic things they do, as they become more and more allied to
supporting the war effort. Peter meets Anna, and when she feels she can
trust him, invites him to join her family supporting Jewish people
hiding in the city. Peter's ideas of being an outsider, allied with his
questioning of what Hitler is doing, alongside the news he hears which
contradicts what the Hitler Youth is saying, sees him query the regime
more and more. He and Anna visit a cafe where American music is played
and must run for their lives when it is raided. His guardian bans him
from playing Mendelssohn, then one day the older sister, Elsbeth, tells
him what she has been doing as a nurse.
A page turning thriller, Auslander tells younger readers just how the
Nazi regime put its ideas about a pure race into practice. Told against
the background of the encroaching British and American armies, the
story is exciting and involving, showing how some people rebelled
against the Nazi order.
Fran Knight
Crime time: Australians behaving badly by Sue Bursztynski
Ford Street Publishing, 2009
ISBN 978 1 876462 76 5
(Age 11+) We all know the fascination held by many readers for true
crime stories and investigations. Here is a well-researched and
broad-ranging collection of tales which focus on criminals appearing
throughout Australian history. Beginning in the 1600s, a comprehensive
list moves through the decades to the early 2000s, featuring such names
as John Giles Price, Ned Kelly, Squizzy Taylor, Ronald Ryan, Julian
Knight, Ivan Milat, Chopper Read, and Carl Williams. Each story
devotes about four pages to its subject, accompanied by a clever little
portrait drawn by Louise Prout, with Did You Know facts presented as a
footnote to each chapter. This compilation is readable and
interesting, and perfect for the young investigator. Kerry
Greenwood's introduction invites the reader, with great enthusiasm, to
wallow in the 'deep, dark history of crime, true crime' of Australia's
past. However, it is disconcerting to find some stories included,
such as Martin Bryant's of the Port Arthur Massacre, with his portrait
illustrating the title page, when the cover, title and introduction
imply a certain light hearted or sensational element to the
collection. Overall the collection is informative and extensive,
with each entry conveying a good sense of place, time and
character. A useful bibliography and index are included.
Julie Wells
The composer is dead by Lemony Snicket
Harper Collins, 2009.
(Ages:all) Recommended. This story is a crime tale, and the detective
called to the scene of the crime, goes through the whole orchestra in
search of the murderer. One by one he eliminates each section of the
orchestra, finding out where they were at the time in question. On each
double page spread the section of the orchestra under suspicion is
drawn in silhouette, and bars of music are scattered from one page to
another. The whole is a musical treat, as it introduces younger readers
to the instruments which make up an orchestra and what each section
does. The composer's death is still a mystery at the end, but all the
orchestra including the conductor admit to having some hand at killing
a composer at some time in their lives. Linked with humour, dancers,
bars of music and the best of illustrations, every reader will be
entranced,
The beautifully illustrated and presented hard cover book, The
composer
is dead, is augmented with a CD containing the story narrated by
Lemony Snicket, and the instrumental version, tucked into the front
inside cover. The illustrations by Carson Ellis reflect the humour
inherent in the tale, using a small range of colour luminously. This
book is a treat for all.
Fran Knight
Cicada Summer by Kate Constable
Allen and Unwin, 2009. ISBN
97817417828 3
(Ages 10+)Highly recommended. Gently reflecting the twin values
of family and friendship, Cicada Summer will captivate readers
as they
examine the enigmatic Eloise and her struggle to communicate. She is a
lonely yet resilient 12 year old, wary of people, but desperate to have
a friend. She takes risks, and although unable to speak, watches with
an artist's observant eye.
Moving to the country supposes a fresh start for Eloise and her dad.
With his grandiose ideas of developing his mother's long empty house,
he hopes Eloise will find her voice, lost after her mother died. Not
happy to see them, Eloise's Gran, Mo, is wrapped in her own reclusive
world, and is even less happy when her son leaves for the city. An
unhappy combination, Mo retreats to her study, while Eloise grabs an
old bike from the garage to ride to Mo's abandoned house, briefly seen
on the way. There she walks into a time when the house is full of
people, the garden cared for and a child of her own age there to be her
friend.
The world Eloise inhabits is both familiar and unsettling as she
returns each day to be with Anna. The two girls paint the summerhouse,
Eloise further developing her drawing and painting skills, and through
her friendship with Anna, learning to accept her mother's death.
Christmas sees Elois's father return with a friend and Mo's next door
neighbours, the Durranis, decide to cook the Christmas meal for the
family joining in with their celebrations. The stage is set for some
revealing behavior from all sides.
Fran Knight
