Readers looking for an engrossing romance will not be disappointed in this young adult novel by the author of the adult novel The Atlas Six writing under the pseudonym of Olivie Blake.
After doing a very last-minute project Bel’s science teacher believes that she is capable of being part of the robotics club at the school. Bel joins reluctantly. Before her parent’s breakup she had been coasting along at her old school, but her mother is working very hard to keep her in a private school, where she is expected to do more. Mateo Luna (Teo for short) is the leader of the robotics club, and Bel finds herself becoming intrigued with the problem solving involved in building a robot and the high achieving Teo.
Follmuth’s narrative flows along so smoothly with such relatable characters that it is hard to put down the book as the growing romance between Bel and Teo progresses. Equally fascinating is the background of robotics and engineering which will appeal even to readers with no STEM background. The theme of the problems that young women have in working in an engineering background and the subtle putdowns and low expectation is handled deftly. The author in her acknowledgements writes that the book is ‘for the girls that we are, and the ones that we were’ and the women we will be.’ Young women who are interested in STEM will feel validated while reading this but have so much fun along the way following Bel and Teo’s growth and understanding of themselves and others.
Well written, enjoyable, and thought provoking, this is one for all readers who enjoy YA literature with heart.
Themes Romance, STEM, Coming of age, Robotics, Engineering, Teamwork.
Sara Acton’s beautiful soft illustrations rendered with pencil, ink and watercolour, beckon from the cover, captivating readers who would like to snuggle into the jumper along with Jack. The warmth of the cover continues as the story unfolds. Jack’s jumper is so big it can be used as a tent, or a hat, a hug and if you fall over it is a soft blanket to fall on. The jumper once belonged to Jack’s tall brother Paul. They were very close and did lots together, but since Paul has gone away, Jack uses the extra long sleeve as a periscope to chart his return, the regular postcards are read and reread. While having a bath, the cat begins to pull away part of the jumper, unravelling it as it is dragged from the bathroom. Jack is left with a pile of knitting wool. A noise at the door reveals the returning Paul, and Jack is ecstatic.
Jack hopes that Paul will spend time with him as before, but instead Paul takes himself off to his room and busies himself with something that does not include Jack.
The surprise ending will delight and win hearts as Paul does something extraordinary for his young brother.
The relationship between the two boys is wonderfully presented: practising magic tricks, cooking together, playing with hula hoops and training the dog. When Paul goes away, Jack is bereft, waiting at the window in case he comes back, enveloped in the large blue jumper, a memory of their life together.
Each lovely illustration shows Jack and the blue jumper, its warmth and comfort obvious to all readers. They will understand Jack’s feeling for the garment, probably recalling something they held as dear. Acton has the ability in a few deft strokes of her pen to create a moment in time, one which is important to the protagonists and one which we all recognise. And I love the endpapers, detailing postcard moments in their life together. And my heart went out to Jack who excited at Paul’s return, sits outside his brother’s door with his magician outfit waiting for him to play with him. The images of the little boy patiently waiting for is brother are so evocative, they took my breath away.
This is the first novel by Australian comedic scriptwriter Trent Roberts, following picture book A dinosaur ate dad's hair in 2019.
Gretel Grey is 12 years old. In the five years since 'The Accident' she has lived the safest life possible and has been homeschooled (her mum calls it the School of Safe and Sensible Ideas, or SOSASI). She wears full protective gear when outside the house and is not allowed to have any friends.
This sounds very depressing but in a hilarious misunderstanding, Gretel finds herself dropped off at Stunt Camp for three weeks.
My absolute favourite characters in this book are stunt camp leaders, Rocket and Flame. They are full of warmth, kindness and confidence, and both take the time to encourage and support Gretel as she joins them. Gretel is anxious and is really not sure she belongs but Flame notices the anxiety and teaches a calm breathing exercise. Rocket assures Gretel that they "don't get excited by natural ability" but by "kids who are prepared to try and fail". Together their infectious energy, enthusiasm and positivity rubs off on Gretel and she decides to stay.
If this book was just set at Stunt Camp it still would've been great with its messages about embracing differences, being yourself, and taking some risks, but the focus soon changes to thwarting a bad guy.
In this new storyline the stunt kids have to work together in the real(ish) world, knowing and using each other's strengths and weaknesses while thinking and acting quickly. The story moves along fast with intense action scenes, crazy stunts, and heaps of twists and turns. The friendship and bond between the kids strengthens as they come to anticipate what comes next, and to rely on each other.
I won't spoil the ending but will wrap up by saying this book is a ridiculous amount of fun. It has short chapters and is easy to read - there's lots of engaging dialogue and no long explanations or scene setting. It's warm hearted, funny and optimistic and will appeal equally to middle grade boys and girls.
Hachette, 2022. ISBN: 9780733647710. (Age:Adult, young adult)
Seeking to escape the build up to the 1998 Olympics in Sydney, single mother, Alex accepts a country teaching placement, hoping the cheaper housing and slower pace will allow her more time with 11 year old daughter Kim. They move to the small town of Bellbird River near Tamworth. Victoria has lived here all her life, but the large family house now seems very empty since her children left home and she discovered husband Arthur was having an affair with the Mayor’s wife and she threw him out. The return of globetrotting opera singer, cousin Gabrielle is a comfort, the two having bonded in earlier years when the house was a refuge for Gabrielle escaping the domestic violence of home. Now Gabrielle is coming to terms with the possibility she may never regain the full use of her voice after surgery. Recently released from jail for stealing money from her employer, Debbie is making a new life for herself as a housekeeper on a property not far out of town. Her goal is to reunite with her children, now in the custody of her remarried ex-husband. Then there is Janine, working in her parents’ bakery, making art, worrying about her schizophrenic brother and making poor relationship decisions. In alternating chapters each of the many characters’ challenges unfold, (I recommend keeping notes for reference to avoid having to go back to check which character is which) and the uniting thread is their membership of the local choir where they find support and friendship.
This is a predictably heart-warming book for lovers of women’s fiction that is not too challenging. However in spite of the assertions of the interconnectedness of this small town I never got a sense of place or time. I found the characters a bit one dimensional and the main character, Victoria, confused; at one moment stand offish and proud and the next a caring volunteer involved in the community. Readers of Sophie Green's other novels will enjoy the predictability of this comfortable read.
Themes Friendship, Family, Community, Singing.
Sue Speck
All the words I need to know by Jane Godwin. Illus. by Andrew Joyner
Anyone who has a young child or grandchild or is working in a childcare centre is sure to love this first dictionary. Children will be captivated right from the first page with the cute little owl introducing the book with the following rhyme:
All the words you need to know Will help you as you learn and grow. From ant and ball and yak and zoo, Here's a word book JUST FOR YOU!
From then on, the owl guides the reader through each of the letters of the alphabet: the illustrations being humorous and easy for a toddler to enjoy. Some letters have a double page spread like C for Cat, coat, car and cup with additional captions like 'My coat has stripes', and 'Careful! Don’t crash' for the car. This adds an extra dimension of telling a story about the car. Other pages have activities like the word fish where the reader can count how many fish are in the pond. Some pages give a clue to what letter comes next, like the J page 'jump jump jump. I know who else can jump' leading to K for kangaroo. The cute illustrations of all the animals and people featuring big eyes and grinning faces also will bring smiles to the faces of readers and listeners.
This is an exceptional alphabet book that will challenge young children’s imaginations and give them a very enjoyable understanding of all the letters of the alphabet.
The Guo family leave Singapore for Western Australia so Ba Ba, the father, can have a better work/life balance and the family can enjoy a better life. We follow their experiences through the eyes of 11-year-old Peijing. She is extremely close to her 5-year-old sister Biju. They spend time together creating a Little World of hand-drawn miniature creatures. For Peijing Australia is a scary new world with vast blue skies but Biju is far happier and embraces the new experience. They both start at a new school and on several occasions encounter racism. So does their mother, Ma Ma. Peijing makes friends with Joanna, a neglected girl experiencing troubles at home. They are both on the outer of classroom friendships. Ma Ma rarely leaves the house and Ah Ma (grandmother), who has been Peijing’s confidante, becomes forgetful and goes missing. This event means Ba Ba must take leave and support his family as they reassess and relax their traditional ways.
Shirley Marr draws on her own experience of migration and gives us an authentic insight into cultural differences. She successfully creates the era of 1980’s Australia and crafts believable relationships and characters. The tender relationship between Peijing and Biju is central to the story. Peijing takes on the role of big sister patiently. Biju’s infectious, impulsive behaviour is a great foil for Peijing’s seriousness. Peijing feels the heavy responsibility of caring for her mother and grandmother as well. Through Peijing’s reflections the reader learns a lot about traditional ways and the importance of honour. You feel Peijing’s embarrassment at having to wear an over-the-top dress to a birthday party and her mother turning up at school to hand feed her lunch. Peijing quietly rebels and enters an art competition knowing her mother doesn’t value non-academic learning. Biju’s retelling and reimagining of Chinese tales such as the Chinese Zodiac, add a humorous new take on the stories. The book deals sensitively with issues of dementia, domestic violence, and racism. A truly heartwarming and poignant story for middle years students.
Themes Migration, Racism, Friendship, Cultural difference, Domestic violence, Dementia, Family.
Jo Marshall
Amanda Commander: The purple invitation by Coral Vass
This is book one of a new junior fiction series by award winning Australian author Coral Vass. The first two books (The purple invitation and The pinky promise) are available now, with a third (The yellow dress) due out in September 2022.
Amanda Caomhanach's friends call her Amanda Commander - it's easier to say and, after all, she is the unofficial leader of their squad. When the squad realise that Amanda is the only girl in Year 3 who is not invited to Eve's upcoming birthday party, they set out to gain Amanda an invite.
They try everything to entice Eve to extend an invitation - Amanda listens to Eve talk, shares her lunch, offers compliments, lends her items, and lets her bulldoze a joint project.
In the end Amanda admits that "trying to make someone like you was ... actually exhausting!" and is ashamed to realise she has made poor choices by being focused on getting what she wanted rather than being sincere.
Readers in the target age range will empathise with the ups and downs throughout the story and will know how it feels when things go wrong and it can seem like the end of the world. In this story the themes of courage, friendship, kindness and communication all lead to a positive conclusion with lessons learnt by all involved.
At only 69 pages long this is a neat little book to explore the daily issues and choices faced by all young people in a way that is accessible to a variety of readers. The chapters are short, there are plenty of illustrations, and the presentation includes handwriting, checklists and text messages to maintain interest alongside traditional text.
This is book one of an engaging new middle grade series by American author Madeleine Roux. To date Roux's published D&D titles include this book as well as a novel featuring the same characters (Dungeons & Dragons: a goblin problem) under the pen name Diane Walker. The next book is due for release late 2022.
This story embraces and handles diversity in such an inclusive way that I almost don't want to mention it. Yes the protagonist is a black girl, and yes she lives with her two mothers. Yes too to the presence of non-binary characters with they/them pronouns. All of this is just matter of fact.
11-year-old loner Zellidora 'Zelli' Stormclash lives in an academy for monsters and other creatures. She goes about her daily life disguised as a minotaur but has a secret known only to herself and her mothers - she is human. One day she hears of trouble outside the academy walls and sees a startling picture. The picture is of human adventurer Allidora Steelstrike who could be Zelli's twin and seems linked to the trouble. Zelli realises this is her chance to get some answers about her place in the world.
Along for the ride are a trio of other misfit creatures from the academy. There's Hugo (a vegan owlbear) and Snabla (a siblilant kobold) along with a subpar shapeshifter named Bauble.
Their adventure reveals unexpected strengths in all the characters, and some lovely themes of friendship, loyalty and bravery. In the end an expected 'boss fight' leads to Zelli getting the answers she is seeking. She has a hard choice to make and the right decision, of course, is to follow her heart.
This story moves at a very fast pace with minimal explanation or world building which leads to high interest for low effort. It will appeal to readers who are already familiar with Dungeons & Dragons, as well as those with no prior knowledge. It is highly illustrated with orange/sepia-toned cartoonish images throughout to support the text and keep readers engaged.
This is an intensely powerful story with great heart. It almost brought me to tears as we look inside the emotional struggles of the two main characters who are dealing with big issues. It is a dramatic story and yet a hopeful story. Tom is wrapped in quiet and debilitating fear that has bound him and has made his life miserable. He has every reason to be impacted by his family history, but it does not change the tension of his life. Tom is then thrust into the maelstrom of a new family context and dynamic when his mother starts dating Zofia’s father. Zofia is a tightly wound spring of exuberance, noise and activity – and she is incredibly intense. They are polar opposites, but are forced together in an uncomfortable new family arrangement, formed because of the love between their parents and the impending arrival of a new baby. Neither Tom or Zofia are ready to deal with all the changes; fear washes over them in different ways. Tom is battling his giant-sized fears and struggles with the dark, and Zofia is just angry all the time. And it seems that the baby will not have an easy entry into their beachside world.
Because this book deals with emotional trauma and anxiety and mental health issues it needs to be read by slightly older readers than the age of the characters themselves. It is told through the voices of the two main characters and readers have the opportunity to empathise with each of them as they struggle. The new baby’s tenuous hold on life draws the family together, but not without some intense moments of struggle. Because of the psychological insight into fear and its manifestations this is a book for readers with a mature outlook. There is hope though and fear does not overwhelm them ultimately.
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761065644. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
Middle-grade readers of Anh Do’s Wolf Girl series will not be disappointed in the seventh book, Crash Course. In fact, they may be thrilled that the four main characters from The Mythix, also written by Ahn Do, make a welcome appearance in this action-packed story.
This adventure begins with Gwen and the pack driving the fast-moving train after releasing the trapped animals. They are heading to the town of Tunny where Gwen’s parents may be held. It is while they are on the train that another pulls alongside, and Gwen sees her long-lost sister Kate who has been captured. They manage to chat, but Kate’s train moves ahead, and Gwen decides she will rescue her sister. Unfortunately the check point is manned by soldiers and Gwen makes the bold decision to smash through the barrier. They manage to escape during the mayhem and find an abandoned warehouse where they rest for the night. The next morning Gwen notices the town appears to be a central meeting place for wealthy people to purchase exotic animals. Gwen decides she and the pack can move around freely but the wolf Sunrise draws the attention of the evil Evans from the Kingdom Guard. What follows is a chase, a dangerous battle, and a frantic search for Sunrise. It also leads to the pack entering the Northern Kingdom, being taken to the castle of The Collector, and once again being captured. Fortunately for Gwen The Mythix characters attack the guards and Gwen and the pack manage to free themselves - but at a cost. Tiny is badly injured and Gwen is forced to make a heart-breaking decision. Will she and Tiny be reunited with the rest of the pack? Will they be able to make it back to their country of Riverland?
This is an exciting and fast-moving read that will appeal to fans of the series. Illustrations by Lachlan Creagh continue to support and enhance the text. The bonus sealed section at the end continues the story of Gwen and Amber. Book Eight will be published soon.
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761065675. (Age:6-10) Recommended.
Pow Pow Pig and his Z Team consisting of Pow Pow, Danielle Duck, Chelsea Chicken and Barry the Goat are back in the third book in the humorous Pow Pow Pig series. This time they find themselves time travelling back to 1630 and bobbing around on the high seas dressed in pirate attire. They are rescued by a super friendly circus troupe of performing animals who travel the world presenting their very entertaining show. The Z Team sleep below deck that night and wake to find a ship bearing down on them. On board are The Purring Pirates who are the nastiest cats ever with lots of tricks up their sleeves including shooting hooks out of canons and hurling stinky flaming pots onto the deck. The cats jump on board and demand the treasure. The Z Team show their amazing fighting skills to get rid of the cats and the ship is able to sail away. But they are not safe yet, so the Z Team learn how to sail a ship and they escape their pursuers. However, they are now lost, the sail is torn, the ship is taking in water and one of the circus troupe is not what they appear to be. There is betrayal and the animals end up being held captive by The Purring Pirates. The captured crew are turned into slaves and must build a giant statue of a fish tail. How will they escape these evil cats? Will the Z Team come up with a daring plan?
The abundance of great illustrations on each page by Peter Cheong combined with generously spaced changing text in size and boldness, will continue to make this series appealing to a range of readers from newly independent to those who enjoy visual images.
Themes Adventure, Humour, Animals, Time Travel, Sea, Pirates, Treasure.
Kathryn Beilby
The world's worst pets by David Walliams. Illus. by Adam Stower
Everyone, both young and old, has laughed along with David Walliam’s hilarious World’s Worst series about children, parents and teachers. Well here is another, The World’s Worst Pets, and it certainly won’t disappoint! This new novel is jam packed with 10 outrageously funny, action packed short stories with both mischief and mayhem about, you guessed it…PETS! But should we just say that these stories are not about any average old pet!
Each chapter will introduce you to different animals that will have you gasping for breath at their unashamedly outrageous behaviour. Pet owners will be doing a double take on their precious pets in the future, after reading a few of these twisted tales. Who would imagine these cute creatures could actually be so wicked and wilful? This latest book is, without a shadow of a doubt, another horrendously horrid sensation for readers to love. And if you are unfamiliar with David Walliams other books, then you are certainly missing out on some fun, laughter and should take the time to read them all! They are certainly a must read for anyone with a good sense of humour that loves a great laugh!
From a furping fish, that will eat you out of house and home, to a bad talking budgie, that will steal all your prize possessions…. nothing is off limits! Walliams again capture his audience with the most outrageous and extreme scenarios! The colourful and creative illustrations by Adam Stower are next level. Bringing further engagement to the story with labelled diagrams, bright colours and comical characters, every reader will be enthralled by these captivating caricatures.
Walliam’s has again woven his magic to produce another fast paced and highly entertaining book to complement his previous work. The layout of the book makes for a fun, exciting and highly appealing read for all ages. If you love animals and enjoy a good laugh, and have often wondered what pets really could get up to, well this story is not to be missed!
Miss Mary-Kate Martin's guide to monsters by Karen Foxlee
Allen & Unwin, 2022. ISBN: 9781760526627. (Age:10+) Recommended.
The title Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters - The Wrath of the Woolington Wrym suggests the tone for this whimsical new book written by versatile Australian author Karen Foxlee. Devotees of the moving multi-award winning 2018 Lenny's book of everything, set in a small apartment in suburban Ohio and the powerful emotive and atmospheric Dragonskin of 2021, set in the vast, harsh Australian outback country will be amazed at Foxlee's Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters- The Wrath of the Woolington Wrym being set in a quintessential old English village called Woolington Well (map provided). As always Foxlee's setting performs powerfully and provides a very visual and almost visceral backdrop to the storyline.
There is a wrym(not a worm) and it is rumoured to be eating children in the village of Woolington Well. Our anxious and possibly obsessive and slightly compulsive protagonist Mary Kate accompanies her mother Professor Martin, an archaeologist who was asked by the Wrym Watch Society to investigate the village green area for evidence of artefacts pointing to the existence of a wrym. Lord Woolington of Woolington Hall is keen to build a large shopping centre on top of the village green; the heavy earthworks have begun. Since then frightening noises, earth tremors and sightings have occurred; a trail of brown slime has been left through the town and a wall has been broken by something very large. Old English mythology and legend clash with modern progress. The right for creatures to exist in their own habitats against the onslaught of human development is at the heart of the story.
Into this steps our heroine, Mary Kate. She follows a breadcrumb trail of clues, finds a new friend and in her quest to save the mythical beast, learns to believe in herself and face all sorts of fearful situations.
In the acknowledgements, Foxlee notes that..."there are many wonderful wrym legends in the British Isles"... and various towns that are associated with them. She adapted aspects of these tales to write this story.
Miss Mary-Kate Martin's Guide to Monsters - The Wrath of the Woolington Wrym is a delightful, beautifully written story with a plucky, determined, very likeable and slightly quirky little female detective at its centre. The good news is that Mary Kate's legendary adventures will continue in The trouble with the two-headed Hydra. Once readers have discovered Miss Mary-Kate Martin, they will be asking for more. Teacher's tips are available.
Themes Friendship, Courage, English myths, Detective work.
Grace back on court is the 2nd in a series by Maddy Proud. However, it works as a stand-alone book too. This was an enjoyable and wholesome story about 14-year-old Grace who is excitedly hoping to be selected for the Under 15 South Australian State Team. She encounters some mean girl behaviour in the process as well as bullying at her high school. Her mother and twin brother provide much needed support. In turn Grace provides friendship and encouragement to another potential state team member called Daisy. Daisy is indigenous and a boarder and misses her family in Ceduna. Grace frets over whether Seb, an aspiring rockstar friend of her brother, is actually her boyfriend and whether they will kiss. Her friendships, romance, and further success in netball, drive the story.
The author, Maddy Proud, is a successful netball player for the NSW Swifts and her experience is very evident in the way she writes about the play and tactics used in netball matches. The story also shows some good and not so good court behaviour. It is aimed at tweens who are netball fans but it is also a terrific story about Grace’s believable self-doubts, confidence, and her friendships. At times her anxieties are nearly overwhelming but she finds ways to focus when needed. She has strong emotional intelligence and empathy as she makes friends with Daisy and willingly talks to her friends to resolve disagreements. There are great role models here. It may be a bit idealistic but who doesn’t need a positive story? The ending sets things up for another Grace story.
Themes Netball, Friendship, Love, Kindness.
Jo Marshall
Telltale: reading writing remembering by Carmel Bird
Written during enforced Covid isolation, Carmel Bird’s approach to her memoir is original in taking key books from her shelves as starting points for reflections on her life. Lovers of books, writing, and libraries will enjoy this delving into books that have had an impact. Born 1940, some of her references may only ring with recognition for older readers, e.g. ‘Stories from Uncle Remus’, whilst others such as ‘Grimm’s fairy tales’ will be recalled by a wider audience. What comes across most vividly is the violence of the moral lessons contained in those early stories. Many readers will also be able to recall the scary story or film that impacted them as a young child.
Bruce Pascoe describes this volume most poetically as ‘a book about books that dreams you through a library of life’. And that is what it is, a reminiscence that may send the reader down their own memory lane. Or for readers of Carmel Bird’s books, there are fascinating insights into the origins and impetus for many of her works, and revelations about the art of writing.
