David Fickling Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781788452106. Highly recommended.
From the Blurb :
WHERE DID IT COME FROM, AND HOW CAN WE BEAT IT? It's 15,000 times smaller than a flea and we can kill it with a bar of soap - so how did a tiny, fragile virus change the world? Join science expert Dr Ben Martynoga and illustrator extraordinaire Moose Allain on a fascinating, sometimes funny, and occasionally scary journey through the world of viruses. Explore the science behind viruses and the COVID-19 pandemic in a fascinating story of hijacked human cells and our own internal emergency services.
In a world of misinformation this book gives students and children the information they are seeking in a fun and easy to read format.
The book has a huge range of information about the Corona Virus and viruses in general along with how our bodies become infected and how we fight the invasion of our bodies by viruses and the COVID-19 virus. The appeal of this book lies in the illustrations that show the size of the virus compared to an average teenager (1.5metres tall); there are also fabulous illustrations of what is going on inside a healthy cell and one that the virus has infiltrated. The illustrations will appeal to children and help to explain the information in an engaging way.
The book explains why we can't just eradicate all viruses even if we knew how to and shows that while it is scary and having an impact on how we live our life, the COVID-19 virus may actually benefit the world and humans in some way - think climate change and slowing down. This book aims to educate and inform both children and adults and ensures that the reader will finish the book better informed and more optimistic for the future.
The addition of a glossary at the back helps the reader to understand some of the bigger words or concepts in the book and is a welcome and necessary addition.
Mhairi Alcorn
The mysterious disappearance of Aidan S. by David Levithan
Text Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922330918. (Age:12-17) Recommended.
Twelve year old Aidan shares a room with his 11 year old brother Lucas; they are not only close in age but Lucas thought they were close in everything, that is, until Aidan goes missing for six days. The search becomes more and more serious as the day pass and Lucas is subjected to intense questioning as to why his brother should have left and where he might have gone. By day five there is a sense they are looking for a body rather than a missing child, then, on the evening of day six Lucas hears a sound in the attic and finds Aidan sprawled in front of an old dresser, looking lost. When Lucas asks where he has been he says "Avienieu". Once the joy of reunion fades, the need to know where he has been takes its place. Everyone wants to know Aidan's story but a story can be real or made up and once a story is shared it can be taken over by other people and you lose control of it. Lucas resolves to record Aidan's story without judgement and we learn more about his Narnia like experience of Avienieu, a fantastic otherworld, and his complicated feelings about returning. Lucas also records how his brother is changed and seems lost, the target for the frustrations experienced by his family and the judging world we live in.
This is not a fantasy story, there is little world building, it is about the scariest thing that ever happened to this family, the aftermath of Aidan's disappearance and how they find a way to move on. The subtitle "(as told to his brother)" places the narrative firmly inside the family as they struggle to understand. There is the constant tension as we anticipate a 'true' explanation while their relationships with their community, school and each other deteriorate. It seems that when something like this happens the best we can hope for is that something more suprising will happen to someone else, to divert attention elsewhere. As for the boys, what turns out to be important is Lucas's belief, support and protection of his sibling, a positive message delivered in a fluent, engaging narrative.
Recommended for middle school students and lovers of Levithan's many other YA books.
Themes Siblings, Family.
Sue Speck
What Zola did on Thursday by Melina Marchetta
Penguin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760895181. (Age:6+)
When Zola is rude to her neighbour, Mr Walton, her mother is unhappy with her and Zola comes to realise that perhaps what she did is not the best way to approach the reclusive man next door.
An opportunity comes around for her mother to get the two together when the school runs a music competition in which students are invited to play a musical instrument alone or in groups. Zola interest is intensified and she practices her trombone, despite Mr Walton calling over the fence about being in tune. She seeks out her friends to join her and together they find a place to rehearse. But all they need is to decide together what tune to play and then of course, find a leader.
This series of books, set one on each day of the weeks and showing Zola's activities on each day, is a joy. She is a singleminded young girl, intense and forthright, but sometimes oversteps the mark, being pushy and bossy. The stories show her needing to calibrate her behaviour in response to her friends' needs, as well as those of her mother and nonna, who lives with them.
The family background is warm and encouraging, the friends and school easily recognised by all readers, offering a glimpse into a life that parallels their own, but has a few truths to contend with as Zola must learn to keep out of trouble. Readers will sympathise with Zola's behaviour as she sometimes does not stop to think things through, but a solution always occurs which rounds everything off beautifully.
Hudson's black and white drawings reveal a street with similar houses, backyard gardens, and produce sold a the Farmers' Market on the weekend. Readers will enjoy the humour in the drawings as Zola and her friends try to achieve their dream of being in a band.
I have read all the books, beginning with Monday and love them all for their quiet intensity of a child growing up, learning her place in the world.
A page turner of a political thriller by journalist Brissenden oozes with background knowledge of gangs and corruption at a high level as Sid Allen a veteran of Afghanistan now working with Australian Federal Police, but seconded to a specialist terror unit, trawls through the multi layered slush that lies on Sydney's streets.
After the murder of highly respected politician Dan LeRoi along with an unknown drug dealer, the reports are all of terrorism and fear which feeds into the Prime Minister's calls for greater surveillance. Attending the man's funeral, a shot rings out and the Prime Minister is whisked away: another reason to call for more power to the anti terror squads.
We've heard it all for real, so this book crystallises some of the misgivings many have about political knee jerk reactions. But journalist Zephyr Wilde is there, investigating LeRoi's murder, linking it to her investigation into the death of her mother, brothel owner Shirley Wilde, twenty years before.
Sid's relationship with Zephyr becomes more personal as she returns home to find her cat killed, the body left with a warning note. Her leads have seen her interviewing the two cops still alive from amongst those stationed at Newtown when her mother was killed, and when both are murdered Zephyr is in the spotlight. But Sid’s delving has caused ripples in higher places and his team is disbanded and he is put on semi permanent leave with their investigations whisked off to Canberra and the AFP.
Something is on the nose, and Sid keeps delving, Brissenden taking the reader along for a most enjoyable ride. The last two chapters wrap it all together with a high octane eye popping intensity, leaving the reader wanting to read more.
Themes Corruption, Police procedure, Political crime, Murder.
Nia longs to tell her magical stories and to continue with her education, but the life in the slums where she lives in Jakarta is not kind for the girl with dreams of more. After surviving a serious accident, she is feted as a miracle and the superstitious locals flock to her fried banana stall to seek her good luck. The irony of this is plain to the reader but reveals the complexities of life for many in the slums. Will her luck remain or will poverty and misfortune be her constant companion, or will she be rescued by a man who showers her with attention? Will her father’s alcoholism stand in the way of her future or is there something else that offers hope?
This story reveals much about the circumstances for those who live with poverty, superstition and limited education in Indonesia. But it is also a gentle story of a young girl who is not prepared to remain silent and who wants to be heard and to be appreciated. It also has her 'fantasy tales' woven through the story as she shares these stories with her younger brother. Written powerfully, so that we feel the pain of living with an alcoholic parent and mourning the loss of another, but also can recognise the pride and self-worth of the young girl. This is a book that will resonate with young women who desire to be valued, even though its cultural setting is so different. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Dreams and aspirations, Indonesian culture, Poverty, Alcoholism.
Once again, I was rivetted by the story of Lee Westfall, as she fights against the injustices that she and the mining community of Glory face. In this conclusion Lee must survive the machinations of a powerful billionaire who is determined to destroy her little band of friends. She has finally found a place to settle and is surrounded by the misfit gang from the wagon train but is determined that the little town of Glory should be given its own charter and sets off to San Francisco. There while trying to retrieve the house that Becky Joyner’s husband had had dismantled and sent by sea, they uncover all the dishonest things that the billionaire, Hardwick, has in place to defraud the local people out of what should rightfully be theirs. Therein follow some very exciting and dangerous adventures, while a twisted complicated plot is hatched to bring Hardwick down.
The historical aspects of this trilogy are beautifully described and brought to life by Carson, who obviously has done a lot of research into early gold mining and the history of San Francisco. I could almost smell the mud and see the ship Charlotte which had been refitted to house not only Lee and her friends, but the horses as well. In this book, she also brings to light the struggle that women had, not being able to own property once they married. Becky Joyner is denied access to claiming her house because she did not have a husband, and Lee has second thoughts about marrying because it means her husband will own everything. The plight of the poor, African Americans and Indians is also examined.
Lee continues to be a strong, thoughtful leader and readers will be delighted with the conclusion to this trilogy.
Themes Strong female character, San Francisco - History, California, Gold mining, Adventure, Fantasy.
The second in the historical fantasy series by award winning Carson, sees Lee Westfall finally stopping in an area rich with gold where she can use her magic powers to seek out the rich ore and help her friends from the wagon train find gold as well. The team gradually build up a community, name their little settlement Glory and start to construct a town of sorts. Jefferson, Lee’s best friend, continues to woo her, but her Uncle Hiram is still a menace, determined to get her under his control.
Like a river glorious sees Lee's powers becoming stronger, giving the book more of an element of fantasy than the first in the series, Walk on earth a stranger. Not only can she sense gold, but she can also now draw it to her, and this ability is one that helps her out in times of danger. There is some action and adventure as Uncle Hiram sends his men after Lee, but what I found most fascinating about this book was the descriptions of life in a mining camp, the loneliness of the miners who were happy to eat Becky's poorly cooked food, the way gold was panned and the shafts built, and the treatment of the Indians and Chinese at that time.
Lee is a character I was happy to follow; she is strong and determined and very loyal to her friends. And she is also a leader, and although she is still in her teens, the group of misfits from the wagon train are happy to follow her advice and support her in her endeavours.
This is quality historical fantasy and should appeal to lovers of the historical genre as well as the fantasy one.
Themes Adventure, Gold mining, California - History, Strong female character.
This is the story of Maverick Carter, the father of Starr, whose story we read in the award-winning novel The hate U give by Angie Thomas. Concrete rose is the prequel to that book, but easily stands alone as an extremely moving story of a young black teenager struggling to come to grips with the burden and joys of unexpected fatherhood.
The setting is one of gangland battles, drug dealing, and racial profiling by the police. With the odds already stacked against Mav ever breaking free of that culture, his problems are compounded by the demands of providing for a baby. How can he ever go straight, finish school, and live up to the responsibilities of a caring father, the challenge set for him by his cousin and close friend Dre?
Thomas writes in the spoken language of the black ghetto, not unfamiliar to most readers due to the plethora of American movies, and it soon becomes a natural flow that you can hear as you read. This is one of the strengths of Thomas's writing, as a former teen rapper.
Concrete rose is an incredibly compassionate story; the love that Mav feels for a baby so totally dependent on him, the overwhelming fatigue, and the brick wall obstacles he faces, help us to empathise with the life of a single young father, a rose struggling to grow up out of the concrete. Fortunately there is a community of caring people who help him.
Themes Single parenthood, Black Lives Matter, Gangs, Toxic masculinity, Responsibility.
Subtitled Find Your Kindred Spirits this simple, black and white graphic novel's central character is depicted draped in a ghostly sheet. We only see the feet and hands of the Sad Ghost, alone with a cat, an unfinished essay and anxiety. When Sam, or S.G. as he prefers, is invited to a party he agrees to go and is immediately anxious, worrying about it so much that he panics on a trip to the supermarket and ends up in a lovely quiet spot overlooking the town where a frog hops over for company. In the lead up to the party S.G. talks to the cat about his worries and gains confidence in his decision and sets out bravely but once there he seems to be invisible to other partygoers and is about to leave when he spots another Lonely Ghost, Socks, on the other side of the room. He tries to make conversation with Socks but finds it difficult. When Socks runs from the room S.G. follows and when Socks says "nothing feels real and I just feel so stuck inside my head" S.G. says "I know exactly what you mean." Anxiety and depression are hard to talk about and sometimes meeting someone who understands the everyday struggle can be life changing. Sam decides to reach out to find his fellow Sad Ghosts and this book reaches out beyond the pages to https://thesadghostclub.com where there are links to helplines, a blog and merchandise.
The book’s poor quality off white paper lets the simple, monotone graphics down, maybe enhancing the feeling of depression but not inviting the reader to turn the page and sometimes making tiny text hard to read. The many frames where nothing much is happening make it a bit long which might add to the damped down feeling of its depressed characters but risks losing the reader. There is a list of resources at the end of the book but they are all UK based, it would be nice to see some Australian resources or a link to them for books destined for overseas distribution.
Teens struggling with anxiety, loneliness and depression will find this a gentle and hopeful book while others might gain some insight and reach out to the lonely ghosts in their circle of friends.
With a front cover to link to the newly released movie based on this book, this book will be reread by the latest generation of Roald Dahl devotees. With his wicked wit and quirky style in which children seem to have more intelligence than adults, Dahl has created an impish story where witches trip over themselves in trying to eliminate children from the world. The young boy who is the central character has a sad start to life and must go to live with his Norwegian Grandmother who tells him stories . . . and particularly stories about witches. An unfortunate encounter with these evil, magic-wielding women leads to hair-growing animal transformations for the boy, but ultimately his goodness and intelligence (and his mouse-like qualities) lead to the downfall of the wicked witches.
Dahl’s style is irrepressible and sometimes naughty, but this book demonstrates that his style is attractive for children who like to see kids overcome difficult circumstances with good grace. Considering the losses that the boy experiences there is no maudlin focus on this loss. The awful witches are quite gross and revolting in manner and appearance and children are more likely to be horrified by this in film than when reading this story. There is a tongue-in-cheek critique of many adults in authority and of greedy self-focused children, but also no respect for the witches.
Carolyn Hull
Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly
Hot Key Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781471408144. (Age:13+) Recommended.
As a fan of fairy tale retellings and of Donnelly's Step sister, I grabbed Poisoned and devoured it quickly. This is no Disney version of Snow White, but one that centres around the theme of fear. Here the wicked stepmother is truly wicked with no compassion or gentleness, afraid that her power will be taken away from her. Sophie (Snow White) is taken into the wood by the Huntsman, who does take out her heart, but it replaced with a clockwork one by one of the seven dwarfs. Sophie knows that her heart, that feels too much, may give out and goes on a quest across the kingdom to the castle of the evil King of Crows to try and regain it. She is aided by Will a young woodsman and Arno a grave robber. Her acts of kindness are repaid along the way when a little hound she has rescued, kills the snakes that are attacking her and soldiers and townspeople march to her defence.
The chapters are often very short and quick to read, which is a boon for people who might be daunted by long involved prose. The adventures that Sophie faces along the way will keep the reader glued to the page to see if she can overcome all the obstacles that the wicked Queen throws in her path, not least the poisoned apple that causes her to sleep. Fans of strong girls who are prepared to grow in power and understanding and not just rely on the handsome prince to rescue them will delight in Sophie's gradual understanding of the importance of overcoming fear and treasuring kindness.
A sneak peek of the story by Jennifer Donnelly is available.
Readers who enjoy Poisoned may like to move onto Shannon Hale's Book of a thousand days and Beauty by Robin McKinley.
Themes Fairy tale retelling, Fear, Kindness, Strong female character.
Pat Pledger
The ever after by Amanda Hocking
Macmillan, 2021. ISBN: 9781529001341. (Age:13+)
The last of The Omte Origins trilogy, The Ever After is the exciting conclusion of Ulla's search for her heritage. The novel starts out with Ulla realising that she has no memories from the past month, and she learns that she and her friends were held captive by the man claiming to be her father. Determined to find out what happened to them in the lost month, Ulla is willing to do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. What she finds may change everything.
The Ever After is the third and final book in The Omte Origins, and is a contemporary urban fantasy, where Trolls live hidden among humans, as well as having Troll only towns (think Hogsmeade in Harry Potter). While the previous books delved into Troll politics, this book dives into action and adventure. Detailed and more fast paced than the first two in the series, The Ever After will answer questions from the first two books while exploring the Troll world even further. While there were minor fantasy aspects in the first two books, Hocking has nicely rounded out the trilogy with more Troll magic and mythology. Throughout the series, the politics of Troll society have been covered - which includes the racism that half trolls encounter, which could be compared with current society. Hocking uses descriptive imagery throughout the series, with great detail. As with the previous books, there is an extensive glossary for Troll terms used in the book found at the end of the story.
Themes Mystery, Self Discovery, Relationships, Urban Fantasy, Folklore/Myths and Legends.
Melanie Pages
The fast 800 easy by Dr Clare Bailey and Justine Pattison
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781760857578. (Age:10+) Recommended.
Subtitled Quick and simple recipes to make your 800-calorie days even easier, this book will be very useful for anyone who is trying to follow The fast 800 by Dr Michael Mosley. But it is not just useful for those on that diet, I tried some of the recipes and found that many could become a staple meal in my household. What is also useful about the recipes is that many of the ingredients could be ones that you have stored in your pantry, have on hand normally or could be easily obtained in the local supermarket.
The Feta, pea and mint crustless quiche was quick and easy to make, and I will keep a pot of mint handy as I intend to make this one again. It was delicious with a simple salad, and ideal for summer. The Easy frittata was easy to make, another egg dish that can be made quickly if you want to diet, or if your fridge is running low on meat! The Prawn zoodles and spaghetti with chill and lemon was also very tasty as was the Creamy cashew and pumpkin curry which can be served as a vegetarian dish or have meat added.
Each recipe was accompanied by a colourful illustration and the dishes that I made actually looked like the photos!
An easy-to-understand introduction to the 800 diet was given. There was a contents page, a good index and a 7-day meal plans were included.
I found this to be a very useful recipe book, easy to use and well-illustrated. It is a keeper for me and I can see my grandchildren being able to make some of the recipes.
Themes Recipes, Diet.
Pat Pledger
The world between blinks by Amie Kaufman and Ryan Graudin
Prolific Australian young adult author Amie Kaufman is back with a new collaboration. Teaming up with American fantasy writer Ryan Graudin, Kaufman has produced another enjoyable and creative work of fantasy. Following a format that Kaufman knows well, The World Between Blinks alternates between characters and authors. Aimed at a younger audience than many of her other novels, the book follows pre-teen cousins Marisol and Jake in a multidimensional adventure. Marisol and Jake’s grandmother has died and their family has gathered at her house to pack up her belongings. Finding a map that their Nana has left behind, the cousins follow the directions and end up in another world, The World Between Blinks. The story mixes adventure, mystery and history as Marisol and Jake try to find their way home.
Like all of Kaufman’s novels, The World Between Blinks is a fun and easy read, packed full of colourful characters and vivid descriptions. While ostensibly an adventure fantasy story, the plot weaves in historical figures and events in a way that is educational, while also remaining engaging for younger readers. Deeper themes are also explored, as Marisol and Jake learn to deal with their grief and loss. The World Between Blinks is an excellent recommendation for children with an interest in fast-paced fantasy fiction and a good starting point for those interested in trying out the genre. The historical information woven throughout the plot also make this a good choice for budding history enthusiasts. Teacher's notes are available.
As a thirty something knock about Scottish bloke, Dean had a comfortable life, living at home with lots of mates and few responsibilities but he felt there was a lack of direction in his life and decided to ‘hit the road to find the road' p19. He set out in September 2018 with a mate, Ricky, and started an Instagram account called @1bike1world to document the trip for family and friends back home. The travelling companions soon decided to go their separate ways and soon after they parted Dean picked up an abandoned kitten in rural Bosnia, smuggled it over the border into Montenegro where he found a vet to treat the malnourished kitten. The kitten provided the companionship and purpose Dean had been looking for and the pictures of the cat went viral online. 'Part of the point of travelling the world was to meet people and learn what made them tick' p68. and this certainly was helped by having a kitten riding the bike with Dean. It also meant he learned a lot about himself and what was important in his life. Through the online fame he was able to fundraise for animal welfare causes and made a difference in many small animal rescue centres along his journey.
The maps, cartoons and photographs of the trip add to the heart-warming story and the use of a co-author Garry Jenkins, ensures the story flows well. Like Anthony Sharwood's journey From Snow to Ash , Dean's trip is curtailed, not by bushfires but by COVID but in both cases they had discovered more about themselves than about the world.
