Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781529019100.
(Age: Adolescent - Adult) This vibrant story plunges us into the
world of the Middle Ages in Britain, Campisi vividly reflecting
historical Elizabethan world in a tale that focuses on the
particular role of the 'sin eater' in that era. The narrative is
centred on a young adolescent woman, who, struggling to survive
alone with no family, job or money, is arrested for stealing.
Inexplicably, she is not hanged with the other young female
perpetrators of minor misdeeds, but is told, bluntly, and clearly
with no choice, that she will now be a 'sin-eater'. She is forced to
undergo the torture of having the 'S' for sin-eater burnt on to her
tongue and a brass collar clamped around her neck, then told that
she is to fulfill this new role in silence, and thus to have nothing
to do with anyone else, as she is now and will be, for the rest of
her life feared as an untouchable.
Within a short time she is called to do her first sin-eating,
escorted to a home, and given particular foods that are chosen as
appropriate for the story of a newly-dead person's life. After each
'eating' she returns to the small room where she manages to live
alone with almost no possessions. As Campisi draws us deeply into a
world where poverty dominates, we become aware of her gradual
acceptance of her 'work', and of the strangeness of this life. In
the realisation that the task will enable her to eat, she accepts
that she has a position where it is a law that no-one may speak to
her, but neither should they ever hurt her, because she is tainted
by her role, and this would endanger others.
Through her construction of a re-imagined and startlingly vivid
world set in Elizabethan England, Campisi depicts the squalor and
poverty of that time, especially that endured by the poor, seen in
such stark contrast to that of the rich, especially of the royals.
We note some specific aspects of that era through her clever
adaptation of words, Campisi having constructed alternative names
and places for what we know historically. In her vibrant,
descriptive story-telling, she reveals much about the lives of those
who are poor and struggling to survive, while also describing many
'probable' aspects of how those, whom we recognise as 'the royals',
lived. Plunging us into this world of rigid and distinct social
classes, Campisi inferentially enables us to make sense of time and
place, to work out who is the ruling monarch, and thus to read this
story as representation of real history. The sin eater is
indeed an exciting read and a vibrant, wonderful creation. It would
be suitable for adolescent and adult readers.
Elizabeth Bondar
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Puffin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241387177. 277 pp.
(Age: 10+) Many readers will remember the popularity of the 12 year
old genius, Artemis Fowl, introduced in the first book of eight
fantasy novels, who wants to capture one of the Fairy People and
hold her to ransom in order to restore his family's fortune. This is
not an easy task - Artemis' skills (ingenuity, confidence and
courage, plus a gift for decoding Fairy messages) will be enlisted
on all levels. This makes for an exciting, face-paced and often
humorous read and, obviously, for all new readers (which there will
be), there are the joys ahead of reading the seven books which
followed the original. This is a special edition of the first story
issued in 2001, coinciding with the imminent release of the film, Artemis
Fowl (Disney), produced and directed by Kenneth Branagh. It
contains a new author's note, a letter from the Branagh and photos
from the film. Artemis Fowl is set to appeal to a new
generation of readers, the older ones of us included.
Julie Wells
James Gong : The Big Hit by Paul Collins
Hybrid Publishers, 2020. ISBN: 9781925736441. 161pp.
(Age: 10-13) Recommended. James Gong is the anti-hero of this
humorous novel told in the first person. James is a 14 year old
average Australian school boy who is very good at taekwondo. The
reader soon realises that James has an overly high opinion of
himself. In fact he is quite self-centred, picks his nose and is an
annoying younger brother to his sister, Caitlin. His taekwondo
skills become noticed by some film makers who enlist him as an actor
in their film, Ham Solo : Revenge of the Fist. Along with
his wiser friends, we become aware that the film is not the
Hollywood standard that it is purported to be by the film makers.
James' acquaintances are expert skateboarders; James worries about
having to kiss one of the actors and he ends up organising all the
publicity for the film. Throughout most of the novel James continues
to make excuses for his own failings and the lack of professionalism
by the film makers.
You fear he will never wise up and take on responsibility for his
own actions. There are several major reveals in the last few
chapters, which help us learn about James' endearing side and
understand some odd behaviour earlier in the novel.
There's plenty of light weight, crazy action which will maintain the
appeal for middle to upper primary boys. It is ideal for reluctant
readers, although not necessarily readers with reading difficulties.
The author has brought his considerable knowledge of taekwondo to
the story and given this some authenticity. There are quite a few
references to old movies and TV series which may go above readers'
heads. However it is grounded in today's multicultural Australia and
younger male interests. The cover has an attractive manga design and
small illustrations also feature at the beginning of each chapter. Teacher's
notes are available.
Jo Marshall
The Night Country by Melissa Albert
Penguin Random House UK, 2020. ISBN: 9780241370285.
(Age: Young Adult/Adult). Recommended. The Night Country,
sequel to Melissa Albert's 2018 debut The
Hazel Wood, is a dark and twisted tale of murder,
friendship and the search for belonging. Part fairy tale, part urban
fantasy, part horror, this book is recommended for older teens and
adults. The Night Country continues the story of Alice Proserpine,
the former fairy tale character or 'Story' after her escape from the
realm known as the Hinterland. Alice enrols in high school, gets a
job at a bookstore and tries to put the past behind her as she
navigates life as a teen in New York City. Her attempt at normalcy
soon derails however when former Hinterland residents begin to
gruesomely die and Alice becomes the chief suspect. Forced back into
a world that she tried to forget, Alice begins a desperate search to
find a murderer, save her friends and prove her innocence. The Night Country is also the story of Ellery Finch, Alice's
former classmate and love interest. While Alice fled, Finch remained
behind in the Hinterland; trapped in a world that is disintegrating
around him. Desperate to return to both New York and Alice, Finch
embarks on his own perilous journey of understanding as he tries to
find his way home. The narrative alternates between Alice and
Finch's viewpoints, weaving their story lines together and
culminating in a clever climax and conclusion. The Night Country is a unique but very enjoyable young adult
novel. Albert's macabre take on the fairy tale genre may be
unsettling for some younger readers but, ultimately, The Night
Country is a bloody and brilliant conclusion to Alice and
Finch's story. Themes: Fairy Tales, Death, Identity, Love,
Friendship, New York City.
Rose Tabeni
First, we make the beast beautiful by Sarah Wilson
MacMillan, 2017. ISBN: 9781743535868.
(Age: Adult) A book for the times, perhaps, a reprint of Sarah
Wilson's book about anxiety has now been published. Over-researched
and wordy, the book is a mix of un-referenced research snippets,
therapy ideas and confessional anecdotes. It rattles along at the
pace of a hyper-anxious mind. Wilson makes her references available
on her website but there
is no numbering of notes and the curious reader just has page
numbers and the lead-in words of a sentence to try to find relevant
sources. Yet as a self-help book it seems to have resonated with
many if one can go by the comments collected in the preface and
online. There are so many ideas, it is almost inevitable that there
will be something worth taking away, so anxiety sufferers will
probably recognise some shared experiences and find suggestions for
ways to live with their anxiety. On the last page there is a list of
professional sources of help.
Themes: Anxiety, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Mental illness.
Helen Eddy
The list of things that will not change by Rebecca Stead
Text Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9781922268679.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Rebecca Stead is a favourite author
of mine, and she always writes with warmth and compassion about
difficult topics. In this book she looks at the effects that divorce
can have on a child and the notion of what makes a family. Bea keeps
a list of things that will not change after her parents have
divorced. Most important, both will still love her and she is happy
when Dad decides to marry his boyfriend Jesse. She is thrilled at
the idea of having a sister, even though Jesse's daughter Sonia,
lives far away. She writes a series of letters to her, but Sonia
finds it more difficult to fit into Bea's new family.
Bea's visits to a counsellor and the insights she gains there about
her past actions and how she can manage her fears will resonate with
middle grade readers, while appreciating the love that both parents
give Bea. Stead does not paper over the difficulties of children who
belong to families that are not the norm, but the love that the
adults give Bea shines through the story and the support that she
receives from them and her friends is heart-warming. Children who
belong to families with two dads, or two mums, will be strengthened
by this insightful portrayal of family love and children who belong
to traditional families will gain an understanding of family love
and the importance of friends helping each other.
It is a story that demonstrates tolerance, resilience and empathy
and would make a wonderful literature circle novel, as would others
by Stead, including the award winning When
you reach me, Liar
and spy, Goodbye
stranger and Bob. Teacher's
notes are available.
Pat Pledger
Scribbly Gum Secrets by Dannika Patterson
Illus. by Megan Forward. Ford Street Publishing, 2020. ISBN:
9781925804485. Unpaged
(Ages 6+) This rather unassuming picture book has taken me by
surprise. The reader goes on the same very special journey that the
family does. Mum decides that the children need to accompany her on
a nearby bushwalk. Reluctant at first, they are soon distracted by
simple yet delightful discoveries as they walk along a dry gravel
track through semi tropical bush.
The illustrations, though lacking in sophistication, are evocative
and deceptively meaningful. Just as the creatures are hiding, the
illustrations only gradually reveal the detail and variety of the
surroundings.
A number of double page spreads encompass extensive parts of the
bush, alternating with close up views of newly discovered things.
Megan Forward has combined softly drawn watercolour hues with the
occasional photographed detail of leaves, blossoms and feathers.
This technique works well.
The text is simple but effective and provides for more thoughtful
exploration by the reader. Teacher's
notes are available.
Julie Wells
Editor's note: I loved this book. Highly recommended.
Me, Frida, and the secret of the Peacock Ring by Angela Cervantes
Scholastic Press, 2018. ISBN: 9781338159318. 220 pp.
(Age: 10+) I purchased this book with my young granddaughter in
mind. She has a love of the art of Frida Kahlo. Paloma is travelling
for the first time to Mexico City, the birthplace of her deceased
father. Her mother, who has been awarded a four week literary
fellowship here, wishes her daughter to experience some of the
cultural rewards this country offers. She will be able to learn some
Spanish and find out about Frida Kahlo, who was Paloma's father's
favourite artist; therefore, keeping alive those precious memories
of her father. While her mother attends the university, Paloma
attends school in Mexico and has the chance to explore the city art
galleries and La Casa Azul (the Blue House) where Frida lived in
Coyoacan. She meets Lizzie and Gael who want her to help them find a
valuable ring that once belonged to the artist herself.
Paloma sees herself as Lulu Pennywhistle, the mastermind of the spy
books she loves reading. An intriguing set of unexpected discoveries
take place, as the young ones try to solve the mystery of the lost
ring. The book has all the ingredients of a well-paced adventure; at
the same time it introduces the young reader to an important piece
of art history and, as her story progresses, Paloma comes to
understand the importance of friendship and how much both her
parents mean to her. This is an engaging and memorable story.
Julie Wells
Inclusive Education for the 21st Century: Theory, policy and practice edited by Linda J. Graham
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760527099.
Teacher Reference. Inclusive Education for the 21st century
is a collection of articles by leaders in the field of Special
Education. These works were brought together into an authoritative
text by the editor to provide a guide to schools, and other
professionals working in the field, to bring about the changes
necessary to make schools more inclusive for students with a
disability. In the first few chapters the concept of Inclusive
Education is discussed and then the obligations of educators under
International and National Legislation is made clear. Next the book
includes chapters to assist teachers with strategies to support
diverse learners in the classroom. Using assessment data and
adjusting curriculum and pedagogy to create a supportive, safe
learning environment. Part 4 of the book then deals with developing
inclusive school cultures in seven diverse chapters dealing with a
variety of ways to change practice in schools. This section covers
more practical approaches and will prove useful to schools needing
guidance to implement better practice in this area. Putting students
at the centre, nurturing close student-teacher relationships,
developing productive partnerships with parents and carers and
rethinking the use of teacher aides are topics covered in these
chapters and which can really assist schools to develop inclusive
school cultures and ethical practices.
A useful book as a starting point for schools struggling to make
meaningful changes to the area of inclusivity and special education
in their schools. Themes: Inclusive curriculum, Special Education,
Differentiated curriculum, Children with disabilities, Teaching
Methods, Mixed ability grouping, Mainstreaming.
Gabrielle Anderson
Evernight by Ross Mackenzie
Andersen Press, 2020. ISBN: 9781783448319.
(Ages 10-12). Highly recommended. Evernight is an exciting,
fantasy adventure story that takes place in a world called the
Silver Kingdom. The main character, Larabelle Fox, is an orphan who
lives by finding treasure in the sewers under the city. This is
called being a Tosher and she becomes the subject of interest to
some evil characters when she finds a mysterious box containing a
clockwork bird. The bird seems to like Lara and only comes to life
when it is near her.
The book introduces each of the important characters by devoting the
first few chapters to stories about them. The plot links them
cleverly in the subsequent chapters and it develops into a very
intricate, fast-paced tale. We learn about some quite dark magic
such as the way the evil Mrs. Hester uses young souls to keep her
young body. The story is a little too sinister for reading to
younger children but Middle Primary students who like Harry Potter
will also enjoy this book.
Lara is a wonderful character who is very loyal and protective of
her friends. We meet Joe, who learned to be a Tosher from Lara, and
his grandmother who live in an attic. Double Eight is also an
interesting character who is a witch working for the Kingdom in a
group called the White Witches. These witches do whatever they are
told because their souls have been removed by the King's sorcerer,
Mrs. Hester. The conflict in which Lara finds herself involves the
release of the Evernight by Mrs. Hester, which threatens to engulf
the entire world in a deep darkness and brings with it some horrible
monsters called the Painted. Mrs. Hester hopes to use it to gain
control of the entire kingdom and defeat the Westerly Witches. Lara
must learn to harness her newfound magical power to stop it using
the Doomsday spell passed down from her mother.
A wonderful, exciting tale and the first in a series about Lara and
her friends. Themes: Magic, Sorcery, Good and evil, Orphans.
Gabrielle Anderson
PESTS by Emer Stamp
Hodder Children's Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781444949629.
(Ages 8-12). Highly recommended. Stix is a mouse who lives with his
grandma behind a washing machine in a Flat 3, Peewit Mansions, which
they share with a couple, their dog and their baby. The book is
written in first person by Stix and he introduces us to the space he
lives in, where he finds the food he and grandma eat and the 'Mans'
(humans) he shares it with - Schnookums, MyLove, Trevor (the dog)
and Boo-Boo. Grandma has very strict rules about what Stix needs to
do to stay hidden from the Mans because if they find any evidence of
the mice the humans may call 'Nuke-a-pest', not an ideal thing to
happen to a Pest.
Not long into the story a nasty Rat comes into their apartment and
causes havoc for Stix by leaving a mess after he raids the pantry in
Flat 3. Then disaster strikes as Grandma's plan to play dead goes
awfully wrong and she is flushed down the toilet. Stix is left alone
to fend for himself but a chance meeting with a friendly bat called
Batz, shows him that there are other Pests who live in the building
and joins them at a school for Pests. Here he learns about the
competition, called 'Pest of the Year', that could give him the
satisfaction of revenge on the nasty Rat that turned his world
upside down.
This is a welcome addition to the list of books that appeal to
reluctant readers. It has short chapters with not too much text on
each page and great pencil illustrations done by the author. The
publisher has used a linked-script type font which seems easier for
children to read. The cover has pictures that glow in the dark and
'Pests Only' written onto the side of the pages, all the gimmicks to
attract those readers who need extra encouragement to pick up a
book. There is even a cool website
that demands you pass the PEST test before you can enter!
Themes: Mice, Friendship.
Gabrielle Anderson
What do you call a baby . . ? by Kamsani Bin Salleh
Magabala Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781925360806. Board book.
(Age: 0-5) Highly recommended. What a lovely way to learn about baby
animals! Bin Salleh, author of At
the beach I see, has beautifully illustrated this book
which will introduce the nouns that are associated with baby
animals. The young child will learn that a baby echidna is called a
puggle and will giggle at the sight of the long tongue that the
little puggle has and will want to guess why it needs that. Turning
the page the child will discover that you call a baby dingo a pup. I
particularly loved the double page spread of an emu running along
with its chick racing beside it, all coloured in purples and greens
against an orange background. The illustration of the mother dugong
and its baby calf is gorgeous, with both having smiles on their
faces, while you can almost hear the baby eaglet chirping at its
mother. I learn that a baby goanna is called a hatchling, and loved
the way it was climbing on its parent's back.
This is a celebration of the love between parent and child, the
book's bright colours and memorable patterned illustrations making
it one to keep. Its sturdy board format will also guarantee a long
life. What do you call a baby . . ? is sure to be asked for again
and again by young children and is likely to become a family
favourite.
Pat Pledger
Top End girl by Miranda Tapsell
Hachette Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9780733642432.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. If you saw the delightful rom-com
movie Top
End wedding you will enjoy this book. If you missed it
at the cinema, check it out on iTunes. It is a joyous upbeat story
of what happens when an Aboriginal girl takes her English fiance to
meet the family before getting married in her home country, the
glorious setting of the Northern Territory and the Tiwi Islands. Top
End girl is Miranda Tapsell's memoir about her life leading up
to the making of the film which she co-wrote and starred in.
Tapsell is a Larrakia and Tiwi girl; she grew up in Kakadu. A
natural performer, she was inspired by a school workshop with Aaron
Pedersen to pursue an acting career, and won a place at the National
Institute of Dramatic Art. It wasn't an easy time, in fact 'a
baptism of fire', overcoming insecurities and finding her voice. But
she made it, leading to a string of acclaimed dramatic performances,
including winning two Logie Awards. In her acceptance speech she
urged for more Aboriginal people on our screens in ways that
transcend race. It was this vision that led to the film project Top
End wedding, a fun and uplifting film highlighting the warmth
of Aboriginal families and the beauty of their country in the Top
End.
The book is written in a conversational style - you can hear her
voice and her laugh. It is easy to read, so any fan of this actor
will enjoy her story. However there is one chapter that stands out
as a serious statement, 'Making things change', where she writes
about the racism and sexism directed towards Aboriginal people and
Aboriginal women in particular, and argues for greater Aboriginal
representation in the film industry, and a wider recognition and
celebration of Aboriginal culture generally. The issues raised in
this chapter would make good classroom discussion topics.
Hopefully her film and book will be an inspiration to young black
actors and filmmakers, and a great promotion of Aboriginal people
and country, both in Australia and internationally.
Themes: Aboriginal actors, Aboriginal films, Romantic comedy, Self
empowerment, Self belief.
Helen Eddy
This chicken life by Fiona Scott-Norman
Pan Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781760786083.
(Age: All) Highly recommended. I love this book! But perhaps I
should admit to a bias, as I keep chickens, and in our neighbourhood
our house is known 'Chicken Corner'. So I can readily relate to the
joys of chicken ownership that are revealed in this book. This is
not a 'how to' book, rather a fascinating collection of stories of
chicken lovers and their chooks, from celebrities like gardening
guru Costa, to comedians and performers, a member of parliament,
eccentric chicken collectors, animal liberationists and school
children. You may pick up some tips along the way with short
chapters on roosters, the pecking order, chicken breeds, foxes, and
even a history of chickens in Australia. But the main focus are the
stories of people who have discovered the joy of having chickens as
pets.
It is a wonderful collection of stories and photographs. Jareth
rescues broiler hens and keeps them in his one-bedroom flat. Miranda
makes chicken wheelchairs for incapacitated chooks. Jennifer does a
stand-up comedy act with her Silkie. Nash breeds rare birds. Mandy
crochets chicken bonnets. The stories come from around Australia,
including two from Alice Springs: chickens in a renal dialysis
centre and chickens in a correctional centre. There are also
chickens in schools. So many have discovered the rewards of caring
for chickens - a path to communication and connection for children
with autism, children in therapy programs, and elderly in aged care.
And just a heap of fun for anyone.
The photography by Ilana Rose is wonderful, capturing characters and
scenes, which is why I think even young children will enjoy the
pictures of exotic chickens and unusual poses. School children will
enjoy reading about other kids with chooks - Summer started an
autism therapy program 'Chickens to Love', and Max has created a
range of chicken accessories - cheanies, chickinis and choollery.
One school has a Chicken Club.
Highlight for me was learning about the chicken sitter, close to my
area! Somebody actually looks after chickens while their owners go
on holiday. So while Jareth may like taking his chooks for outings
to the beach, others of us may to prefer to go away knowing our pets
are in safe hands at home.
The final pages have a glossary of interesting words to do with
chickens and eggs, including 'brains' because it's a fallacy that
chickens are stupid. They have personality and charisma.
Helen Eddy
Big hug, little mouse by Lisa Kerr
Walker Books Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651107. 32pp.
(Age: 2-5) Lisa Kerr is a Melbourne-based author and illustrator,
best known for the Cheeky
Monkey series of books. Featuring the same warm and
richly-detailed illustrations, Big Hug, Little Mouse
features a new character named Millie the mouse who loves her life
and loves giving her friends big hugs. One day, however, Millie
doesn't wake up her normal cheerful self. Her tummy feels funny, she
feels sad and she thinks she has lost her hug. Will she be able to
find it again? Pretty soon all of her friends are giving her hugs:
big bear hugs, hello hugs, sleepy hugs, well done hugs and one-arm
hugs. And perhaps that was all Millie needed to find her cheerful
self again! 'Thank you hugs for everyone', she says.
This is a lovely story about how even the happiest of people feel
down sometimes and about how those around can help with extra love
and attention. It is also a nice reminder to children of the
importance of verbalising feelings so that others can help and a
reinforcement that sad moods don't last forever. Themes: Hugs,
Sadness.
Nicole Nelson
