Transit Lounge, 2019. ISBN: 9781925760408
(Age: Adult) Themes: Utopia, Gender, Old age, Writers and writing,
LGBQTI+.
Baranay's story begins in the 1930s with two young girls, who have
instantly connected aboard a ship taking migrants from Europe to
Australia, but when they land, their families are separated. The two
girls, Ada and Leyla, do meet again; it is to be a friendship that
continues across the years as each is determined to carve their own
life, to do something different. The title Turn left at Venus
is an invitation to 'open your mind', go somewhere others have not
been. And that is what both girls want to do. Leyla leads a
flamboyant life as a dancer always gaining attention, whilst Ada
becomes the reticent writer A.L. Ligeti, author of science fiction
stories of Utopian planets that challenge ideas about gender, death,
and artificial intelligence.
Baranay's book includes excerpts from Ligeti's novels, as well as
the social media commentary they provoke. In fact the chat threads
could be seen as pre-emptive discussions of Baranay's own writing,
where she predicts the criticisms the book might raise, and provides
alternative viewpoints for discussion. Is her book a brilliant
imagining of a different kind of world, one of freedom, compassion
and joy, or is it boring philosophising with not enough story? It's
possible there will be readers taking either view. However for the
contemplative reader, Baranay's work opens up many interesting ideas
to ponder, whilst also painting realistic pictures of close
friendships and relationships. The many winding threads come
together in a unique work that is both intellectually and
emotionally satisfying.
Helen Eddy
White bird by R.J. Palacio
Penguin Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780241397244.
(Age: 12-16) Highly recommended. R.J. Palacio's debut graphic novel
concentrates on Julian, a character from her previous novel Auggie
and me. For his humanities project, Julian Facetimes his
grandmother to converse with her about her life. In their
conversations, it is obvious he has regrets about his bullying past
and his grandmother, Sara, recounts a tale of her relationship with a
boy, Julien, from her class. Due to a disfigurement of his legs from
polio, Julien was known as 'Torteau' which means crab and was
bullied by others in the class. Sara was a student when the Nazis
invaded her home in France. Her family were Jewish and at risk from
the Nazi occupation. She reveals her harrowing story to her grandson
but also remembers the kindness, love and loyalty she received from
the most unlikely people.
The digital illustrations clearly depict the emotions and at times
the horror of war. There are several scenes depicting death, but
they are not overly explicit.
This story highlights the effects of the Holocaust on the Jewish
community during WW2 and the impact the deportation of Jews to
Concentration Camps had on families and individuals, but the main
focus of the novel is the relationship between Julien and Sara and
all she learns about herself and others.
Each chapter is preceded by a quote that highlights an important
message from the story. Perhaps the most poignant today is George
Santayana's message, 'Those who cannot remember the past are
condemned to repeat it', for the ending of the book links back into
the present and the toxic aspects of modern-day American (and world)
politics.
R.J. Palacio dedicates this book to her mother-in-law Mollie and
Mollie's Jewish relatives who all perished in Nazi occupied Poland
during WW2. The glossary gives the reader more information about the
historical aspect to the novel and a suggested further reading list.
There is a small logo of the Wonder cover illustration on
the front of the book to highlight the connection to R.J. Palacio's
novels.
I highly recommend this book to 12 to 16+ year olds.
Jane Moore
Midnight Ninja by Sam Lloyd
Bloomsbury, 2019. ISBN: 9781408884836.
(Age: 4-8) Recommended. Themes: Rhyming Stories, Ninjas, Humourous
stories. 'Meet this little boy and his pussycat called Ginger. He's
got a bedtime secret - he's the mighty . . . Midnight Ninja!'. And
so a new superhero is born and his alias is a little kid in striped
pyjamas. His sidekick Ginger may look meek but when Midnight Ninja
is in trouble (he isn't the best at it) he turns into the Secret
Ninja Master with incredible kung fu puss-cat claws! Ginger actually
looks a little like Mr Pusskins, another of Sam Lloyd's creations.
Tonight's emergency is this: 'Socks are going missing from clothes
lines everywhere. We think a naughty baddy has hidden them in their
lair'. So into his teleporter the Ninja kid goes, crawling and
rolling and leaping and flipping. He finds the baddy lair and a
frightening thing: 'Sock-wearing spiders and a BIG BAD SPIDER KING'
(all tucked up sleeping under their floral blankets and looking
anything but terrifying). There begins a ninja on spider fight of
web blasters and ninja bishing and bashing. But the next bit is the
nice bit: Midnight Ninja's promise is to always help so when the
little spiders explain their feet are chilly he chops down silky
spider webs for Ginger to knit them new socks.
Little ninja-loving kids will be right into this rollicking,
action-packed story that is an incredibly fun read-aloud. They will
love getting a sneak peek into his ninja den crammed full of gadgets
and gizmos and his own ninja training pod (especially considering
the rise of children's ninja courses in playgrounds and indoor
facilities).
The illustrations are busy, with lots of little humourous additions
(such as the spider king reading a book entitled 'How to cook a
Ninja' and the little spiders standing around the fire ready
with ketchup and salt and pepper). This will satisfy little one's
ninja needs but will please parents with its nice message of
helpfulness and using ninja powers for good.
Nicole Nelson
All about graphs by Lorna Hendry
Maths Mutts book 1. Wild Dog, 2019. ISBN: 9781742035765.
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. All about graphs is a great
research tool for all children and serves as an introduction to the
topic of graphs and also as a tool for older children as they decide
how to present their research. The book is beautifully illustrated
with delightful photographs of dogs and the other animals that are
incorporated into the interactive research tasks.
Lorna Hendry skilfully builds the reader's skills from understanding
what data is and how to collect and record it, to being able to
choose the most appropriate graph for their data. The examples she
uses engage the reader with her graphic representations, using
techniques such as dot plots, picture graphs, column graphs, pie
charts and line graphs. Her language is deceptively simple. The book
concludes with information on how to correctly label graphs and has
a useful glossary.
An inviting book to browse or to study.
Jan Barwick
The lost stone of Sky City by H. M. Waugh
Freemantle Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781925815948.
(Age: Primary - Lower Secondary) Sunaya's father insists she travels
to the mountains with the family goats to ensure they are not at
risk of being given away as a wedding present. Even though she is
accompanied by her uncle and nephew, she is anxious about visiting
the mountains, as there are many tales about the fabled Ice People
inhabiting the lands when it is covered by snow and ice.
Indeed she had good reason to be wary, as very soon both she and
Danam, along with her goats are captured by the Ice People.
It is prophesised that Danam is to be the next protector of the
princess and to prove worthy he must pass the frightening Dragon
Tests.
This adventure leads Sunaya into many discoveries about her own
powers and the reasons for the long separation of the Dirt and the
Ice People.
Sunaya is brave, loyal and resilient and uses her strengths to help
others, even at risk to herself. She is able to befriend the prince
and win his trust through her constant display of courage and
compassion. The Ice People's SkyCity of greenstone and gold,
although beautiful, is rife with problems and Sunaya is able to find
solutions to their issues.
This is H. M. Waugh's first novel and she has used her extensive
experience of high mountains and wild places to create a believable
magical world that will appeal to many fantasy readers.
I found this book an exciting read as there were many twists and
dramas in the story.
This book will appeal to primary and lower secondary students who
enjoy fantasy. Teaching
notes are available.
Jane Moore
The girl without skin by Mads Peder Nordbo
Greenland book 1. Translated by Charlotte Barslund. Text,
2019. ISBN: 9781925603835.
(Age: Adult) Recommended for lovers of Nordic noir. Themes: Mystery,
Child abuse, Murder, Greenland. Not for the faint hearted The
girl without skin takes the reader on a difficult but
compelling journey tracing a modern murder and one committed decades
before. Matt Cave is a journalist sent to cover the story of a
mummified body found in a crevasse on the edge of the ice. When the
mummy disappears and the policeman who was guarding it is found
naked and flayed, Matt begins to investigate. He uncovers a cover-up
when he meets Tupaarnaq, a young woman who had been convicted of
killing her parents and two sisters.
Tupaarnaq is a particularly interesting character and the
descriptions of the tattoos that covered her body (hence the girl
with no skin) are vivid. Prison has not subdued her - she is strong
and determined. Matt Cave too, doesn't feel he has anything to lose
after the death of his wife and unborn daughter, so is prepared to
investigate where others have been loath to go.
This is not a cosy murder mystery. It is extremely dark and intense.
The murders are particularly gruesome and the themes of child abuse,
subversion of power and cover-ups are very difficult to read about.
However, such was the power of Nordbo's writing that I found that I
had to continue reading to find out all the links between the
current murder and the similar ones in the past. On completion of
the book, I was compelled to Google the places it was set in and
found that child abuse was rife in Greenland, so much of the
darkness of the story is based in actual fact.
Definitely one for adults, and one for readers who can stomach dark
themes.
Pat Pledger
Trouble in the surf by Stephanie Owen Reeder
Illus. by Briony Stewart. NLA Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 9780642279460.
(Age:5+) Highly recommended. Themes: Bondi, Sydney, Australian
history, Nineteenth century, Beach wear, Swimming, Surf lifesaving,
Aviation history. When cousins, Charlie Smith and Rupert Swallow go
to the beach on a hot summer's day in 1907 to dive into the surf,
they swim out beyond the breakers and cannot get back. Bondi has
always been known for its deadly rip and although the boys know
about it, when they decide to swim back to shore, the rip tires them
and they find that they cannot swim against it any more. Rupert
encourages Charlie to keep going, but all Charlie wants to do is
rest, and float down into the sea. Rupert waves to the shore, and is
spotted by Sadie who alerts some surfers on the beach. They take a
line out to the boys and pull them back in, a crowd on the beach
watching with fear in their eyes. Sadie Sweeney pushes forward
telling people she is a nurse and uses the latest resuscitation
techniques on the seemingly lifeless Charlie, bringing him around.
The fear and excitement of a near tragedy on the beach is heightened
when statistics tell us that nearly 250 people are drowned every
year in Australia, and Charlie is Charles Kingsford Smith, going on
to fame as an aviator, the first to fly from America to Australia in
1928. His plane 'The Southern Cross' is a permanent
exhibition at Brisbane Airport.
This engrossing picture book retells a part of our history which
resonates today with the formation of the Bondi Surf Life Saving
Club occurring within weeks of Charlie's rescue, followed by many
other volunteer clubs in and around Australia. The importance of
these volunteer groups cannot be underestimated, rescuing hundreds
of thousands of swimmers. Surf Life Saving Australia has over
200,000 members and is the largest volunteer organisation in the
world.
Beautifully illustrated, Stewart has used archival photographs to
render her images accurately, and the clothing, particularly the
swimming costumes will delight younger readers. I loved looking more
closely at the women's clothes, all decked out for a day on the
beach, few venturing into the water, some perhaps getting their feet
wet. What a contrast to today's beaches.
Readers will be encouraged to think about and discuss their own
safety in the water.
At the end of the story, information is given about Charlie Smith,
Sadie Sweeney and Surf Life Saving in Australia. A small glossary
will help those new to the terminology used and references are given
to places where more information can be found.
Fran Knight
Anna at war by Helen Peters
Nosy Crow, 2019. ISBN: 9781788004718.
(Age 8-12) Recommended. Anna at war will introduce young
readers to the reality of war, of being a refugee and to some of the
evils perpetuated in WWII. The storyline is engaging, from the
horrors of Kristallnacht, to the aching sadness of family
separation, with a dash of adventure, terror and courage whilst
displaying the enduring power of kindness.
Helen Peters has researched her topic extensively and also
demonstrates a deep understanding of children's interactions with
each other and the adults around them. The result is a very readable
book that draws the reader immediately into Anna's story, as she
relates it to her grandson for his school assignment. Anna journeys
from Germany to England on one of the Kindertransport trains and is
fortunate to be fostered by a kind and caring family, only to be
faced with a terrifying situation in her new home. The book could be
a good introduction to a child who knows little of the impact and
realities of war or promote a deeper understanding for those who
have already read in this area. Despite the grimness of the subject
matter it is a surprisingly gentle read.
The book, dedicated 'For all the children who have had to leave
their homes and make new lives in other places' will be a useful
tool in helping children understand the confusion, dilemmas and
challenges that face the refugees and victims of war that they will
meet.
Jan Barwick
Super Nova by Krys Saclier
Illus. by Rebecca Timmis. Ford St Publishing, 2019. ISBN:
9781925804300.
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Sibling rivalry, Brothers and
sisters, Family relationships, Space, Aliens, Courage. Nova's
brother seems to be blamed for all the things that Nova gets up to.
Someone steals Dad's raspberry muffins, but it can't be Nova.
Someone tangles Gran's wool, but it can't be Nova because she
wouldn't do such a thing. Someone steals bits of the Harry's
chemistry set, but he thinks Nova is too small, and it is her
brother who is ordered from the room.
He decides to check up on Nova and see what she is up to. He follows
the trail of crumbs outside and there finds her staving off a bunch
of aliens with the muffins, a rocket ship in the background. She
bravely stands her ground in front of the horde of green monsters,
throwing the wool net over them. She ties them up, puts them in the
rocket and sends them off into space back to where they came from.
When Mum comes out admonishing them for being outside so late in the
evening, he takes the blame for them being out so late, promising to
take Nova back to bed, which he does, looking at his brave little
sister in a fresh light. She truly is a Super Nova.
This is a delightful tale of families and sibling relationships. The
boy blames his little sister for him being in trouble so often, but
when it comes to the crunch, takes the blame for her and admires her
for what she is doing.
In the background is the older brother, so protective of his own
space, with Dad, Mum and Nan living in the house as well.
The bright, engaging illustrations will appeal to the reader, noting
the array of familiar things in the background, then marvelling at
the images of the aliens in the garden and how Nova deals with them.
This different tale of sibling rivalry, told with lightness and
humour, would be a good read aloud and initiate discussion about
space.
Fran Knight
Handa's noisy night by Eileen Browne
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406320015. 32pp., hbk.
Handa and her friend Akeyo live in Kenya, and when Handa has a
sleepover with Akeyo, the girls are allowed to spend the night in a
little hut near the house. They're excited to be on their own, but
as they get ready for bed, Handa feels more and more nervous. She
keeps hearing things - strange snorts, chitter chattering, a big
thud. Akeyo says it's only her noisy family, but on the opposite
page the reader sees the nocturnal animals who are really making the
noise - and while some of them are familiar, others are very
peculiar looking indeed!
With rich, vibrant night-time illustrations, sound effects, and
plenty of curious animals, coupled with Akeyo's explanations which
are not only hilarious, but ingenious, this is a story that will
resonate with children the world over as they step out of the
familiar and have their first sleepover away from home with all the
unfamiliar noises that will keep them awake. While the causes might
not be as exotic as those that kept Handa awake, nevertheless there
is never a limit to the imagination when it's dark.
We first met Handa from the Luo tribe in south-west Kenya in Handa's
surprise nearly 25 years ago and that book was included in the
Seven
Stories'
Diverse Voices list - 50 best children's books
celebrating cultural diversity in the UK since 1950. That, and its
sequel Handa's hen have sold more than a million copies
globally, with each focusing on a topic that children all over the
world can relate to, and perhaps even adapt to their own
circumstances. If you were sleeping in a tent or a caravan, what
might be making the snorting, chattering, rattling, squeaking and
slurping noises you can hear? Rich pickings for the imagination!
Barbara Braxton
The last voyage of Mrs Henry Parker by Joanna Nell
Hachette Australia, 2019. ISBN: 9780733640377.
(Age: Adult) 'The Golden Sunset' ship is near the end of its
life as is Mrs Henry Parker, wife of the retired ship's surgeon. The
couple had decided to spend their retirement on board the cruise
ship but on this trip, Evelyn can't seem to find her husband. She
knows the ship routines and expects Henry to turn up at any moment
but failing eyesight and increasing confusion mean her search is
erratic. The staff don't seem to take her concerns seriously but a
kind couple who are on their first cruise befriend her. Evelyn's
long term memory is perfectly good and she lucidly tells her life
story from meeting Henry on board the 'Orcades' in 1953
through good times and bad, it's just the recent past she has
trouble with.
Evelyn is treated with humanity and compassion in this poignant and
heart-warming story from the viewpoint of someone with dementia. I
had to suspend disbelief a few times, especially as the ending is a
bit over the top but it is entertaining reading for older adults
from the author of The single ladies of Jacaranda Retirement
Village.
Sue Speck
At the beach by Nancy Bevington
New Frontier Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 9781925594355.
(Ages: 0-3) Board Book. Themes: Beaches. This is one in a new series
for babies called Can you find? (others are Under the ocean,
In the forest, On the farm). Nancy's previous titles
have included the ZenTails and Mad Dog the chef
series. In this book, each page says 'At the Beach there is . . . '
and then shows and names three things found at the beach (sea,
flip-flops, sandcastles, boogie boards, kayaks, seagulls, goggles
etc. The illustrations are large, happy and fun but quite
realistically drawn. Each page has a contrasting background colour.
The last page says 'Can you find all the things at the beach?' and
shows all of the illustrations included within the previous pages.
These are simple but impressive early vocabulary books that
encourage parent-child interaction and positive book experiences for
babies.
Nicole Nelson
It sounded better in my head by Nina Kenwood
Text Publishing, 2019. ISBN: 9781925773910.
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. Winner of the Text Prize. In her
debut novel, Nina Kenwood tells the story of Natalie, a
seventeen-year-old whose world is turned upside down when she learns
that her parents are getting a divorce. Still getting used to the
fact that her two best friends, Zach and Lucy are a couple, Natalie
is understandably lost and struggling to understand where she fits
in this new dynamic and just where her life strayed from her plan.
Then, when Zach's older brother Alex starts paying her a little more
attention, she finds herself caught in a new world of change that
she must learn to navigate one step at a time. A relatable, moving
and achingly vulnerable depiction of the challenges that life throws
in our way and the power of learning who you are and growing into
the person you're meant to be, Kenwood's first novel is an absolute
delight. Her rich characters and world truly touch the reader to the
core and make this a novel that you'll immediately want to share
with anyone and everyone you know. This book is perfect for high
school students, especially those that are nervous or unsure about
the big wide world they're about to experience as they leave school
and continue to University or beyond. Natalie, Alex, Zach and Lucy
will hold their hand, hug them and remind them that no matter what
life sends you, you are more than capable of handling it. Warning:
sexual references and mentions of alcohol and drug use. Book
club notes and teaching
notes are available.
Daniella Chiarolli
Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA stories edited by Michael Earp
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781760651039.
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Themes: LGBTQ, Queer stories, Short
stories. Using the word 'Kindred' as the title for this enticingly
readable dozen stories by young adult writers from the queer
community will have readers enthralled. The word 'kindred' has so
many layers of meaning: placing all sorts of people next to,
alongside and with each other, responding to their needs and wants,
sharing, giving and supporting.
Each of these stories was selected to show connection, their writers
part of the LGBTIQ+ community, and reflect people from First
Nations, people of colour and disabilities, people of various
sexualities, genders and identities. The twelve stories are about
connection, sharing a kindred spirit, of diversity, and each is as
fresh as the sea breeze, alerting the readers to something being
offered that outpaces other books of short stories.
I loved reading 'Rats' (Marlee Janes Ward) with its dystopian
setting grounded in a tale of connection. And set in Melbourne gave
it a hair on the back of your neck feeling of recognition all the
way through. And I loved 'Laura Nyro at the wedding' (Christos
Tsiolkas), with its confronting themes, as Jack wants his estranged
father to attend his wedding. He tries to contact him; a man jailed
for sex with a fifteen year old, years before. But the effect on his
family makes everyone ask questions. Some reviewers have suggested
this story is out of place in a book for teens but the tale raises
issues teens come across. And 'I like your rotation' (Jax Jacki
Brown) tells an involving story from a disabled perspective.
Benjamin Law rounds off the book with his insightful 'Questions to
ask straight relatives', and the book has several pages of further
resources for queer teens, and potted bios of each of the
contributors.
It is so important for people to see themselves represented in
literature, to know they're not alone, to know that others share
their journey, and equally important for others to be able to read
of people seemingly different but not so different from themselves,
and so encourage empathy, understanding and connection, and this
book offers connections not often seen in mainstream books for
teens. And so it has a place in school and public libraries where
teens gather to read relevant stories. Teacher's
notes are available.
Fran Knight
Mining and me by Michael Martucci
Illus. by Naya and Kostya Lazareva. Little Steps, 2019. ISBN:
9781925839210.
(Age: 3-8) Richly illustrated with the reds, yellows and browns of
the outback, Mining and me is a special book that describes
the life of a 'fly in, fly out' family. Martucci's father was a 'fly
in, fly out' miner, and he himself is a second generation 'fly in,
fly out' worker, so he brings an in-depth understanding of what
family life is life for both the children and the parents of these
workers. He describes the background to the story in an article
in Mining People International.
Written as a poem, the reader follows the story of a young boy who
has moved around Australia from Queensland to the Northern
Territory, his father working in different mines. He has '. . . a
parent who stayed, A parent who left' and he describes the feelings
of the child and the love that both his father and mother showed
him. The loving relationship in the family is very evident in the
way the children interact with their parents, and how the young
child grows up to be a loving father himself. An evocative touch was
the picture of his father as an older man, watching his
grandchildren. The strong message in the book was that the father
does it for love of his family, 'It was for them, to grow up happy
and strong.'
The illustrations are done in water colours and the backgrounds are
particularly evocative of the outback mines and countryside.
Children will love the wide eyed characters and cute little dog and
recognise the family life that features throughout the book. Mining and me will be a boon for any family who has a 'fly
in, fly out' family member, providing great bedtime reading and will
give the wider community a greater understanding of what it is like
to be part of a mining family.
Pat Pledger
