Project Nemesis 2. Pan Macmillan, 2018. ISBN 9781509869992
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Genesis is a whirlwind of a story full of
thrilling experiences and mind boggling scenarios that will have you
questioning your own existence. It's the sequel to Riechs' first
book Nemesis, which was equally amazing, and is able to keep
you up till 3am reading. It follows Min, a feisty girl who stands up
for what she believes in, and Noah, a natural born leader who's
grown from the spineless character he was in book one. Together they
fight in a struggle to survive against their year level's cohort -
the only people left 'alive', trapped in an unground computer on an
apocalyptic earth.
The plots dives into themes of not only mystery but relationships as
the characters deal with the emotional stress of love and hate. This
story is a scary possibility, mashing Hunger Games and Lord
of the Flies with astounding technology to surprise you with
every chapter.
Riechs goes into incredible detail making you almost forget it's
fiction and thankful to be in the safety of your own bed. Genesis
is a stirring read that you won't regret and I can't wait to see
what's in store for this series.
Grace S. (Student)
Lady Mary by Lucy Worsley
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408869444
(Age: 13+) Recommended. "By turns thrilling, dramatic and touching,
this is the story of Henry the Eighth and Catherine of Aragon's
divorce as you've never heard it before - from the eyes of their
daughter, Princess Mary.
More than anything Mary just wants her family to stay together; for
her mother and her father - and for her - to all be in the same
place at once. But when her father announces that his marriage to
her mother was void and by turns that Mary doesn't really count as
his child, she realises things will never be as she hoped.
Things only get worse when her father marries again. Separated from
her mother and forced to work as a servant for her new sister, Mary
must dig deep to find the strength to stand up against those who
wish to bring her down. Despite what anyone says, she will always be
a princess. She has the blood of a princess and she is ready to
fight for what is rightfully hers." (Publisher)
I have read a number of historical fiction based on these times -
adult, YA and the younger reader. I thoroughly loved this book and
it allowed me to further develop my knowledge about Princess Mary.
It is cleverly written from the child's perspective and Worsley does
an excellent job of allowing the reader to empathise with the strong
lead character as she moves from a young lonely girl to a determined
young lady, determined to return to court and reclaim her crown.
Themes such as determination, isolation, the desire to be loved,
persistence and acceptance. I think this certainly fits into the YA
category as it touches on virginity and bastards and at times the
content is a tad too old for the older students in a primary school.
I would recommend it to children from 13 and up who are historical
fiction readers and who will love this book.
Kathryn Schumacher
Miniwings - Firestorm's musical muck-up by Sally Sutton
Scholastic New Zealand Limited, 2018. ISBN 9781775434863
(Age: 7+) Imagine having six gorgeous little winged toy horses that
come to life when the adults aren't looking! Firestorm is the hero -
or chief troublemaker - in this fourth book in the series.
Clara and Sophia are preparing for their performance in the school
orchestra, but those sneaky little Miniwings stow away in their
instrument cases. Surely, they won't press the fire alarm . . .
This is a delightful series by Sally Sutton that is a must read for
fans of the Ella Diaries and Go Girl. Each Miniwings
has its own adventure. It will appeal to girls who are challenging
themselves with reading chapter books. The storyline is simple and
easy to follow, allowing even the reluctant reader to be successful
tracking the text and being able to understand the plot. The print
is relatively large and the gorgeous illustrations throughout the
book will be a hit with the girliest of girls. This book would be
suitable for readers aged 7 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher
Best buds under frogs by Leslie Patricelli
Candlewick Press, 2018. ISBN 9780763651046
(Age: 10+)Recommended. "For Lily, it's the worst first day of school ever. Who
would want to be friends with the new girl, whose debut act is to
throw up on the playground (on somebody's shoes!)? Fortunately,
quirky Darby comes to the rescue. Darby likes frogs and candy and
oddball stuff, and soon she and Lily have formed their own club -
the Rizzlerunk Club. But before you can say "BFF," Darby's former
best friend, mean-spirited Jill - who had moved to London - returns
unexpectedly. Can Lily and Darby's friendship survive the British
invasion? Peppered with charming illustrations and hilarious mishaps
involving "conjoined" frogs, accidentally shaved eyebrows, and
school pranks gone awry, this engaging tale of fourth-grade life
will have readers wishing they could join the Rizzlerunk Club for
real." (Publisher)
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I found it to be a
fantastic account of the challenges that children face, particularly
when moving to a new school. This is Patricelli's first novel and it
is sure to be a winner. The book would be suitable for students 10
years and up - although the text is relatively large and there are
gorgeous little illustrations throughout the story, the book does
contain some themes towards the end of the book that are suitable
for the older age. It touches on themes such as choices, peer
pressure, friendship and differences. It touches on exclusion of
others and has some powerful lessons for those that may be
experiencing the same issues. All in all, a heart-warming tale.
Kathryn Schumacher
Count with little fish by Lucy Cousins
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406374193
(Age: 2+) Highly recommended. Board book. This is a colorful
counting book that has both the numerals and the number word and a
little rhyme to go with each number.
This is a fun counting book from 1 to 10.
The bright colors engage the reader and the slightly tactile
pictures of the fish make it fun to find them on the page.
The numerals are nice and big to be able to trace over with small
fingers.
I highly recommend this book for 2+
Karen Colliver
The outcast by Taran Matharu
Summoner series: the prequel. Hachette, 2018. ISBN
9781444939095
Recommended. The outcast instantly had me hooked, taking me
through parallels between Fletcher and Arcturus virtually from the
beginning. It explained and fleshed out most of what fans of the Summoner
series already knew, while throwing in exciting twists and turns.
The foreshadowing for the rest of the series was perfectly paced.
The events didn't seem forced and made sense in the story. As a
prequel, it is intriguing to see the character development it brings
to the series, and makes you want to read the whole series again
with the new information in mind, with new eyes. I wouldn't mind
doing exactly that.
The Summoner series is reminiscent of the Ranger's
Apprentice series, of which I am a fan. In fact, I enjoy
almost all fantasy novels, with some notable failures. Anyway, as an
avid fantasy fan, and a lover of dragons, I appreciate the way the
demons are described, the unique way they act. They don't feel like
mere pets, but exotic demon companions. The rarer demons that I've
never heard of have prompted me to research more exotic demons, and
I've found many that are a great fit with my own story writing. The
outcast brought its own unique touch to the fantasy genre,
with etching, summoning levels and infusion.
Overall, it's a fantastic read. I would recommend it to all fantasy,
video game and general novel lovers.
Rachel Bauer (Year 11 student)
Goat's coat by Tom Percival
Ill. by Christine Pym. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408881019
(Age: 3-6) Themes: Goats. Coats. Helpfulness. 'Let me tell you the
tale of Alfonzo the goat, who was terribly proud of his lovely new
coat.'
Tom Percival's charming rhyming story begins with a rather proud
goat Alfonzo, admiring his handsome coat with glass buttons. He
enjoys the comments of others as they admire his new piece of
clothing and skips and prances out of town. This little goat has a
caring heart as he meets different creatures who need his help, he's
willing to assist them. With a little creativity the homeless frog
family sail away in a blue boat made from his coat cuffs.
A trembling pale cat with a sore tail, is also helped. Alonzo's uses
the hem of his not so beautiful coat to comfort and bandage the
wounded animal. After clip-clopping through the woods whistling a
happy tune, Alonzo then helps rescue a little chick. As the weather
turns to snow, the young goat solves more problems with parts of his
coat, until there only a few threads left. Lost in a blizzard, he's
forced to shelter under a boulder, until all his new friends arrive
to assist him.
Tom Percival's delightful story celebrates the generosity of spirit,
the joy of sharing and thinking of others before yourself. Christine
Pym's whimsical watercolour, gouache and pencil illustrations bring
the characters to life. Her delightful forest scenes combine natural
shadings of green and brown backdrops with bold brushstroke leaves.
Preschoolers will enjoy watching Alonzo's bold yellow and green
check coat disappear and become repurposed. Goat's coat is
just right to share with a young audience and they will enjoy
discussing Alonzo's creative problem solving and commenting on his
helpful character.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Goose Road by Rowena House
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406371673
(Age: 12 and up) Highly recommended. "France 1916. Angelique Lacroix
is haymaking when the postman delivers the news: her father is dead,
killed on a distant battlefield. She makes herself a promise: the
farm will remain exactly the same until her beloved older brother
comes home from the Front. "I think of it like a magical spell. If I
can stop time, if nothing ever changes, then maybe he won't change
either." But a storm ruins the harvest, her mother falls ill and
then the requisition appears... In a last-ditch attempt to save
the farm from bankruptcy, Angelique embarks on a journey across
France with her brother's flock of magnificent Toulouse geese."
Publisher
It does not take a lot to convince me to read any novel about World
War 1 and this was no exception. I found it really hard to put down.
House did a fantastic job in developing Angelique and I found myself
turning each page hoping only the best for her. As she begins to
unravel more and more secrets about her abusive father, the girl is
torn between hatred for him and a sense of guilt that he did not
survive the war. Set in France in 1916, fourteen year old Angelique
takes it upon herself to save the family farm for the long awaited
return of her brother who is serving in the army.
The reader is drawn into the atrocities of war and the guilt felt by
so many who were not actually away fighting, as well as the hardships
and hunger faced by so many and the different roles that people had
to take on. Disaster after disaster strikes including the
requisition of animals, gossip, unpaid gambling debts and the
breakdown of her mother all contribute to a difficult journey
experienced by Angelique. Themes such as hardship, anger,
determination, resilience and friendship are discovered throughout
the story. A must have to add to the library collection.
Kathryn Schumacher
What's at the end of this piece of rope? by Tania Cox
Ill. by Jedda Robaard. Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9780734418012
(Age: 2-6) Themes: Problem solving. Collaboration. Co-operation. In
What's at the end of this piece of rope? Tania Cox uses this
simple repeated refrain in her enjoyable and engaging picture book.
She explores the concepts of working together and cooperation. Young
children will enjoy repeating the question, predicting which animal
will help and what is at the end of this rope.
A little girl's imagination creates a lush green jungle where her
animal toys come to life and a little thread becomes a long, tight
rope that needs to be investigated. First a monkey steps up to help,
then a mother kangaroo pulls as well, next gorilla and then hippo
assists with a big heave. There's a scary surprise and a delightful
ending.
Jedda Robaard's enchanting pastel watercolour and pencil scenes are
playful and imaginative, helping create the cumulative journey and
building the excitement of the reveal. Even the front cover with the
raised sections is a tactile entry into the book. Tania Cox's easy
to read story shows key concepts suitable for preschool and
child-care children. Read aloud and discuss the reasons for
collaborating and helping others, spend time making predictions and
wondering, even using manners by saying please and thank you is
shown. With colourful large and small size text, fun placement and
expressive sounds as they pull, humph and heave, this is a
delightful story just right for viewing and sharing.
Rhyllis Bignell
My (almost) perfect puppy by Meredith Costain and Danielle McDonald
Olivia's secret scribbles. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781760277079
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. Themes: Pets. Friendship. Therapy pets.
Diaries. Olivia likes to record important things in her Big Book of
Private Secrets. But they are not so secret... because we get to
read them! In this book, Ella's younger sister Olivia shares about
her friendship with her 'across the back fence' friend Matilda, her
struggles with her siblings (especially Ella), and all about her
not-so-perfect pet puppy, Bob. Bob gets into rubbish bins, is too
energetic and makes life very difficult when he visits Great-Nanna
Peggy in her home at Golden Gardens (a 'golden oldies' home). Bob
does eventually redeem himself, but not without first creating
havoc.
This book will be enjoyed by young female readers as Olivia branches
out on her own away from her sister Ella. This is an easy chapter
book with naive cartoon-style drawings (with pink highlights) and a
simple view of life and problems.
Recommended for readers aged 6-8.
Carolyn Hull
The love that I have by James Moloney
Angus and Robertson, 2018. ISBN 9781460754634
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Themes: World War II, Germany;
Concentration Camps; Love and Romance; Historical Fiction; Bravery;
Survival. Is it possible for a love story to be set within the
shadow of a German concentration camp? Do love letters and awful
atrocities ever connect in a believable way? Will love be stronger
than death? These questions are answered in this amazing book set in
a time and setting that is marked by terrible expressions of the
power of Nazi-influenced Germany. In the shadows of this horror,
Margot - an innocent German teenager, takes on a job in the mailroom
attached to the Concentration Camp at Sachsenhausen. Her role is to
destroy the mail 'posted' by inmates of the Camp. A decision made on
a whim to read some of these missives leads her to discover more
than she could imagine - she hears the humanity in the words she
reads. And when one of these letters is addressed to a Jewish girl
with the same first name, she learns of a young man whose words and
heart-felt expressions of devotion impact her life with an
unexpected empathy. Her assumption that the 'other' Margot must
surely be dead, leads her to write back, as if she was the other.
What follows leads the reader into the very heart of young love and
into the horrors of the end of the Second World War, as the Germans
were experiencing it. With some showing incredible bravery, we see
the occasional glimpses of hope amidst the abyss of Nazi oppression
and concentration camp life.
This is a love story in a horrible setting. For those who have been
impressed by The Book Thief and The Boy in Striped
Pyjamas, this book will rival those stories for the insights
into history, the German experience, and into the very best and
worst of human hearts. It is brilliantly written with the
perspectives of the two main protagonists being told at different
points of the story. Death and apprehension are constant companions.
Despite alternate explanations for circumstances, the power of
'story' to create empathy and compassion, as against the ignorance
of propaganda is highlighted for the reader. Moloney has also
reminded the reader that not all on the German side were tarred
permanently with Hitler's brush, even if their sight was sometimes
dimmed and their hands prevented from acting to stop the horrors.
Impossibly difficult decisions are made under the pressures of war
and survival.
Highly recommended for readers aged 14+ (Maturity required
considering the awful situation; both male and female readers will
connect despite the 'love story' genre.)
Reading group notes and teacher's notes are available here.
Carolyn Hull
The Adventures of Jellybean by Bill Condon and Dianne Bates
University of Queensland Press, 2018, ISBN 9780702260001
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Themes: Goats, Friendship, Pet ownership.
"The Adventures of Jellybean" is a fun story, filled with
friendship, family life and the highs and lows of owning a pet goat.
Author Di Bates has drawn on her special childhood memories of
growing up on a goat farm, to co-author this relatable junior novel
with Bill Condon.
Best friends and neighbours Rory and Trang love observing their
neighbours from high up in the fig tree that borders both of their
houses. They love to discuss their future careers, maybe they'll
become wrestlers! When Rory's dad complains about mowing the
backyard, Trang comes up with a brilliant idea - a pet goat would
help. He's even helped milk his uncle's goat.
After a family discussion at Pop's birthday party, Rory's parents
agree to buy a nanny goat which both Rory and Trang promise to look
after. Jellybean named for her splotchy brown and white coat proves
to be a challenging pet. She's noisy, messy, escapes from her pen
and even eats human hair. Pet ownership is a steep learning curve!
The boys learn responsibility, perseverance and how to be
neighbourly sharing her milk with the people living nearby. With the
help of their families they make goat's milk soap and learn some
life lessons at the school Pet Show.
"The Adventures of Jellybean" is written in an easy to read style,
just right for a junior class novel or for independent readers who
enjoy realistic stories. Condon and Bates have crafted an engaging
story that explores the responsibility of pet ownership, extended
family dynamics, being neighbourly and the ups and downs of
friendships. Humour, surprising situations and fun facts about
owning a goat and goat's milk products add life to this story.
Rhyllis Bignell
Not if I save you first by Ally Carter
Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742765945
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Themes: Thriller. Kidnapping. Conspiracies.
Alaska. Survival. Maddie and Logan were inseparable until a
kidnapping attempt was made on Logan's mother and Maddie's father
foiled the attempt. He was the bodyguard of Logan's father, the
President of the United States, and after the rescue, Maddie was
whisked off to the wilds of Alaska, and didn't hear from Logan
again. Life was tough for Maddie in Alaska; she lived in a very
isolated spot, was homeschooled and didn't have any friends. What
made it worse was that Logan her best friend didn't answer her
letters so when he turned up with two security guards to live with
her father and her, she wasn't too happy. Then Logan is kidnapped
and Maddie has to use all the skills she has learnt in the wild to
try and rescue him.
A very exciting stand-alone novel, Not if I save you first
will appeal to boys and girls alike as Maddie and Logan face the
harshness of the wilderness and the fear of what the kidnappers will
do. Through a series of letters to Logan, some never sent, the
reader is taken on Maddie's learning journey about Alaska, her
loneliness and the growth of strength and toughness that the
isolation has taught her. All these skills will be of great
assistance as she tracks Logan and his kidnapper. Meanwhile Logan
uses his photographic memory and intelligence as they try not to
lose themselves in the harsh cold conditions.
Action packed, this is a roller coaster of a story and readers will
find it very difficult to put down. Fans of Ally Carter's other
series, The Gallagher girls, Heist Society and Embassy
Row will not be disappointed and readers new to her books are
in for a treat.
Pat Pledger
Dude by Aaron Reynolds
Ill. by Dan Santat. Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9780734418784
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Sharks, Friendship, Surfing,
Humour, Cautionary tale. To all those intending to read this
hilarious book out loud, you will need to practice saying 'dude' in
a variety of different ways with different intonations, expressions
and meanings. From the first 'dude' where platypus and his friend
the beaver, meet on the beach, run to the water's edge with their
surf boards held up over their heads and paddle out into the ocean,
to the last 'dude' where the two have now befriended a shark and the
trio is sitting on the beach in their board shorts, eating their ice
creams and staring contentedly out into the ocean, laughter will
explode with each rendering of the word.
The two friends initially encounter the shark with trepidation, the
'dude' at first said very quietly with a question at the end of the
word, while over the page, the word takes up the double page as the
pair hightails it for shore. But things happen to make them less
fearful of the predator, and all ends happily as the three become
friends, surfing the waves together.
This very funny look at friendship is set against the surfing world
which may not be known to many younger readers. Santat's wonderful
illustrations bring this world to the reader, with its ice cream
shack on the beach, wave types, the array of very different board
shorts, along with very different participants and boards. And a few
subtle hints occur in the illustrations making the reader aware of
some of the shortcomings of being near the sea. This is a
wonderfully funny tale, all centered incredibly on one word, with
plenty to look at to wonder at, to learn and enjoy, and many people
will be reading and rereading this story to a range of listeners who
will try it out for themselves, keeping their friends happily
engaged.
Fran Knight
Julian is a mermaid by Jessica Love
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406380637
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Mermaids, Grandmothers,
Imagination, Diversity, Individuality. Julian is mesmerised as he
returns home on the tube with his grandmother. Several women are
dressed in the most spectacular of costumes, brightly coloured,
adorned with jewellry and head dresses, they make an indelible
impression on the boy. He dreams of running home, taking off his
clothes and diving into the ocean with a tail just like them. And
once home, he ferrets around in his apartment for things to dress
himself just like the women he saw on the train - the mermaids. He
uses the pot plant fronds for his head dress, nabs the flowers from
the bowl to put in his hair and the curtains from the windows to
make a tail, and when his gran comes out of her bath she gives him a
string of costume jewellry for his necklace. The pair then enter the
street and make their way to find others just as flamboyantly
dressed, making their way to the sea.
A dazzling tribute to all those individuals not afraid to show their
difference, who reflect diversity as well as those who support them,
this book sings with the exuberance of youth and being an
individual.
Colourful, fun filled and light hearted, the cheery liveliness of
the two main characters permeates the book as they join the mermaids
at the seaside dressed in their finery. The illustrations are
amazing, brown sepia tones fill the background against which the
luminous colours tell the story of Julian with humourous light
heartedness. And the end papers are divine and will entrance all
readers.
Jessica Love is a Californian artist and this is her first venture
as author illustrator. Classroom ideas are available here.
Fran Knight
