Rebellion of thieves: A Robyn Hoodlum adventure by Kekla Magoon
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781681195346
"Robyn Loxley can't rest now that she's the #1 Most Wanted Fugitive,
Robyn Hoodlum. The harsh Nott City governor, Ignomus Crown, may have
increased the reward for her capture, but this won't stop Robyn from
masterminding her biggest mission yet: infiltrating the governor's
mansion to rescue her parents. The perfect opportunity arises when
the Iron Teen contest comes to Sherwood. If Robyn scores high
enough, she'll be invited to a dinner at the mansion. But performing
well also puts her directly in Crown's sights. Can she and her crew
of misfit friends pull off such a grand scheme?" Publisher.
This is certainly an interesting second book in the series following
Shadows of Sherwood. Magoon has very cleverly placed an
African American girl in a story set in the future or even possibly
another planet altogether. You do need to read the books in order. I
like the concept of a modern day Robin Hood and it will certainly
appeal to students who are interested in Science Fiction. There were
some interesting parts to the plot and the characters we met in Shadows
of Sherwood continued to develop.
Magoon has converted the legend into a futuristic version where
Robyn meets technology that I dare say has not even been invented
yet.
Kathryn Schumacher
The Sleeping Beauty - The Australian Ballet by David McAllister
Ill. by Gabriela Tylesova. Little Hare, 2017. ISBN
9781760129934
"From the stage to the page". Based on the Australian Ballet's 2015
production of this iconic ballet in which Creative Director David
McAllister wanted to preserve the original choreography by Pepita
"while introducing modern pacing and narrative logic", this is a
ballet lover's must-have.
Following the traditional story with no Disney additions in sight,
the story of Aurora, Carabosse, the Lilac Fairy and the handsome
prince is told in simple narrative, accompanied by the most
exquisite illustrations created by Gabriela Tylesova who was also
the designer of the stage production. In all the shades of grey and
pink all the characters have a magical quality filled with intricate
detail that makes their balletic movements jump off the page. You
can see the ballet and hear the music, even in the silence of awe.
From the intriguing front cover to the stunning back one, this is a
book that will need to be in the ballet-lover's collection as well
as that of anyone who just likes beautiful things. It thoroughly
deserves its CBCA 2018 Notables nomination.
Barbara Braxton
In the lamplight by Dianne Wolfer
Ill. by Brian Simmonds. Fremantle Press, 2018. ISBN 9781925591224
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: World War One, Hospitals,
Nursing, Spanish influenza, Armistice. With copious charcoal
illustrations, archival material and a story told through diary
entries alternating with text, this highly readable tale of two
people surviving the rigours of World War One is intense, intimate
and involving.
Following the success of her two books, the award-winning Lighthouse
Girl (2013) and Light Horse Boy (2009), Wolfer has
followed the journey of Light Horse Boy, Jim as he
languishes in a rehabilitation hospital in Harefield village in what
is now Greater London, unsure of whether he will see again.
Here he is nursed by Rose a local girl from the nearby village, and
it is her diary we read as she falls in love with this Australian
soldier, one of the 50,000 Australians and New Zealanders nursed at
this hospital. Each time a coffin makes its way to the cemetery from
the hospital, it is draped with a Union Jack and that flag made its
way to Adelaide High School, where it has been recently restored by
Artlab and will be on display for the celebrations marking the
centenary of the end of World War One.
Through Rose's diary entries we hear of her life in Harefield before
the war, which contrasts with life during war as privation set in,
and the thousands of wounded come back from Europe. She decides to
become a nurse to help care for these men, despite her family's
anxiety. A girl in the village sends white feathers to those men who
have not joined up, some mothers receive telegrams about their sons'
deaths, but the village opens its heart to these wounded soldiers.
The archival material gives a wonderful impression of life at
Harefield Hospital, with photos of the recovering soldiers, their
dormitories, the funerals, celebrations, nursing staff and mascots.
I found this an engrossing read, one which gives a sound background
to the lives of those we rarely read about, the men in hospitals,
the staff who cared for them, those who remained home.
I can imagine many readers poring over the detail, and checking out
the story of the flag that draped the coffin, which can be found here.
The map, background information and even the acknowledgements make
for fascinating reading after the book has been read.
I thoroughly recommend this as a highly readable account of how war
affects lives far beyond the battlefield. In joining Jim in
Australia, Rose leaves her country and her family for ever, taking a
risk on a man who has never seen her. It's an amazing thought, but
one which parallels the changes taking place for women after World
War One. Teacher's
notes are available.
Fran Knight
Digger by Mike Dumbleton
Ill. by Robin Cowther. Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760296735
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. Themes: World War One, Kangaroos,
Children in war, Villers-Bretonneux. A link between Australia and
France is created in Dumbleton's stunning picture book concentrating
on the battle around the village of Villers-Bretonneaux in 1918. It
is a reminder of the people behind the armies, the child back home,
wondering about her older brother, the young girl in France, doing
something for one of the soldiers who saved her village.
When James leaves Australia to fight in France, his sister, Annie
makes him a present of her scrap material kangaroo, which she
renames Digger. The little kangaroo is tucked into James' pocket and
letters home to his sister tell of their time getting to France,
then being in the trenches. When he is wounded he recuperates with a
French family and their little girl, Colette, mends Digger for him.
Again the little mascot is tucked into James' pocket and goes back
to war, but this time, the kangaroo is returned to Colette alone,
hardly recognisable in James' slouch hat.
Again Colette repairs the little animal, and the mascot is sent back
to Annie with a name tag and slouch hat added, along with a letter
from James' friend.
It is at the village that Colette leaves flowers on James' grave,
and in Australia, Digger takes pride of place in the family's
remembering James and the little girl in France who cared for the
animal just as she cared for her brother.
This is a fresh look at the links between war sites and the people
who fought and died there. As 2018 commemorates the battle of
Villers-Bretonneaux, this picture book serves to give younger
children a feel for the links that bind Australia and France through
this battle and many like it. The book depicts a small moment but
one that exemplifies the strong attachment many Australians felt for
those they fought for, and for those back home.
The soft water colour illustrations draw the eyes to the images on
each page, faithfully recreating James' involvement in war. We feel
his expectation as he looks out to sea over the side of the ship on
the way to France, the uniformed men trying to survive as the night
sky lights up with gunfire and they hunker down into trenches and
dugouts. Happy times recuperating at the French house are replaced
by the sadder moments articulated simply by a much damaged Digger
lying in his owner's slouch hat, being given to the girl, and the
last four double page spreads shows each girl caring for the
kangaroo in Australia and the grave site in France. The paralleling
of each child strongly reinforces the sacrifices each country made
for the other, as each girl goes about her life with the memories of
James not far from their thoughts.
A memorable picture book with which to acquaint readers with the
sacrifices of those behind the scenes, and the battle at
Villers-Bretonneaux. Scroll down for Teacher's
tips on the publisher's website.
Fran Knight
The war I finally won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Text, 2017. ISBN 9781925498851
Highly recommended. Sequel to the award winning The war
that saved my life. "When Ada's clubfoot is surgically fixed
at last, she knows for certain that she's not what her mother said
she was - damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as
physically. She's not a daughter anymore, either. What is she? World
War II continues, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, are living with
their loving legal guardian, Susan, in a borrowed cottage on the
estate of the formidable Lady Thorton - along with Lady Thorton
herself and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded cottage is
tense enough, and then, quite suddenly, Ruth, a Jewish girl from
Germany, moves in. A German? The occupants of the house are
horrified. But other impacts of the war become far more frightening.
As death creeps closer to their door, life and morality during
wartime grow more complex. Who is Ada now? How can she keep
fighting? And who will she struggle to save?" Publisher
I absolutely loved this book. I found myself wanting to read it any
spare moment I had. Although I had not read the other books about
Ada I did not have any trouble following the storyline - although I
will be seeking out the first book! The characters are so lifelike
and it is extremely easy to make emotional connections with each and
every one of them. The story touches on persistence, love,
friendship and ignorance.
It would make a fantastic read aloud although it would need to be
for upper primary students as there are references to the abuse and
neglect Ada faced prior to being evacuated from London. It provides
a fantastic insight into the hardships that affected all during the
war - from the very poor to the wealthy. A must have for the library
collection. Teacher's
notes are available.
Kathryn Schumacher
Gladys goes to war by Glyn Harper
Ill. by Jenny Cooper. Picture Puffin, 2016. ISBN 9780143507208
Auckland, New Zealand in the very early 20th century when girls were
still supposed to be seen and not heard, despite having had voting
rights since 1893 - still very much an English colonial mentality
where they busied themselves with music, needlework and other
"feminine" tasks. However, unlike her sisters, Gladys was not good
at such things, preferring instead to spend her time under the
bonnet of her brothers' cars and those of their friends.
"No one will want to marry a mechanic" her mother told her, echoing
the feelings and the culture of the times. But her mother was wrong
and in 1912 she met and married William Henning who taught her to
drive and then set up a car sales business in Auckland. Being
competent and comfortable in this "men's world" meant that it was no
surprise that when her husband and brothers enlisted when World War
I broke out that Gladys wanted to go too. But her efforts were met
with the typical chauvinistic response of the times . . . "If you
want to help the war effort, you should stay at home and knit socks
and balaclavas."
But they had underestimated Gladys's determination and in 1916 with
the assistance of the New
Zealand Volunteer Sisterhood she was reunited with her husband
in Egypt becoming an ambulance driver, and when he was sent to
France she went to England. But again male-dominated bureaucracy
determined her place was in the hospital scrubbing floors not
driving ambulances. Until one evening, there was a shortage of
drivers . . .
This is the story of just one of the many
women who played an active part in World War I as doctors,
nurses, ambulance drivers and so much more, rather than being the
stereotype wife/mother/ sister/ daughter who 'kept the home fires
burning'. Despite their important contribution throughout history,
so many women have been written out of it and when a request through
a local network for a book for younger readers about World War I
from a female perspective there was a paucity of replies. Yet there
are so many stories
that could be told from both New Zealand and Australia.
Gladys was a pioneer in so many fields - in 1927, having survived
both the war and Spanish flu, she and her friend Stella Christie
became the first women to transverse Australia east to west and
north to south in a car - and so bringing her wartime service to
light is just the beginning of the stories that could be told about
this remarkable woman. But as well as her personal chronicle, this
could be a springboard for having students investigate and retell
the stories of other women whose contributions have been
overshadowed by those of their male counterparts. Searching the Australian War Memorial's site
for "women in war" is a good starting point.
However, even if Gladys's story is just shared as a standalone, it
is a sound representation of #nevertheless,shepersisted
Barbara Braxton
Road Trip by Danny Parker
Ill. by Nathaniel Eckstrom. Little Hare, 2017. ISBN 9781760127404
It's a familiar scene on Australian roads - cars packed to
overflowing as the family heads out on a road trip. And, inside, the
conversation is just as familiar . . . "How long till we get there,
Dad?" "About an hour." "How long is an hour?"
Clearly, for this father and son that's the start of this new
adventure because in clever rhyming verse Dad lists all the things
that take an hour.
It's sixty short minutes, not one moment more.
A bike ride,
A boat trip,
Ice cream by the shore.
It's a hammock in summer; or the park with the dogs.
It's a snuggle in winter; hot chocolate with rugs . . .
But as the drive continues from the city through magnificent
countryside his son gets more and more frustrated urging his dad to
go faster.
But Dad is quite content to stick to the speed limit and enjoy the
journey as the scenery unfolds. Until finally . . .
This story will be familiar to most families who have ever
undertaken a journey that goes beyond the regular routine of shops,
schools and sportsgrounds. Parents will relate to the joy of just
getting away from those clogged, crowded roads and breathing the
country air, while their children will be full of the excitement and
anticipation of the destination and couldn't care about the journey.
And why does it always take longer to get there than it does to get
home? And how long is an hour anyway? What are the fun things that a
family does that fill in an hour?
Apart from the charming illustrations which bring the journey to
life for the adult reader but which tend to show the countryside as
somewhat bland and featureless as a child sees it, illustrator
Nathaniel Eckstrom has cleverly added some ideas in the endpages
which suggest ways that child passengers might like to engage with
the journey - making maps, writing a journey, recording a diary
(although the concept of a cassette tape might baffle). Anything
other than "I Spy" or playing video games.
This grandma who lives 90 minutes through the countryside from her
granddaughters just might have to get creative. Perhaps a scavenger
hunt looking through the car windows, or a count-the-clouds
competition.
A CBCA Notable for 2018, it is worthy of that honour.
Barbara Braxton
Monsters of men by Patrick Ness
Chaos walking, book 3. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406379181
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Winner Carnegie Medal 2011. Themes:
Dystopian fiction. Survival. Warfare. Stereotypes. "Three armies
march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others.
Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape.
As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How
can there ever be peace when they're so hopelessly outnumbered? And
if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await?"
(Publisher) Monsters of men brings to a close the stunning Chaos walking
series. Amid the warfare, violence and despair, Todd and Viola's
love for each other stands out as a beacon, and keeps the reader
hopeful of some type of resolution. There is also the glimmer of
hope for redemption and that not even monsters are wholly evil, even
the mayor Prentiss.
This is a tense, electrifying book that requires much resilience
from its reader and the conclusion is stunning. There is a book
trailer for the book on Patrick Ness' website,
where he also reads from Monsters of men and has a
conversation.
Pat Pledger
The ask and the answer by Patrick Ness
Chaos walking, book 2. Walker Books, 2009. ISBN 9781406379174
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. After the relentless suspense and an
incredible cliff hanger ending in The knife of letting go, I
wasn't sure if the sequel could live up to that Guardian Children's
Fiction Prize winning book. However I was not disappointed! Ness has
written another wonderful book full of action and issues that made
me think long after I finished the book. Todd has taken the dying
Viola into Haven but it has been made into the stronghold of his
enemy Mayor Prentiss. Imprisoned, Todd is forced to fit into the new
order and carries out Prentiss' awful orders. Not knowing what has
happened to Viola, he follows directions, putting bands on the
Spackle who are herded into a labour camp. He also bands the women.
There are secrets, resistance movements and dire times for Todd and
Viola, who are separated but still care for each other.
I can't reveal too much except to say that the action is non-stop,
the dialogue is as fabulous as the first book and the theme of what
people will do in times of war and how they act under duress will
stay with me. The manipulation over people's minds by Mayor Prentiss
is described so vividly that I finished the book with a clearer
understanding of how a powerful personality can sway all before him. Chaos walking is an engrossing series and I can't wait for
the next instalment, after another cliffhanger ending.
Pat Pledger
The knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness
Chaos walking, Book 1. Walker, 2008. Reprint. ISBN
9781406379167
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. This is a stunning, unforgettable
book with a totally original plot that completely captures the
imagination of the reader. Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown, where
he is constantly battling against the jabber of The Noise. As a
result of a virus, everyone in Prentisstown can hear not only each
other's thoughts but those of animals. All the women and girls have
died so it is a male dominated society. When Todd finds a pool of
silence, he discovers to his amazement that it is a girl and he
cannot hear her thoughts. Pursued by Aaron, a religious zealot, and
the men of Prentisstown, Todd and Viola try to escape and the
resulting chase is fraught with danger and adventure.
The Noise is a wonderful ploy that pushes the action packed plot
along and brings alive the main characters. One of the most engaging
is Manchee, Todd's dog. Ness has managed to give an animal a really
credible voice. When Todd and Viola are being pursued, the thrill of
the chase is magnified by not only by being able to hear the noise
that the men make but their thoughts as well.
The story is much more than an exciting chase. Ness explores a
society where women are banned and a fundamentalist religion
dominates. Todd faces the moral dilemma of whether or not he can
kill a man and the ethics of murdering the Spackle, an indigenous
race, are examined.
Pat Pledger
Mummy Fairy and me by Sophie Kinsella
Puffin, 2018. ISBN 9780141377889
(Age: 5-8) "Hello. I'm called Ella Brook... My mummy looks normal,
like any other mummy... but she's not. Because she can turn into
fairy."
Ella tells four stories about her life with her mother or "Mummy
Fairy" as she calls her.
Ella comes from a long line of fairies and knows that she too will
be a fairy in the future and practise magic herself.
Young Ella keeps an eye on mummy's magic because her spells can get
very confused resulting in bizarre and funny situations.
"Fixeridoo!" shows Mummy Fairy using a magical spell to skip the
queue at the supermarket checkout ensuing a food frenzy and in
"Cupcakeridoo!" magical cupcake-making results in kitchen chaos.
Mummy Fairy is up to date with modern technology and uses her
"Computawand" and apps to generate her magic.
Sophie Kinsella (real name Madeleine Wickham) is well known for her
chick-lit novels such as the Shopaholic series so this is a
change of direction for her.
A larger sized font is used and the text is peppered with many black
and white illustrations by Marta Kissi. The appealing blue and pink
cover shows Ella with Mummy Fairy in full fairy mode. The books ends
with games and activities as well as a recipe to make your own fairy
cakes.
This book will charm 5-8 year olds.
Jane Moore
My sister by Joanna Young
New Frontier Press, 2018. ISBN 9781925594041
(Age: 3-5) Themes: Sisters. Family. Friendship. London based author
illustrator, Joanna Young, writes a lovingly conceived tale of
sisters, based on her own experiences growing up with a sister who
was very close. Deceptively simple warmly coloured illustrations
cover each page as the bold print outlines the relationship between
the two girls. They grow up together, sharing jokes and play time,
telling each other secrets and keeping them safe, keeping them up
when they are down, walking with them, being a close and supportive
sister.
The soft-edged illustrations complement the text on each page,
displaying what the sisters do for each other, underlining their
closeness and reciprocal delight in each other.
This would work well in a class where families are being discussed
as it shows the importance of closeness and support within a family.
Children will be able to reflect on the relationships within their
own families and see them as part of the wider emphasis on how each
member of family has a role in supporting each other.
Fran Knight
Begone the raggedy witches by Celine Kiernan
The wild magic Trilogy: Book 1 Walker Books, 2018. ISBN
9781406366020
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Themes: Fantasy. Witches. Good and
evil. Strong female character. On their way home from the hospital,
where Mup's great aunt lies dying, Mup sees the raggedy witches
flying along, leaping from tree to tree and following their car.
When they fail to persuade Mup's Mam to go with them, they kidnap
her father and the family is forced to try and rescue him. On the
other side of the border the land is strange and Mam is powerful and
strong. Mup realises that she too has witch's powers and is caught
up in the struggle of the land between the evil Queen and those who
oppose her.
Lyrical prose and wonderful characters made this a story that is
hard to put down. The world of the witches is described in detail,
and the magic that happens there is unique, frightening and
fascinating. There are people who can turn into birds, Mup's little
brother is turned into a dog who speaks so that he can keep up on
their swift journey and Crow the boy that Mup befriends is a raven
who must talk in rhyme.
Mup is an outstanding character, thoughtful, caring and brave, and
her courage and moral conviction about good and evil, shines out in
the book. As well as many exciting adventures that drag the reader
along at break-neck speed, there are dilemmas too that must be
considered by the reader. Did Aunty make the right decision in
keeping her niece away from the land where she had magical skills
and could have been a good leader? Should Crow's mother been more
loving and caring? Should people stand up against a tyrannical
leader?
This is an exciting and compelling read that will appeal to all
lovers of fantasy. It was so original and interesting that I
finished it in one sitting and look forward to the next in the
series.
Pat Pledger
The little stowaway by Vicki Bennett and Tully Suwannakit
Scholastic Press, 2018. ISBN 9781742993072
Highly recommended. Themes: War. This is a touching story about the
human spirit.
It is a well written story that can be used to talk about the
subject of war and that good things can come out of war.
Honore is lost in the snow, hungry and cold. He finds the Australian
flying Corps and this changes his life for the better.
The illustrations in this book are tied well with historical photos
which highlights the true story in this book, and what one man did
to change the life of a child forever. This book highlights the
human spirit and courage.
This book is an easy to read story about war that can engage readers
of a wide range of ages.
I highly recommend this book.
Karen Colliver
Rose Raventhorpe investigates: Hounds and hauntings by Janine Beacham
Little Brown Books for Children, 2018. ISBN 9781510201323
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Themes: Detectives. Criminal investigation.
Secret societies. A huge ghost dog wanders the streets of Yorke
frightening the superstitious townsfolk. Is Barghest the
sharp-toothed, red-eyed hound responsible for the death of young
Moll a pickpocket in Mad Meg Lane? It's time for young Rose
Raventhorpe, her friend Orpheus, and Heddsworth, Rose's butler, to
investigate a new crime and find the culprit.
After an early morning fencing practice on top of the city wall, the
trio head towards a new chocolate emporium. On the way they discover
the crime scene and Rose quietly starts to look at the surroundings
for clues the police have missed. Authoress Miss Wildcliffe and her
large dog Wolf also happen upon the scene and become falsely accused
of the crime. Rose, Orpheus and the secret society of Silvercrest
Butlers begin their own investigation as the police try to convince
everyone Miss Wildcliffe's dog is to blame. As the action moves
through the city there are confrontations, consequences for actions
and plenty of drama throughout. The children take on the Lord
Mayor's Wakemen who patrol the town bullying and threatening those
who stand in their way. With Rose's parents away, she is able to
explore the Victorian city, the alleyways, visit Miss Wildcliffe's
home on the moors and gather the vital information needed to solve
the mystery.
Janine Beacham's third novel in the Rose Raventhorpe
investigates series is filled with the colourful characters,
atmospheric settings and action-filled scenes that keep the reader
wanting more. Hounds and hauntings is a great novel to add
to the popular genre of historical mysteries.
Rhyllis Bignell
