The Guy, The girl, The Artist And His Ex by Gabrielle Williams
Allen & Unwin. 2015. ISBN: 9781743319550
(Age:14+) Highly recommended. This book is impossible to put down.
It tells of the main characters Guy, Rafi, Luke and Penny - and the
reader is simply compelled to find out what will happen next.
The book uses a real life event as the basis of the plot. In 1985
The National Gallery of Victoria had purchased the work "The Weeping
Woman", by Picasso, for A$1.6 million. The theft was claimed to be
made by a group calling itself "Australian Cultural Terrorists".
After an anonymous tip-off to police, the painting was found
undamaged in a locker at Spencer Street Station on 19 August 1986.
The inclusion of letters to the editor from that time add values to
the story.
So how do these four people feature here? Guy is a world class
expert in Hacky Sack and is failing at school. A Girl (Rafi) is
overly responsible, smart and lives with, and cares for, her mother.
Her mother is tormented by the death of her son and believes in the
curse of La Llorona. An artist (Luke) has a rebellious nature and is
the one to watch, the one to buy - he just didn't care. The girl
(Penny) used to live with Luke and has a young son, Joshie. She
keeps hoping they will get back together.
The lives of Rafi, Penny, Luke and Guy intersect on one night in
Melbourne - and their lives are changed forever.
This is a book about love, madness, art, grief and making mistakes.
The story, heart-warming and heart breaking, is so beautifully
written that the reader really cares about the characters and what
will happen for them. This book also urges the reader search the
internet to find out more about the heist and of La Llorona.
Linda Guthrie
The Last Place by Michael Adams
Last trilogy bk 4. Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781743316740
(Age: 15+) The last place concludes the fast paced sci-fi
trilogy by Michael Adams.
The action from the first book to the last is compressed into a few
months, and the young protagonist, Danby, has by now become a
battle-hardened 'soldier' who is too reliant on uppers to keep her
going. Her judgement is clouded and she is alienating her only
companion because she doesn't want to get too close - she is so
focussed on the fight with Jack (now a hive mind) - she has lost a
lot of perspective.
It's an interesting challenge to try to maintain sympathetic
identification with such a person, but as the novel progresses, we
see maturity and experience working on her in a positive way.
This book is best read immediately following the first two. It would
appeal to middle secondary school students who enjoy immediacy of
action and a fast story.
Anne Veitch
Amulet Keepers by Michael Northrop
Tombquest bk 2. Scholastic Australia, 2015. ISBN
9781760150389
The Tombquest series follows the model of Scholastic's previous
offerings with an interactive game promoted in association with the
books. Fans of this series will need an interest in all things
related to mummies and Egyptology and be comfortable with the dark
and depressing atmosphere of an old London cemetery and creaky
Museum.
It follows The
Book of the Dead in which Alex's life is saved by his
desperate mother using the Lost Spells of the Egyptian Book of the
Dead. Unfortunately Death Walkers are awakened at the same time and
his mother disappears along with the Lost Spells. Having defeated
one of the Death Walkers in New York and learning about the
mysterious Order, Alex and Ren, his best friend, head to London
where strange things are happening.
Fortunately Alex's cousin Luke has been sent along to attend an
athletics camp as he needs to save them from some suspicious thugs
before they leave the airport and continues to turn up at random
times throughout the book fortunately at a critical time to disrupt
the enemy.
With missing persons, the disappearance of Dr Ardit, their contact
at the British Museum, a mummified cat which comes to life, amulets
with magical powers, and strange happenings at Highgate Cemetery,
the adventure continues.
Alex is solely focussed on finding his mother and takes off on his
own whilst Ren frightened and cautious is keen to learn more from
the museum before taking on the Death Walkers and the not so old
mummy of British tomb raider Captain Willoughby. Both are in danger
and it is only by working together that they are able to succeed.
Personally this is not a series I will be keen to continue reading
as I am neither a fan of Mummy mysteries nor have I been able to
develop a sympathetic affinity for Alex, the main character and his
guilt laden single minded behaviour.
Sue Keane
Under My Skin by James Dawson
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN: 9781471402968
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. 'You have changed me so much and, here's the thing: I needed to change. Before you I thought I was weak scared and uncertain . . . You made me see I was wrong. You made me realise I could do things I never thought I could do.'
James Dawson writes teen Horror with great skill and this book is no exception. It is difficult to put this book down as the writer skilfully draws the reader into the sinister and terrifying world Sally encounters.
Sally Feather is 17 years old. She is shy and lives with parents who keep her world cloistered and safe. Sally gets straight A's in school and has a beautiful singing voice. She finds High School to be a complete nightmare. She's not an A-Lister, a Hot Jock, or a Band member, she belongs to the waifs and strays. Sally wants more. Inside Sally is a wild child looking to escape.
Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo? A tattoo can be a very special secret for a shy teenager. This story has Sally, one afternoon after school, finding herself in a Tattoo Parlour and leaving with a truly beautiful American pin-up girl on her lower back. The girl is sexy, daring and dangerous and Sally's life will never be the same. Then the reader meets Molly Sue. At first Molly Sue seems to be a likeable character, however some incidents begin to build an unease in the reader and take on a sinister glow.
This is more than a horror story as it cleverly layers the issues of abusive relationships, cyber bullying, friendship, jealousy, anorexia and self-image through this gripping tale. The book is engaging from beginning to end as Sally transforms in confidence, rebelliousness and strength. Her strength is never more evident than in the dramatic conclusion.
Linda Guthrie
New Boy by Nick Earls
Puffin Books, 2015. ISBN 9780143308393
(Age: 10+) Nick Earls is a popular award-winning author whose recent
novel New Boy tells the story of Herschelle, a South African boy of
Dutch ancestry. Upon arriving in Australia with his family,
Herschelle unexpectedly discovers he will 'have to confront racism,
bullying and his own past before Australia can feel like home . . .
'
A difficult task, especially as school bully Lachlan is on his case
making fun of Herschelle's name and accent. Then Herschelle's own
opinion that the school staff made a monumental mistake appointing
Max the nerd as his official buddy, isn't helping either. It seems
for Herschelle, any visions he once had of teaming up with the cool
kids at his new school are evaporating fast. Not a good start. But
undeterred, he shares his knowledge of the Australian vernacular,
all of which he has thoroughly researched on the internet even
before his arrival in Australia, but the whole experience goes awry
following a red-faced incident in the classroom. Assimilation into
life at One Mile Creek seems foiled, and he really misses his friend
Richard Frost back in South Africa. All is not lost however. Things
look up when Herschelle and Max discover their common love of sport,
and their friendship begins to flourish. However, even this
friendship will be tested after the barbeque. With consequences.
The start to Herschelle's new life in Australia is a little rocky,
but one cannot help liking this boy from South Africa who faces the
challenges of his new country with his integrity and sense of humour
intact. After reading New Boy, I am left with the feeling that
Herschelle will do just fine.
With humour, Nick Earls gently teases out many fundamental issues
faced by anyone new in a new environment: outward appearances may be
similar, but the shock of discovering a language, accent and culture
different from their own experience can leave many children
unprepared. Through his character Herschelle, Earls shows it is
possible to rise above the difficulties, to become a bridge between
the old and the new. Earls has written this story sensitively, and
his personal understanding of the trials faced by many a newbie at a
new school, or indeed any new situation, gives his narrative
gravitas. New Boy will appeal to a young teenage market.
Colleen Tuovinen
The Drowned Kingdom by Kate Forsyth
The Impossible Quest bk 4. Scholastic Australia, 2015.ISBN:
9781743624098
(Age: 10+) Fans of this fantasy adventure will be pleased to see
this next instalment which gives us more information about Quinn's
past and sheds some light on the motivation behind the original
invasion of Wolfhaven. Themes of good and evil, jealousy and
forgiveness abound. The Impossible Quest continues as Quinn, Tom, Sebastian and
Elanor have only one more object to collect and then hopefully the
Grand Teller's prophecy will come true and the people of Wolfhaven
will be saved. How hard can it be to find the scale of a sea serpent
when they have a unicorn, griffin and baby dragon to help?
Having successfully escaped from Blackmoor Bog the young friends
seek out Master Willard who has vast sailing experience in the hope
he can help them find sea serpents. As it turns out it was he who
found Quinn as a baby when she washed up in a basket and as well as
a map he also gives Quinn the baby rattle he has kept for her all
these years.
After securing a boat the team set off for the Drowned Kingdom,
animals included. As they near the Drowned Kingdom they are greeted
by rampant Sea Serpents resulting in Tom being seriously injured.
They are rescued by the besieged local inhabitants and learn much
more about the history of the Kingdom, and discover the truth about
Quinn's past. Think magic, spells, jealousy and witches. Will Tom
survive and how will their quest be advanced by this trip?
With three more books to follow there are still a lot of battles,
adventures and magic to be had. All the mystical creatures are in
place, now there are just castle stones to start singing, ghosts to
rise and the evil Lady Mortlake and her sister to defeat.
Sue Keane
Storm Rescue by Darrel and Sally Odgers
Ill. by Janine Dawson. Pup Patrol bk 3. Scholastic
Australia, 2015. ISBN 9781743623015
(Age: 6-8 years) Recommended. Storm Rescue is the third book in the
Pup Patrol Series by the same authors who bought us the
delightful Jack Russell: Dog Detective and Pet Vet
series. Aimed at the young independent reader and narrated by Stamp
we are given a dog's view of events.
Stamp, the Border Collie, and his friends Ace, 'a dog of mixed breed
and bad manners', and James, their human, attend the Great Atherton
K9 Festival, but competition is not the only challenge they have to
face. It appears that Cyclone Julia has headed out to sea as James
and the dogs arrive at the Festival campsite, meeting other
participants and organisers and inspecting the course in preparation
for the competition the next day. Ace is less than happy, though
young Imogen's attempts to make friends impress her.
Cyclone Julia arrives with little warning and the campers and their
animals head to the nearby woolshed for shelter. There Stamp helps
James and other Civil Defence volunteers secure the site and round
up panicked animals whilst Ace keeps Imogen company as the storm
rages outside.
As the cyclone passes it is up to Stamp to find Imogen and Ace who
appear to have gone missing during the night.
There are many appealing features to this story, not just the
messages about responsible dog ownership and care when approaching
unfamiliar animals. The black and white illustrations add to the
enjoyment and give readers visual clues to some of the events like
the cyclone's arrival. The addition of a glossary at the end of each
chapter explaining Stamp's own language like 'yaffle' and 'smarl'
and a variety of words with paws included like 'pawsessive' and
'suppaws' as well as concepts like Civil Defence and Pack Order help
support comprehension and add to the reader's knowledge.
Sue Keane
Almost Grace by Rosie Rowell
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471401275
(Age: 14+) Recommended. 'I will support and love you through
whatever it is that is causing you anxiety but I will not follow you
down this road of self-destruction.'
This book, the story of Grace, is set in South Africa. There are
explanations throughout the book of Afrikaans words. Grace has just
finished High School and is unsure of what the future may hold for
her. She is controlling the only thing she can control - her body.
It soon becomes apparent that she is eating little and her friends
and family are very concerned for her. She travels with her two
friends, Brett and Louisa, to a holiday house they are renting on
the coast at Baboon Point.
Here Grace meets Spook. He is older, mysterious, and appears to be a
carefree nomadic surfer. There is a familiarity about him that lends
to the attraction. When Spook leaves his car with the group for a
few days and goes off alone, the group encounters the dangerous
world of poaching.
'You have to let go of all that bullshit in your head.'
This story explores the ideas of identity, relationships and freedom
as we see the world through Grace's eyes. She is a searcher, looking
for meaning in her life. What will she find?
Linda Guthrie
Galactic Hot Dogs: Cosmoe's Wiener Getaway by Max Braillier
Ill. by Rachel Maguire and Nichole Kelley. Simon & Schuster,
2015. ISBN: 9781471123122
From The Wimpy Kid to Captain Underpants there has
been a surge in books featuring both text and cartoon styled
pictures. Some are easier to read than others. Cosmoe's Wiener
Getaway will appeal for the cartoon style but I fear that
there could be too much text, and action on each page for less
confident readers to be able to negotiate and understand. I had to
re-read quite often, but then I'm more than probably out of the loop
with both the style, language and content.
Cosmoe the Earth Boy and his alien friend Humphree have entered
their space ship the Neon Wiener in the Intragalactic Food Truck
Cook Off, run by evil Queen Dagger. Their offering is a Mega-Dog, a
giant hotdog, which is stolen by Princess Dagger who then stows away
on the Neon Wiener. Her mother the Queen, thinking that she has been
kidnapped, sends the Royal Amada of Jack Jets in pursuit.
In their bid to escape, especially as the Princess refuses to return
to the Queen they eventually discover the Lost Triangle (The Bermuda
Triangle of Space apparently) where legend has it treasure is to be
found. The treasure is one slice of a map-o-sphere. When they find
all 3 slices it will lead them to the Ultimate Evil. When this
information is accidently broadcast all and sundry are after them as
they follow clues to the other pieces.
With space pirates, Zombies all manner of evil space creatures, hot
sauce and fighting, the action is fast, furious and often quite
confusing. Like a good action comic there is an abundance of
exclamation marks and Onomatopoeia in a variety of fonts.
A saving grace is that the evil Princess turns out to be not so evil
after all, though she definitely enjoys the rough and tumble of
battle and has a leading role in the action joining forces with the
Neon Wiener crew to save the galaxy.
Sue Keane
Faking it by Gabrielle Tozer
HarperCollins, 2015. ISBN: 9780732297060
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. 'My name is Josie Browning, I'm
eighteen years old and I'm a fake ... but I don't want to be any
more.'
This is the sequel to 'Intern', but can read as a single book. This
was a great read and has the reader laughing out loud.
This is the story of Josie Browning and her role as junior writer
for the newly established Indi website. The website is preparing for
the launch when Josie's colleague, Sia, causes Josie to take on more
responsibilities for the launch. Josie is out of her depth - faking
it until she makes it. Josie also has a new boyfriend, James, and
she is desperate to lose her virginity. Josie has questions: When is
the right time? When is the right time for the perfect 'I love you'?
She sends an email with surprising results.
This book is hilarious as Josie's attempts to 'fake it' result in
misunderstandings and near disasters. Her 'frenemies' in the fashion
world cause high anxiety for Josie and just what is her relationship
with the mysterious Alex? Alex pops up unexpectedly and artfully
saves the day many times for Josie. Will he be taking the place of
James?
The characters are well developed and not only seem real, but have
the reader appreciating their vulnerabilities. The issues of
bullying, body image, self-confidence and sex add depth to this
story as Josie traverses her journey of self-discovery and
transforms by realising that being true to yourself is more
important to her than she knew.
'It was time to get real, live life and be myself - no heels
required.'
Linda Guthrie
The Possum Magic Cookbook compiled by Gina Inverarity and Celia Jellett
Ill. by Julie Vivas. Omnibus/Scholastic, 2015. ISBN: 9781742991214
(Age: 6+) Highly recommended. Grandma Poss is back with a collection
of fabulous Australian recipes for well known and loved food. All
the favourites are gathered here: Under the section Savouries
can be found Double decker sandwiches, tasty sausage rolls and
cheese straws as well as many other yummy things that kids (and
adults) will love to make. In the Sweets section, are 3 of
my personal all-time favourites: Pavlova, Anzac biscuits and
Lamingtons. And then there are recipes that are sure to tickle the
fancy of children: funny dip echidna, frog jelly and sparkle
biscuits. Each of the recipes is set out in a simple, easy to follow
way, with a note at the top to tell the user whether it is easy for
kids or if it needs an adult to help out. The ingredients are set
out in large type and the instructions can be read by an independent
reader.
To top off this great recipe book are the gorgeous illustrations by
Julie Vivas. One of my favourites is for the Easy Peasy Pizza where
Grandma Poss can be seen swinging around with stars surrounding her
while four little echidnas dressed as lifesavers carry a yummy pizza
on their heads. And there is the funny and charming way that the
possums have of separating eggs for the Pavlova.
This is a beautiful book that would be fabulous for both children
and adults alike. Not only does it have really wonderful recipes
gathered together in one volume, its illustrations set it apart.
Pat Pledger
The Big Wish by Brandon Robshaw
Chicken House, 2015. ISBN: 9781908435897
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Friendship, Wishes. Eleven
year old Sam's life is about to change radically. The holidays are
over and he's all set to start at Mary Seacole Comprehensive school,
new uniform, new bag and school supplies. With his old friend Evan
and dire warnings from older sister Maeve, they leave for their
first day. All goes well until recess when there's an encounter with
school bully Scorpus.
Sam's home life is unsettling as well, dad's job is a bit
vulnerable, his sister Maeve's boyfriend has moved on and mum's
worried about finances. That evening on a walk with his father and
Billiam their dog, Sam looks into the sky and wishes on a shooting
star. He asks for a million wishes, to fix all of his family's and
school problems. Next morning to Sam's surprise, his wish has come
true. Wishes come with responsibilities, Sam soon realises that
there are consequences and some are not in the best interest of the
person or people involved. There are humorous moments, when Evan and
Sam turn into giants with the right size clothing, the incident with
the giant hamburger and chips and also some hazardous moments. Sam
changes into The Incredible Hulk and nothing Scorpus tries can hurt
him.
In the end he comes to an understanding about decision making,
population explosion due to no more deaths and has to work out a
creative way to use up the final 998835 wishes.
Brandon Robshaw's novel could be used to read to a class, as a
stimulus for debates about making moral choices and the consequences
of Sam's actions.
Recommended for readers from 9 years.
Rhyllis Bignell
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Ill. by Quentin Blake. Puffin. 2015. ISBN 9780141341248
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: Family Life, Good and Evil,
Telekenisis, School. Roald Dahl's Matilda has been brought
to life on the stage. All the well known characters are there, the
all singing, all dancing the naughty students of the Crunchem Hall
Primary School, Miss Trunchbull the intimidating headmistress,
caring young teacher Miss Honey, magical Matilda and the
self-centred Wormwood family. This edition of the much-loved story
has been released as a tie-in to the musical.
First published in 1986, Roald Dahl's much-loved story delivers all
the expected elements to a new audience. Matilda is a special child
left to fend for herself by her dodgy car salesman father and
bingo-playing mother. At an early age, she teaches herself to read
and at four and a half, she walks through town to the library where
she is introduced to Dickens and Kipling and develops a love of
literature. She also enjoys little acts of revenge, one memorable
scene is the hair dye incident, adding her mother's blonde colour to
her father's dark hair dye bottle.
The school scenes are Dahl at his best, his characters are larger
than life, Miss Trunchbull's punishments are frightening. Matilda's
intelligence and sense of justice is nurtured by her young teacher
Miss Honey. She finally has someone who loves and appreciates her
character.
Children love the exaggerated humour, the silliness, the fight of
good and evil, the over-the-top characters. Quentin Blake's
illustrations add to the drama of this junior novel.
Recommended for readers over 8.
Rhyllis Bignell
Catalyst by Helen Coggan
Hodder & Stoughton, 2015. ISBN: 9781444794670
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Helen Coggan began this novel at the
age of 13 and has now published her first novel at the age of 15.
Her interview with BBC can be viewed here.
This action packed fantasy novel centres on Rose Elmsworth. She
lives in world newly formed after the First War of Angels. Society
in London is now divided. There are the Gifted (skilled in magic),
the Ashkind (mere mortals) and the Leeched (citizens that have
failed their Testing as teens and have had their abilities
stripped). Rose, however, is a 'hybrid'. Hybrids are greatly feared
and they are hunted and destroyed by the 'Department'. Rose and her
adoptive father David (also a hybrid) can become monsters at times
not of their own choosing and at vulnerable times must lock
themselves away to protect themselves. Rose is intelligent, feisty,
strong and has a close relationship with David. David is a leader in
the 'Department'.
This book is a real page turner and the reader is hooked from the
first page. As the story unfolds Rose is not only keeping her own
secrets safe, she is coming to terms with the secrets she gradually
learning - about David, the Department, the escaped prisoner and the
Demon child. Rose struggles with the use of violence, and the
actions taken by the Department to control the citizens.
Davis has a mysterious past, and this along with the dramatic and
surprising ending to the book, leaves the way open for a sequel.
Linda Guthrie
Second Life by S.J Watson
Text, 2015. ISBN 9781922079251
(Age: Adult) Recommended. S.J. Watson is the author of the best
seller Before I Go To Sleep and he likes to put a twist in
his novels that leaves the reader gasping in surprise and scrambling
back through the novel to look for the clues missed in the first
reading. His latest novel Second Life is a psychological
thriller that centres on Julia and her relationships with her
husband, son and sister.
At the beginning of the novel Julia learns that Kate has been
murdered in an alleyway in Paris and that the murder is not solved.
Despite this, Julia (the main character and narrator) does not
endear herself to the reader. It is difficult to resist judging her
thoughts and actions and as her life begins to spiral out of control
and the reader begins to experience the chaos that addiction brings
to the life of an addict. The justifications Julia gives for her
actions are revealing of her past addictions and obsessions, and in
some way explain the almost placid response of her husband, Hugh, to
her increasingly odd behaviour.
This is a story of addiction - to alcohol, drugs and sex. The
writing is compelling as it portrays the double life Julia leads as
she begins to unravel the mystery of her sister's death and becomes
embroiled in the world of online dating and virtual sex. As the book
trailer artistically shows, there is the possibility that Julia will
lose it all - her family, her friends and her self-respect.
This is a book best suited to be read by adults.
Linda Guthrie
