Reviews

The disreputable history of Frankie Landau-Banks by E Lockhart

Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781760113308
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Humour, Boarding school, Relationships, Secret societies, Gender, Power. At fourteen, Frankie is small, under developed and a bit geeky, but over the summer, boys begin to notice her and in her second year at the prestigious boarding school, Alabaster, she attracts the attention of one boy, senior Matthew Livingstone, and joins his group. But has she? This tongue in cheek story has her being with the group in the cafe, going on clandestine excursions with them, but curiously simply part of the wallpaper. Biting commentary on the rich and famous at this school kept me reading as some like Matthew go to great lengths to never mention their wealth, but it shows all the same. Their lives are laid out for them: a very exclusive school, then on to Harvard, later taking over the family firm. The smugness of Matthew and many of his male friends reflects the power that only the rich can command, and Frankie comes to realise that she wants to be part of it. But the girls are simply there as window dressing to do as expected. But not so Frankie. The more she becomes involved with Matthew, the more the reader can see how one sided the relationship is: his friends come before Frankie, a phone call from Alpha means Frankie is left - immediately, Matthew has no interest whatsoever in her friends, home and family, and breaks dates with her without explanation.
Made of sterner stuff, she sets out to infiltrate their secret society, one that her father mentioned, The Loyal Order of Bassett Hounds. She inadvertently saw one meeting in progress, and resenting her lowly position within the group, decides to spy on them, a skill for which she finds she has some talent.
Frankie infiltrates the all male group, using Alpha's name to send out plans that are carried out religiously. She causes mayhem on the campus, setting up audacious pranks, the dogs wagging their tails to her bidding. She finds the original book for the Loyal Order and things come to a head when she sees that people still think Alpha is pulling the strings.
A funny and biting look at the society within the elite school, Frankie's character is wholly entertaining as she develops her powers, both within herself and over the boys' secret society. A fabulous addition to the growing chick-lit stable of great literature, replete with discussions about societies, gender, words and power. Frankie's interest in secret societies injects the background of this story as does her interest in words and their derivations and usages, all adding to the humour of the tale.
Fran Knight

Withering-by-Sea: A Stella Montgomery Intrigue by Judith Rossell

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

Hodder Children's Books, 2015. ISBN 9781444921922
(Age: 15+) Follow the Rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love. The world that I have come from is in ruins. There are so few of us from our time. But if we don't follow the Rules, everything that matters will be gone. Friends. Families. Dreams. Love. Ethan can never know my secret. That I am not from another place but that I am from another time.
I am always intrigued with time traveling books and have always enjoyed them. But I really struggled with the Here and Now as it didn't have the thrill of adventure that the blurb screamed. It was a slow going novel but it was an easy story line to understand. Ann Brashares description was helpful and made reading the novel easier, she did leave out information of the future timeline that was hinted at but this made the storyline much more interesting. Prenna, the protagonist of The Here and Now, evolves within the story and tries to save her timeline.
Cecilia Richards

The third chimpanzee for young people: On the evolution and future of the human animal by Jared Diamond

Oneworld Publications, 2014. ISBN 9781780746043
Recommended (Age: 14+) As his title suggests, Jared Diamond sees human beings as the product of evolution, and of its guiding principle natural selection. To this Pulitzer Prize-winning Professor of Geography, evolution raises more questions than it answers. His hypotheses provide some challenging insights into human behaviour. Having traced the ascent of humankind, Diamond turns his attention to its impact on the planet. After considering climate change, the extinction of species and the loss of Indigenous peoples, he concludes that the negative effects of the growth of human power have the potential to overturn the balance of nature. Despite the threat that humanity poses to its own existence, Jared Diamond declares that he is 'cautiously hopeful' because people can learn from the past.
Rebecca Stefoff's adaptation of Jared Diamond's original work explains complex concepts clearly and concisely. Subjects such as sexuality, death, self-destructive behaviours and genocide are examined in a frank, detached, informative manner that combines scientific inquiry with the sweep of human history. Occasional flashes of emotion are revealed when the author reflects on the disappearance of a species or culture. Scientific terms are defined with elaboration rather than avoided or simplified, and their meanings are clarified further in a useful glossary. Black and white illustrations and photographs enhance the text.
There are at least two reasons to read The third chimpanzee. The first is to find out how a scholar can interpret evidence drawn from a broad knowledge of the human and natural world. The second is to share a thought-provoking contemplation of the evolution of humanity and civilisation. Whether or not readers agree with Jared Diamond's interpretation of life on Earth, they may find themselves pondering the issues raised, long after they have finished reading the book.
Elizabeth Bor

Hush by Karen Robards

Hodder, 2014. ISBN 9781444797862
(Age: Adult) Romantic suspense. Thriller. Riley Cowan discovers her ex-husband's body hanging from a staircase. It looks like a suicide but Riley is convinced that Jeff would not have killed himself. He had been on the trail of people who were trying to find out where his father had hidden the millions that he had ripped off investors and Riley believes that someone has murdered him. Snatching his phone, she leaves the building, knowing that she and her in-laws could be the next victim of an unscrupulous gangster out to retrieve the money. Her path crosses that of FBI agent, Finn Bradly, sent to investigate the case, and sparks fly as they try to find out who the murderer is and who is sending hit men after her.
Robards is a New York Times best-selling author well known for her romantic suspense novels. With Hush she delivers an easy to read thriller that packs enough punch to keep the reader entertained and uncertain about what is happening. There is plenty of action for the adrenaline addict as suspense is built up with the killer stalking, threatening and kidnapping. A few unexpected twists and turns keep the reader glued to the page and the sizzling romance between Riley and Finn adds to the enjoyment of the book. The relationship between Riley and her ex's mother and sister also gives depth to the story. It rounded out Riley's character and made the reader very sympathetic to her point of view as she, coming from a poverty stricken background, has the skills to look after them as they struggle to live without money since all their assets have been taken by the government.
This is an ideal summer holiday read - enjoyable and not very demanding - with likeable characters and lots of action. The narrative flows along at a cracking pace which ensures that it is quite a quick read. Some explicit sex scenes make it a book for adults.
Pat Pledger

The Icicle Illuminarium by N. J. Gemmell

Random House Australia Children's, 2014. ISBN 9780857985675
(Age: 9-12) Continuing the story of the off-the-wall crazy but courageous Caddy kids, Kick, Bert, Scruff and Pin, The Icicle Illuminarium takes up the story after Dad has returned safely but beset with illness from his war stint in the jungles. And joy of joys, their faithful dingo dog Bucket is back as well!
But when Dad is sent away to recuperate, the children are devastated - until a clue from their favourite butler leads them to hope that perhaps their mother is also still alive.
Following a string of clues, the intrepid bush kids set off on a madcap adventure, but are unaware that the strange Lady Adora has other plans in mind for them. Kidnapped and captive in the 'coldest, loneliest and most falling-down place' in England, this quartet is undeterred and determined as always. Receiving help from unexpected sources and willing Bucket to help Uncle Basti to find them, the Caddy kids once again prove their resourcefulness and indomitable spirit.
If you are looking for a book to grab your readers around 9-12 this might just fit the bill - don't forget to pick up the first in the series The Kensington Reptilarium (which I reviewed in October 2013) as well! These books would also be a good fit for literature circles for Upper Primary students so do keep that in mind as well.
A fast-moving adventure story with some definitely kooky characters and some strong family and personal values, this is one for the readers looking for something out of the ordinary!
Sue Warren

Banjo: The man who wrote Waltzing Matilda by Paul Terry

Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743317976
(Age: Upper primary - Secondary) Marking 150 years since the birth of one of Australia's iconic writers in 1864, Paul Terry has written the biography on A.B. (Banjo) Paterson. As we focus on his time in our history as we commemorate World War 1 (Paterson was a war correspondent for the Boer War and served as a remount officer in WWI despite already being 50 at its outbreak) Terry not only examines Paterson's life but also the people and the circumstances that influenced him. It is these encounters which formed the backbone of his writing, producing the bush ballads that are part of the Australian psyche.
This is a very readable biography which looks at the man, his family and friends and his life rather than more common literary criticism of his work, yet still clearly showing the factors that influenced his writing. Students who have discovered The man from Snowy River, Mulga's Bill's bicycle, The bush christening and Clancy of the Overflow and who want to know about the man behind the words will love this.
Barbara Braxton

House of robots by James Patterson

Random House Australia, 2014. ISBN 9780099568278
(Age: 10-12) There is no doubt that James Patterson must rank as one of the most highly successful authors of our times. His adult novels have always attracted huge readership and now he is simply tearing away with his books for children. I've now been lucky enough to review several and just love this new one, first in a series which upper/middle school kids will thoroughly enjoy.
Young Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez is one of those kids who is considered 'different' and always seems to be on the losing side of everything. He has a rather unusual family too. A mother who is a super-geek scientist building cutting edge robots and robotic devices, a dad who is a successful manga comic writer, a much loved little sister who suffers from an immune-deficiency condition and a whole house of very quirky robots.
Though the robots can make life easier in some ways, such as Mr Moppenshine keeping everything spick and span and Hayseed ensuring the garden grows plentifully, the newest robot 'E' is less than acceptable to Sammy. E is super smart and very pedantic and when his parents insist on E going to school with Sammy to undergo his final testing, Sammy is less than pleased.
Having to deal with the slings and arrows of outrageous bullying and having E shadow him constantly creates great angst for Sammy. But just as E starts to make an impact on both Sammy and his schoolmates and teachers, there is a dramatic development when E is botnapped!!
Realising his somewhat unfriendly attitude towards E may have been partially responsible for E's disappearance; Sammy is determined to track down the perpetrators of the cyber-crime.
With a very satisfying happy ending - not just for Sammy but for his entire family - when E is returned, rebuilt and restored to his original condition and intention, readers will enjoy the justice and compassion in this story. Highly illustrated to the point of almost being a graphic novel, this will also appeal to the more reluctant readers and though essentially a 'boy' story, I foresee that girls will also enjoy the humour and action of this one.
Kick off your new year with this addition to the shelves - and watch the readers around 10-12 scramble for it!
Sue Warren

Rogue wave by Jennifer Donnelly

Waterfire saga bk 2. Hodder Children's Books 2015. ISBN 9781444926187
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Once more Jennifer Donnelly sends her readers on a whirlwind adventure of mermaid drama in the second instalment of the Waterfire saga. A rich fantasy writer, she yet again lives up to her name in this magical adventure.
Picking up from where its predecessor left off, Rogue wave follows Serafina as she escapes through the mirror into Lord Rorrim's realm. There she must summon her courage in order to escape from his clutches. But escaping from Lord Rorrim is the least of her worries; she has a realm to take back and an entire ocean to save from the dreaded Abbadon, a monster which many merls believe long dead. Together with five other mermaids, she must recover the lost talismans of The Six Who Ruled. Only then can the monster be subdued. However, along the way she must learn important lessons about the wisdom of being a ruler, and rediscover her mother's love for her people, whether well-off or the dregs of merl society. She and the rebels desperately await the return of her uncle with the promised goblin armies which will drive out Miromara's imposters and restore Serafina as Regina in her late mother's stead. However, as Serafina searches for her Merrow's talisman things become a lot more complicated and, as with any adventure, things are never as simple as they seem.
Such a rich fantasy, it will transport readers into another world with its beautiful imagery and unanticipated plot. It certainly speaks to young readers with lessons about listening, not being too hasty and doing what is right for the greater number. I would recommend this to readers of fantasy aged ten and upwards.
Kayla Gaskell, age eighteen.

Lyka's adventure: Lyka and the secret forest by Atley Loughridge

Penguin, 2014. ISBN 9780143308324
(Age: 6-10) Planet Ahmee is dying, and there's only one robot with a heart big enough to rescue it. Lyka, lovable friend to all living creatures, sets off across the galaxy on a quest to find the answers about the natural world that will save her home from the deadly disaster that is climate change. Leaving behind everything she knows and loves, Lyka must travel through space to the strange and wild land of the scientist who created her... planet Earth! In a high-octane race against time, she will cross all seven continents to find hidden symbols and unlock the knowledge they represent. Will she make it before Ahmee collapses and Lyka's fellow robots are lost in space forever?
But this is not just a storybook. Created by Lance Weiler, it is a multi-modal experience featuring not just the book but also a plush toy that has a special pocket in its heart for the reader to insert their smartphone to download and activate an app that unlocks a lot more to accompany the story including extra story content, activities, and sneak peeks into Lyka's world... (The app can be downloaded without the toy - an activation code is included in the introductory pages of the book.) There are also supporting websites - http://www.penguin.com.au/lyka/ and http://www.lykasadventure.com/ - and the concept is explained on YouTube.
However, it is much more than a gadget-driven, short-lived experience because it has been deliberately created in a partnership between Penguin Books Australia and Connected Sparks  to support the Australian Curriculum Sustainability cross-curriculum priority. Lyka travels across Australia addressing key environmental issues using science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). Penguin have developed a range of teaching resources to support this learning  and there will be a series of eight chapter books which have all been reviewed by scientists and science teachers plus the Cloud Institute for Sustainability in Education.
This may herald the future face of children's reading and their expectations of it. Multi-modal and multi-media that engages them through real-life issues and interactivity, introducing 6-10 year olds to their world in a unique way.
Barbara Braxton

Cold cold heart by Tami Hoag

Orion Books, 2014. ISBN 9781409151951
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Serial killers. Murder. Post-traumatic stress. Dana Nolan had been a promising news reporter when a notorious serial killer had kidnapped her. She had the strength of will to survive her ordeal, but the scars run deep and she is beset with a brain injury that has affected her memories. She no longer is the happy, perky blond reporter who was optimistic; instead she is beset with nightmares and can no longer trust anyone. She often blurts out exactly what she is thinking, which in addition to the awful scars that she bears, makes it hard for her and her family. Her experiences have led her to have a deep mistrust of everyone and she is treated as a victim by the press. When she returns to her hometown to recover from her injuries, she finds herself obsessed with the disappearance of her friend, Casey Grant, many years before and sets out to investigate, upsetting the small community in which she lives.
Hoag has written an exciting thriller that is extended with the information that the reader gains about the effect that brain injuries can have on the individual. Dana is struggling with her memories, the old Dana and the new post serial killer Dana and what her brain is telling her about the past. The introduction of John Villante, an ex-soldier with post-traumatic stress and the vivid descriptions of how this has affected him and also how he is treated by society also adds another dimension to a good mystery. There are many twists and turns in this thriller that make it an exciting read but it is the main characters' experiences that lifted it above the norm.
Hoag keeps up the suspense with the introduction of several suspects who could have been involved in the disappearance of Casey, each being believable until the final chapters. She also finds herself examining just how she reacted when her best friend disappeared. Did she lie and cover up things about the event?
This is a very exciting book that readers in the mystery and thriller genre would enjoy.
Pat Pledger

Squishy McFluff: Supermarket sweep by Pip Jones

Ill. by Ellie Okstad. Faber and Faber, 2014. ISBN 9780571302529
(Age: K-2) Squishy McFluff is so sweet, you'll be smitten. Such a clever and funny invisible kitten!
Imagine the fun of having a cat that only you can see, especially when it is really good at inventing great things to do like playing hide-and-seek at which he is world champion. This is Ava's luck. She has a big imagination and is happiest when she's playing with her cat, even though it can lead to trouble - which is exactly what happens in this adventure at the supermarket.
Beginning with creating havoc as soon as they get in the car which only an overworked mechanic can fix, this story-in-rhyme tells a tale of mayhem and disaster about what really should be the most mundane of chores. Much preferring to be out in the forest digging for treasure and searching for elves than looking for pickles and pastries on shelves, Squishy devises a plot that involves a race with a supermarket trolley.
Young children will love this new series from this English author as it holds many laughs and just a little bit of naughty. Ella Okstad's limited-palette illustrations are charming, capturing the essence of the text perfectly.
As with many new series, there's a website with extra information and more fun and games at http://squishymcfluff.com/
This is something a little bit different to offer those just getting started on their independent reading journey who need a bit of support through short chapters, larger font and uncomplicated vocabulary - I think they will be eagerly awaiting the next adventure.
Barbara Braxton

And the band played Waltzing Matilda by Eric Bogle

Ill. by Bruce Whatley. Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781743317051
Is there a more haunting tune about World War I than Eric Bogle's classic 'And the band played Waltzing Matilda'? Beginning with...
'Now when I was a young man, I carried me pack, and I lived the free life of a rover From the Murray's green basin to the dusty outback, well I waltzed my Matilda all over'
it tells the story of a young man, almost any young man of 1915 in Australia, who took up arms to fight in the war at a time when Australia was trying to meet its quota for Britain and to not fight for King and Country branded you a coward.
'They gave me a tin hat and they gave me a gun, and they marched me away to the war.'
Throughout the song and the journey, from the ship departing, the slaughter of Gallipoli, the hospital for the wounded and the arrival of 'the crippled, the wounded, the maimed, the legless, the armless, the blind, the insane' at Circular Quay, there is the poignant refrain of the band playing Waltzing Matilda, the iconic song that many believe should be our national anthem as it connects us in a way like no other. And finally, as an old man, he sits on his porch and watches the parade while his comrades pass before him and he knows that soon, as more old men disappear, 'Someday no one will march there at all'.
How proud and amazed would be those who came home - and those who didn't - to see that this is not a forgotten war, they are not forgotten heroes and rather than no one marching, each year the crowds at the annual commemorations wherever they are get larger.
But the most provocative stanza is
'And the old men march slowly, old bones stiff and sore
They're tired old heroes from a forgotten war
And the young people ask, "What are they marching for?"
And I ask myself the same question.'
Written in 1971 at the height of the protests against the Vietnam War, many were wondering that aloud then and as the centenary of 25 April 1915, looms large, we may well all ask ourselves the same question again. With superb illustrations by Bruce Whatley that show every emotion of the text - drawn with his left hand because he has discovered he draws 'with much more emotion' with that hand - and using the restrained palette that one associates with Gallipoli, this is a book that has to be in your library's collection as it will be a song known by everyone before this year is done.
However, this is so much more than one of Australia's leading illustrators putting pictures to an iconic tune. There are teachers' notes that provide many ideas for exploring the content, its imagery and its images, and publishers Allen & Unwin have released a book trailer that encapsulates it perfectly. The lyrics and music are available in the ABC song books of 1983 (Time to sing) and 1989 (The sing book). A memorable contribution to the collection of books on this topic.
Barbara Braxton

Scorpion Mountain by John Flanagan

Brotherband Book 5: Random House, 2014. ISBN: 9781742759364
(Age: 9+) Recommended. 'Thorn, mind your manners,' Hal cautioned. Thorn looked at him, all wide-eyed innocence.
'Just a joke, Hal,' he said. 'I'm sure King here can take a joke.
Duncan finally smiled. 'If I can't, I should never have signed up to be King.' He indicated a low table set by the fireplace, with half a dozen comfortable-looking armchairs set around it.
'Let's sit and get down to business.'
When one assassination attempt on Princess Cassandra of Araluen is foiled, King Duncan calls upon Ranger Gilan and the Heron Brotherband to stop the Scorpion Assassins and prevent them from finishing the job.
Unfortunately, the Scorpion Assassins aren't the only threat. A seaside battle is looming and the Herons are summoned by an old friend to help in this fight.
John Flanagan, the author of Ranger's Apprentice, is a fantastic author and storyteller. Although this a not a book that I found easy to read myself, the Brotherband series is a thrill to read.
I would recommend this novel to children aged 9 and above and of any gender. I would also recommend it to anyone who has read and enjoyed the first four books in the series, as it will not be as confusing if you know the storyline so far.
Jazmin Humphries, Year 7

Penelope Perfect: Project Best Friend by Chrissie Perry

Hardie Grant Egmont, 2015. ISBN 9781760120245
This junior novel is recommended for girls from 7-9 years. Chrissie Perry introduces the reader to perfectionist Penelope Kingston in this book sampler. Penelope - never call her Penny - is a good, sensible and mostly calm, young girl. Her room is totally organised from her library to her stationery, even the pens have their nibs facing up. She is obsessive about order and structure however, her Mum, stepsister Siena and brother Harry don't meet her high standards. Penelope's one wish is to have a best friend and the new girl at school Brittany O'Brien may fit her requirements.
This is a novel of discovery about self-identity and perceptions, about family and school life.
The vignettes included show Penelope's thoughts and a range of emotions - a steam kettle illustrates the angry thoughts boiling up inside.
Rhyllis Bignell