Puffin, 2013. ISBN: 9780141346564.
(Age: 14+) Meg Rosoff's debut novel, first published in
2004 was the winner of the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and
received great acclaim from all quarters. After finally reading this
powerful novel, re-issued to coincide with the film released in
October this year, I can wholeheartedly concur. From the very
first few pages I was hooked into Daisy's story and indeed read the
entire book in a single morning and afternoon commute.
Daisy is a fifteen year old New Yorker with an indifferent father
who is besotted by his pregnant second wife, also known as Davina
the Diabolical. Daisy's mother died giving birth to her and
throughout the book there is an overwhelming sense of the vacuum
this has caused in Daisy's psyche. To spite her father, Daisy makes
a choice to go and live with her English cousins and aunt, the
sister of her late mother, and it is as she initially meets with
this very charming but definitely different family, that we begin to
read between the lines and learn that Daisy has brought some serious
emotional baggage along with her including anorexia and
self-harming.
Aunt Penn although briefly appearing, represents Daisy's absent
mother figure and her cousins Osbert, twins Edmund and Isaac and
Piper quickly become a vital part of Daisy's sense of belonging. In
particular, she is drawn immediately to 14 year old Edmund and upon
realising the attraction is reciprocal a very deep and passionate
physical relationship begins between the two.
The backdrop of a looming war with an unspecified enemy moves
quickly to the forefront of the plot and when Aunt Penn is stranded
in Oslo on a peace mission, and the invasion escalates the children
are left to fend for themselves. The ensuing trauma endured by all
of them, including painful separations, survival under the most
adverse of conditions, witnessing horrific brutalities and more
change their lives forever.
With echoes of the Holocaust resonating throughout the scenes of
war, the family torn apart are finally reunited but with inescapable
permanent consequences.
A fabulous read for mature readers from Lower Secondary up
Sue Warren
She'll be coming round the mountain sung by The Topp Twins
Ill. by Jenny Cooper. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781775431725.
(Age: 4+) Picture book, Singing, Verse. The well known song, She'll
be coming round the mountain is reprised here for younger
students to sing along with the CD provided or read the story and
the words as a picture book, or enjoy the funny illustrations.
This is another in the productions offered by Scholastic, which
showcase an old song, revamped and recorded by local talent, and
illustrated by known and loved illustrators. The series includes My
Daddy ate an apple, Do your ears hang low? and There's
a hole in the bucket. Each book includes a CD for the reader
and class to enjoy, sing along to, develop actions to as they use
the book. The books lend themselves to a variety of uses,
particularly in the classroom, where music, poetry and singing along
are valued.
Jenny Cooper gives this version of She'll be coming round the
mountain, a Western feel as the animals all join up in line
dancing mode as their numbers swell with the arrival of yet more
things coming around the mountain, until the last few pages are full
of fun bordering on pandemonium. Kids will love picking out the
different animals with their musical instruments and clothing suited
to the occasion, and I can well imagine a class yelling out the
refrain, 'Singing ay-aye, yippy', till the cows come home.
Fran Knight
Baby bedtime by Mem Fox and Emma Quay
Penguin Australia, 2013. ISBN 9780670075195.
Highly recommended for 2 years +. From the beautiful blue and lilac
tones to the slightly padded and textured cover to the soothing
lyrical text, this book deserves a place on the shelf for all little
people as one of their very special bedtime reads.
Mem Fox has once again created a simple but very moving rhyming text
that flows with such gentleness and is so perfectly accompanied by
Emma Quay's exquisite illustrations that the reading becomes a
heart-stopping experience.
Mem's own
wordsabout how the book came about explain the love
with which this book is suffused and even before I had read her
comments, the text had revealed overwhelmingly the intensity of love
one has for a special new baby.
'I could eat your little ears.
I could nibble on your nose.
I could munch your tiny fingers.
I could gobble up your toes . . .'
Quay's illustrations, created with a mixture of pencil, acrylic and
Photoshop - using found op shop items such as lace and so on - have
skilfully steered away from a gendered approach by using a mother
and baby elephant (and yes, I just love elephants so that was very
apt).
I love everything about this book - the feel of it, the look of it,
the sound of it, and the emotion of it. For those who may have a
special baby in their life (and aren't they all?) this would make a
perfect 'welcome' gift. For those of us whose babies are now little
people, it will still be a beautiful
snuggle-up-before-bed-so-you-know-how-much-I-love-you read aloud.
Sue Warren
Pureheart by Cassandra Golds
Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9780143204275.
(Age: 11+) Recommended. After Deirdre's grandmother dies, she is
left alone in a broken-down block of flats named Corbenic, after the
Grail castle of Arthurian legend. One cold, misty night when she is
looking out of the window, Deirdre spies a familiar face - Gal, a
boy she has not seen for many years. Together, they must uncover the
dark secrets of the old building, before it collapses and they are
lost forever...
The first word that comes to mind when describing Pureheart is
'dreamlike'. The idea of dreams and reality intertwining is a major
part of the novel. There is also a general 'dreamy' atmosphere,
influenced heavily by the author's flowing, thoughtful, at times
bewildering writing style. Although the beginning of this novel is
quite firmly rooted in reality, the story quickly progresses into
something more. Before long, this reality abruptly combines with the
fantastical, throwing the reader into a magical, enchanting world.
Not too much will be written here about the way this story turns, as
much of the enjoyment arises from its unexpectedness.
The characters are also fascinating and memorable, and they add just
as much to the surreal atmosphere of the novel as the writing style.
It is hard to explain exactly how or why this novel is so good, but
one thing is for sure: by opening the pages of this well-written,
dreamlike novel, readers can expect to step into an enchanting,
beautiful world.
I recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams (student)
The Isobel Journal by Isobel Harrop
Hot Key Books, 2013.ISBN 9781471402272. The Isobel Journal is a breathtakingly beautiful and artistic
book that would be slightly shamed if it was referred to as a simple
picture book. This book contains drawings, sketches, photos,
paintings, diagrams, notes and so many more different types of media
and material. This really makes the book feel like the journal of an
older teen/young adult. Accompanying these stimulating illustrations
are the words of Isobel as she rolls through what seems to be almost
an inner monologue that gives the book a somewhat story-like vibe
and conveys character as well as conveying the personality of Isobel
herself. She also tells about some of her hopes and dreams, things
she wants to do and things she doesn't. Questions she asks herself
are a prominent feature as well as trails of thoughts that end up
getting you thinking too.
There is something about this journal that is inspiring and makes
you feel like you want to draw, take some photos, maybe do some
creative writing, and even go for a walk. This is perfect to curl up
with on a cold and blustery day or even just to have a flip through
when in need of motivation or inspiration. It serves well if you
like to read lightly too or don't have that much time to sit down
for hours and get stuck into a book. This book is completely unique
and exciting, I've never read anything like this before and I
absolutely adore it.
Sarah Filkin (Student)
I love you Father Christmas by Giles Andreae
Ill. by Emma Dodd. Orchard, 2013. ISBN 9781408330227.
(Age: 3+) Picture book, Christmas, Family, Love, Verse. In jaunty
and easy to follow four line stanzas, the poem flows along as the
little girl tells of why she loves Father Christmas. She mentions
many of the details which people know accrue to Father Christmas and
the customs followed at this time of the year, so that in the
classroom or at home, children can be reminded of just what happens
at this event in the western calendar. All is fun, as Father
Christmas brushes his teeth and eats a bit of Christmas pudding
before he sets out across the skies bringing presents to children
over the world. The narrator reminds the reader that manners must
have been used throughout the year, that dinner must have been eaten
to the last crumb, friends treated respectfully, parents helped out
with doing chores and the bedroom kept tidy. All these she promises
that she has done, because she likes receiving the presents at the
end of the year.
All through the value of family is presented as the child is part of
a loving family, and the last picture shows the child with her
family on Christmas morning with her presents. The bold
illustrations with their blocks of colour reflect the images of
Christmas seen at this time of the year, and reinforce for the
younger reader what happens in our communities.
Fran Knight
Clementine's walk by Anne White
New Frontier, 2013. ISBN 9781921928475.
(Age: 3+)Recommended. Picture book, Animals, Verse, Family,
Responsibility. Clementine the family dog is desperate to be
taken for a walk, but no one has the time to do it. Mum is painting,
Nora is knitting, James is putting together a jigsaw puzzle taken
apart by Clementine, Dad is reading the paper. The baby in its pram
simply did not understand. Even the chooks do not want to be
involved. But just when the whole family finish their tasks, and
pronounce themselves ready to go for a walk, Clementine is nowhere
to be found.
Told in rhyming stanzas, the reader will be introduced to the ideas
behind poetry in this easy to read story. They will predict words
that rhyme, select words that may fit the scanning lines, learn
parts themselves to be able to say out loud when they reread the
book, and simply learn to love the poetic form.
The endpapers with maps of the route taken by Clementine and the
family will add to the fun of children reading the book for
themselves, and also introduce mapping skills at a first stage.
The jaunty illustrations add to the fun of the story, as White uses
watercolour and fine pencil outlines to construct her family and
their problem. Clementine is wonderful, radiating a personality for
all to see, and each member of the family has their own
characteristics for the reader to spot. And I love the last three
pages of the whole family, including the chooks being taken for a
walk by Clementine.
Fran Knight
How to wash a woolly mammoth by Michelle Robinson
Ill. by Kate Hindley. Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9781742760773.
An exuberantly funny look at bath time through one little girl's
attempts at getting the woolly mammoth into the bath is displayed
through spare text and colourful illustrations. She tries varying
methods of getting the large animal into the water, and then has to
contend with other problems, of how to wash his hair, for example,
particularly avoiding the problem of soap in the eyes.
Told hilariously using the guise of a training manual, each page
offers younger readers a fun read, complete with illustrations that
add another level of humour, as the mammoth's mood changes according
to what is happening to him.
A very funny take on bath time and its inherent problems will be
eagerly devoured by younger readers, particularly those averse to
taking a bath.
The humour is continued with a range of products suitable for a
mammoth bath at the end of the book, making this a joy to read aloud
and share.
Fran Knight
The Wool series by Hugh Howey
Century, 2013. Wool. ISBN 9781780891248. Shift. ISBN 9781780891224. Dust. ISBN 9781780891880.
(Age: 15+) This complex SF trilogy of weighty tomes set in a future
dystopia makes compelling reading. Shift, written after Wool,
provides the overview, the link with the 'present' (2049BCE) and the
political machinations which have gone into setting up fifty
underground towers (silos) to preserve humankind from the ravaged
surface. Shift skips back and forth in time, covering a span of 300
years. Two scientifically successful applications - cryogenics and a
drug enabling people to forget their pasts - create a diabolical
combination for the men in Silo 1, as their womenfolk 'sleep' on,
and the men are woken for shifts of a few weeks at a time (sort of a
grim Groundhog Day effect). Only a few know the full history of the
silos, and the story revolves around one who was innocently involved
right from the beginning, and what unfolds as he gradually acquires
resistance to the drugs of forgetfulness and starts to piece himself
and the situation together again. Wool depicts the story of a silo ignorant of the existence of
the other silos, and Dust concludes the trilogy. One is a
silo that has collapsed, and the other is a silo in rebellion.
Ultimately there is contact with each other and also Silo 1. The
reader will stay absorbed by the political intricacy of Silo 1, and
the grim survival of Silos 17 and 18, initially ignorant of each
other and the reasons for their very existence. Ultimately there is
hope, but the reader is kept guessing till the last few pages.
These thought-provoking, well-written and multi-layered novels could
appeal to senior students, particularly those who enjoy science
fiction. Possible comparisons could be made with books such as
Huxley's Brave New World or Atwood's The Year of the
Flood.
Anne Veitch
Curse of the Ancients by Matt De La Pena
Infinity Ring Book 4, Scholastic, 2013. ISBN 9780545386999.
Recommended reading age - for series fans from 8-11 years. Themes:
Time Travel, Central America - History, Mayas, Adventure,
Friendship.
Every Infinity Ring novel includes a colourful Hystorian's
Guide with hints, secrets and codes that access future adventures
that provide the reader with a totally
unique, story-driven gaming experience. Prior knowledge of the
power of the Infinity Ring, of the game, the clues hidden as riddles
and the gadgetry is needed to comprehend the adventurers' new
historical adventure.
The three young adventurers Dak, Sera and Riq are quickly embroiled
in another action-packed Infinity Ring quest where History is broken
and The Cataclysm is coming. They travel back in time to Central
America with a mission to keep a special Mayan hand-painted book
codex from being burned by the Spanish invaders. If they fail to
change the past, the future is affected. They are assisted by the
local Mayans, whose helpful behaviour is at contrast with the
murderous stereotypes the kids had assumed were true. They are
confronted with violent storms, marauding invaders, injuries, the
damage to the Infinity ring, catastrophic flashbacks as they race
through this adventure.
Matt De La Pena's character development and storyline take Dak, Sera
and Riq on a slightly different tangent to the previous books. With
different authors for each book in the series the main characters
develop additional characteristics. Sera is coming to terms with her
Mayan heritage and is stepping up, Dak is more gung-ho which leads
to his being injured, whilst Riq takes on a leadership role. The
plot is at times confusing and it is difficult to work out their
friends from their enemies.
Rhyllis Bignell
Picture me gone by Meg Rosof
Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9780141344034.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Mila goes with her father Gil,
searching for his best friend, Matthew, whom he hasn't seen for
years and who has disappeared. Together they travel to Matthew's
remote cabin, with observant Mila taking note of small details and
thinking through some of the anomalies of Matthew's disappearance.
How can someone leave their wife, small son and sad dog without a
word and why has he disappeared?
This is a clever and intelligent expose of the way that adults keep
secrets from their children and from each other and how children
have the ability to unravel what is going on. Mila is intrigued with
the puzzle of Matthew's life and gradually comes to understand his
motives and his guilt. Watchful for what is happening around her,
she learns about sorrow and depression, about neglected children and
ways of coping. She also learns about trust and betrayal.
This is not a typical book for adolescents. There are no vampires or
angels here, but a strong family relationship between Mila and her
parents that contrasts with the disintegration that Matthew's
actions cause for his family. It looks squarely at marital
infidelity, single parent family and depression that might cause
suicide. Told through the eyes of a twelve year old, step by step
old secrets are revealed and the conclusion is ambiguous. Truly
adults do not have all the answers and parents keep secrets from
their children.
This beautifully written and intelligent book from an award winning
author will appeal to thoughtful, mature readers. A second reading
would be fruitful.
Pat Pledger
No matter who we're with by Robert Vescio
Ill. Cheri Scholten. IP Kidz, 2013. ISBN 9781922120212.
This is a sensitive story about two children who are dealing with an
issue that so many of our students do - their parents are separated
and they spend time living at both houses. Even though they do
different things with each parent, like growing their own vegetables
in mum's splendiferous garden or helping dad make spaghetti
bolognese, there's a joy that shines through and the most important
message that regardless of who they're with they know they are loved
and that will never change.
Cheri Scholten's colourful illustrations are the perfect
accompaniment as they manage to portray the fun and joy and love the
children have, reaffirming and reassuring the young reader that even
monumental events like your parents separating can be overcome.
So many children struggle with their parents' separation, and often
blame themselves. They believe that if they had been better, then
their parents would not have split. And then, on top of that guilt,
comes the perceived difficulties of spending time with both parents
which often leaves them confused and conflicted. The beauty of this
book is that it demonstrates that they can have fun with both
parents and celebrate the spontaneity and pleasures of childhood,
making the most of what is, rather than regretting what was or what
should be. It's a book that needs to be in the library's collection
so that our young readers can read about other children just like
them, which in itself, can be a powerful healer. It might even be
the catalyst for getting a troubled child to write their own story
about the good things they do with each parent and realise that they
are loved by both and that won't change, no matter what.
Barbara Braxton
The Cinderella moment by Jennifer Kloeste
Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9780143568216.
(Age: Teens) The Cinderella moment is an insightful and
refreshing novel written by Jennifer Kloester about two teenage
girls, Angel and Lilly, who are trying to achieve their dream
careers. Angel is a young girl who is French by parentage but lives
in America with her mum who works as a maid for Lilly's family.
Angel works every spare second designing clothes and hopes to go
from being a maid's daughter to an internationally known fashion
designer. Lilly, on the other hand wants to go into theatre and be
immersed in the world of drama. But even the biggest and brightest
dreams are hard to make a reality when something as unfortunate and
realistic like Clarissa Kane steps in the way. Clarissa along with
her mother, Margot Kane, are power hungry women who make a point to
only affiliate with the highest standing social group and if they
can't get there by charm, claw their way upwards. But, chance is
thrown their way and both girls manage to get a possibility at
achieving their dream goals. Will they get there when a mix up
occurs and revenge needs to be served? Lilly and Angel have to swap
identities and pull off the spectacular stunt to make their wishes
come true.
Jennifer Kloester writes in such a way that you become immersed in
the tangled and twisting plot, being pulled in even further when
unexpected happenings occur. This novel is best suited to teens,
mainly girls due to the fashion, design and romance themes that are
included in this novel. In conclusion, this novel has surprises
around every corner and is definitely different to the first
impressions conceived of it.
Sarah Filkin
Jellybean goes to school by Margaret Roc and Laura Hughes
Random House 2013. ISBN 9781848530751.
It is the most exciting time in a young child's life and Jellybean
is no exception - taking that big leap and starting school. She
wants to read by herself and write by herself and find out why
clouds are fluffy and spiders spin webs. But most of all she wants
to find a friend, because while she has a baby brother, he's not big
enough for her yet.
Finally the BIG day arrives and, in her new uniform, she's ready,
although her tummy is so jittery that she can't eat her breakfast.
She is SO excited, until she sees the size of the school and the
noise of the playground. Overwhelmed, like many on the same
adventure, she thinks she might stay with her mum and brother after
all. But Miss Benson is used to children with first-day nerves and
introduces Jellybean to Alex, who is also not as confident. It's
easier to meet the world with a friend. Miss Benson also knows how
to engage and enthuse the children for this new experience, easing
them into all that is on offer in a way that the best Foundation
teachers do.
Author, Margaret Roc has tapped into Jellybean's feelings of
apprehension perfectly and so has illustrator, Laura Hughes. At
first, when they use the building blocks, Jellybean's imagination
has her far, far away in Rapunzel's tower but as she and Alex and
the other children explore what is on offer, she gradually moves
into the here and now and imagines the possibilities of what this
new place itself, can offer. The bright colours and familiar
backgrounds will enable other Jellybeans to take the journey with
her and gain security and comfort from knowing that all the other
children are feeling the same.
This is such a lifelike book dealing with such a familiar subject,
and one that is coming closer and closer for many that it is sure to
have a wide appeal. Many schools are having transition programs as
preschoolers learn what big school is really about, and having a
library of these sorts of books so parents can borrow them to share
with their child or preschool and Foundation teachers can use them
to show that nerves are part of the deal, is one way the library can
be involved in these programs as well as starting a productive
relationship with the parents. Jellybean goes to school
deserves its place in that collection.
Barbara Braxton
Wild awake by Hilary T. Smith
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2013. ISBN 9781742977706.
(Age: 16+) Recommended for an older audience as it contains material
including drugs and sexual content. While her parents are away on a
cruise, 17 year old Kiri receives a strange phone call and discovers
that her sister didn't die in a car accident, but had been murdered.
Going to meet Doug, the man who had phoned, Kiri begins to uncover
the mystery surrounding Sukey, the sister that her parents had
kicked out of home. Her carefully regulated life begins to break
down as she discovers the lies that her parents had told her and has
to rethink her memories of her sister. Then she meets Skunk, a
large, tattooed boy who repairs her bike and who is strange.
The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride with Kiri as she speeds
on her bike, sometimes high on drugs, through the neighbourhood where
her sister had last lived. From the obsessive teen, who has a
practice timetable taped on the lid of her piano, organising for the
International Young Pianist's Showcase, and who plays in Sonic Youth
for the Battle of the Bands, we watch her exhilarating spiral down
into what Lukas' social worker mother calls monomania. There are
thrilling bike rides in the middle of the night, drug taking, music
of both the classical and popular and discussions of life - 'The way
cannot be cut, knotted, dimmed or stilled' - Skunk's and her
favourite line from the Tao. Kiri's life is a mess and so is
Skunk's, but together they move forward.
More serious issues of mental health, paranoia and murder are also
themes, with questions of what is normality an undertone to the
book. It is beautifully written with many striking images and
dialogue. It is sure to appeal to reluctant readers and will
engender much discussion around drug taking and honesty between
family members.
Pat Pledger
