A & C Black, 2013. ISBN: 9781408194065.
(Reading Age: 11-13) Highly recommended. Subjects: Genetics,
Evolution, Cloning, DNA. What Makes You You is an excellent introduction to the science of
genetics. Gill Arbuthnot's explanations are expertly written in easy
to understand style that is engaging for a younger audience. From
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, the importance of Mendel's
experiments to the development of DNA photography in the 1950s up to
the latest developments in 2012, the history of genetics is
explored. The reader gains insight into the men and women scientists
who have been instrumental in researching DNA, human genomes, stem
cells and cloning. From mice growing human ears to saviour siblings
and the future of genetic engineering, this is a fascinating insight
into the past, present and future of genetics.
Double page spreads with bold coloured backgrounds underpin the
information presented in a more inclusive, conversational style. The
use of cartoon illustrations, diagrams, tables, flow charts,
photographs and speech bubbles compliment Arbuthnot's text.
A step-by-step experiment to extract DNA from fruit provides the
reader with the opportunity to further explore this area, adult
supervision is needed. A timeline, glossary and a Find Out More page
is included.
This is an excellent book suited to readers from 11 -13 years and is
also an excellent resource for Science and Health lessons.
Rhyllis Bignell
Awaken by Meg Cabot
PanMacmillan, 2013. ISBN 9780330453899.
(Age: 13+) Paranormal. Greek mythology. In this finale following Abandon
(2011) and Underworld (2012), seventeen-year-old Pierce and
her boyfriend John, Lord of the Underworld, face a fight on two
fronts. They find themselves in the middle of a hurricane, trying to
stop a corrupt developer, whose son is possessed by Thanatos, the
Greek personification of death, and who threatens Earth. Meanwhile
the Furies are determined to find and destroy them and the
Underworld.
In order to gain maximum enjoyment and understanding of the series,
the books should be read in order. Teens who have been following the
series are sure to enjoy the last book as Cabot manages to find a
satisfying conclusion that will leave lovers of romance happy.
Others will be happy to learn more about Greek mythology and the
legend of Persephone which the series is lightly woven around and
will enjoy the action packed adventures and dilemmas that face
Pierce and John.
Pat Pledger
The looming lamplight by Ursual Dubosarsky
Ill. by Terry Denton. Cryptic casebook of Coco Carlomagno (and
Alberta) bk. 2. Allen and Unwin, 2013. ISBN: 9781743312599.
If you are looking for a book which includes puzzles as part of the
text and is suitable for younger readers, this series is for you. The Looming Lamplight is the second book in this series
starring the crime solving guinea pig cousins Alberta and Coco
complete with a Spanish flavour. The glossary of Spanish words used
by Coco is a useful addition to aid the younger readers who will
enjoy the challenge of solving the mix of puzzles by Terry Denton
scattered throughout the text.
Alberta abandons her bath to answer a summons from her easily
spooked cousin Coco Carlomango Chief of Police in Buenos Aires,
Argentina, South America. Coco needs help to solve the mystery of
the flashing light which is filling him with dread.
Whilst solving the light mystery, Coco captures the 'dreaded pillow
burglars' and is awarded the Medal of Honour for Extreme Courage by
the President and Alberta takes her paperbag of belongings and heads
back home for that bath.
Terry Denton's amusing sketches add life and interest through the
book and his extra crossword at the end related to guinea pigs will
add to the enjoyment of the committed pet lover.
Sue Keane
The Wishbird by Gabrielle Wang
Puffin, 2013. ISBN 9780143307525.
Highly Recommended. The Wishbird transports its readers to a
land of fantasy where Oriole, she of the singing tongue, must leave
her forest home and journey to Soulless, a city bereft of music and
hope, in an attempt to save Mellow, her beloved Wishbird.
Set in the mythical past of ancient China, Oriole is suddenly thrust
into a city where music has been banned and where intrigue and
betrayal rules. Its tyrannical king, the only one who can save the
Wishbird, is dying, and the Chief Minister who rules in his stead,
is hungry for power and won't let anyone interfere with his plans.
However, Oriole isn't alone. Boy, a street urchin who survives by
stealing, is also on a quest. He is desperate to find his parents
who vanished in the song stealer's cart. Suddenly Boy is Oriole's
only hope as they try to survive the evil machinations of the Chief
Minister and of Panther while an invading force at the city's walls
threatens to destroy them all.
This is a delightful tale, one full of whimsical illustrations,
valiant deeds and heroism. The tale's conclusion is all that this
reader could have hoped for. Highly recommended.
R. Lange
Hatched : celebrating twenty years of the Tim Winton Award for Young Writers
Foreword by Tim Winton. Fremantle Press, 2013. ISBN 9781922089458.
Recommended. Short stories. Twenty two short stories by young West
Australian writers are presented in this book published by Fremantle
Press. Each of the stories was a winner in the award between 1993
and 2012, and so represent a wide range of styles, but each
showcasing considerable talent.
Winton's introduction tells us that 'storytelling is a deep human
impulse' and goes on to outline the ideas of the award which bears
his name.
The twenty two stories cover an incredible range of stories, from
those set in schools, to many about family life, some about
friendships and one or two taking a dystopian line. Each story gives
the reader something to ponder, to think about, if only to have a
thought about the youthfulness of the writer, as each presents a
wonderful talent.
I kept thinking how to use these in the classroom, as read alouds,
as stories to get students thinking, as entertainment, and as models
for their own writing. However these stories are used, they will be
most successful.
Fran Knight
Hating Alison Ashley by Robin Klein
Penguin (Australia), 2013. (First published in 1994). ISBN:
9780670076833.
Highly recommended. Robin Klein's novel Hating Alison Ashley
is a fun contemporary classic aimed at younger readers but enjoyable
for all. Using short concise sentences the author weaves a
believable story for the reader of hope and jealousy. Only nineteen
years since its first publication, this novel has achieved classic
status.
Erica Yurken, the school hypochondriac, is ashamed of her pitiful
excuse for a family and her town's reputation for producing dole
bludgers and criminals; a vain middle child, Erica (also known as
Yuk) becomes jealous when new girl, Alison Ashley starts at Barringa
East. Alison is perfect. More perfect even than Yuk herself. What's
more everyone knows it. Yuk is no longer the centre of attention, no
longer the star student or cleverest kid in school. She decides to
hate Alison Ashley for being perfect and rich. Alison is lucky, she
has everything: the big house, the nice manners and even money for
school trips. She is posh and sophisticated and a threat to Yuk's
self esteem. However it is only at school camp that Yuk learns that
money isn't everything. Alison isn't as lucky as her appearance
suggests, she has a mother who doesn't want her and no squabbling
family or friends to play with. Yuk begins to recognise the value of
family life and realises that Alison may not be as snobbish as Yuk
had first thought.
Using a simple story and incorporating the trials and problems of
children the author creates believable and relatable characters,
while reminding the reader of the mischievousness of youth. I would
highly recommend this novel for all readers as it makes a nice
change from the grim, serious-faced novels of today.
Kayla Gaskell (Student)
Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
Text Publishing 2013. ISBN 9781922147486.
(Age: 15+) LGTB Themes, identity, loss and bullying.
David Levithan's books have always found new ways to engage readers
with the plight of the LGTB community, particularly its young adult
members. His first, Boy meets boy, 2003 was a celebration of
boys who refused to be defined by society's very 'straight' values.
It was funny, angsty, and ridiculously tolerant. In interviews
leading up to the release of Two boys kissing, Levithan
claimed it's a celebration of the 10 year anniversary of Boy
meets boy, and that he is trying to show how life really is
for young queer people today. Two boys kissing is the story of Craig and Henry who are
trying to break the Guinness Book of World Record's record for the
longest kiss. This isn't just a chance to find notoriety, it's a
call for support for their friend Tariq. Along the way we also meet
two other couples: Peter and Neil, and Avery and Ryan, one
established and one just starting out. And then there's Cooper -
alone, lonely, and empty.
The narration by a chorus of dead men, lost to the world primarily
because of the AIDs epidemic in the 80s, adds richness and depth,
and of course sadness to the stories of these young men defining
themselves to their family and friends and lovers. This narration
will confuse some people, and alienate others; I can see that. The
'We' is repetitive and ambiguous. This Greek-style of chorus is also
completely ineffectual as they are unable to help our lads navigate
anger, frustration, and despair. They can only observe, comment on,
and compare their lives to these lives, but it works for me. Their
insights are tender and wistful, their regrets are many and varied,
and their wishes are the same as ours: That young people find their
crowd, so they can find themselves, so they can live, and love and
learn. Oh, it's all so wonderful.
Levithan is controlled and contextual when it comes to explicit sex.
He writes for a YA audience so the boys are largely innocent and
playful. There is one (poor) attempt at a seduction, and it is
crucial for the development of Cooper's character and mindset. When
Cooper is rejected, his already spiralling life disintegrates
completely, and it is here that Levithan deviates from his usual
positive and rose-coloured depiction of what it means to be gay.
Although Cooper's story saddened me greatly, it is realistic: There
are many teenagers who don't have supportive families, who don't
have close friends they can call on, who feel like they are
worthless, and who struggle to find a reason to keep going.
This novel is also controlled. It is only 196 pages, yet it
overflows with emotion and wisdom. Every review I write about a
David Levithan book always has a variation of this sentence: I love
the way this man writes.
He isn't for everyone, but he speaks to me. I love the way this man
writes.
Trisha Buckley
The River Charm by Belinda Murrell
Random House Australia Children's, 2013. ISBN: 9781742757124.
(Age 12+) Recommended. Belinda Murrell has based this historical
fiction novel on her ancestors, tracing the Atkinson family history
in the 1800s. The book starts in the modern day with the fictional
Millie who visits long lost Aunt Jessamine on the Oldbury estate.
Through Aunt Jessamine's stories, the reader is taken back to the
1830s where Mamma and her daughters are suffering under an abusive
husband and step-father who is leading them into financial ruin.
Desperate to leave his abusive rein, Mamma fights for her rights to
look after her own children. They are forced to leave their family
home, Oldbury, and go deep in the bush to survive.
Through time slip, Murrell shows the reader what life was like for
her real life great-great-great-great-grandmother, Charlotte Waring
Atkinson, who eventually wrote the first children's book published
in Australia in 1841, A Mother's Offering to Her Children.
The novel starts off slow; however after the first few chapters this
reader became enthralled with Mamma, Charlotte and the rest of the
Atkinson family as they struggle through many dramas. Murrell writes
descriptively about life in colonial Australia, and shows the
struggles that women, children and to a lesser extent Aboriginal
people faced. The underlying themes of strength and courage are
delivered in an honest and engaging way. The River Charm is recommended for independent readers
approximately 12 years and older. The book also has clear links to
the Year 5 Australian Curriculum History content, and would make an
engaging read aloud book for a class, with ample opportunity for
class discussions.
Jemma Lorenz
Robert Irwin: Dinosaur Hunter (series) by Jack Willis
Random House, 2013. Call of the Wild ISBN 9781742750934 (pbk) ISBN 9781742749594 (ebook)
Dino Champions ISBN 9781742750941(pbk) ISBN 9781742749600 (ebook)
Two more in this popular series about Robert Irwin, dinosaur hunter
in which Robert and his mate Riley slip back in time for encounters
with these fascinating creatures. In Call of the Wild, an overnight
camping adventure turns into a date with a Muttaburrasaurus, while
in Dino Champions they meet up with the 'gold-medal champions of
prehistoric times'.
After a visit to Canberra's dinosaur museum, this series really took
off with Miss 7 and she was taken on her own journey back in time,
not just being entertained but also learning so much more about
these creatures which seem to have universal appeal with this age
group. The short chapters, accompanied by delightful illustrations
and fact sheets, are just right for those who are newly independent
readers, or are nearly there.
This series would sit very well alongside the 567.9 section of your
collection offering the perfect bridge between the non-fiction and
fiction. And the experience will be rich and rewarding because they
will bring so much prior knowledge to the story and understand it
that those who still think they can't read, will realise that they
can!
Barbara Braxton
To get to me by Eleanor Kerr
Ill. by Judith Rossell. Random House, 2013. 9781742758831
'Hi Ahmed. It's me, Peter. I'm going on an excursion to
visit the animals at the zoo. Do you want to come with me?' A
common request that most would not see as the foundation for a
delightful children's picture book. BUT there's a twist - Ahmed
lives in Morocco and Peter is in Sydney and so there's quite a
journey to make. But Peter knows just what Ahmed has to do starting
with riding his favourite camel through the desert, he gives Ahmed
the directions and through a series of charming illustrations
accompanied by simple but engaging text, he gets to Sydney, finally
hopping on the ferry and the chairlift to take him to the zoo.
On the surface, this appears to be a simple picture book about
transport for the preschool child, but there is much in both the
text and the pictures that make it so much richer with lots of new
things to be discovered with each reading. There's the
onomatopoeia of the transport words which the young child can both
suggest and make with enthusiasm; and details in the pictures such
as the text which transitions from Arabic to English; opportunities
to identify modes of transport, symbols, colours; things to count
and so it goes on, making this a new favourite with Miss 2 but still
engaging for Miss 7 who got out her globe and tracked the journey,
learning much along the way.
A great introduction to the world beyond our shores which could
kickstart any number of investigations for our youngest readers.
Barbara Braxton
Fiction themes K-7 Book 2 by Fran Knight and Pat Pledger
Pledger Consulting, 2013. ISBN 9781876678364.104p
(Teacher reference. Covers all primary years). Highly recommended.
This is a teacher-librarian's dream come true. At one's fingertips,
are all the books required to support and balance the current
curriculum. As the authors state, 'Each section is divided into
three parts: Picture books, Middle primary and Upper primary. Some
of the picture books will be suitable for older children. As
children have different abilities and interests, you may find that
many of the titles in the picture book, middle primary and upper
primary sections will be useful for different age groups'
(Introduction).
Having used the Sustainability section, it is extensive, with
detailed descriptions of each book and covers current titles. It's
an amazingly flexible list with well-known authors such as Sally
Morgan and Narelle Oliver still in print. It's a joy to find such a
rich and extensive list of books currently in print. It's a
companion volume to Fiction Themes R-7 and 'contains titles
not found in that book but published since early
2010'(Introduction). The Contents cover topics such as, Aboriginal
peoples, Animals in war, Books for boys, for Girls, Detectives,
History-Australia-World, Literature circles, Read aloud, Real life
issues, Refugees and Mathematics. What more could we ask for!
We are privileged to have such a wealth of valuable and diverse
information at our fingertips.
Sue Nosworthy
Yobbos do yoga by Phillip Gwynne
Ill. by Andrew Joyner. Little Hare, 2013. ISBN 9781921714832.
(Age: 4+) Warmly recommended. Picture book. Humour. First
impressions. Many people come to look at the house next door which
is up for rent, the last very noisy occupants having left. Dad is
hopeful about having no neighbours so that he can do his yoga
sessions, requiring peace and quietness. But into the house come
three untidy looking men who are delighted to find a house where
they can store their cars, allow their dogs to rampage around the
yard, and hold loud, noisy parties. Dad is most unhappy.
Dad calls them yobbos, a word new to his daughter. He explains that
his means layabouts, yahoos and louts, and when her ball goes over
the fence, he tells her not to go over to fetch it. But she does.
Life continues with cars filling the back yard, their bodies up on
bricks. The parties seem to be getting bigger and louder, while Dad
is in knots trying to do his yoga.
One day their car won't start and the three next door lean over the
fence and offer to help. With the car fixed they go on their way.
Soon another party is being held, and the two go over to ask whether
they can turn down the music to allow dad to continue his
yoga. A neat resolution sees the neighbours coming together.
This is an endearing story of judging books by their cover, or by
how they look, and is a treat to read. With its jaunty drawings,
combining pen an ink, digitally combined with gouache and ink wash,
the five main characters are delightful. The three new neighbours
with their assorted facial hair, tattoos, thongs and ugg boots are
easily identifiable, as are the long suffering father and daughter.
Each has a different perspective on what they value in their homes,
and when these ideas clash, they must come to some arrangement. And
it is not as hard as they think.
A lovely story which will make adults smile and children laugh, the
theme of getting along will appeal to teachers and parents
everywhere.
Fran Knight
Eric Vale: Off the Rails by Michael Gerard Bauer
Ill. by Joe Bauer. Omnibus Books, 2013. ISBN: 9781862919945.
Recommended. I already have a cue of year 5 boys waiting at my door
to be the first one to read the latest Eric Vale adventure. Such is
the appeal of this series beginning with Epic Fail and
followed by Super Male.
Eric Vale is in trouble with Principal Porter. His parents have been
called in to hear his explanation of the 'very disturbing incident'
which occurred that afternoon whilst on an excursion to the Museum.
The rest of the book is Eric's side of the story explaining how the
school librarian Mrs Booth and a book titled Aliens - The Untold
Story, Eric's best friend Chewey, and relief teacher Miss
Allen, are responsible for Eric's bizarre behaviour over the school
week and at the Museum.
The cartoons styled illustrations on each page add a hilarious
commentary to the text as Eric becomes embroiled in the search for
the truth about Miss Allen. The adventure of Agent Derek Dale as
drawn by Eric in his journal, as a story within a story, adds to the
fun. These illustrations are certainly integral to the success of
the Eric Vale stories.
I love the way the chapters have been labelled the beginning, the
middle and the end of his side of the story, reinforcing the
narrative style of his story and separating it from the current
events in the Principal's office.
Using bold and larger sized font to highlight individual words
breaks up the text and adds to the appeal for children who find the
closer, more regular text forms over a whole page daunting.
I look forward to the next adventure. What else rhymes with Vale? I
think I'll start a competition with my enthusiastic fans, whoever
gets the right rhyme reads the next book first.
Sue Keane
Ash Road by Ivan Southall
Text Classics, 2013 (c1965). ISBN 9781922147493.
Where to start with this award winning Australian Classic novel?
Three boys on a camping trip accidentally start a bushfire that
spreads over an enormous area threatening lives and property.
Whilst mainly concerned with the residents of Ash Road the story
looks at the impact on the surrounding districts as well.
The book has a vintage feel, there are no mobile phones, no
computers and the lack of communication devices would be unfamiliar
to most young people. Also the respect shown to older people
is now not so familiar. However the description of the fire
and the atmosphere of the day are so vividly described, that it
brought back for me very unpleasant memories of Ash Wednesday in
1983. What it also highlights is how the children involved
have to rely on themselves and their own resources and how this
changes them in positive ways.
This is a deservedly classic story as it shows how life in the bush,
even close to cities, can never be taken for granted as the right
combination of circumstances can easily conjure up the catastrophe
that is described so chillingly in the story.
David Rayner
The Loser List: Jinx of the Loser by H.N. Kowitt
Scholastic, 2013. ISBN: 9780545507943.
Another in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid style of books aimed at
8-12 year olds featuring Danny Shine, comic book geek, Jinx of
the Loser is the third of this series by Holly Kowitt.
Danny is given tickets to the school's baseball game by the coolest
girl in school and accepts them despite his complete lack of
interest in the game and its importance in the school's history. It
was their chance to win the baseball championship for the first time
ever.
In an unfortunate twist of fate Danny protects himself from the ball
and prevents Luke Strohmer, star athlete, completing a catch. From
that point on the game deteriorates, the championship is lost and
all the supporters blame Danny. Their ensuing bad behaviour at the
ground convinces the Principal to announce, in the light of budget
restraints, to cut all after school sports.
Life of course becomes worse for Danny as the whole school blames
him for losing the game and the after school sports program. When
the roller coaster at the Amusement Park breaks down, whilst Danny
is on it, he is officially declared a Jinx.
Helping Luke present a convincing argument to save the sports
program and redeeming his reputation are all that is left to do
before Danny's life can return to normal.
Presented on pseudo lined paper and including comic illustrations to
enhance the story gives the appearance of a student's workbook,
complete with lists. The story is told in the first person so we
agonise with Danny throughout.
As the message of taking responsibility for one's own actions
becomes quite clear towards the end and the situations Danny finds
himself in are quite typical of all schools, not just American
institutions, I am confident this story will be well received in
school libraries.
Sue Keane
