Ice, wind, rock: Douglas Mawson in the Antarctic by Peter Gouldthorpe
Lothian, 2013. ISBN 978 0 7344 1155 6
(Age: 8+) Warmly recommended. Picture book. Non fiction. Antarctic.
Heroism. Subtitled, Douglas Mawson in the Antarctic, and with an
illustration of the man looking out from the front cover, readers
picking up this book will immediately recognise that this is the
tale of one of Australia's foremost scientists, explorers and
heroes. A brief few words at the start of the book place him at the
University of Adelaide where he is the lecturer of Geology and his
interest in rocks lures him to a place where glacial activity is
obvious. So begins his wonder at the Antarctic wildness, and the
first expedition to the Antarctic in 1908 as a member of
Shackleton's expedition.
This is a fascinating account of a man who is seen on the $100 note,
but for many is simply a name they know. The book gives a brief
outline of his interest in and expeditions to the Antarctic, and
whets the appetite to find out more.
An insert in the book giving publication details, curiously gives a
fascinating and informative time-line, so for those people
purchasing this book, do not throw away this seemingly unimportant
piece of paper, as the book itself contains no time-line and few
dates are given to fix the details in a timeframe.
The illustrations certainly bring the icey world of the southern
continent to life, ensuring any reader will be in no doubt about its
inhospitable nature, the courage and strength of those who venture
there, and the dangers which befell them. For someone new to the
story, for introducing young readers to the heroism displayed by
this man, this book is a wonderfully lively introduction, and I'm
sure would be a stepping stone to find out more. Fran Knight
The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
Penguin Books 2012. ISBN: 9780141340722. Paperback, 368pgs.
(Age 14+) Recommended. Campbell (Cam) has terminal cancer and has
just been told by her doctor that after five years of chemo, there
is nothing more they can do. Cam is ready to give up, to accept that
she is dying but Cam's stubborn mum; Alicia and younger sister Perry
are not ready to hear there is nothing left for them to try. They've
heard of a town called Promise in Maine, a place where amazing,
unexplained events are supposed to happen. If you can find the town
- and most people can't - miracles can happen. What Cam needs is a
miracle, but seventeen-year-old Cam doesn't believe in miracles.
However, she embarks on this road trip and pursues her 'flamingo
list'; a list of things to accomplish before she dies which was made
with best friend and fellow cancer sufferer Lily. Cam is such a
likeable character, that you really hope there is a miracle. This
easy to read debut novel is a real page turner as you race towards
the end in the hope of a real miracle. It is a beautiful story told
through Cam's point of view, which is hilarious in places,
especially Cam's Nana. I would recommend it to 14+ and fans of Jenny
Downham's Before I die.
Michelle Thomson
Nanny Piggins: The Race to Power by R.A. Spratt
Random House, 2013, ISBN 978 1 74275 499 4.
(Age 11+) Highly recommended. A pig for a nanny? How can that be? The
Race to Power is book 8 in the Nanny Piggins series. The
opening page explains it is a standalone story and you don't need to
have read any other stories to enjoy it. True.
Nanny Piggins is an outspoken, cake loving pig who cares for three
amazing children. Mr. Green, their father, is horrible and Nanny
Piggins makes no secret of the fact. If he isn't lying in his job as
a tax lawyer, he is trying to ship his children off to work in hard
labour jobs, practically trying to sell them off.
In this instalment of the series, Nanny Piggins discovers Mr. Green
is running for mayor. Nanny Piggins is up in arms! What is Mr.
Green's real reason? How will Nanny stop him? Highly recommended for
independent readers aged 11+, it is a funny story from the opening
pages where Nanny encourages cake for breakfast to the closing pages
when they all realise just who has become mayor.
Kylie Kempster
Mortified: Lost in the Sands of Time by Martin Chatterton
Mort series bk 3, Random House Australia Children's, 2013. ISBN:
9781742758886. RRP $14.95 288 pages. Paperback
Recommended Reading Age: 9-11. Themes: Time Travel, Historical
Fiction, Historical periods, Humour. Martin Chatterton's Mortified:
Lost in the Sands of Time takes Mortimer Montmorency DeVere and his
sister Agnetha on another exciting time travel adventure. Their
family are 'frevers', for every year that a human ages, they take a
thousand years. Mort and his sister are being hounded by the Unk
Shire Assistant Chief Education Inspector Trish Molyneux and her
assistant Nigel. Mort has spent hundreds of years at schools across
the centuries, he can't face anymore time in school so he plans his
break out from Festering Hall.
With his sister Agnetha, Genghis Kahn and H. G. Wells the English
author, they escape aboard their Retro 2.0 time machine. The machine
has accidentally had the Wikipedia page for world disasters
programmed into the machine. They travel back in time and land in
1889 country England, where Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes
author) and a young Howard Carter (discover of King Tut's tomb) join
the action. The adventure is a fast-pace one, Mort and Agnetha are
caught in a multitude of situations. Queen Victoria and her corgis
are added to the time travel team along with Doyle and Carter as
they tumble back through history in the damaged machine.
After touch downs on the Titanic, in London when the Great Fire is
blazing, they finally land in Ancient Egypt, where King Tut rules,
more dramas, problems zombie mummies, twists and turns unfold.
An engaging, humorous, fast-paced, time travel novel. As a class
read aloud, students could research the historical figures and
develop a timeline of events.
Rhyllis Bignell
Son of Slappy by R. L. Stine
Goosebumps Most Wanted series, bk 2, Scholastic, 2013.ISBN:
9780545417990. 134 p. Paperback.
(Age: 8-11) Subjects: Ventriloquism, Puppets and puppets shows,
Horror stories. Written from twelve year old Jackson Stander's
point of view, the reader soon develops an understanding of how
perfect he is, he always does his homework, never gets into any
trouble and doesn't lie. Rachel his sister, sarcastically calls him
Robot, he's such a goodie-goodie. Life changes dramatically when the
children are sent to Grandpa Whitman's for spring break. Grandpa is
a collector of scary items, including a room of ventriloquist
dummies, Edgar the frightening butler warns them to stay away from
one named Slappy. Of course this Goosebumps book follows Stine's
usual horror formula, the wicked doll Slappy is slipped in Jason's
suitcase by the evil Edgar. On returning home things rapidly fall
apart when Rachel invokes an evil charm and Jason turns into
the Son of Slappy, creating havoc at home, school and the Youth
Center.
R. L. Stine's Goosebumps series have been favourites since the first
book was published in 1992. Slappy the Dummy is one of the series'
most popular villains. This book is suitable for fans from 8-11
years of age.
Rhyllis Bignell
The river charm by Belinda Murrell
Random House Australia Children's, 2013. ISBN: 9781742757124. RRP
$15.95. 320p
Highly recommended for readers 10-15 years particularly. Earlier
books from Belinda Murrell, such as The locket of dreams and The
ruby talisman, were hugely popular with the 10-13 year old girls in
my school libraries. So popular in fact that I never seemed to get
to read any of them. Her new novel, The river charm, is well
titled as this reader found it indeed charming and engaging. As a
lover of historical fiction and particularly Australian colonial
history, this novel ticked all the right boxes.
Based on the family story of the author, who clearly demonstrates
the inheritance of skilful writing and creativity, The river charm
relates the story of the Atkinson family and their home Oldbury near
Berrima, New South Wales. Charlotte Barton (Charlotte Waring
Atkinson), the great-great-great-great grandmother of Belinda
Murrell, was the celebrated writer of the first book for children
published in Australia A mother's offering to her children:
By a lady, long resident in New South Wales.
Through the fictionalised story of modern day Millie Mitchell, a
descendant of the Atkinson family, the Atkinson family history is
recounted by Aunt Jessamine, on a visit to the old home, Oldbury.
Weaving fact with fiction, Murrell recreates the colonial
atmosphere, attitudes and setting beautifully, not shying away from
unpleasant aspects such as the lack of rights for women and
Aboriginal people. The remarkable events which combined to
best engender the triumph of Mrs Barton and her children against all
odds have been painstakingly pieced together by a number of
researchers and brought together by Murrell to provide the reader
with a beautifully described story of courage and personal
strength. The focus on strong female protagonists make this a
natural choice to offer to young girls looking for inspirational
characters.
Aside from the very clear appeal to readers of historical fiction,
this is a novel which has much to offer as a support for Australian
History curriculum topics as there is an abundance of accurate
factual material contained in the story. This reader suggests
this is a 'must have' title for any primary or lower secondary school
library.
Sue Warren
Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn by Belinda Murrell
Ill. by Serena Geddes. Random House Australia, 2013. ISBN:
9781742758756.
(Ages: 6-9) Recommended. Lulu Bell is another series of
stories designed to appeal to the 6-9 year old reader, this time
with a veterinary theme drawn from the author's own childhood and a
strong focus on family life.
Lulu Bell and her friend Molly are busy helping the family prepare
for Rosie's underwater themed birthday party when the call comes for
the vet, Lulu Belle's dad, to rescue a runaway pony seen running
loose on a busy road. Once the pony is safely recovered the only
place to keep him is in the backyard whilst the police find the
owners.
How Lulu Bell and Molly solve the problem of a horse in the back
yard with a taste for cake, and make Rosie's birthday party with a
crowd of junior mermaids a success is all part of the fun.
Belinda Murrell is better known for her novels Ivory Rose,Ruby Talisman and most recently Forgotten Pearl
but her foray into the junior market with such a positive family
based storyline will be welcomed by parents and readers alike. The
black and white illustrations enhance the story and add a whimsical
look at family life as the story unfolds.
Sue Keane
Bernard's plane trip by Adele Jaunn
Working Title Press, 2013. ISBN 9781921504563
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Picture book. Air travel. An endearing
and informative look at a trip in an plane, this book is ideal for
young would-be passengers and classrooms alike. The bear,
Bernard, invites the reader to enjoy the trip with him and from the
start introduces the readers to the details of going on a flight.
From packing the bag to the security at the airport, all is
included, giving the younger reader a clear idea of the protocol
involved.
All the routines are mentioned, a boarding pass, the talk by the
flight attendants, having a meal, sleeping, having things to do and
then finally the welcome at the other end by friends and family.
Each is given a warm soft picture, in which Bernard is a prominent
figure. Even more sensitive things are shown - going to the toilet,
and sleeping on the long flight.
For children about to go on their first light, for classes looking
at transport and for anyone with a sense of fun, following not only
Bernard but also the little bee which can be found on most pages,
this book is a delightful introduction to the joys of travel by
plane.
Fran Knight
Hills End by Ivan Southall
Text Publishing, 2013. First published in 1962. ISBN 9781922147004
Written in the perspective of alternating characters this tale
begins on the morning of the annual Stanley picnic, the air is thick
with excitement in an isolated mill village in Northern Australia.
While preparing to leave, seven children opt to stay behind and lead
their solitary teacher up to the bluff where Adrian, the mayor's
son, claims to have seen some Aboriginal cave drawings. However when
the children and their teacher Miss Godwin are exploring the cave
they are caught in a fierce storm which lay havoc to their village
and kills the only other adult left behind. The storm destroys all
of the bridges which were the only access points to the town. Having
become separated from their teacher the children wallow in their
fears until they collectively decide to return to the village.
Timber and corrugated iron roofing litter the streets and the
frightened children must learn to adapt in order to survive. Sharing
what little knowledge they have between them they work together to
battle their fear and their pride until the adults can return.
Ivan Southall's classic novel Hills End is one novel which
I, previously, had not had the pleasure to be acquainted with. After
reading the novel I understood that this novel set the groundwork
for John Marsden's later novel Tomorrow when the war began.
The novel introduced the characters of the children and Miss Goodwin
in an unobtrusive manner and continued to craft them throughout;
this makes the characters seem more realistic and much more engaging
for the audience. I would highly recommend this novel for both
children and adults as the vivid imagery which Southall creates is
something which is not as prominent in today's literature. I believe
that it is important for young people to read books like this as
they encourage a love for the written word, something which is often
neglected these days.
Kayla Gaskell (Aged seventeen)
The view from the 32nd floor by Emma Cameron
Walker Books Australia, 2013. ISBN 9781922077295.
(Ages 8-12) Recommended. The View from the 32nd floor is an
uplifting and gentle story where care and concern for others and
themes of loneliness and friendship in an inner city setting and
across the generational gap abound.
William lives on the 32nd floor of his apartment block with his
musician parents and enjoys watching the residents of the apartments
directly across the street with his plastic binoculars as he sits on
his balcony. When Rebecca and her mother take up residence in the
apartment directly opposite, William is quick to befriend her and
together they begin a campaign to change the lives of the residents
William sees from his balcony.
There is old Mr Crispin who worries William as he seems to have lost
interest in life and is definitely not eating properly, and Fabian the
palm grower who now lives alone and irons his holey jeans and who
lives behind the sheer grey curtains which never open.
With the help of cake, visits by the children and some banana-shaped
Post-it notes to remind him to put in his hearing aids, Mr Crispin
begins to reconnect with the world but it is when the children are
forced to enlist Fabian's help to break into his apartment to save
his life that the real connections begin.
Tai chi in the park, lots of delicious food and a party to celebrate
the unveiling of a mysterious statue on the roof encourage all the
residents, even the reluctant Mrs Stavros who comes out from behind
the curtains to meet and talk to their neighbours.
I enjoyed William's penchant for changing his name daily and that
the meaning of the name reflected his actions and behaviour. The
lyrics of the song selected each day by his father became the theme
for the day as well, though I would think most of the references
would not be in the target audience's playlist.
If one young person is inspired to interact with an elderly
neighbour as result of reading this book the world can only be a
better place.
Sue Keane
The universe versus Alex Woods by Gavin Extence
Hodder & Stoughton, 2013. ISBN 9781444764611.
(Ages: 15+) Highly recommended. This book tells the story of Alex Woods
from the time he is ten until he is nearly eighteen and it is a
truly extraordinary story.
At age ten Alex is hit by a meteorite and seriously injured.
After spending a considerable time in hospital and therapy he is
able to resume a somewhat normal life, hampered by the fact that he
has epilepsy, a quite noticeable scar and a mother who is a
clairvoyant. Being different, he is bullied at school and this
leads to his meeting and subsequent friendship with the reclusive Mr
Peterson, a widowed American Vietnam veteran. This proves to
be a mutually rewarding friendship that evolves into Alex virtually
becoming his carer as Mr Peterson's health deteriorates.
This is a wonderful story, Alex is very intelligent and pedantic but
an exceptionally interesting character, as is Mr Peterson. The
writing is assured and carries the story along to its satisfying
conclusion. To reveal the ending would be doing a disservice.
I would highly recommend this book to upper secondary students as it
deals with confronting issues sensitively but with humour and above
all humanity.
David Rayner
Vanishing acts: A Maggie Brooklyn mystery by Leslie Margolis
Vanishing acts: A Maggie Brooklyn mystery by Leslie Margolis
Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781599909813.
(Ages: 8-12) Recommended. This mystery story has no superspies or
gadgets, just ordinary kids in a familiar setting doing what we want
kids to do, observing, thinking, investigating, questioning and
researching, whilst attending school and battling parents about
after school commitments and homework.
Maggie Brooklyn is a 12 year-old who has a twin brother Finn and
walks dogs after school for busy neighbours. She successfully solved
a dognapping case (the first Maggie Brooklyn mystery, Girl's best
friend) so when dogs are being egged at the local park Maggie
is enlisted by a fellow school student to investigate. At the same
time teenage heartthrob Seth Ryan (think Justin Bieber lookalike)
is filming his latest movie in town. Maggie's friends convince her
and Finn to join them as extras on set. Maggie's career as an extra
is short lived, however she does meet the star Seth Ryan.
When Seth disappears, Maggie is determined to find him especially
as she learns more about him.
In the meantime there are personal issues to resolve like why is her
best friend Lucy acting so strangely; what is Finn, her twin
brother, not telling her; and why is Milo, who she thought might be
boyfriend material, ignoring her?
The author has developed a witty and independent character in Maggie
who narrates the story. The interactions with other characters are
believable, especially the devotion of the Seth Ryan fans and the
developing friendships between Milo and Maggie and Finn and Lucy.
As a fan of the detective story genre it is pleasing to see that
younger readers will have the opportunity to develop a taste for the
genre with intelligent and witty investigators long before they are
old enough to appreciate the likes of Stephanie Plum, Janet
Evanovich's feisty female lead character.
Sue Keane
Australian flags and emblems by Karen Tayleur
Black Dog Books, 2013. ISBN 9781742031095. Pbk RRP $17.95
(Age: Primary school) Highly recommended. It seems quite a while
since there has been a new book on this topic and Karen Tayleur has
done a fine job of producing both a very useful and attractive
resource. With some introductory information on the background of
emblems, including traditional heraldic definitions and examples,
Tayleur leads the reader to a well presented explanation of the
flags associated with our country. Several pages are devoted to
official national flags - Australian national flag, Aboriginal flag
and Torres Strait Islander, with a history of each along with some
history regarding the Union Jack.
There is a pleasing uniformity to the format with a double spread
devoted to each state flag - the description and history faced with a
picture of flag, coat of arms (annotated) and fact box with
other state emblems. Each page is thoughtfully presented with white
space breaking up sections of text and illustrations.
Tayleur concludes the book with a double page spread of other
Australian flags such as the Eureka flag and Australian
Territory flags e.g. Norfolk Island, some flag protocol information
as well as a glossary and index.
All in all, a highly recommended book for primary school library
collections - superbly suited to Australian Curriculum (e.g.
History/Year 3/Historical Knowledge and Understanding/Community
Remembrance). This book could be used across year levels with
ease.
Sue Warren
Red Samurai by Tiffiny Hall
Roxy Ran series. Harper Collins, 2013. ISBN 9780732294540.
(Ages: 8-12) Recommended. Action. Adventure. In the Red Samurai, Roxy
Ran is the protagonist and narrator. She is a thirteen year old
ninja who stands up to the school bully while crushing on her
sister's ex-boyfriend. Her life mainly revolves around a ninja
fighting the samurai. When Roxy becomes the White Warrior she's
excited, nervous and scared. This isn't helped when her older sister
Elecktra starts acting strange and using unnatural powers in public.
Suddenly Elecktra is whisked off to the Cemetery of Warriors -
another world - without any warning or training. Things just get
harder and harder for Roxy as the days go on. The big showdown that
was expected comes along, ending the book with an enthralling fight.
All in all, the Red Samurai was an interesting book that I thought
was perhaps aimed at 8-12 year olds. This book really forced my
imagination to work as the sequence of events opened out in front of
me. It was really action-packed with almost every chapter including
a riveting fight scene. It was unusual in that it included battle
and combat, but also included a romantic and feminine feel to the
story. This is the second book in the trilogy by Tiffiny Hall which
meant that some things mentioned confused me, so I would recommend
reading the trilogy in order.
The Red Samurai was a thought-provoking book about teen problems
such as bullies and secret crushes. This book conveys them in a way
that's fun and suspenseful for pre-teens.
Jude Mills (student)
Kitty's war by Janet Butler
Queensland University Press, 2013. ISBN: 9780702249679.
Recommended. Biography. Memoirs. This book tells the story of Kit
McNaughton, a nurse in World War I. It describes the conditions that
nurses lived under in the pre-war years, the restrictions that
female nurses endured and their position in society. Kit was a
'country girl' and the freedom and excitement of being on a troop
ship, dining with the officers and enjoying the privilege that only
rich people could usually afford, was heady indeed. Then came
the arrival in Egypt, the experience of a change in culture and the
life of the Egyptian people. Nurses were volunteers and didn't
accept the British discipline very well. At this stage of the story
there is more mention of visiting the Pyramids and Sphinx than the
care and nursing of the wounded. Perhaps she didn't want to dwell on
this as she was still in a state of excitement of being overseas.
Later she does describe the poor facilities, the hardships the
wounded endured and the delay in getting them medical attention as
they arrived in huge numbers.
On Lemnos Island, the hospital consisted of tents. The weather was
freezing and the island was wind swept, causing the tents to
collapse. This was bad for the nurses, but much worse for the
wounded. The nurses didn't complain about the bad conditions -
limited food, clothes and accommodation - as they believed they had
to handle them, as did the troops. In addition to the abysmal
conditions, the men were also wounded. This side of the war was not
mentioned in the diaries of the nurses. As the nurses did not
hold the rank of an officer, a difficult situation emerged where the
nurses were unable to give instructions to male orderlies working
with them - despite the fact they had three years nursing experience
and the orderlies had only three months.
I have read much about the action on the front lines and the
trenches but this story has been a real eye-opener.
Kit goes by troop ship to Marseilles and on shore there was little
to do until the nurses went to a hospital to look after wounded
German prisoners. She is eventually sent north to an English
hospital where things were difficult - as the British nurses were
attached to the Military - unlike our Australian volunteers.
She is later stationed at an Australian Casualty clearing station,
where the conditions are appalling. At this point, she is writing
less of what she is doing in her diary. A lot of friends she has
made along the way are being wounded or killed. The war is taking
its toll on her health and the diary rarely mentions her nursing
duties.
We eventually read of her trip back to Australia, her arrival in
Melbourne and the subsequent parade. Her health is failing and she
is on leave until she recovers. She then works in the Caulfield
Military Hospital for a time, before going home to Werribee and
marrying a farmer.
I was especially interested at this point, as my maternal
Grandmother nursed the soldiers at this same hospital after the war.
I highly recommend this book to students of Australian war history,
of the history of Nursing, and to anyone who is interested in
Australians at war.
Bob Quinton
