Gamers' Challenge - Letting my imagination run wild by George Ivanoff
Gamers' Challenge is my first sequel. And boy, was it a lot
of fun to write. That's not to say that it wasn't a lot of hard work
as well . . . but as a sequel I found it quite liberating. It gave
me license to let my imagination run wild.
Writing Gamers' Challenge was quite a different experience
from writing Gamers' Quest. There was a lot more
'background' work on the first book - working out the logic behind
the game in which the characters are trapped; creating the universe;
developing the main characters. And a certain amount of that
background had to be included in the novel, so that readers felt
that the world and people within it were believable.
With the second book, most of that background work was already in
place. Yes, there were some new characters to introduce, but the two
main heroes carried on from the previous book. Knowing that readers
were already familiar with Tark and Zyra and their world, meant that
I could concentrate on making life difficult for them. And
it's those challenges that the characters face - the difficulties I
throw at them, the obstacles I pace in their way - that make the
story really interesting.
I've always said that my main motivation behind Gamers' Quest
was the desire to write the book that I would have loved reading as
a young teenager. So that's why it's set within a computer game
world; that's why it is populated with dragons and killer cyborgs
and robot spiders and an invading centurion army; that's why it is
fast-paced and action orientated; that's why it contains a Doctor
Who reference (yes, I was, and still am, a nerdy Doctor
Who fanboy).
With Gamers' Challenge I felt free to indulge my interests
even more. So, this book includes within its pages dinosaurs,
unicorns, homicidal balls of static, computer game cheat codes,
zombies, a World War II style battleground, sudden death pinball,
unicorns, a climactic computer game face-off, more dragons and
another Doctor Who reference.
That's not to say that the book is all mindless action. There were
things of interest to me as a teenager aside from action and
adventure. I spent a lot of time wondering what sort of person I
would be when I grew up. And I craved the perceived freedom I would
have when I finally finished school. I also spent many hours
pondering the bizarre notion that I, and everyone else in the world,
might just be pawns in some game controlled by a higher power.
The themes of reality and identity that I wove through the story of
Gamers' Quest are continued in the sequel. This time I took
the question of identity a step further - is it possible to choose
the sort of people we want to be, or are we destined to be what we
are programmed or taught to be; how much say do we have over who we
really are? And to all this I added the concept of freedom. One
character even asks 'What do you do with freedom when you get it?'
I enjoyed writing Gamers' Challenge. I really do think it is
a book that I would have loved reading in my youth. Now I've just
got to hope that the teenagers of today will feel the same way about
it as I do! Gamers' Challenge will be available in bookstores from 1
September.
George will be doing the following bookstore signings:
Dymocks Southland - 12.00noon - 1.30pm, Saturday 24 September 2011
Level 3 (opposite food court), Southland Shopping Centre,
Cheltenham, Vic
Collins Books, Northland -1.00pm - 2.00pm, Saturday 1 October 2011
Shop D1/2 (neat Safeway), Northland Shopping Centre, Preston, Vic.
For more information about the Gamers books, check out the official
website.
How the whale became and other stories by Ted Hughes
Faber and Faber, 2011 (1963). ISBN 978 0512744208.
(Ages 6+) Recommended. Storytelling. I was constantly reminded of my
favourite childhood book, the Just so stories, by Rudyard
Kipling, while reading this small volume of Ted Hughes' wonderful
animal legends. First published in 1963, the eleven stories of how
things came to be will evoke humour and a lasting interest in the
idea of storytelling. Hughes, Poet Laureate from 1984 until his
death in 1998, was one of England's favourite poets and children's
authors. And this book, How the whale became, exposes his
considerable talent to a new audience.
The stories show the animals at the beginning of time, wondering
what they will become in the world. Many try different things, until
they hit upon the animal they should be. Readers will roar with
laughter at the donkey trying to be a lion, an eagle, a bull and a
cockatoo, all giving them five minutes each, before hitting on being
a donkey.
The whale grows up in God's vegetable patch but in growing so large,
squashed God's carrots and so was banished to the sea. The polar
bear is lured out of the polar regions because it always wins the
beauty contests and the other animals are jealous. And so on. Each
creation story revolves a big issue, jealousy, independence,
conformity, and each is fun to read aloud or in a group. Bordering
on fables, the stories could well be used in a unit in the classroom
on storytelling, or fables, or creation stories, or to introduce a
study of animals, or just to have fun.
Fran Knight
This country series by various authors
Pearson, 2011.
(Age 10-14) This is a series of books that examines five countries
near to Australia. Each of the books has a contents page which lists
the following headings: Introduction, Environment, In the past,
Government, People, Day-to-day life, Unique relationship, Timeline,
Glossary, Index and Find out More. The Pearson website states that
'they focus on life in the country, as well as history, geography,
cities and countryside, conflicts, work, food and recreation.
Australia's particular relationship with each country is also
examined, including a focus on trade, movement of people for work
and leisure and emergency assistance provided by Australia.'
Each book has many attractive and up-to-date photos, for example,
India contains a photo of Julia Gillard with an Indian Minister. The
photos and text ably illustrate life in the country at the present
times. The day-to-day life section contain profiles and case studies
of two young students, giving a good flavour of how they live. A
timeline provides a quick glance at major historical events. Words
that are contained in the glossary are printed in bold throughout
the text, as an aid to the young reader. There is an index to major
pieces of information and students and teachers can explore an
internet site organised by Pearson after a school registration is
made.
India by Carmel Reilly Pearson, 2011. ISBN: 9781442547001. China by Cameron Macintosh. Pearson, 2011. ISBN
9781442546967. Papua New Guinea by Carmel Reilly. Pearson, 2011. ISBN
9781442546981. New Zealand by Carmel Reilly. Pearson, 2011. ISBN
9781442546998. Indonesia by Carmel Reilly. Pearson, 2011. ISBN 978144254
6974.
Pat Pledger
Crypt: The Gallows Curse by Andrew Hammond
Headline, 2011. ISBN 9780755378210.
(Age: 12+) In 2007, thirteen year old Jamie, the son of Jason Goode,
a billionaire and IT guru, was convicted of murdering his mother by
throwing her off the battlements of their English castle. However
Jamie kept claiming 'the ghosts did it.' His father had no choice
but to believe him. Supported by his eminent scientist friend,
Professor Giles Bonati, Jamie learns that teenagers have high
extrasensory perception and can see ghosts where adults fail. They
set up a paranormal Investigation team (PIT) to examine hauntings
but their success has unexpected repercussions. The media coverage
scares the general public and the government closes them down.
However the British secret services negotiate with Jason Goode to
establish a covert operation, 'Crypt', the covert response youth
paranormal team. Part of the deal is that his son Jamie is released
to be an investigator, re-named Jud Lester.
People start disappearing or being viciously attacked in increasing
frequency in London and the only connection is that survivors claim
that the culprits were 17th century highwaymen. The 'Crypt' team
must work out why the spirits are angry if they are to have a chance
of stopping them. Jud and his partner Bex, despite using retina
recognition scans and neutralisers, are in mortal danger when they
encounter the ghosts. Crypt is fast paced and at times a bit gruesome. Its mix of
ghost busting, adventure and horror, together with the teenage stars
means that it will appeal to many young adult readers. Recommended
for 12 years plus.
Kay Haarsma
Flawless by Lara Chapman
Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN: 9781408819616.
(Age 14+) Highly recommended. Sarah Burke's life is about to get
complicated. She's agreed to help her gorgeous best friend, Kirsten,
catch the eye of the hot new guy at school, only to discover that
he's actually perfect for her. And to make matters worse, Sarah's
convinced that the guy of her dreams won't be able to see past her
unusually large nose.
I felt truly into this book as I could relate to the main character.
We all have our flaws and things we don't like about ourselves and
we always feel like they are the reason for all of our rejections. I
was gripped throughout the whole story wondering how it would turn
out and if she would get the guy and keep her best friend. All in
all a very gripping, exciting story that any girl would love to read
and a must have if you have insecurities about your body.
Taylor Oxenham (student)
Ted goes wild by Michael Wagner and Tom Jellett
Puffin Books, 2011. ISBN 978 0 14 3304227.
This is a quirky story about a teddy bear owned by a young boy named
Oliver. Ted has an undercover life that causes great concern for
Oliver. When Ted receives a letter from Papa Guru, Leader of the
World Teddies Oliver knows Ted must embark on another mission. His
goal is to rescue Talia, a rag doll who has been trapped in a cave
guarded by a grizzly bear.
Teds adventures involve many diverse skills and place him in extreme
danger at times. The text, sometimes in comic format, and the
illustrations work well to explore the perils of Ted and the
concerns of Oliver as this adventure unfolds. With ever page turn
Ted is faced with increasing peril therefore encouraging the reader
to keep reading to ensure the ending is a satisfying and safe one.
Another adventure of Ted is scheduled to be released soon.
Tracy Glover
The koala bounces back by Jimmy Thomson
Ill. by Eric Lobbecke. Random House, 2011. ISBN 978174275 0071.
(Ages: 4-5) Picture book. Environment. A sequel to The koala who
bounced, this story shows the koala along with other animals
and birds in their stretch of the forest. But cats have moved in,
cats that have been dumped by their unthinking owners, and the
animals must decide what to do about this problem. A clear
environmental message is brought to bear with the animals grappling
with the problem of the cats destroying their neighbourhood. They
decide to have a football competition, and the cats seem to win
hands down, that is, until it rains, when they must run for cover.
But Karri takes pity on the cats, and goes off to find a place where
they can live. He smells BBQ smells coming from the new housing
estate built near the forest and when investigating, finds the cats
have followed the smells too. And the owners of the new houses take
the cats in as their own.
This is a neatly told little story which could well be used to
introduce themes such as destruction of habitat, or environmental
damage, or suburban encroachment upon animal habitat when studying
this in the classroom. Readers will be highly amused by the
different characteristics shown by the illustrator, giving another
layer to the story.
Fran Knight
Shift by Em Bailey
Egmont, 2011. ISBN 978 1921564390.
(Ages: 12+) Thriller. Recommended. A new girl at school,
Miranda,catches the attention of Olive and her friend, Ami, as the
rumours fly that she has killed both her parents. The rumour seems
odd however, when the girl herself is so dreary and thin, quiet and
mousey, until she latches onto Olive's former best friend, Katie.
Olive and Ami notice with suspicion that the once vibrant, vivacious
Katie, the centre of attention, begins to pale in comparison with
her new friend, Miranda. So much so, that Olive is most concerned,
Katie looks thin and emaciated, she seems lost in the background,
and then when she is admitted to hospital, Olive is devastated. All
the while hints are made about Olive's own state, as the hospital
where Katie now resides is also the hospital Olive was once in.
Katie's death is the catalyst for Miranda to begin to move in on
Olive, and Ami's voice keeps warning her that she is a shapeshifter,
one adept at taking over other people, just as she did with Katie.
Lachlan too, warns Olive to stay away form Miranda, but the lure is
compelling, as Miranda has become friendly with Dallas, the singer
in a band whom Olive likes.
A well written horror story, Shift will have readers eagerly
staying until the end of the book, following the exploits of Miranda
as she plies her villainous tricks upon the school cohort. Behind it
all is the boy who has shown interest in Olive, but who Olive keeps
at arm's length, lest she reveal too much of her background.
Cleverly, the author deals with some bigger issues, teen suicide,
anorexia, bullying and the breakup of families, but not in a slavish
manner, wanting this to be an issue book, but rather as the
background to a well written and chilling thriller.
Fran Knight
Let's go Baby-O by Janet and Andrew McLean
Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 9781742375649.
(Age 3-5) Recommended. A toddler and his young companion have great
fun, playing, 'Let's go, Baby-O', whirling and twirling, up and
down. In between energetic dances, they stop and look out the window
and what do they see? The little boy concentrates on the birds
in a tree and what they are doing, but the reader can see so much
else going on outside: children building a cubbyhouse, a dog being
washed, people gardening and a cat climbing a tree.
The young child will have such fun playing the 'Let's go Baby-O'
games, learning about bouncing and pouncing, jumping, bumping and
thumping as well as flipping, flopping and hopping. They also clap
and flap, twist, twirl and whirl. In between this frenetic dancing,
come the quiet moments when both the little boy and the reader can
look out the window and have a chance to check what is happening
outside. The language of this story is exuberant and young children
will learn lots of new words as well as long to be up and dancing as
the story is read to them.
I love the illustrations as well. There are little details like the
toys that the little boy brings one by one to the windowsill to
observe what is going on, until there is a long line of them looking
out as well. The activity in the garden is amazing and the reader or
child who is listening to the story will be amazed at the fact that
the little boy is concentrating on the birds when there is so much
else going on. The illustrations are in soft pastels, and the antics
of the cat and dog add a depth of humour to the garden scene.
This is a very special book that will teach language as well as
giving children the opportunity to have lots of fun with the story.
Pat Pledger
Horses for King Arthur by L. S. Lawrence
Omnibus Books, 2011. ISBN: 9781862919198.
(Age 14+) Recommended. Britain, the year 475. The world is
darkening. In the darkness, there are some who dream. Artorius
dreams of victory over the barbarians who raid the night. And Alexa,
half-Roman, dreams of breeding the horses that will carry him to
victory. But Alexa's mother has very different plans for her, and
will stop at nothing to see them fulfilled. Alexa needs allies, and
finds them - her father's old groom, Syragus, and the mysterious sea
Captain, Grecca. With their help she will follow her dream, wherever
it leads her.
A beautiful story of love and loss that you immediately get lost in.
This story captivated me and I fell in love with it. But the title
confused me a bit: after I read the book I realised that there
Artorius was another word for Arthur. But other than that I loved
the book and would love to read others by this author.
Taylor Oxenham (Student)
Blood Money by J.E. Fison
Hazard River series. Ford Street, 2011. ISBN 978 1
921665 462.
(Age 9+) You know Blood Money is going to be an adventure
when the opening pages introduce our characters - Jack and Ben - and
a fist full of $50 notes. It is only chapter 2 and the boys are
already up to no good - claiming money that is not theirs and
dreaming about how they will spend it. Throw in an encounter with a
poisonous snake and now the story involves all four friends - Jack,
Ben, Mimi and Lachlan. Working together, they hide the money and set
a trap. Who does the money belong to? Are they criminals? Will Mimi
make the boys hand the money in? Will Jack ever get a yacht or a
quad bike? Who has wrecked the shed? Are the friends safe or is
there really a curse? Blood Money is a quick moving short novel with short descriptive
chapters and lots of adventure to keep readers engaged. Boys aged 9+
will enjoy the humour and the action. It is part of a series
but this story stands alone and readers will not have to read others
in the series to understand what is going on. Of course, they will
want to check out more adventures, I am sure! The thing I love about
this book is it is Australian, exposing children to Australian
humour, animals and places - a good thing in the world of computer
games.
Kylie Kempster
Riley and the grumpy wombat by Tania McCartney
Ill. by Kieron Pratt. Ford St., 2011. ISBN 978 1921665493.
(Ages 5+) Picture book. The fourth in the Riley series, see Riley,
digging in his grandmother's garden to make mud pies, happens upon a
wombat hole. Inside is a very grumpy wombat and it soon scurries off
to find safety elsewhere. The indomitable Riley then heads off on
his contraption to find the hapless animal, thus flying over parts
of Melbourne and Victoria, giving the reader a visual tour of the
state and its attractions.
The little red plane, replete with Riley at the controls, and
accompanied by his friends, panda and koala and two toys, flies over
Melbourne searching in the strangest of places for the wombat.
Children will love telling the reader that these places could not
possibly be the places to find wombat, as they see Bourke Street
Mall, Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, South Bank amongst
others. They then go to places more likely to find a wombat, Royal
Botanic Gardens, Dandenong Ranges, and Great Ocean Road, but still
with no success.
Eventually of course the wombat is found, in of course a mud villa,
thus returning to the theme of the opening lines.
A neat introduction of the sights of Victoria, this will be well
used in classrooms where books about Australia are there for younger
children to research, particularly in light of 2012 being The
National year of Reading, and using Alison Lester's book, Are we
there yet? as its theme.
Fran Knight
Dark and hollow places by Carrie Ryan
Orion, 2011. ISBN 9780575094840.
(Age 14+) Recommended. Zombie. The third in the Forest of Hands and
Teeth series stars Annah, Gabry's twin sister. Annah has a lot to be
sorry about. She and Elias lost Gabry in the forest when she just a
little girl. She has a horrific scar from the barbed wire that keeps
out the Undead. They have lived a precarious existence in the City,
with Elias protecting her and providing a reason for her existence.
Then he left to become part of the Recruits and her whole existence
has revolved around waiting for him to come home. But one day she
meets Catcher and decides that perhaps life is worth living after
all.
As in the first two books in the series, there is plenty of action
to keep the reader's interest. It takes place in the ruins of the
City, but is no less terrifying that the scenes of hands and teeth
clutching at the living through the fences in the previous two
books. The Horde swarm everywhere and the machinations of those in
command of trying to keep the living safe are horrifying as well.
Annah is a compelling character who grabbed my interest right from
the start. It was good to see her growth and bravery in this coming
of age novel. Catcher too is a fascinating character. He has dark
secrets and his future is unknown. The growing feelings between the
two are central to the plot. Ryan handled Annah's feelings for Elias
and then for Catcher in a sympathetic and believable way. I
especially liked Annah, even more than Gabry and Mary in the
previous books, as she grew to be brave and determined. Catcher too
is strong and courageous.
This series has been fast paced and engrossing: all the books are
ones that I haven't wanted to put down. If teens want horror
stories, complete with zombies, they can't go past this group of
books or Jonathan Maberry's Rot and ruin.
Pat Pledger
Flip by Martyn Bedford
Walker Books, 2011. ISBN: 9781406329896.
(Age 14+) Recommended. One morning 14 yr old Alex wakes up to find
himself in the wrong bedroom, in an unfamiliar house, in a different
part of the country. The family at the breakfast table are total
strangers. And when he looks in the mirror he gets the shock of his
life. How is it possible that Alex has become another boy - a boy
called Philip, or Flip? But more importantly, how will he switch
back to become himself again?
At first when I started reading this book I was a little confused
with the story but then I realise the switch was at the start of the
book and not later on. A very different approach to a story but I
really liked it because I learnt things just as he remembered them
and not in the intro to his life. Very cute, funny story with lots
of twists and bends and a lot of friend making.
Taylor Oxenham (student)
The Twilight Saga: The Official Illustrated Guide by Stephenie Meyer
Atom Books, 2011. ISBN: 9781905654437
(Age 13+) Highly Recommended. This must have edition is the
definitive encyclopaedic reference to the Twilight Saga and provides
readers with everything they need to further explore the
unforgettable world Stephenie Meyer created in Twilight, New
Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn and The Short
Second Life of Bree Tanner. This comprehensive handbook -
essential for every Twilight fan - is full-colour throughout, with
nearly 100 beautiful illustrations and photographs, and with
exclusive new material, character profiles, genealogical charts,
maps, extensive cross references, an in-depth conversation between
authors Stephenie Meyer and her idol Shannon Hale, and much, much
more.
A definite must have for any Twilight fan, you get all of
the inside secrets that only Stephenie Meyer and her close friends
and workmates knew. For me getting the chance to review this book
was amazing. I am a major Twilight fan and anyone who loves
Twilight or even if they don't, should definitely get this
book to truly understand what Stephenie was thinking when she wrote
the series and how she came to write it. All in all, it is a great
informational book on a great series.
Taylor Oxenham (student)
