Reviews

Careful what you wish for by Maureen McCarthy

Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781741758573.
(Age 10-12) Recommended. Aimed at younger readers, Careful what you wish for is an intriguing blend of fantasy and realism. Ruth dislikes her family life, which she considers is messy and troublesome. Her two brothers annoy her and she feels that she always comes in second place to them. The only person with whom she had a real rapport was her aunt, Mary Ellen, but she developed cancer and passed away. Before she died she gave Ruth a strange little rat that they named Rodney. But does Rodney have strange powers or is he just a toy?
Ruth has to make some hard decisions when Rodney gives her three chances to create her perfect life. If she doesn't like where she is, then all she has to do is find the red door and return to her own world. As you can imagine, trusting a rat to make a perfect world is risky as Ruth finds out when she goes to live with the perfect family. When she decides to have no family at all she finds herself in a 1950's Catholic convent boarding school, and when she decides to become famous, she discovers all the perils of being a celebrity.
I found this to be a well-written, engrossing page-turner. Children will identify with Ruth and her disgust with her eccentric parents and annoying brothers and will want to ponder what wishes they would make if they wanted a better life. Vivid characterisation made me empathise with Ruth's grief over the loss of her aunt. Her friend Howard Pope is an intriguing character. Although dishonest, his family life is appalling and readers will want to know just what happens to him, so perhaps a sequel is being signalled.
With its themes of recognising whom your friends are and appreciating your family, Careful What You Wish For is sure to appeal.
Pat Pledger

Bones of faerie by Janni Lee Simner

Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Putnam, 2010. ISBN 978-0399247095.
All Ida Mae wants to do is to fly but being black and a woman leaves her with some big problems. When her little brother finds an article in the paper, looking for women to join the Women Airforce Service Pilots 'WASP' in the Second World War, Ida finally sees her chance to take action.
Base on the true story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, this is a great novel about women's determination to fit in no matter what sacrifice they have to make. I found reading about the Second World War through the eyes of a fictional character very enjoyable and easier than from a text book. From the appearance of the novel I didn't think this was a book I would enjoy but before too long I found myself wanting to follow Ida Mae on her journey. I enjoyed the book so much that I didn't want it to end. The characters seemed as if they could have been real women wanting to do their part for their country. This book has a good flowing plot and could even be used for class reading as it can bring up issues about the war, women's rights and the norms of society at the time that teachers can use in their classrooms. Not only do I recommend the book for teachers but also teenagers and young adults would enjoy this story.
Lauren Pfeiffer (16 years old)

Does my bum look big in this ad? by Lisa Cox

Sub-title: Body image in the media. Wombat Books, 2010. ISBN 9781921633058.
(Age 11+) Teenagers and pre-teens know the power of peer group pressure but how many are aware of the dangers posed by images designed to sell popular culture?
Lisa Cox can write with authority about self-image. She worked as a fashion model and then moved to the advertising industry. After explaining the importance of a positive body image, she provides a 'behind the scenes' look at the motives and methods of marketing. Her aims are to expose photographic techniques used to enhance physical appearance, analyse the psychology of selling and offer simple but powerful remedies for the insecurities induced by unrealistic role models.  
The author's approach has considerable strength. After a brief Foreword for parents and educators, the bulk of the text is directed squarely at a young audience. Lisa Cox speaks to young people not about them. Her subject is complex but accessible because the information is well organised. Each chapter deals with a particular aspect of the issue and has been divided into topics, which are discussed briefly and persuasively under headings. The language is frank, unadorned and completely lacking in condescension. Critical issues such as eating orders, depression and plastic surgery are presented in a matter-of-fact manner along with crisply worded, practical advice.
The inclusion of pages on which readers are invited to do 'Homework', suggests that the book has been designed to be bought rather than borrowed from a library. Its dimensions, similar to those of a CD case, could make it difficult to manage in a collection. Although the author makes it clear that her message is for boys as well as girls, most of the illustrations relate to young women. The small font size may discourage some readers.
Lisa Cox has made a valuable contribution to the debate about a vitally important aspect of adolescent well-being. 'Does my bum look good in this ad? Who cares!!!'
Elizabeth Bor

The Shapeshifters by Amelia Atwaters-Rhodes

Random House Australia. ISBN 978-1864718904
The Shapeshifters is a compelling book documenting the heart aches of bringing together the Avian and Serpiete lands that have been warring with each other for two thousand years. Each of the five stories in this magical book are written in the first person. Hawksong, book one, follows Danica Shardae, the Avian Tuuli Thea's heir, and her struggle to end the war and bring peace to the two lands. Danica soon realises that the Serpiete's Royal House, the Cobrianas, want peace as much as she does. She is faced with the dilemma of either accepting Zane Cobriana, leader of the Serpietes, as her pair bond and accomplishing peace or continuing the war. Danica is unsure if Zane really wants peace or is he looking for the means to end the Shardae line?
I would recommend this book to teenage fans of the fantasy genre and people who enjoy stunning twists and turns in the plot. One stand out feature is that the solid and well developed characters are so life like that you feel as if you're one of the Serpiente dancers dancing a sakkri'nira in the sha'Mehay. What I say to anyone who reads this is: 'Go and treat yourself with this superb book'.
Zoe Pfeiffer (student)

The Double-Edged Sword by Sarah Silverwood

Book One of The Nowhere Chronicles. Orion, 2010. ISBN: 978-0575095793.
Recommended. I spent a nail biting two days reading this enthralling book. I was hardly able to put it down. It is a magical story supporting the many-universe theory that shows up in most fantasy books and containing believable characters. The use of day to day situations in this book authenticates the story line. The story starts in London, Somewhere, in twenty-ten and follows the first few days of Finmere Tingewick Smith's sixteenth year. Knotted mysteries have surrounded Fin as long as he could remember, he was an orphan left on the second step of the Old Bailey. It's time for those knots to be untangled, both in The Somewhere and The Nowhere. With the help of his friends they fight to save the retired Knights of Nowhere.
I'm sure you'll find this book just as compelling as I did. I would highly recommend it for any young adults who love a complicated plot and love a read that keeps them guessing right up to the end. The Double Edged-Sword is one of those books youll just keep reading again and again. I'm happy to say that in a few months the second instalment, The Traitor's Gate, will be available sometime in 2011.
(Kayla, age 14)

Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz

A Blue Bloods novel. Little Brown, 2010. ISBN 9781905654758.
Misguided Angel was at first a bit strange as it was part of a series, then I began to understand it more as I read the book.
When Schuyler and Jack (Mimi's brother) run away from the coven in New York to find the gate of promise, they run into a lot more trouble then they expected. They have Venators chasing after them and Nephilim, child of Croatan and Red Blood taunting them. Schuyler and Jack go to extremes to find the missing people taken by the Croatan, but they are lead to places and trapped.
Back in New York, where the coven is, there are mysterious murders and emails, threats of separation and a lot of sadness and stress to the coven and families.
When the murderer is still undiscovered and more Blue Bloods go missing from the coven, they send in a new Venator from Singapore, Deming, the death angel. Deming goes into a lot of research to find the murderer and goes on death walks. When they are all too late, Deming has lost the love of her life (her bond mate) and the victims.
Misguided Angel is a fast moving, exciting but thrilling book with lots of death and vampires. It has a theme of thrill, harm, vampires, humans, mystery and magic. Its imagery sets a scene in your mind because the author goes into great details. The word building was beautifully structured and atmospheric.
The book is set in New York and Italy and its surroundings.
It is a very unique book to me as it was kind of confusing because it jumped from one place to another. One minute I was reading about Schuyler and Jack in Italy, then next I was reading about Mimi and the coven back in New York, and it kept shifting points of view.
I would recommend this book for young adults and teenagers who love reading about the fantasy world and mythical creatures. I would definitely read Misguided Angel again as I found it a great read.
Tayla Pollard

Good Oil by Laura Buzo

Allen and Unwin, 2010. ISBN 9781741759976.
Amelia Hayes is fifteen years old. She is in Year 10 and attends a private girls school. From the moment she starts her job at Woolies she is confronted with Chris Harvey. Chris becomes her number one heartthrob, her crush, no other guy can measure up. However, Chris is twenty-one and in his final year at Uni. The six year age gap is a bit of an issue but Amelia thinks it could work. Will Chris ever see Amelia as she sees him?
The characters within the story are realistic although you might not wish to know some of the minor characters. Amelia is a close representation of a nerdy private school girl, but most girls who go to schools like hers usually know something about boys. Chris is very realistic and by far the best character in the book. He is out there, a party goer, friendly, can get along with just about anyone and doesn't use too many swear words. I do warn parents though that there is a sexual scene that might not be suitable for all children to read and there is a degree of swearing within the book. The story takes place in Sydney, Australia. Mainly at parties, Chris and Amelia's houses, Woolies and at school (University/Private Girls High School).The style of writing is not too in-depth and fairly basic really except for the entries in Chris's diaries which are concise and straight to the point. The main theme is about love and chasing the guy you want but cannot have, even if you think it could work when it is so obvious that it won't. Sometimes you have to settle for friendship. There is a minor sexual theme laced into the story which makes it a little inappropriate for the target audience.
In my opinion the target audience is twelve to fifteen year old girls, if we're looking at the style of writing, however if going by the themes the target audience should be sixteen to eighteen year old girls. This book probably is aimed at the first target audience yet is not appropriate for them to read.  I found this book rather uninteresting and bleak. However, the two sections that were written as Chris's diaries were thoroughly enjoyable. I would rate this book 6/10 stars.
Amelia Kelly (Age 17)

The Cocky who cried Dingo by Yvonne Morrison

Ill. by Heath McKenzie. Little Hare, 2010. ISBN 9781921541421.
(Age 3-6) Recommended. In a wonderful Australian adaptation of The Boy Who Cried Wolf by Aesop, Yvonne Morrison has written a witty and humorous story of 'a handsome and arrogant' young cockatoo who plays one trick too many on the other birds in the forest. Cocky just loves making mischief and causing mayhem in the flocks of birds that live near him. He screeches that he is caught in the jaws of a big hairy dingo and wakes up all his mates. After playing the same game again, the birds take no notice when a real dingo comes along and catches Cocky's crest in its jaws.
With the use of clever rhyming and vivid alliteration, Morrison has ensured that children will really enjoy the story of the Cocky who was too clever for his own good. The moral of not teasing and telling lies is told beautifully with subtle humour without being didactic. Beginning readers will find the rhymes an incentive to following the story and it is great to read aloud.
Heath McKenzie's signature funny Australian illustrations are drawn in gorgeous colours and it is fun to work out the different types of birds that feature on the pages. A sly little drawing at the end of the book lets the reader know that Cocky is still full of tricks, even if they are not so mean.
With lots of action, a little fear, suspense and excitement, this is a treat for the young child or as a read aloud in the classroom.
Pat Pledger

Worlds next door edited by Tehani Wessely

Fablecroft, 2010, ISBN 9780980777017.
(Age 9-13) Recommended. Short stories. An engaging collection of speculative fiction, Worlds next door encompasses short stories ranging from horror to science fiction. Written by twenty five of Australia's top writers in the genre, including Pamela Freeman, Michael Pryor, Dave Luckett, Sue Bursztynski and Paul Collins, this is an excellent collection for both the library and the English faculty.
The first story, The best dog in the world by Dirk Flinthart, is science fiction at its best. Scientists exploit a dog's faithful nature in a heart wrenching way. Old Saint Nick by Leith Daniel is a Christmas story with a twist and would be perfect to read aloud to a restless group. I loved the horror in Little Arkham by Martin Livings, where a fan of Christopher Death, an author of gruesome stories, discovers just what happens in the school where he is the principal. The Nullabor wave by Matthew Chrulew is a startling original story with a unique Australian flavour, about driving across the desolate plains and the witch in Tabitha by Rowena Cory Daniels is very frightening.
Expertly selected by Tehani Wessely, individual stories in this excellent collection would make perfect introductions to different speculative fiction genres or as an introduction to the short story. Ghosts and strange creatures abound, making the collection one that children will really enjoy listening to as well. Audio versions of some of the stories and teaching ideas can be found at the World next door website .
Pat Pledger

Captain Mack and the giant squid by John Lomas-Bullivant

Walker Books, 2010. ISBN 9781406323603.
(Age 6-10) Graphic novel. In the first of a series, Captain Mack has to prove that he can save a submarine trapped between rocks deep in the ocean. But there is a monster squid there that makes it difficult for him! After this daring rescue, Captain Mack comes home to find that there is a Space Monster invasion at Sunshine City causing panic and mayhem. His old foe, Tracy Trickster has been up to her tricks again. What can he do about it?
This colourful graphic novel, with its easy story line and  short sentences, is aimed at newly independent readers, especially boys.  The action in the story is suspenseful and is sure to interest the young reader. The comic book type illustrations are also appealing.
The humour in both the illustrations and dialogue add interest to what should prove to be a popular series with the very young who will also delight in the silliness and naughtiness of Tracy Trickster.
Pat Pledger

Jungle Kill by Jim Eldridge

Egmont, 2010. ISBN 9781405247801.
Six men! One mission! Failure is not an option!
When Mitch embarks on a dangerous mission he ends up being held captive. Escaping, Mitch ends up doing something that gets him in trouble but little did his persecutors know he was a member of the Special Forces.
This action packed book has an easy flowing plot, leading you to a front line in an African forest. Don't let the slow start drive you away from the fast-paced action within these pages. The main characters are great role models for young male readers to look up to as they show strength, skills and courage. I recommend this novel to boys thirteen and over as there are graphic scenes of warfare. I really enjoyed reading this novel. It was very exciting.
Kane Wallace (13 yrs)

Infinity: I am the power they can't tear down by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Atom, 2010. ISBN 9781907410215.
The book Infinity is a great read and I recommend it to all young adults and their teachers. Infinity would be a good resource to introduce reading to reluctant readers because it has an attractive font and is very easy to read.
The main character is Nick. He lives in a three-bedroom house in a run down part of the city. He is fourteen years old and hates going to school because the other students ridicule him for wearing second-hand clothes. In the storyline, Nick finds himself being pulled between the forces of good and evil. The plot is inhabited by killer zombies who enjoy feasting on human brains. Nick and his friends have to kill them to stay alive. As if that isn't enough Nick's mother constantly nags him and makes his life a living hell. The reader is left in suspended animation at the end of the book. I really need to know what happens next, the poor guy needs a break.
When does the sequel come out?
Jessie McGrath (Year 8)

Nicholas Dane by Melvin Burgess

Puffin, 2010. ISBN 9780141316338.
(Ages 16+) Recommended. Melvin Burgess has always pushed the boundaries in his writing. When he won the Carnegie medal for Junk in 1996 it made headline news, hardly surprising as it represented such a seismic shift in literature for young people. Subsequent novels also roused strong opinions, and Nicholas Dane will be no exception.
Set in the 1980s this is the harrowing story of Nick whose mother dies of a heroin overdose and who finds himself at the tender mercies of a group of so called teachers (all inadequate, bullying torturers) at a children's home. Burgess does not hold back. Details of child sex abuse, the skewed and damaged thought processes of paedophiles, the physical and emotional torture of children, drugs, prostitution and armed robbery all figure in this compelling novel.
Melvin Burgess is a genius at painting pictures with words. (I still shudder when I picture one of the characters in Junk cradling her baby while she injects heroin). This is an even tougher subject to write about for young people, and the line between adult and young adult is very hazy indeed. It is exceptionally well written; perhaps the only way Burgess could successfully handle such horrific storylines was to adopt a clinical almost documentary approach. Of course this factual style simply serves as a reminder that this story is embedded in the horrific experiences that real children endured at the hands of the so called care system.
The trauma that Nick and his friends Oliver and Davy experience is hard to believe. Nick is a tough character and Burgess does not dwell in huge detail regarding the emotional cost of his abuse, but it's there in his attempts to blot out the horror with drugs and alcohol and in his total inability to build successful relationships. Oliver is perhaps the most tragic character. Groomed by paedophiles since a young age, he knows no other form of affection. The fact that he disappears and Nick fails in his attempts to find him leaves the reader to draw their own conclusions - lost in the care system, or murdered by paedophiles? We never find out.
I urge caution in sharing this book with young people. This is HEAVY reading, perhaps best adopted by a reading group, where the traumatic events can be chewed over and discussed. I haven't read anything as harrowing or deeply affecting since We Need to talk about Kevin, but of course that was written for adults.
Claire Larson

Descent by Charlotte McConaghy

The Strangers of Paragor: Book 2. Black Dog Books, 2010. ISBN 9781742031279.
(Age: Older teenagers) When the last two strangers arrive in Paragor, Jack and Mia are thrown into a world they know nothing about. With the help from the other strangers and their newly made friends they must come together for the battle of their lives!
This medieval saga is about courage, darkness and most importantly friendship. The plot line is complex as there are multi-layering of themes and issues. I highly recommend that the first novel Arrival to be read first as it will help the reader to familiarise themselves with the characters and to understand the storyline in Descent.
I recommend this novel to older teenagers or young adults as some scenes involve graphic violence and are inappropriate for younger readers. Charlotte has done a wonderful job creating this novel at the age of sixteen. Even in the very last pages, you are fixed to the story line and can't put the book down. I won't be surprised if Charlotte will be an author to a third novel very soon. And I will be waiting for it!
Lauren Pfeiffer (Student, 16 years old)