Reviews

Bookmark days by Scot Gardner

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Girlfriend Fiction series
Allen and Unwin, 2009. ISBN 9781741755787
(Ages 10 -14)
The story takes place on a sheep farm in rural Australia. It parallels country life and city life through the eyes of two cousins, Avril and Katie. Intertwined in the story is a feud between neighbours - the Carrington's and the Stanton's. When Avril meets Nathaniel she is unaware of the link between their families and as their friendship develops the feud between the two families escalates. However Avril is sure she has an ally in her grandmother and just hopes she can help to resolve the long standing hostilities.
Whilst Katie's behaviour has Avril worried - she is unaware that Katie is hoping the break on the farm will help her with the breakup of her parents.
This is a story filled with typical family challenges and events.
This series has filled a niche in the teenage girl market and has utilised the talents of many well known Australian authors.
Tracy Glover

Bloodflower by Christine Hinwood

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Allen and Unwin, 2009.
(Age 13+) Bloodflower is a book by "an exceptional new talent" Christine Hinwood. The story charts the aftermath of a war between the Uplanders and Downlanders. Like most war and conflicts through history, the devastation of changing political boundaries result in displaced families, and new customs and allegiances being made.
The central hero of the story, Cam, returns to his small village of Kayforl from the war minus an arm, but as it turns out a whole lot of new found respect from the enemy and victorious reigning royalty. In Kayforl, however, his disability means he is treated badly, resulting in him spending his time drinking away his sorrows at the tavern, when not resigned to doing "women's work". His time away at war and his injuries have also meant that his betrothal to the neighbour's daughter, Graceful Fennister, had been annulled. This further added to Cam's grief and sense of belonging in the new post-war world to which he had returned damaged.
Parallel to Cam's story, Diido is an orphaned refugee girl who is also reeling from the aftermaths of the war. Whilst effected in different ways by the war, Cam and Diido have very similar problems with their sense of identity and as a result are destined to meet.
It was hard to make out which category or genre for which Blood Flower should be placed as the book seems to jump around a fair bit between styles and genres: fantasy, history and romance. This book presents a good analysis of the total aftermath of war - social, political and cultural. Because of the nature of the story and the words used, this book is probably recommended for more regular readers of fantasy, historical and similar books of this nature. Whilst the themes of prostitution and teenage menstruation are covered fairly subtly, this book certainly wouldn't be recommended for children under the age of 13.
Adam Fitzgerald, Paralowie School R-12

Newes from the dead by Mary Hooper

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Random House, 2008.
(Ages 12+) The story of Anne Green, a woman hanged in Oxford in 1650, for infanticide and then returning to life just as she was about to be dissected by the doctors from the Oxford College of Physicians, makes terrifying reading, as Hooper recreates her thoughts in her coffin, recalling her life up to that moment.
Anne Green was a scullery maid in the house of the Reade family, friends to the King, Charles 1. There she unfortunately attracted the attentions of the grandson, Geoffrey, who promised the earth to get her compliance. Finding herself pregnant, she sought help form the local cunning woman. When the child was born dead she was accused of infanticide and sentenced to hang.
Younger teen readers, particularly girls, will find this book of great interest. Not only does it go into some details about the various seductions imposed upon the girl by the grandson of the house, it also details the work she does in the house, and reinforces the giant gulf between the rich and poor in Cromwellian England.
The background described by Hooper is fascinatingly realistic, and the story of Anne Green, enthralling. I found myself getting frustrated, however, with the 'bodice ripper' style of the narrative, wanting to get to the nitty gritty of the girl's survival after such an horrendous event, not the machinations of the grandson and his eventual marriage to a wealthy young woman.The event and its aftermath are played by the author to garner the most excitement and this too I felt was too long. But the story is gripping. The detail of the hanging and its aftermath is sure to make all readers anti capital punishment. Fran Knight

The switch by Anthony Horowitz

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Walker Books, 2009. ISBN 9781406305715 (Age 11+) Highly recommended. Previously published in 1996. The title of The switch gives a clue to the book theme which revolves around the consequences of a thirteen year old boy wishing he was someone else and the body swap that evolves. Tad Spencer, comfortably at home in Snatchmore Hall, with an affluent lifestyle filled with overseas trips, a chauffeur, housekeeper, and nanny is transposed into Bob Snarby, the son of not so loving fairground workers. His home becomes an unhygienic caravan, and he is co-opted into burglaries. Even Bob finds that living as some one else is far from perfect, as he found his more toffy life a little suffocating. Efforts by Tad to regain his former life almost result in his death as he stumbles upon conspiracy and murder in his father's cosmetics business. Issues such as the ethics of how products are tested; arms selling; and the exploitation of poorer cultures are all woven into the storyline. The final chapters are really creative and give constant surprises to the reader. The Switch will be thoroughly enjoyed by upper primary and secondary students and particularly by boys. It is so entertaining that most will read it in one sitting. Kay Haarsma

A small white scar by K A Nuzum

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Harper Trophy, 2009. ISBN 978006075641 3
(Ages 13-15) A Small White Scar is the story of self discovery for Will, who wants desperately to be a rodeo star. He feels restricted and tied down at the family ranch. His twin brother, Denny, has Downs Syndrome and it has been Will's role to be mother, teacher and role model to Denny since their mother's death some years before.
Will believes that he is a man and wants to leave the ranch, earn prize money at the local rodeo and then make a living as a cowboy on cattle ranches. His plans are countered by Denny who follows him everywhere. When he makes his move to ride at the local rodeo, followed by Denny, Will is forced to make choices between his expectations and his guilt at leaving not just Denny but his father and the ranch, behind.
This is an engaging story, set in the 1940's in Colorado cattle country. It gives insight into relationships on a number of levels: those between animals and people, particularly horses and their riders, between the brothers and between father and son. The resolution is perhaps not the expected one, nor even the final one, but it is one which fits the characters. A satisfying read for 13-15 year olds.
Mark Knight

Zoltan the magnificent by Bob Graham

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Lothian Children's Books, 2008. ISBN 9780734410689
(Age 4-7) Recommended. Jack's Dad never seems to have enough time for his family. He leaves for work very early and comes home late at night. Sometimes Jack has to get out of bed just to see him. When the family goes on holiday, Jack is certain that it is his mother who will be fun, but he is in for a surprise!
Bob Graham creates a wonderful, warm family with ordinary ups and downs in an environment easily identified by children. Many may recognise the father who works really long hours and seems to be serious all the time, and feel relieved when he shows that he has a fun side when he relaxes on holidays.
Humour permeates the story both in the text and the cartoon like illustrations. There are many funny moments that will have the reader chuckling aloud. Incidents like Leo the dog sucking Grace's dummy just when they are about to embark on a bus journey to the seaside and peas rolling across the restaurant floor are beautifully woven into the story.
Holidays can give everyone a chance to learn things about family members and the discoveries that both Jack and his father make are heart warming. This is a wonderful story of family life and unity.
Pat Pledger

The adventures of Nanny Piggins by R.A Spratt

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Random House, 2009.
ISBN 9781741663167
(Age 5-9) Recommended for good Junior Primary readers and early Primary readers. After Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a pig as a nanny who consumes chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner is appealingly delectable to young readers. Imagine having 'a hearty dinner of caramel brownies and sherbet lemons'! (p45) Add to the mix Father Mr Brown, who is most always away from home, and three children who relish the amazing and original ways that Nanny Piggins solves the outrageous incidents that occur. Her imagination and inventiveness knows no boundaries. Which child wouldn't want to have a flying pig who had run away from the circus as their carer! The adventures begin innocently enough, but with Nanny Piggins running the entertainment, nothing is ordinary. Nanny (Sarah) Piggins, was formerly a flying pig in a circus, so when the Ringmaster turns up to take Nanny Piggins back to the circus, the fun really begins! Boris, her adopted brown bear brother, brought from Russia to dance in the circus and her sister cause many a worry to the children. The asides amuse and inform the reader, who can willingly revel in the escapades. It's not a difficult read and will appeal to children with a very sweet tooth and lots of imagination!
Typeface is clear and well spaced.
Sue Nosworthy

The priestess and the slave by Jenny Blackford

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Hadley Rille Books, 2009. ISBN 9780981924311
(Ages 14+) A fascinating novel set in Ancient Greece, The Priestess and the Slave tells two parallel stories of a Delphi Pythia and a young slave woman with incredible historical and archaeological accuracy. It is clearly written by an author who not only specialises in ancient history, but has a passion for telling the stories of those who lived in such times.
The novel moves between the lives of two women living in very different circumstances. Harmonia is a young slave girl whose kind and caring nature is reflected in the respectful manner she is treated by her master and mistress. Harmonia's story is set against a backdrop of tragedy and sadness as the terrible plague of Athens sweeps through her family.
Thrasulla is a Pythia who prophesies for Apollo. Her story unfolds amidst the corruption of man as one of her fellow Pythia accepts a bribe from a mad king. Thrasulla is reflective of her life before becoming a Pythia, and her life experiences guide her through the trials of priesthood.
These two emotionally moving tales give a glimpse at what life was like during ancient times, from the perspective of two quietly courageous women. It is written with such detail and accuracy that it is easy to see history through the eyes of those who lived it. Whilst being a short book, the themes are mature in nature and discerning readers will ponder the themes of survival, corruption and human nature. This is a highly recommended book for those who are interested in or studying Ancient Greece and gives a touching view of life in ancient times.
Alison Woodward

Zig Zags series

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Pearson Education, 2009.
(Ages: 6-8) Books in the series include The Thirsty Moose, Open Wide, Dinosaur Planet, Tall Tilly and The Clumsy Cow, Betty Betty's Spell
These latest additions to the Zig Zags series are sure to engage and interest young children. Suitable for newly independent readers aged between six and eight, they are also perfect for shared reading experiences with an adult.
Each book contains fewer than 150 words. The bright and attractive illustrations give good contextual clues for young readers and are visually engaging.
Each book builds a simple storyline through to a satisfying conclusion. The characters are likeable and believable. The themes of overcoming fear or insecurities and beating bullies are developed with humour and compassion, with the series deftly avoiding a lecturing tone.
This is a versatile series. The language level makes them suitable for class reader boxes while their themes of family life, growth and change, and discovering new horizons make them valuable additions to a thematic library.
Rachel Flenley

The Kings of Clonmel by John Flanagan

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Random House, 2009 ISBN 9781741663013
(Ages 11-14) Book Eight in the highly successful Ranger's Apprentice series, will hardly be on the shelves as Will comes to the Ranger Gathering, an annual event, where he is expecting to see his old mentor, Blade. Disappointed at not seeing him there, Will finds that Blade is off investigating a religious cult, called the Outsiders, who are bent on bringing down the Hibernian Kingdoms. Five of the six kingdoms have fallen, and they are now intent on destroying the last, Clonmel. So Will joins his old friends, Halt and Horace, planning on driving out the intruders. But the king of Clonmel is not eager to accept their help.
As with all the Ranger's Apprentice books, courage and adventure are their catch cry. The boys are courageous in the face of adversity, win through because of their stalwart comradeship and sense of what is right, and use their learned spying techniques to win the day. Their adversaries are formidable as Will and Halt, along with Horace, must face things which have happened in Halt's past to be able to recognize the terror ahead. The heroism, courage under fire, and sense of justice which pervades all of these books makes them a worthy addition to any school library.
Jenny Brisbane, Richmond Primary School

Perspectives edited by Helen Sykes

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Future Leaders
(Recommended 15+) A commitment to the leaders of tomorrow led Dr Helen Sykes to found the 'Future leaders' program. She has selected essays by ten prominent Australians and entrants in the 'Future leaders writing prize'. Their theme is 'democracy'. While we ponder social justice issues, we can also consider the writing styles of experienced communicators and those just starting to mature as authors. We are moved by fiction, swayed by informed argument, convinced by statistics and affected by compassion.
The choice of activists is impressive. They are highly articulate, knowledgeable and committed. Barry Jones opens the debate about Australian society at large in an article which is brimming with ideas and information. Among those who follow are Julian Burnside, who argues for 'A charter of rights' and Marcia Langton and Zane Ma Rhea, who urge that educational outcomes for indigenous children be improved. John Hartigan explores freedom of speech, Margaret Prior discusses the promotion of mental health among the young and medical student Anthony Khoo explains the tragic consequences of middle ear infection.
The 23 contributions by Year 11 and 12 students were undoubtedly chosen on merit but it is disappointing to note that only two of the young authors are young men. Fictional cameos touch on topics ranging from youth suicide to living with a disabled sibling. Non-fiction articles examine issues as varied as human rights in China and the use of solariums. Only two in this second group included end notes or bibliographies but their authors are still learning.
Some readers will be disconcerted by the placement of a brief introduction to the author at the end of each article instead of at the beginning. A glossary of technical terms would alleviate the need to keep reaching for a dictionary and a dramatic cover design might be more apt for a book which deals with confronting subject matter.
Perspectives is challenging and rewarding, thought-provoking and insightful. It will appeal to everyone who likes to grapple with contemporary issues. It can be obtained free from the Future leaders site.
Elizabeth Bor

A Certain Music by Celeste Walters Illustrated by Anne Spudvilas

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Woolshed Press, 2009, ISBN 978 1 74166 333 4
(Ages 10+) Celeste Walters writes a magical story of music and enchantment set in Vienna in 1823.
She tells of the simple wishes of a young girl who becomes entranced by a man she sees in the Vienna Woods and the music she hears him playing.School is difficult for her.Others call her odd and her parents despair that she makes no friends.Yet this man and his music fascinate her - she wants to listen to his music and share the distraction and frustration that she observes in him as he composes.The developing friendship reveals how alike these two really are. Perhaps she can help him in some way. The time comes when the composer must leave the town, but not before the young girl and her mother have the opportunity to go to a concert where the maestro is conducting his music. What a wonderful night that is for both of them. The gift of music is given again to the girl when, some years on, a scroll is delivered to her. It is the music for 'Fur Elise' and it is signed by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The story is beautifully told, given just a touch of mystery by not naming the two characters until the very end.
Anne Spudvilas' fine illustrations are added throughout the text, and her cover work shows the delight that music truly brings. It is an oversight that Walters has not provided any background, contextual information about the composer and his music for the young, potentially engaged reader.
Julie Wells
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I'm dirty by Kate and Jim McMullan

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Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2008.
(Ages 3-7) Recommended. Starring a mud-loving backhoe loader, I'm dirty is a fun book that describes how a messy dump gets cleaned up, a stump removed and a mud hole filled in. Told in vibrant language by the backhoe loader, the reader is drawn into an exciting world of machinery, movement and lots of excitement. Mud is a feature throughout the story and there is a great illustration of the backhoe loader having a wonderful mud bath. A section that highlights counting, as the backhoe loader picks up '10 torn-up truck tyres, 9 fractured fans, 8 busted beach umbrellas' and so on, clearing up a messy site, in an effortless manner.
The vivid colours, striking cartoon like drawings and wonderful text will engage children and give an excellent insight into using machinery. The alliteration is sure to please the reader and certainly makes for a great read aloud.
Pat Pledger

Martha's journey by Tracey Hawkins

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New Frontier Publishing, 2009
ISBN 9781921042140
(Age 12+) Here is the story of Martha's voyage from the Liverpool Docks to Australia in 1880.  She is the middle child of William Winstanley, a stern and methodical man, a disciplinarian upholding traditional values.  His family struggles for a living but their simple life is a happy one. One day a parcel arrives from Auntie Edie in Australia. Along with a tightly rolled wad of money, a letter especially requests that Martha, a favourite niece, be sent abroad to begin a new life as a 'daughter' to her aunt and uncle. A decision not easily made means that Martha is tormented with fear, confusion and hurt.  The journey will be long and difficult, and what will await her in a new and strange country?  The author has devoted this book to her forbears and the story is of her great-great-grandmother's sea voyage.  Martha keeps a journal and discovers the hardship and cruelty of life aboard ship, but she also discovers the true value of friendship and what amazing sights are to be seen at sea - 'imagine mountains that soar out the sea in the middle of the ocean. Dolphins swimming alongside the ship, the stormy sea, angry bolts of lightning that light the entire night sky.'
Finely detailed and centring on a piece of family history, Hawkins' language is heavy handed in description and generally lacking in imaginative quality, but the historical perspective is interesting.
Julie Wells

Hansel and Gretel by Anthony Browne

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Walker Books, 2008. ISBN 9781406318524
(Ages 3+) In this reprint, Anthony Browne puts a modern slant on the original dark fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm with his contemporary illustrations. Hansel and Gretel are portrayed as two ordinary children, living in what looks like a two storey suburban house. Their hen-pecked father and dark haired stepmother are dressed in everyday clothes. The dark greens and browns of the towering trees in the woods create an eerie atmosphere, while the strange little creatures that can be found on a close inspection of the illustrations add a scary touch.
Like all Browne's books, this is one that contains many layers that can be uncovered and pondered on. Children will delight in the story, which lends itself to read aloud sessions, and many discussions could follow about the cleverness of the children and why the children's father left them in the forest. The big one page illustrations beg to be examined again and again and add a wonderful dimension to the well known fairy tale.
Pat Pledger