Scholastic, 2010. ISBN 9781741695566.
(Age Middle school) When weedy asthmatic Stuart is sent to stay with
his aunt and uncle for
the Christmas holidays, things look bad from the start. Stuart is not
close to his cousins, the loud and boisterous James and Matt who are no
help in guiding him around the mysteries of farm life, while Auntie
Gwen makes it her personal business to rid Stuart of his allergies and
fears. City life has made him soft, so living on a farm for six weeks
will do wonders, she thinks. Much fun ensues in this easy to read
story, as Stuart learns about the perils of the crutching shed, the
vagaries of milking a cow, catching the poddy calf as well as having to
contend with the young girl next door, who appears to have a liaison
with Matt, despite Auntie Gwen's best intentions.
Rural life has a whole lot of things that frighten Stuart horribly, and
for a while he wishes to be with his mother, but things take a turn for
the better in this laugh out loud story.
Fran Knight
Fightback by Steve Voake
Faber, 2010. ISBN 9780571230037
(Suggested reading age 11-14.) Recommended. Voake, writer of Blood
Hunters
has
created a story that begins at a frenetic pace and continues at
full-bore until the last page. Boys especially will be captured by the
excitement and tension within the narrative which does not labour with
complex vocabulary or excessive description. Readers must surrender
themselves to the fact that the plot is a series of wholly implausible
situations and outcomes. Similarly one must ignore the formulaic nature
of the story that features endless stereotypes such as the chief
protagonist, an adolescent boy avenging his father through a wildly
rich benefactor who combats crime. A beautiful young female ally who
possesses deadly combat skills is included alongside an elderly Chinese
master of martial arts who mentors the boy until he achieves a state of
heightened awareness and defensive proficiency.
Self deprecating humour and constant action beguile the reader into
abandoning reality and entering into the spirit of the story. This is
not high-brow literature, yet it will definitely appeal to boys, many
of whom may reject more intellectually demanding novels or those which
do not contain these action themes.
Works like this have real value as motivational reading and it would be
surprising if this title did not reappear as a graphic novel in the
near future. The descriptions of violence are not excessive and the
morals are sound with justice battling the evil of drug trafficking and
corruption. I recommend this title to teachers and librarians who
struggle to promote reading to unmotivated boys.
Rob Welsh
Graphic Dickens series
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Evans Brothers, 2009.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. Evans Brothers, 2009.
(Age 10+) Most of the well known characters remain in this abbreviated,
graphic
version of Dickens's well known and loved tale of an orphan boy finding
a home, Oliver Twist. All of his hardships are well created,
his
beginning at a workhouse, his mother's death as a result of his birth,
to the workhouse where he famously asks for more food, then on to the
coffin makers and to Fagan's hidden den in London. The story is
enticing, a young boy pitting himself against the brutality of early
nineteenth century London, alone and bereft of support. All of the
squalor of London at this time is shown, the chimney sweep, the abuse
of young children, the heartless courts and the criminals who prey upon
the young, seeing a chance for a young body to squeeze through small
windows so they can steal.
In graphic novel form, the story has been shortened and so some of the
background figures are not there, but those that are recreate the story
well. Readers will love the Bumbles, the meanness of Monks, the
innocence of Mr Brownlow and the simple good heartedness of Oliver's
aunt. Each of the characters has recognisable qualities, shown not only
in the spare dialogue, but the illustrations. The artistry has movement
and flare which will have great appeal to the young audience it is
aimed at. This graphic series will give the tales of Dickens a new
readership
So too, with Great Expectations, the graphic form will entice a
new
audience to this well known tale of a poor boy expecting a considerable
monetary favour from a benefactor, but realizing that he has pinned his
hopes on the wrong person. The poverty, transportation system, courts
and police system at work in 19th century England all are exposed by
Dickens in this tale. I devoured the classics in comic form
during the 50's and this new series, published by Evans Brothers will
easily find a home.
Fran Knight
The cardturner by Louis Sachar
Bloomsbury, 2010. ISBN 9781408808504.
(Age: Secondary) Highly recommended. When told by his avaricious mother
to be the card turner for his
elderly blind Uncle Lester, Alton is made aware that the fate of his
family rests upon his 17 year old shoulders. His father's retrenchment
adds even more cachet to his mother's aggressive mantra 'tell him he's
your favourite uncle', but going along one Saturday turns into an
almost daily trip. He is to tell his uncle what cards he has in his
hand for the 26 boards of bridge, and then table the ones he is told to
play. Alton is not impressed with his job, but comes to know more about
the man and his relations as the strange girl, Toni, takes her place as
the man's partner. Alton has been brought up to believe that this side
of his family, particularly Toni, is crazy, and that they are also
interested in Lester's will. Alton's mother has fed him all sorts of
stories about Toni and her mother, and these stories colour his view of
the family, particularly Annabel, who he believes could be Toni's
grandmother, as she was Lester's bridge partner many years before.
But when Lester dies before the National Championships, Toni and Alton
decide to enter in Lester's and Annabel's names, to play out the
championship which led to her incarceration in an asylum, resulting to
her eventual suicide.
As Lester and Annabel, they play the event, and as Toni and Alton,
their relationship becomes a lot closer.
Alton is immensely likeable, torn between his mother and the needs of
his family, and those of his Uncle Lester, to whom he is increasingly
drawn. Alton's foibles are quickly documented, his cooling relationship
with his best friend, Cliff and his new girlfriend, Katie, once Alton's
girlfriend, his relationship with his family and particularly his
sister, Leslie, all are created with absolute ease. The story flows
like nothing else I have recently read, and to think that much of it
revolves around a game of cards makes it even more impressive. Sachar
infiltrates the rules and niceties of the game of bridge with a deft
touch, making it understandable to all readers. And for those not
interested in learning the rules of this game, then he allows readers
to skim over those sections, using a ploy which further maintains the
readers' interest and enjoyment. A very funny story for secondary
readers.
Fran Knight
Skylarks series by various authors
Evans, 2010
(Age: Middle Primary to Upper Primary) This series has an appealing set
up: smooth pages to feel, larger font and short chapters will appeal to
readers who can read and for whom many extending texts are so important. Josie's garden by David Orme. ISBN 978 0237538934.
Well recommended. Modern coloured illustrations regularly support the
story line. The plot may well appeal to middle and upper primary
students who, like Josie live in a high rise apartment with a beautiful
view but no garden or place to run and play in. The resolution is
well played out. Set in England and with a hedgehog to see, the
text still enables the reader to identify with Josie and her dream of a
garden to play in. A well rounded story. The Emperor's new clothes retold by Louise John. ISBN 978
0237538958.
Well recommended. An honest retelling of an old story. The
illustrations, although modern, give the sense of another older time
and so the atmosphere of the story is not wholly lost. They are
colourful and the facial expressions are cleverly drawn. The age
old story is told with sensitivity and accuracy and to hear the little
boy say 'Daddy, look, the Emperor has nothing on!' must encourage the
young reader to discuss the whole bizarre scenario. Carving the sea path by Kathryn White. ISBN 9780237538903.
Well recommended. Joining a new community can be difficult and Samuel
certainly struggles to adjust to his new environment. He has been
provided with all the mod cons that should make his new life in the
Arctic pleasant in his home, but he struggles with the outside
environment. Irniq, a local lad, befriends Samuel and tries to
talk to him about the beautiful wildlife which swim in these
waters. As with all stories, the change occurs when a trapped
humpback is caught under the ice. It's a good story for friendships
under unusual circumstances and to the people who brave the outer
reaches of our planet to help our amazing water creatures. The
coloured illustrations are very ordinary but the text and font and the
feel of the paper are well presented.
Sue Nosworthy
Oathbreaker: A prince among killers by S. R. Vaught and J. B. Redmond
Random House, 2010. ISBN 9781864719864.
Highly recommended. This continuation of Assassin's Apprentice
finds
Aron still fighting to come to terms with the loss of his family and
how he can use his grail safely both within the codes of Stone and his
own highly developed sense of honour. He is also developing feelings
for Dari and this adds to his confusion and anger.
Readers who enjoyed the first book, will not be disappointed by this
fast paced sequel. The characters are well developed (faults and all)
and the setting comes to life. I liked the way that each chapter is
written from the point of view of Aron, Dari or Nic. This way you
really feel like you are understanding them and their often conflicting
thoughts and feelings as they deal with the many problems facing not
only themselves but Stone and Eyrie as well.
Like many fantasy books this one deals with big issues like good and
evil but what I particularly like is the way that personal issues are
interwoven with this so that you can feel the pain that Aron, Nic and
Dari feel. The other characters are strongly drawn and live up to their
names like Stormbreaker and Snakekiller, but others like Zed and Raaf
also come to life. The non-human creatures such as the mockers, rock
cats, manes and Talons help in rounding out the book. In fact I
think this is what I like most about this book, it comes to life with a
setting helped by maps and characters that you really care about. I
finished this book wanting more and I think those who enjoyed Assasin's
Apprentice will not be disappointed.
David Rayner
Calamity Jack by Shannon and Dean Hale
Ill. by Nathan Hale. Bloomsbury, 2010. ISBN 978 0 7475 8742 2
(Ages 10+) Highly recommended. Steampunk meets Jack and the
beanstalk,
with Rapunzel thrown in for good measure, making this graphic novel a
cut above the rest. Jack, a Native American, leaves home in disgrace
after he buys some beans with his mother's remaining money and then
cuts down the stalk with disastrous results. Her bakery is in ruins and
she is taken in by the giant, Blunderboar. Fleeing to the west, Jack
meets Rapunzel, who seeing his courage and determination, returns to
New York with him to make amends. Here they discover that Blunderboar
is in league with a colony of Ant People, and they are destroying the
city. They befriend Sparksmith who is defending his newspaper against
the onslaught and together the three save the day.
Told in its bare bones, the humour of the story does not come to light,
but the story is very funny, nodding to many old stories and tales as
it goes along. A whiff of romance between Sparksmith and Rapunzel is
enough for Jack to realise how much he cares for the girl. The graphic
novel format suits this story beautifully and the full coloured
illustrations are wonderful to look at, seeking out the array of things
drawn in each frame. The city of New York is spectacular, and the
steampunk element inventive and practical. As someone who was addicted
to comics when a kid, these are a delight to read. Full of fun and
adventure, Calamity Jack, with his nose for getting into trouble will
appeal to all ages.
Fran Knight
The named by Marianne Curley
Bloomsbury, 2010 (c2002). ISBN 9781408804483.
(Age 13+) Recommended. A re-issue of the first in Marianne Curley's The
Guardians of Time series is a welcome addition to the fantasy genre.
Ethan has seen his sister attacked by a monster and has trained as a
Guardian, one of the Named who fight against the chaos that would occur
if history was changed. At the same time he has to pretend that he is
just an ordinary schoolboy. Then he is told that Isabel, the sister of
Matt, his once best friend, is to be his apprentice and that he has
only weeks to train her. Will he manage to teach her the skills
necessary to survive when they go back in time to fix the mess that the
Order of Chaos is trying to make?
Told in the first person by Ethan, I was drawn once again into the
magical world of the Guardians and the everyday life of the main
characters, Ethan and Isabel. Ethan's family is dysfunctional after the
death of his sister, his mother falling into depression and his father
unable to cope. The arrival of a new girl Rochelle creates rivalry
between Ethan and Matt, and has destroyed their friendship. Matt
certainly doesn't want Ethan anywhere near his sister. Meanwhile Ethan
is desperate to win his wings in the world of the Guardians, but even
his friend Arkarian, who has electric blue hair and violet coloured
eyes, has a difficult time convincing the court that he is mature
enough. Curley keeps the reader in suspense about the relationships
between the teenagers, wondering about the notion of soul mates and
whether the romances will flourish.
The action is gripping and the time travel to different historical
periods adds an extra dimension to the story. There is a mysterious
prophecy that foretells what is going to happen. I was challenged to
try and work out who was mentioned in it and who was to die.
I enjoyed this compelling story when it first was published and found
that it still has a timeless appeal. It would appeal to both boys and
girls.
Pat Pledger
The firefighters by Sue Whiting
Ill. by Donna Rawlins. Walker Books, 2010 (c2008). ISBN: 9781921529498.
Recommended for Preschool - Early Junior Primary. Picture book. The
bell
rings and the
story begins. Three young children transform themselves and some
cardboard boxes into a firefighting team with speedy fire engines to
save the Ice-Creamery.
A surprise visit of the real firefighters
at the end enables fire safety facts to be intertwined into the
fictional fantasy. An important fire safety message is conveyed
in a fun and unobtrusive way. There is a great use of
onomatopoeia to add an interesting element to the text.
Beautiful bold pictures compliment the story superbly, the use of
fabulous primary colours and strong lines enable characters to come
alive. The Firefighters is a lovely story full of imaginative
characters that will spark imagination in those who hear it.
Walker Books also have great supporting activities
.
Zana Thiele
The House of the Mosque by Kader Abdolah
Translated from the Dutch by Susan Masotty. Canongate, 2010. ISBN
9781847672407.
(Age: Year 11 to adult). Recommended. Set in Iran in the years before
and following the 1979 Islamic revolution against the Shah, the novel
demonstrates the changes in traditional Muslim life caused by that
event. The family of Aqa Jaan has lived in the house of the Mosque for
eight centuries, and controlled the appointment of imams to the mosque.
The traditional life of a prosperous and well-respected family is
described in deceptively simple prose, language that suggests there are
few uncertainties in this life constructed around ritual and traditions
strengthened by the power of beautiful and comforting surahs from the
holy texts. However, the lives of the family and their small town are
brutally disrupted by the growth of political movements, the radical
Islamist movement brought to the mosque by a new Imam, and the
Communism embraced by several sons of the family. The revolution comes,
and, as with dictatorships anywhere, the power of the ruling ayatollahs
is cemented by brutal repression of any who are suspected of dissent. A
sister-in-law becomes an inquisitor, a son is executed, the daughters
leave to work in Iran and a nephew flees from Iran. The head of the
family sees his family dispersed and is left with his faith and the
'treasury' of the mosque, the treasure being the memories collected
through the changes of past centuries.
Simply but beautifully written, the writer captures the secure pattern
of pre-industrial lives and the confusion that both political and
industrial change brings. Himself a political refugee from Iran, the
writer also clearly shows the terror and helplessness experienced by
both participants and victims of the revolution. It is told from a
mostly male point-of-view, but the role of women is clearly
illustrated. It is recommended for senior students and would make an
interesting comparison with other books set in Iran at that time.
Jenny Hamilton
The sky is everywhere by Jandy Nelson
Walker, 2010. ISBN 9781406326307.
(Age: Teens) Recommended. The blue cloth type cover and the blue
bookmark cleverly attached to the back cover give this a book a
different feel. All the type is blue and at the commencement of each
chapter is a colored photo of a poem written on a variety of bits of
paper.
Lennie (short for Lennon, as in John Lennon) is grief stricken
following the sudden death of her sister Bailey. Lennie's mother walked
out sixteen years ago leaving her two young daughters in the care of
their grandmother, Gram and her pot smoking, many times married,
brother, Big. Gram loves painting and caring for the roses in her
garden. A half finished portrait of her daughter dominates a wall in
the house. Gram has always told her granddaughters that one day their
mother will come back.
Ryan, Bailey's boyfriend, is also devastated following her death. Ryan
spends time at the house and with Lennie. As the comfort and solace
they provide each other becomes more intimate, Lennie feels confused
about her feelings for Ryan. Lennie is also falling in love with Joe,
the gorgeous new boy at school. One day Joe finds Lennie and Ryan
kissing. Lennie is devastated and with the help of her friend Sarah
commences a quest to win back Ryan's love and affection.
Joe's revelation that Bailey was pregnant at the time of her death and
that they had planned to marry adds to Lennie's grief. Gram reveals
some home truths about the disappearance of her mother all those years
ago and Big gets married yet again. At the end of the story, Ryan
reveals that the poems that are photographed at the beginning of each
chapter have been collected by him coincidentally as he has been
walking the streets. The poems have given Ryan an insight into how much
Lennie is grieving for Bailey.
This is a story about love, grieving the sudden loss of a sibling, the
loss felt after being abandoned by a parent and growing up.
If you need another teenage romance, set in northern California, at the
kind of school that has 'optional morning meditation in the gym' (pg
17) then this title is for you.
Jenny Brisbane
Toby and the secrets of the tree by Timothee De Frombelle
Translated by Sarah Ardizzone. Walker Books, 2010. ISBN
9781406325454.
(Age: Upper Primary and early Secondary). Well recommended. This engaging
fantasy adventure novel is written in the style of good overcoming
evil, love overcoming hate and true friendship. Elegantly
translated, the reader follows Toby as he tries to defeat the tyrant
Leo Blue now his enemy, but once his best friend. There are many
branches of people who become intertwined in the story.
The double page illustration at the beginning gives the reader who
hasn't read Toby Alone, an idea of the multitude and
complexities of
the characters. Set in the great oak tree which is on the brink
of devastation, these diminutive people play out their own stories,
many horrific for fear and brutality is Leo's world. Charming Sim
and Maya try to give hope while tunnelling their way to freedom.
The many twists and turns make this a fascinating and wonderful read.
Sue Nosworthy
Pen pals forever (series) by Lenny Pelling
Random House, 2010.
Junior primary. This series of small books aimed at junior primary
school people
(the target audience says beginner reader) will have appeal to
young girls who have recently begun school, and so making new friends
and finding out about writing. The two girls in these books, Polly and
Jez, are great friends because their mothers were pen pals, but their
separation means writing letters to each other to tell their friend
what is happening to them. Each volume has things for the reader to do
at the end of the book; recipes, craft ideas and ideas for letter
writing.
In Summer days (ISBN 9781864719000) the girls are introduced to
the
reader. Polly is about to go on a caravan trip around Australia with
her grandparents. Her letters and postcards to Jez are full of the
sights she sees, while Jez replicates some of the things Polly talks
about in her own home.
In School days (ISBN 9781864719017) the girls are off to
school,
but while Jez goes to a conventional school, Polly is taking classes
over the internet with a class which spreads over Australia.
In Olden days (ISBN 9781864719024) the two girls relive the
past
through Polly's Gran's stories, and Jez's mother's letters. This book
involves recipes and stories of the past. Fran Knight
Stravaganza: City of ships by Mary Hoffman
(Age 12+) Recommended. Imagine what it is like to be Isabel, the twin who is always on the sidelines, who never quite shines like her brother Charlie. Isabel is so unhappy that she makes up an imaginary twin for herself named Charlotte, who was born 10 minutes after her and about whom she can feel a little bit superior. But one day she finds a velvet bag full of silver tesserae, beautiful mosaic tiles that transport her back in time to the sixteenth century. In Classe, a seaside town in the country of Talia, an Italy in a parallel dimension Isabel discovers that she is to play a vital role in saving the town from being overtaken by the Gate people, encouraged by Fabrizio di Chimici, the Duke of Giglia. I loved the setting of Talia, which has all the richness and intrigue of 16th century Italy. The descriptions of pirate attacks and the land and sea battles were amazing. I found the map of Talia and the pictures of the ships used in the Sea Battle of Classe (1580), the historical notes and family tree really interesting as they added to an understanding of the historical period. Isabel's heroism in helping to save the Classe ships was rivetting as was the role that Andrea, the handsome pirate, plays. As a Stravagante, Isabel discovers that she has strengths not just in Talia, but in 21st century London. The others in the Stravagante group, Lucien, Georgia, Sky and Matt, invite her to join their group and her confidence about herself and her ability to make friends grows. After her journeys to Talia, where she is greeted as a saviour of Classe and meets Arianna and Luciano who are also Stravagante, she finds that she is able to tackle things like swimming and manage to do them well. Even Charlie is impressed with the group of friends that she has and there is a growing romance with Sky. This is the 5th book in the Stravaganza series following City of Masks, City of Stars, City of Flowers, and City of Secrets. It can be read as a stand alone, as Hoffman gives enough background about previous characters for the reader to understand what is going on. However reading the whole series from the beginning would obviously be an advantage. Recommended for readers who enjoy adventure, history and a touch of romance. Pat Pledger
Pretty monsters by Kelly Link
Text Publishing, 2010. ISBN 9781921656361.
(Ages 13+) Recommended. Short stories. Horror/Fantasy. If you are after
something unusual and thought provoking then this set of five short
stories will fit the bill.
Kelly Link's stories are highly original with strange plots and
surprise endings. Even when you think that you have worked out what has
happened, there is an unexpected twist and all your problem solving
goes awry. What really occurs in Pretty Monsters, the most
memorable of
the stories? I am still trying to work it out! Are there really
werewolves? How could the girls be so monstrous to a classmate? Who is
really recounting what happens? All these questions could lead to a
great class discussion. The Surfer is another memorable, short story with a young boy
who
thinks he is terrific at soccer, trapped in a refugee camp, waiting for
aliens to arrive. His only refuge is reading his father's science
fiction books, which are a good introduction to classic sci-fi titles
for teen readers. It is more plot driven than Pretty Monsters
and as
such is easier to understand. The Cinderella Game is a spooky story of a young boy who plays
Cinderella with Darcy, his new stepsister. It also had an ambiguous
ending that left me trying to puzzle out what was really going on.
Each story has a unique illustration by Shaun Tan that gives an
introduction to what the tale could be about. It was fun looking at the
drawings and making some predictions about the stories from them and
the titles. I found myself going back to the illustrations and getting
a whole new perspective on what the story may have been about.
Each of these stories is a challenge and one that the reader will find
different and stimulating.
Pat Pledger
