Reviews

A penny to remember by Kirsty Murray

National Museum of Australia Press, 2007 (Making Tracks)
(8+) When young George is caught stealing and sentenced to transportation, his only thought is for his sister, Hannah. On board one of the hulks, he is befriended by an older convict who spends his time making keepsakes for the other convicts to give their wives and families before they sail to the other side of the world. George is shown by Will how to rub a penny smooth, banging it first to flatten the marks already on it, and then rubbing it constantly to make it ready for an engraving. Using a nail, George scratches a message to his sister, in the hope that they will meet again.

One in the series, Making Tracks, this story retells the story of transportation in Australia's early European history through the eyes of two young people. Full of historical facts, the story will engage the reader, making learning about this portion of our history anything but dull.
Fran Knight

Beowulf by Michael Morpurgo

Walker Books, 2007
Morpurgo brings the story of Beowulf excitingly alive in this richly illustrated version of the old Anglo-Celtic legend. Michael Foreman has given Grendel, the dragon and the sea hag life and style in this version for younger readers. Called to Denmark to help the king, Hrothgar, who in building a huge hall for his people, invoked the wrath of the monster Grendel. Each night it came to the hall, bringing death and destruction in its wake. The appearance of Beowulf meant that there would be a huge fight to the death. After dispatching Grendel, Beowulf settled in for the night, but Grendel's mother, the awful sea hag, came looking for him.

Winning this battle, Beowulf and his followers take a well deserved rest, but many years later, the dreaded dragon, asleep under the sea for hundreds of years, comes looking. The fight to the death between the much older Beowulf and the dragon ends with Beowulf's death, and the end of the story shows Beowulf's funeral pyre. The story is many hundreds of years old, and has been recently filmed in a graphic version. The film is very gory and sexually explicit (different from this book version) deserving its M rating.
Fran Knight

The day I was history by Jackie French

National Museum of Australia Press, 2007 (Making Tracks series)
(8+) When Auntie Fee and Uncle Damien take Sam to the museum, they are most surprised when Sam tells them the story of the Canberra bushfires. Seeing a burnt hub cap, with the charred remains of a tyre still attached, recalled for Sam the most terrifying time of his life, when the fires near Canberra suddenly turned towards the city. Dragging the reader into a story is Jackie French's specialty and this is no exception. The smell, heat and drama of the fire permeate the whole story, making the reader very aware of the danger the city and its inhabitants were experiencing in 2003.

This series (Making Tracks) from the Australian Museum in Canberra has at its heart the sharing of artifacts in the museum with a wider audience. Each of the authors has taken an artifact which has some resonance with them and written a short story about it for younger readers, and so we have a series of about 15 books, set firmly in the past, with an engaging young character.
Fran Knight

Teacher's dead by Benjamin Zephaniah

Bloomsbury Books, London, 2007
(Age 11+) When Jackson witnesses the murder of a teacher by two of the pupils at his school, his life becomes inextricably linked with that of the dead teacher's wife, and surprisingly, the killers. Refusing the counseling offered by the school, he decides that the best way he can deal with what he has seen is to ask questions, and try to work out why the boys took the extraordinary step of murder. He enlists the help of Mary Joseph, the dead man's wife, and goes to the houses of the two boys to ask questions. The reader will identify with his need, but be aware that he is stepping into territory where anything could happen.

An involving story of one boy's search for the truth, Teacher's dead is often uncomfortable as Jackson takes steps which take him to places where harm can and does befall him. Written by British poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, the story is poignant and enthralling as we follow Jackson's path to find the truth. A most realistic story set in the schoolyard against a background of bullying, violence and intimidation.
Fran Knight

Apache by Tanya Landman

Walker 2007
(Age 12+) A fascinating story about an Apache woman, who, rather than learn to prepare skins, cook and then be given in marriage, wants to be a warrior so that she can avenge the deaths of her family. The novel retells the trials of her training, the animosity of some of the tribesmen and her final test to ensure she is courageous enough to join the ranks of the warriors.

Her family was killed by a group of Mexicans, intent on avenging deaths of their families, and on it goes, one act of revenge after another, until many of the Apache are wiped out. It is an engrossing story, full of historical detail of the path of the Apache in trying to maintain their foothold on their land in the sweep of Europeans west across America. Along the way an amazing amount of information is given about the Apache way of life, how they survived, their rituals and customs.

What she eventually learns about her past, changes her motivation somewhat, but she remains true to her convictions. Readers will be taken on a fascinating journey.
Fran Knight

At the house of the magician by Mary Hooper

Bloomsbury 2007 ISBN 9780747588863
(Age 12+) A fascinating historical novel from Mary Hooper gives insight into Elizabeth times. Afraid of her drunken father, Lucy runs away from home to escape his beatings. On her journey to London to find work she rescues a young girl from a muddy river, and as a reward she is taken on as maid in their father's house. Dr Dee is court magician and consultant to Elizabeth 1 and Lucy is fascinated by the mysterious happenings in the house and longs to work for the Queen.

Hooper's characters are well developed and memorable with an interesting mix of fictional and real peoples. Lucy is a feisty heroine whose curiosity leads her into intrigue and danger. Tomas, the Court jester, adds spice to the tale, and the strangeness of Dr Dee and his beliefs are quite compelling.

Hooper has painted a convincing picture of Tudor England, giving details about the markets, clothing, food and the life of ordinary people as well as those connected to the court. There is even a recipe for making lavender wands at the end of the book as well as a glossary to help the reader with difficult words.

Readers with a taste for history and magic will enjoy this memorable tale. A sequel is to follow.
Pat Pledger

Memoirs of a teenage amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Bloombury, 2007
(13+) What if you were 16 and had lost your memories of the last three and a half years? Naomi wakes up in hospital after falling down the school stairs to find that she can't remember who her boyfriend is, why her parents are divorced or anything that has happened in those crucial years of teenage life.

The back cover blurb describes this as a love story, but it is much more than that. It is a coming of age story that gives Naomi a chance to gradually rediscover her life and decide if that is the way she wants it to be now. It traces her growing feelings about the troubled James, the boy who had found her on the steps and rode with her in the ambulance to the hospital and her awareness of how she had treated her parents in their divorce. She re-examines her friendship with Will, her partner on the school yearbook and her relations with her friends. Readers following Naomi's questioning of who she is will realise that there are choices to be made and that people can gradually change their attitudes and the way that they treat people.

Teenage girls will like this story because it has so many appealing ingredients: teenage problems, divorced parents, and three love interests - the bad boy, the stalwart male friend, and the tennis ace. However the questions that Naomi faces about identity and starting teenage life afresh provide plenty of food for thought for the reader.
Pat Pledger

The declaration by Gemma Malley

A highly original and chilling dystopian future is depicted in The Declaration. Longevity drugs have ensured that nobody needs to die, but as resources run out, people have signed the Declaration, promising not have children. The only children born are to those people who opt out of immortality and if found are seized by the authorities. Anna is one of these children who are known as 'Surpluses'. She lives a bitter life in an Institution where she is trained to be a house maid for the Legals. When a boy arrives from the outside, she hears disturbing information about her parents and is forced to make some difficult decisions.

The ideal of staying young is currently strong in our society with the media and industry pushing cosmetic surgery, drugs and potions to stave off old age. Malley has taken this further and shown the reader a world that so worships the idea of staying young that its people are prepared to give up having children. Anna's life in a stark home is brilliantly depicted with images of a ruthless matron, bullying of young children, semi-starvation and ruthless brainwashing staying with the reader.

This is a gripping tale that carried me along to finish the book in one sitting. Anna's development from a brain-washed girl to one who takes risks, is well handled. The conclusion is rather sudden but it does appear that there will be a sequel to satisfy readers.

Younger readers who liked the Uglies series or How I live now by Meg Rosoff will enjoy this and more mature readers could be guided to The handmaid's tale by Margaret Atwood or The Children of Men by P.D. James after reading this novel.

Pat Pledger

Paddy the wanderer: the true story of the dog who captured the heart of a city by Dianne Haworth

The subtitle says it all, this is the story of a dog. But not just any dog - Paddy wandered the wharves of Wellington, New Zealand for about ten years, loved by all who called him friend. At first he was a stray, but then he hung about the wharves so much that the wharfees grew attached to him, giving him a place to sleep, feeding him and giving him a name. He followed men onto the ships and traveled from Wellington to Auckland and back, sometimes around the islands and sometimes to Australia, but all the time, being watched out for and fed. He was so well known in Wellington that the taxi drivers clubbed together to pay his registration.

This is more than the story of the dog, Paddy. Behind the story is the history of New Zealand's wharves, with its down turn during the Depression years, its place in New Zealand's history of the unions and their part in keeping men in work. The setting tells us of the co-operation between the men who had little money and few prospects in a time when few had anything to be optimistic about.

Haworth has researched the story behind the memorial built on the Wellington wharves, filling out the snippets gained form the newspapers of the time, retelling stories told to her and imagining conversations between the people who cared for the dog. In this way she has built up the story about Paddy, partly told in fiction terms, but based on fact. It is sure to please students in middle school looking for a real book about animals that is easy to read and absorb. A glossary of terms, and some historical details, placed at the end of the book, complete this fascinating story.

Fran Knight

Old Tom's big book of beauty by Leigh Hobbs

When Angela Throgmorton gives Old Tom 'The Big Book of Beauty' little does she realise what he will do with the ideas in it. His stylish new looks included the SHOCKER, the FURBALL, the SHOW-OFF and the FABULOUS. But will he outstay his welcome at the Beauty Parlour and the up-market parties?

Leigh Hobbs continues the story of Old Tom with his delightful, funny drawings of an eccentric cat. Its wonderful prose would be great to read aloud. Children and adults alike will giggle at the adventures of Old Tom and will want to return to the book to seek out the finer details of the hilarious pictures.

Pat Pledger

Dragonskin Slippers by Jessica Day George

Allen and Unwin
(Age 11-14) What would you do if you were an orphan and your aunt decided to give you to a dragon? Instead of waiting to be rescued by a brave knight, Creel, the heroine of this delightful fairy tale, negotiates with the dragon of Carlieff and receives a pair of extraordinary embroidered slippers from his hoard. Journeying to the capital of the land, Creel uses her embroidery skills to make unusual and beautiful ball gowns. When the slippers disappear, Creel realises that they have magical powers and is plunged into amazing adventures trying to save the kingdom being destroyed by dragons.
This story has all the ingredients to appeal to young girls – a feisty heroine who uses her skills to gain employment, a handsome prince, evil princess and several interesting dragons. Mix these up in a fast moving adventure story and you have a winner.
This is an easy to read but quite compelling adventure fairy story. Girls who like this book may also be interested in books by Shannon Hale and Robin McKinley, who both write retellings of fairy stories.
Pat Pledger

The way of the warrior by Andrew Matthews

When Jimmu's father commits seppuku in front of him, giving him to his second in command, Jimmu's path is fixed, he must be trained as a samurai and seek revenge on those who led his father to kill himself, Lord Ankan and his family. His path is one way, kill Lord Ankan and then be ready to be killed himself or commit seppuku, and for this he is trained severely, not knowing the warmth of a family life or comfort from someone who loves him. He gains a foothold in Lord Ankan's household, rising through the ranks to be trained as a samurai.  Slowly he comes to realise that Lord Ankan is not all he has been led to believe, and his daughter, also one of his targets, is a lovely young woman who sees potential in Jimmu's eyes.

An amazing story of the redeeming power of love, The way of the warrior will have instant appeal to people in lower secondary school, as it details Jimmu's training and life being trained, and then his softening as he comes to realise that perhaps he is not on the right path. Much detail is given concerning the samurai and the art of war in Ancient Japan, and the household is drawn with an expert eye. Readers are drawn into Jimmu's life as he grapples with his loyalty towards his parents, and the reality of the life he is exposed to at Lord Ankans.

Fran Knight

You've got blackmail by Rachel Wright

A laugh out loud story about Loz, who with her boyfriend, Dex, try to track down a blackmailer, extorting money form their despised teacher, Mr Barnett. The letter, opened in error, has clues that they follow to hunt down the person involved. But trying to keep the detective work quiet, when the teacher concerned is going out with her mum, and Dex's little brother thinks he is a spy, and Loz's older sister screams for England, and your father has just left home, and the suspected blackmailer works for mum, then things are a little complicated.

Quirky, hilarious and brimful of wonderfully eccentric characters, You've got blackmail is sure to tickle the sensibilities of upper primary and lower secondary pupils.

Fran Knight

Red eye by Susan Gates

Usborne, 2007
(11+) Alfred Hitchcock's, The Birds (1963) is instantly recalled while reading this very frightening book about a group of gulls organized by a much larger than average gull, called Red Eye. They take over the small holiday town of McKenzie Point, until one boy, Danny, escapes, and goes to find help. He returns with two people of his age, Meriel, who can insinuate the minds of animals, and Ellis, an expert tracker.  Together the group evades capture and attempts to foil the efforts of the highly controlled gulls and creepers, the human slaves.

But on the way in this fast paced thriller, the birds cause havoc, diving upon people, raking their beaks across the backs of their necks and killing them. Red Eye finds he has power over Meriel and so makes her think she can fly, with almost disastrous results. It is a book with wide appeal for those who love the themes of horror, adventure and survival.  You'll never look at a cluster of seagulls the same way again.  This is the first in a new series called Animal Investigations, and has the first chapter of the second in the series at the end of the book. (11+)
Fran Knight

I, Coriander by Sally Gardner

Orion Children's Books, 2006

Always intrigued with historical novels, this was a revelation, as it mixes fantasy with an historic setting, which is a current trend, many fantasy authors using known settings from the past to set their story. So we have I, Coriander, set in the time of Oliver Cromwell, in London.

Coriander's mother dies in mysterious circumstances, and her father, beset by grief, is persuaded to look for another wife to ensure that his household is not targeted by the Puritans. The woman he chooses turns out not to be what he had hoped for, and bringing her strange preacher into the house with her, turns Coriander into a simpering girl called Ann. Shut into a chest for misbehaviour, Coriander goes to a different world, the one her mother came from, and here learns how to confront the woman in her house.

The stunning story is made more brilliant with the setting of the times. People can be denounced without reason, their house and property taken, or accused of witchcraft if they happen to be a helper in times of illness. The times are portrayed exceptionally well, with the spectre of fear around every corner. A wonderful story, detailed with real historic events and people, this should appeal to middle school girls looking for an adventure with events turning about a highly original and endearing character. (11+)
Fran Knight