Simply the best historical fiction I have read, the scenes of the English Civil War and the siege of Lyme Regis will stay with the reader long after the book is finished. And Minette Walker’s creation Jayne Swift is memorable.
Without taking allegiance to either the Royalist or Parliamentary forces in the English Civil War, Jayne Swift continues to practise her life’s work: healing. She finds herself at Lyme Regis setting up a hospital for the embattled town as Royalist forces hammer at their gates.
The eight week siege sees her skills needed every hour of every day, and she conscript many others to the hospital. Here she learns of the beliefs tearing families apart, not least her own. Coming from a Royalist family, she is surprised when one of her brothers enlists in Cromwell’s forces. But in the hospital and in Lyme itself Jayne becomes aware of the conflicted nature of opposing beliefs, and the utter brutality of the war, where intrigue and guile are used to undermine the opposing forces. Into this mix she meets William Harrier. Each time she meets him he is hiding behind a different guise, one a footman, a Caption at the Royalist stronghold of Corfe Castle, then a spy, but for whom? Their paths cross more often than she would like as a grudging interest in the man develops.
The background of the English Civil War is wonderful, giving a blow by blow account of the cruelty of the forces as they try to outdo each other, and giving the reader an intimate knowledge of the reasons each group fights. Through a small number of families, Walters is able to show the allegiances which supported each side, prolonging the agony for the smaller communities as their crops are razed, flocks taken for food, women assaulted, men killed, houses and farms destroyed. The portrait of the siege of Lyme Regis is powerful, allowing even the most casual of reader to understand the blood, sweat and tears that such a siege engenders.
The growing feelings between Jayne and William carries the story behind the fighting, and allows the reader to see just how different life was for women in the seventeenth century as she must tread a careful path lest any be aware of their mutual regard, particularly her parents.
I read this book via an audible version and the reading in a Dorset accent was thrilling. Jayne Swift is a character you will want to know better, her beliefs and expertise at a time when most doctors still followed the ideas of humours causing illness, bring her detractors as well as supporters both at home and further afield. This is an exceptional read on so many levels.
Themes Medicine, English Civil War, Dorset, Charles 1, Cromwell, Lyme Regis, Siege of Lyme Regis, Women’s role, Hospitals, Surgery.
Jamie by L. D. Lapinski is a heart-warming story, that brings hope and understanding to the forefront. Jamie is bold, brave and beautiful, and this delightful novel will have you hooked from the very beginning.
Jamie is a happy eleven year with two amazing best friends, Daisy and Ash. They love nothing better than hanging out together. Jamie has shared a secret, that had been gnawing away for a few years, with those nearest and dearest. Jamie’s happy secret is they are non-binary. To Jamie this was a great secret…one that made them feel happy and at peace with themselves. However, they are somewhat surprised that it doesn’t have the same happy effect for everyone.
The trio are in year 6 and nervously excited about the new world of high school next year. But, when given only two choices for high school, the boys school St Joseph or the girls school Queen Elizabeth, this doesn’t sit well; for obvious reasons. Where does this leave Jamie? Can they simply choose a school, the girls’ school with Daisy or the boys’ school with Ash, or do they need to stand up and demand a change?
Beautifully written, filled with thought-provoking insights, this is a story to get people’s attention. On point with information and sharing of insightful perspectives, this opens conversations and doorways to how our world can be more accepting of everyone. This novel deals with relevant information; to build greater understanding and deeper empathy in society.
L. D. Lapinski has created a highly engaging and inspiring novel. Cleverly interwoven with ‘between chapters’ of definition and terms; this adds to the story’s content and provides important information about gender, identity and more. This novel delves into people’s feelings and builds deeper understanding about how treatment can affect people in negative and positive ways. Jamie is a highly engaging story that gives wonderful perspectives and encourages acceptance for all.
InvestiGATORS: Heist and seek by John Patrick Green
Pan Macmillan, 2023. ISBN: 9781529097207. (Age:7+) Highly recommended.
Mango and Brash are at it again…but can they solve the case of the missing art pieces, before it is too late?
Heist and Seek is the sixth book in the extremely popular InvestiGATORS series, created by John Patrick Green. Filled with colourful cartoon style illustrations, this graphic novel is one that will grab your attention until the very end.
The fundraising gala for the art museum is fast approaching, and Mango and Brash are delivering rare artwork for the event. When they discover that pieces have mysteriously gone missing from their moving vehicle, this sounds a little bit suspicious. Who could have possible taken them, and how?
Mango and Brash think that this looks to be an inside job and it is going to need some quick thinking, super sleuths on the job. Thank goodness Mango and Brash are here! Both gators will need to go undercover as famous painters and artists to solve this crime. If they don’t solve this mystery fast, it is going to be a disaster because the art gallery cannot afford this catastrophe.
Can Mango and Brash work together to solve this heinous crime and save the art gallery from bankruptcy, or will things become too much for them?
John Patrick Green has again cracked the code for an engaging book. With an abundance of colour and an easy to follow lay out, it entertains and grabs the reader’s attention. Even though this is the sixth book in the series, you can get away with reading it first. You will probably get so hooked that you will want to read the other five books too!
Similar in humour and style to the highly popular Dav Pilkey’s DOGMAN and Cat Kid Comic Club, you won’t be disappointed! If you like fun, humour and lots of wisecracking jokes, then this is the book for you.
Themes Detective work, Teamwork, Adventure, Art, Problem Solving.
‘The Way to Impossible Island’ is a great dual timeline book that many middle grade children will lose themselves in. Reading it as a class novel would be cool too.
The story switches between two main characters who are both facing difficult challenges in their life and timelines. Both characters are seeking an impossible dream of adventure.
There is Dara, a modern day boy who is finally getting major heart surgery that will give him the freedom to do what he dreams of, like rowing out to the island in the Bay.
And there is Mothgirl, a Stone age girl that has no say in her life especially when her father has agreed to hand her over to the terrifying Vulture tribe to keep her safe.
Both Dara and Mothgirl are facing difficult challenges and run away only to fall into a time slip where Mothgirl appears in Dara’s world. This is where both their worlds collide and the adventure they seek begins.
I love the way Sophie Kirtley has written this book to engage children with the descriptions and language she uses to tells us what Mothgirl sees. Like ‘high sky huts’ and ‘food deerskins’. My favourite is Mothgirl’s pet wolf’s name, ByMySide. The wolf never leaves her side. Brilliant name. Plus, who wouldn’t want a wolf as a pet, I sure would.
‘The Way to Impossible Island’ is Sophie Kirtley’s second book which is a follow up of her first, ‘The Wild Way Home’ which is based on older siblings. Impossible Island is definitely a brave, life affirming adventure about finding your family and finding yourself. A book which any child would lose themselves in.
Themes Self esteem, Self empowerment.
Maria Komninos
E-Boy: Superhuman army by Anh Do
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761065668. (Age:10-14) Recommended.
The fifth book in the series, this story continues the adventures of Ethan, a boy who has gained some extraordinary mental powers during an operation to remove a brain tumour, and the astonishing android, Gemini, who performed his operation.Ethan, Penny (Gemini’s handler), and Gemini embark on a perilous mission to stop the mythical Grapes of Atlantis, which provide Gemini’s power, from getting into the wrong hands. The tiny powerful crystals have come out of their hiding place and the heroes must find them and replace them deep in an underwater cave before they are taken and used for the wrong purposes, such as powering a superhuman army to take over the world. Other titles in the series that started with E-Boy are Robofight, Enter the Jungle, and New Gemini.
Robots and Artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming popular topics of conversation among many in the science world and this story shows how we imagine they could be used to assist humans to keep us all safe and the dangers they could create if used for unscrupulous purposes.This book has plenty of action with a story that will engage some of the most reluctant readers.The strange monsters, nasty bad guys wanting to take over the world and conquering heroes all serve to make these stories highly accessible to a wide audience in upper primary and lower secondary schools.
Cursed crowns by Catherine Doyle & Katherine Webber
Electric Monkey, 2023. ISBN: 9780008492236. (Age:14+) Recommended.
In this exciting sequel to Twin crowns, twin queens Rose and Wren have been crowned but all is not well in the kingdom. Wren is determined to rescue her grandmother, Banba, who has been taken captive to Gevra, that icy realm ruled over by King Alarek, while Rose is not happy with the people of Eana, many of whom want to get rid of the witches. Rose plans a tour of the kingdom, but Wren in her usual impetuous way, rushes off to Gevra, leaving Rose to face a rising rebellion.
Told in alternate short chapters by real-life sisters-in-law Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber, Wren and Rose come to life on the pages. Both have a distinct voice and are easy to relate to, and each character has both strengths and flaws. Wren’s loyalty to her grandmother commits her to attempting to rescue her, but she often doesn’t think about the consequences of her actions. Rose is the steadier of the twins and must do her best to keep the kingdom safe.
The action is fast paced and exciting, each twin facing trials and danger. The icy realm of Gevra and its ruler test Wren, who makes a magical bargain that is hazardous to everyone. Rose meanwhile travels to the Sunless Kingdom where unexpected secrets are revealed. The romance between Rose and Shen Lo also is tested, while Wren’s feelings for Tor are put on a back burner. The authors explore the power of propaganda as the rebellious Arrows chant OUT WITH THE WITCHES and ignite fear of the witches’ power throughout the kingdom.
Readers are left knowing that future books will explore the prophesy: Break the ice to free the curse, Kill one twin to save another . . .
And they wil look forward to Rose and Wren uniting to save their world.
When faced with a crime, wouldn’t you like to choose how to follow the clues and find the answers? Well look no further, this is the story for you!
The Missing Magic is the third book in the Solve your own Mystery series, written by Gareth P. Jones. Filled with suspects, clues and questions, your detective skills will certainly be put to the test. A highly engaging and entertaining storyline. You honestly feel a part of the action…well after all, you are the detective in charge of this investigation!!
In the city of Haventry, a place where normal and paranormal coexist, a crime has been committed. On the first day of Magicon, the world’s biggest magic convention, the magic goes missing. But, not just missing, it has been stolen! How could this be, and more importantly who could have done this dastardly act. It is up to you to investigate and solve this crime and restore the magic before the opening ceremony.
Gareth P. Jones has written another brilliant novel in the Solve your own Mystery series. Filled with an abundance of captivating black and white illustrations, by Louise Forshaw, this book is enchanting. The font and lay out makes for an easy and appealing read; to engage even those reluctant readers.
With every twist and turn leading your investigation, there are multiple opportunities to choose different paths; with no dead ends! You can read this story over and over, and have a different adventure for each one. For those lovers of detective work, crime and interactive adventure, this will definitely have you wanting to read each book in the series…..multiple times!!!
If you love a great choose your own adventure novel, throw in some fun filled detective twists, add some monsters, ghouls and more, then this is the series for you!
Themes Detectives, Magic, Adventure, Crime, Problem Solving.
Sarah tells us a bit about herself in the Prologue, she has some good friends and is loyal to them and to her neighbour and BBF (best boy friend, definitely not boyfriend) Leo. They are both in seventh grade but go to different schools. Sarah loves to design clothes, especially referencing her Mexican heritage. When Leo leaves his earbuds at his friend Ben’s he asks Sarah to get them for him as Ben goes to Sarah’s school. Sarah agrees but what Leo doesn’t know is that she has a crush on Ben and finds it difficult to approach him. When she does, she thinks she could take the opportunity to invite Ben to the spring dance with her. From this point on we have two scenarios and different points of view. The first, in text with illustration style, is that Sarah plucks up the courage to ask Ben and he agrees, followed by the outcomes, her confidence boost, telling her friends, planning her outfit, telling her mum and family and telling Leo. But there is the problem, she is worried about telling Leo, feeling disloyal as she hadn’t told him about her crush on his best friend. In the second scenario, told from Leo’s point of view in a more graphic style, she loses her nerve and doesn’t ask him. She loses confidence in herself, tells Leo about her crush and that she wanted to ask Ben to the dance but failed and makes alternative arrangements for the dance. Leo is concerned for her but doesn’t know what to say and feels awkward, caught between two friends. It took me a second reading to realise there were two threads to the story but it never hurts to go back and do a closer reading. As each narrative works out the characters grow and their worlds fill out. They learn more about each other and gain understanding, merging the two scenarios in the end. This is the seventh in the series Emmie and Friends which focus on upper primary to middle school age groups with their changing friendships and emotional challenges. Like others in the series there is a positive outcome, the characters feel authentic and their stories contain life lessons for all. There is a lot of supporting material for the series on author, Terri Libenson's website.
Themes Friendship, relationships, middle school.
Sue Speck
Dust child by Nguyen Phan Que Mai
One World, 2023. ISBN: 9780861546121. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
A ‘dust child’ is an unwanted child, an Amerasian, the child of an American soldier and a Vietnamese woman, during the Vietnam War. There were many such children, often abandoned, lost in a world that scorned them. The character, Phong, experiences additional racism as the child of a black American. He tries repeatedly to navigate the demanding application process for a visa to America, hoping to provide a better life for his family.
Author Nguyen alternates point of view by including the story of Dan, a white Vietnam veteran, and his wife Linda, travelling to Vietnam, ostensibly to work through the trauma that continues to plague him. However Dan also makes it an opportunity to search for the bar girl Kim, a girlfriend he rejected once she became pregnant. He wants to know what happened to his child.
A third thread of the story takes us back into the past, as we learn about the lives of the bar girls, Kim (real name Trang) and her sister Quynh, who have come to Sai Gon to earn money for their ailing and debt-ridden parents working the ricefields.
Nguyen includes conversations in Vietnamese, the meaning generally apparent from context. However when Phong meets and seeks help from the American Dan, the language barrier becomes very real as each struggles to communicate in their own language. The frustrations and misunderstandings are compounded as Phong realises that his interpreter is not translating all that he wants to say. He is left desperately trying to decipher facial expressions. It is a very poignant scene, and powerfully puts across the difficulties of communication between different language speakers.
The three threads of the story gradually draw together as people’s lives intersect. Each provides another perspective of the trauma of the Vietnam war and the impact for soldiers, civilians and children. ‘Dust child’ reflects the many traumatic stories that Nguyen heard whilst working for an organisation that helped unite Amerasians with their parents. Her book is a plea for ‘more compassion, more peace, more forgiveness and healing’. It is a multifaceted portrayal of the war and its aftermath, and exposes the ongoing human cost of war beyond the deaths and injuries.
Themes Vietnam War, Trauma, Racism, Lost children, Exploitation, Prostitution.
The eleventh book in this series takes us to Paris, where Friday Barnes is sent undercover by Interpol into an art school. According to a recently discovered letter the most famous painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, is in fact a forgery. She, and her crime solving partner, Melanie must unravel the truth about the alleged theft of this painting 100 years ago. Assisting her is also her gorgeous boyfriend Ian, who has also joined the girls undercover and the closer they get to the truth the more unbelievable the story becomes. She uncovers more than just whether the painting is real or not, there is a digital pick-pocketing scheme and a guerrilla graffiti artist who is lurking in the background. Also, her Uncle Bernie could be facing international and professional embarrassment if she and her other Interpol sidekicks don’t unravel the truth.
The story goes at a good pace with enough twists and turns to keep Friday Barnes fans happy, as well as providing light, entertaining introduction to mystery and crime novels. Considering Friday started the series at 11 years of age, her character has grown up and is facing the same challenges as most teenagers, especially relationships with friends and boyfriends. She is an honest character who openly admits to her flaws and imperfections, as well as her likes and dislikes, which makes her a great role-model for young teenagers reading these stories.
Themes Mystery, Detectives, Art thefts, Criminal Investigation.
Gabrielle Anderson
Glimpse by Jane Higgins
Text Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922330598. (Age:12-15) Highly recommended.
Glimpse is inspired by Higgins’ experience of the Christchurch earthquake in 2010: the collapsed buildings, the darkness, the rats, people traumatised, but also people helping each other. In her novel, there are people who can ‘see’ quakes before they happen, only minutes before they occur, but enough time to warn people to take to safety.
Two young friends, Jonah and Bas, are living in D-Zone, a zone that has been wrecked by earthquakes and is scheduled for demolition. It’s a place where there are many ‘illegals’ living, people without official papers, always in fear of Border Control.
Into this world comes PANN, People for a New Nation, ready to exploit people’s grief and take their money with false promises. And then there is Glimpse Corp, a reality TV show sensationalising the stories of ‘glimpsers’. Both companies move in, motivated by the opportunity to make a profit from the situation.
Bas falls for the con trick of PANN, and Jonah finds himself stepping into danger to try to save his friend. Luckily Jonah has a girlfriend, Evie, who keeps him grounded, and able to calmly analyse the best solution. And another young friend Shikha, has insight into the media world. Nevertheless, the danger ramps up, and it is a race against time for Jonah to try to save his friend, and his community.
In the end, survival and strength comes from the bonds of friends, and people uniting together against adversity. As Higgins says, ‘Glimpse is about the ways that, in the worst of times, people shine’. Teacher's notes are available.
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761180125. (Age:10-15) Highly recommended.
A message in a bottle leads to an accidental slip through time for Felix and his ‘almost’ stepsister, Zoe. Travelling from the Roman ruin located in France, back into the Ancient Roman world, presents all sorts of immediate difficulties for the pair. Felix aged 11, and the 15-year-old Zoe have not always got on harmoniously and having to adjust to life in the ancient society is challenging. An encounter with a grand young lady, Petronia, enables the two almost-siblings to overcome some of their animosity towards one another … but first Petronia gets a chance to travel forward in time to the modern world, and then back to her own ancient world. Time travel causes some further challenges as well as opportunities, but for Felix who ‘misplaces’ the vital stylus needed for his return to his real world, there are also stresses as they race to restore Petronia to her ancient-world life.
This book is the second in Anna Ciddor’s time slip books, and although there are a few touches of connection between the two books, they are quite separate stories and can be read independently. The input of Anna’s Ciddor’s sister as researcher utilises her Archaeology background and historical knowledge to give credibility to the setting in Ancient Roman times. There is action, plus drama and history rolled together with a funny Felix and his more mature almost-sister Zoe as they navigate the role of slaves, the power or powerlessness of women and the restoration of their own relationship. This is a very enjoyable story for lovers of Ancient history, but also for any reader aged 10-15 who enjoys thinking through the challenges of time travel.
Themes Ancient Rome, Time travel.
Carolyn Hull
Hercules Quick's big bag of tricks by Ursula Dubosarsky. Illus. by Andrew Joyner
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761067747. (Age:6-8) Highly recommended.
In a quirky three-storey building lives an intriguing community of animals and the endearing boy Hercules Quick. A desire to earn enough money to buy a box of Magic Tricks from the local toy store leads Hercules to advertise himself for jobs. (Not quite ‘bobs-for-jobs’ … but rather the incredibly small 10c for each job done.) The tasks he is engaged in are strangely amusing. His house does include a family of Elks, an octopus, two turtle siblings and a strangely mysterious maybe-arachnid who lives in the basement, as well as the alligator who is Hercules’ Aunt. In this collection of three books, there are amusing moments as Hercules works hard to raise the funds for his Magic Box.
This book is a compilation of three previously published books for young independent readers and is just eccentric fun. At the end of each book is a single, simple magic trick for readers to attempt. This book will intrigue readers aged 6-8, who will also like Joyner’s black and white illustrations in his usual naïve style. The trusting and innocent demeanour of Hercules and his desire to earn some money and his friendship with a maturing tadpole/frog will engage young readers, or their significant adults who share this book with them.
Themes Magic tricks, Pocket money, Friends.
Carolyn Hull
Eleven liars by Robert Gold
Sphere, 2023. ISBN: 9780751582796. (Age:Adult, young adult)
Ben Harper works for an online news organisation writing true crime podcasts. He lives in a sleepy village in outer West London called Haddley Common. Walking home one evening, taking a shortcut through the local churchyard, he notices the derelict community centre near the church is on fire. When he sees a figure inside the building he races to the door and, finding it locked, breaks it down. The person inside appears to be looking for something but as the fire takes hold, they race past him and away from the building. The story shifts to PC Dani Cash at the local police station. She is the daughter of the legendary detective Jack Cash, her hero, who had been Chief Inspector at Haddley Police Station. She has just been told her promotion to CID has been approved when she is called out to help with investigations about the fire. It seems nobody was hurt in the fire and the figure Ben saw is long gone. Dani meets the vicar, Adrian Withers who claims to have not noticed the fire until the fire engines had put it out and he hurries away to check on his wife who she sees peering out of an upstairs window. Ben sees Dani and is reminded of the time earlier in the year when they worked closely together. Meanwhile Ben’s journalist instincts lead him to sneak away from the interviewing officer, PC Karen Cooke and into the burned-out building to see what the figure had been searching for. He just has time to see a knife before it disappears as debris crashes down and he retreats to safety. As he leaves the scene he finds a broken bottle with traces of accelerant, evidence the fire was deliberately lit. PC Cooke, annoyed at his interference, assures him that the fire investigation team will find any evidence in the morning. They don’t find the knife in the morning but what they do find is much more serious and leads to a web of intrigue with interweaving plots as lies going back decades are brought to light and the fragile veneer of this small town is permanently shattered.
The story switches between the first-person narrative of Ben Harper and the third person stories from the point of view of other characters, including the eleven liars. The book is divided up into eleven numbered parts and has days of the week breaks as well. The result is a 430 page book with 90 numbered chapters some as short as one page, separated by numerous page breaks, this fragments the storyline and it never gains momentum. The plot would have fitted well into an episode of Midsomer Murders and several of the characters like the vicar and the 75 year old widow, would have been quite at home there. In all a workmanlike, entertaining read if you can suspend disbelief.
Ming & Hilde Lead A Revolution is the third book for upper middle grade/early YA readers in The Girls Who Changed The World series written by well-known author Jackie French. In this story, Ming Qong has asked Herstory for a time travel adventure that is ‘safe and comfortable and where she can watch a girl change the world.’
Ming travels to a wooden ship bound for an unknown destination on which sheep are cared for by young Saxon girls. Privileged, wealthy and an older Ming, now known as Miss Elizabeth White, is looked after by Hilde, a tall and strong Saxon woman who has been sent out to accompany and take care of the prized ram for landowner John Montjoy. Elizabeth White had been teaching Hilde English before Ming’s arrival, and it continues as the two women become friends. Ming is uncertain of the time she has travelled to, but realises it is the 1800’s due to the clothing and expectations she is faced with plus her time travel in the first book of the series.
It is with great surprise that Ming finds herself landing in Port Adelaide, South Australia early in the history of the colony. She is met by Montjoy, who was friends with Elizabeth’s deceased father, and who has employed her to be a governess to his son Edmund. The sheep, stock, supplies, and the young Saxon girls are all transported to Montjoy’s land in the area that is now known as the Adelaide plains and surrounding hills.
In this story the reader will learn interesting facts about early SA history, the sheep industry and the little-known role women, from what is now called Germany, played in changing the way sheep were cared for and how fine wool was produced. The story also looks at the racism faced by Elizabeth White, being of Chinese/British heritage, destruction of natural habitats by the clearing of land for farming, the killing of wombats and other animals, the complete disregard for the First Nations people of the area and the treatment of women.
Jackie French’s ability to share her incredible historical research into an engaging story is once again shown in Ming & Hilde Lead A Revolution. While a demure Ming Qong, as society at the time demanded, was unable to voice her thoughts on events and conversations taking place around her throughout her time travel, she was able to let the reader know that she was very aware of the injustices she witnessed. A fascinating read.
Themes Women & Girls in History, Time Travel, Colonial Australia, South Australia, Sheep, Farming, Racism, Sexism, First Nations History.
