Dreckly is a sprite, hiding in plain sight as an oyster shucker at the Sydney Fish Market, while forging documents for the supernatural beings who are desperate to escape persecution from the Treize. When she is approached by a group of rebels to join their cause, she refuses - her father had always taught her not to be a hero, but to hide herself away.
An Aurealis award winner, Lewis deftly tells Dreckly's story in alternative chapters: what is happening to her in the present and her life story from the past. She was born in a notorious prison deep below ground in Scotland in the late 19th century to a forbidden union between a selkie and an earth elemental. She never knew her mother who died there and her father desperately tries to teach her as much as he can while using all his energy as an earth elemental to arrange for her escape. It is fascinating to follow her life as a florist in the US, a set designer in Hollywood, a spy in the second world war and then in the present, quietly hiding on board her boat in Sydney Harbour.
Life in Sydney becomes very dangerous for her, and the tension builds up with capture, imprisonment, escapes, a touch of romance and a finale that will have readers waiting desperately for the next in the series. Although this the 7th book in the series, I believe that it could be read as a stand-alone. I had read the first, Whose afraid? and The wailing woman, book 5, but Lewis gives enough information for a reader new to the series to catch onto what is happening. But of course, they will want to go back and read the other six books.
This series is one for people who enjoy supernatural stories with strong female protagonists and a touch of humour.
Neal Shusterman's books are impossible to put down. Unwind, Dry and Challenger Deep are testimony to Shusterman's ability to craft a compelling novel. Game Changer is no exception. The author builds on scientific theory that multiverses are inevitable to prompt the reader to consider the extent to which the decisions we make in this universe have implications for others living in parallel worlds.
Set in the present, the book follows Ash Bowman, a successful lineman on his high school football team. Linemen do not have the limelight in a football game, but are essential for the success of the team. The essential Ash experiences a head injury that's like a concussion, and yet leaves him feeling like something has shifted in his world.
In Game Changer the reader is expertly guided though alternative realities through which Ash processes the changes to his relationships, friends, family and world view. Shusterman provides the reader with opportunities to reflect on Ash's personal revelation that ". . . so much of history - the good and the bad - is influenced by hidden factors that no-one even thinks about . . . What choices are being made, what things are being said in high places that might seem so unimportant now, but are laying the groundwork for truly horrible things tomorrow?"
Game Changer casts the reader's attention to historical events and the social structure of our world while drawing a line to their consequences for ordinary people living ordinary lives. The characters are richly drawn so the reader feels drawn to them and invested in their futures.
This book is thought provoking with an ending that invites the reader to identify their own interpretation of Ash's experiences and the threat to his reality continuing to exist. Game Changer will intrigue and provoke heated discussion. Questions for group discussions and extension activities are available in the Educator's Guide and Discussion Guide.
Set in the English town of Bath, 1854, silhouette artist Agnes Darken is struggling to make ends meet. She lives with her elderly mother and orphaned nephew Cedric and is doing all she can to support the three of them. Suddenly, one of her clients ends up murdered, shortly after sitting for Agnes. Then another . . . and another. It seems as though the killer is targeting Agnes and her business, but why? Desperately wanting answers, Agnes seeks the assistance of Pearl, a child spirit medium living with her stepsister (a mesmerist) and her ailing father, to contact the dead in order to find the killer. They soon discover that they may have opened the door to something they can never put back.
Laura Purcell's writing is so descriptive and gives an authentic feel to the Victorian Era this book is set in. It is a gothic mystery, with elements of supernatural that will have you peering over your shoulder and questioning every shadow. The powerful imagery she uses creates the perfect atmosphere and scenery for what ended up being a thrilling finale, with a twist that I never saw coming. The plot is a little slow to start, as it is very descriptive, however this is to set you up with everything you need to know later on. The characters are unique, and each have their own story to tell, some I would like to delve a little deeper into, however you become really invested in their journeys. Each one has a suspicious element to them which makes it even more difficult to determine who the killer could possibly be, no one can be trusted.
Overall, this is an enthralling and compelling read with high quality writing style that will have you guessing right until the very end!
Themes Different points of view, Ghosts, Good and Evil, Gothic Fiction, Illness, Murder, Mystery, Scary Stories, Shadows, Supernatural.
Emily Feetham
Lottie Luna and the Fang Fairy by Vivian French. Illus. by Nathan Reed
Lottie Luna is a werewolf. She's super-fast, super-strong and has X-ray vision. Lottie doesn't really like to use her special skills, though - she just wants to be like everyone else. But when Lottie and her friends go camping, she finds that she might just need to - if she's going to find out the truth about the fang fairy.
This is the third in this series for young, newly independent readers who see themselves as just like Lottie - being just regular little girls on the surface , but with a heroine not too far below the surface. Richly illustrated with all the supports needed to carry their reading journey forward, this is an ideal series to offer those looking for something new and different.
Barbara Braxton
Evie and the bushfire by Becky Westbrook. Art by Jet James
Evie and the Bushfire is a thoughtfully written picture book about the devastating bushfire that took place on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, in the summer of 2019/2020. The main character Evie is a spirit girl who lives simply as one with Mother Nature. She wakes one day feeling the sense of fire in her bones and seeks refuge in a cave as the land burns around her. She attempts to comfort people through their grief as she is known to have the gift of hope but only a young child Tom can see her. As even he begins to lose hope, Evie talks to him about strength and courage and takes him on a journey to see these in action: the volunteer firefighters, the farmers rebuilding fencing, the glossy black cockatoos spitting out seeds to regerminate the land, home cooked meals from strangers and the green shoots reappearing on the blackened tree. They discover fire again but it is not danger, it is the Ramindjeri men connecting with the land and preventing fire by using fire to protect their ruwe, our country. The community is angry with the fire but Tom talks to them about learning to listen to the land and live in harmony with it.
This story is truly one about hope, resilience, courage and community. It is also about looking to our Indigenous people for understanding and knowledge of sharing the land with nature. The illustrations in mainly black and tones of brown by Jet James are beautifully drawn and mirror the careful and gentle text. Throughout the story elements of colour are introduced to enable the reader to focus on important aspects of the text or changes taking place in the blackened landscape.
This book was written and published on the island of Karta of the Ngarrindjeri Nations with support from the Government of South Australia the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network.
Themes Bushfires, Kangaroo Island South Australia, Friendship, Grief, Natural Disasters, Indigenous Beliefs & Story, Ramindjeri People, Hope, Courage, Strength, Community.
Kathryn Beilby
The biggest thing of all by Kathryn Thurman and Romina Galotta
The biggest thing of all is an important story for all children, particularly those who have had experience with the death of a loved one. The book tells the story of Lily, her parents and her grandparents. They live all together and tend to the beautiful garden during the dry seasons. Grandma unfortunately becomes ill and eventually passes away, leaving Lily feeling lost and sad. When the snow clears, she sees a way to understand her feelings and celebrate grandma.
The main message used in this story is the everything is part of something bigger. The talk about one bee being part of a hive, one bird being part of a flock, and eventually one Grandma being part of their family. Lily uses this analogy to help guide her grief journey and come to an eventual place of acceptance within the loving embrace of her family.
The illustrations also help assist the message of the story, through facial expressions, images of the garden through the seasons and of Grandma's illness progression. The illustrations are watercolour which I find to be a media that suits an emotional topic well.
This story would be so helpful for younger children who are trying to navigate their grief, and for their family who are not sure how to help their children or where to start the conversation. Upside Down Books are committed to creating resources to help children navigate and understand emotionally challenging situations. They aim to provide stories and characters that children can identify with, enabling them to find a safe space for the processing of their emotions.
This is a book that I will definitely keep in my library and ensure staff are aware of its themes and whereabouts on the shelf. It is so important for children to have relevant reading materials for complex emotions as it can be difficult to have discussions when in the emotion is so raw.
Themes Grief, Family, Love, Death.
Lauren Fountain
Climate crisis for beginners by Eddie Reynolds and Andy Prentice. Illus. by El Primo Ramon
Usborne, 2021. ISBN: 9781474979863. (Age:10+)
The climate crisis is real. It is already changing the world around us. How does the climate work? What are we doing to change it? What can we do differently to avoid the worst outcomes? Why do we all find change so hard? The climate crisis is a troubling and sensitive topic, especially for children, so the book includes vital tips on how to set realistic goals and not get overwhelmed by bad news.
Given the number of posts asking for suggestions for books about about sustainability that are being sent to the TL forums I belong to, this is a timely release. Using simple language and vivid illustrations to explain complex questions clearly, and make the concepts and solutions accessible to our younger students, it is another must-have addition to your collection that explores the planet and how we can make it better.
From the same series as 100 Things to Know about Saving the Planet, it has the usual Usborne integrity that talks directly to the reader to engage them and enable them to feel empowered to do something. It spans a broad range of topics and these are expanded by the pre-selected Quicklinks so the reader can follow their interests further.
It is the publication of books like this focusing on contemporary topics that compel schools to have vibrant, up-to-date non fiction collections in print format so that students have access to the information at their level at hand, rather than going down the rabbit hole of the internet.
Barbara Braxton
The day Saida arrived by Susana Gomez Redondo and Sonja Wimmer
Blue Dot, 2020. ISBN: 9781733121255. (Age:3+)
The day Saida arrived at the school she seemed to have lost her words and instead of joy and laughter there were tears and sadness. Her new classmate hunted high and low for the words but could not find them so instead, she drew a heart in chalk and Saida drew a smile. The first breakthrough!
When her dad explains that Saida probably hasn't lost her words, it was just that her words wouldn't work in this country, the little girl sets out to teach Saida the new words she needs as well as learning Saida's words. What follows is the beginning of a joyous, lifelong friendship that is so characteristic of our children when confronted with this sort of language problem. They work it out, find common ground, ignore boundaries and borders and learn together.
Having worked so often in schools where English is an additional language for so many, where students with no English at all come to get that first grounding before they go to their neighbourhood school, this story is a stunning portrayal of how kids get along regardless particularly when adults don't intervene. The playground is such a cosmopolitan learning space and whether the language is Arabic like Saida's or Tagalog or whatever, the children's natural needs overcome barriers. Enriching friendships are formed and their words that every "shape, sound and size" just mingle naturally.
With illustrations that are as joyful as the concept and the text, this is the perfect story to help students understand that being in such an alien environment can be bewildering and confusing, that there will be times when they are in Saida's shoes and their words won't work, but there is always help and hope. Because the learning between the girls works both ways, the story values Saida's Arabic as much as her new friend's English so that Saida is an equal partner in the story, offering a subtle nudge for us to consider how equally we treat our NESB students. What accommodations can and do we make for those whose words don't work in our libraries and classrooms?
Teachers' notes are available and while these are written for the US, they are readily adaptable to the Australian situation.
Barbara Braxton
Bedtime is boring by David Campbell. Illus. by Daron Parton
Scholastic, 2021. ISBN: 9781760976507. (Age:3-7 years, Tired parents) Highly recommended.
Bedtime is boring by David Campbell is a funny picture book that will resonate with both the child listening and the parent/caregiver who is reading!
The story follows a cheeky little rabbit who doesn't want to go to bed because not only is it boring but they have so many other thing to do! Bouncing, burrowing and building are all activities that Billy the bunny believes are very important to do instead of going to bed. Throughout the story we hear many (familiar) excuses as to why he shouldn't go to bed - eventually wearing himself out and getting in to bed.
The thing I really loved about this story is how much we could relate to it! I read it to my 6 year old daughter and she thought it was a great story. In her words "The Mummy and Daddy rabbit sound just like you when I don't go to bed!". David Campbell has really succeeded in engaging both the reader and listener through this link.
The illustrator, Daron Parton, has brought the rabbit family to life in such a bright and fun way. The rabbits portray very familiar emotions and physical stances (hands on hips, eye rolls and the look of a worn down parent!) which I feel adds huge value to the story. In particular the facial expressions of the parents - every time I have read the book their faces resonate with me and link to my personal experience of bedtime with children!
Overall, a great book for young children and their eternally tired parents
Themes Bedtime, Rabbits, Parenting.
Lauren Fountain
Stunt Kid seriously stacks it! by Jack Heath. Illus. By Max Rambaldi
Scholastic, 2021. ISBN: 9781760970598. (Age:8-12) Recommended for reluctant readers.
Levi is the reluctant 'star' in his father's adventure series, 'Kid Kablam’' Unfortunately, his life is at risk throughout the filming, after all he is the kid that gets 'kablammed'! This bizarre story weaves its way from one disastrous stunt to another and all the while Levi just wants to go to the Library and read. This story has hints of an extreme Wimpy Kid style combined with all other ridiculous action stories created for reluctant male readers. It is silly and preposterous and it goes into ludicrous and unbelievable territory in the bizarre town of Mount Cabbage.
Jack Heath has created many action adventure stories for older readers and his books are much enjoyed. This book is far more comedic and foolish and does not fit into the same class, however younger readers will enjoy the sheer escapism of the reluctant stunt boy. There are many examples of word play woven between the exploding scenes and the black and white illustrations are suitable quirky. This is the kind of book to get hesitant readers reading and therefore can be recommended.
Poppy the Penguin comes from a long line of circus performers. Many skills have been passed down from penguin to penguin. However, Poppy soon decides that performing in the family circus is not for her as she prefers to feel calm and in control. But the hardest thing is not juggling, or riding a unicycle - it's telling her mum that she doesn't want to perform any more.The bravery is worth it when Poppy discovers a better role - organising and coordinating the whole show. And what a show it turns out to be!
So often, we, as parents, lead our children down the path of learning the things we like to do and expecting them to love them with a similar passion. But it can be a road fraught with danger because our children always see us as the experts and that somehow they are never going to be quite good enough, which can lead to mental health and self-esteem issues. Even though Poppy is very good as a performer and her parents are really proud of her, deep down inside she knows that the limelight is not for her and luckily she not only has the courage but also the relationship with her parents to express her unhappiness. Perhaps sharing this story might be the catalyst for our students to have similar conversations if they feel they have the need.
Freegard also brings up another element that often rears its head, particularly during class performances - that of "job snob". How often is the lead in the school play sought by the class's leading light and both child and parents celebrate their celebrity? Yet, as Poppy shows, the whole show cannot go on without those backstage workers, the support cast and everyone else who helps to make it happen. Here is a great opportunity to demonstrate that no job is better or more important than another - they are just different and without one, others will flounder. The school cannot function without all the admin staff making it easier for the teachers to do their thing.
Some big life lessons in one little book!
Barbara Braxton
The way of the weedy seadragon by Anne Morgan. Illus. by Lois Bury
Down in the seaweed and kelp forests of Australia's southern coasts dwells a creature that looks like it has come straight from the pen of one of our children's book illustrators. With its colourful spots and bars, long snout and tail and dingly-dangly camouflage bits it revives any loss in the belief of dragons. The little weedy sea dragon (and its cousins the leafy sea dragon and the ruby seadragon from WA) are among the fascinating creatures that live in this new world of under the water and to have had the privilege of watching their graceful mating dance remains one of my most precious scuba-diving memories.
In this stunning book, not only is the reader introduced to this intriguing inhabitant of the ocean but also to the reason that these sorts of non fiction titles must remain an essential element of the school library collection. "Everything" may be "available on the Internet" but who would know to investigate weedy sea dragons if you don't know they exist? You don't know what you don't know. Alongside Bury's delicate illustrations, Anne Morgan has crafted a text as graceful as the dragons' dance and accompanied it with further information that whets the appetite and supports the development of those critical information literacy skills. As well, there are extensive teaching notes for Yr 2-6 that focus on Science, English and Media Arts,leading the reader to consider how individual characteristics help species survive and thrive. A must-have that will lead young non fiction readers into their own new world. If there are dragons in the oceans, what else might be there?
Stories about life as a member of a gang have been around for a long time – The Outsiders, even Romeo and Juliet. In some ways, this is just another one but in other ways it has its own place in the literature. Angie Thomas has set her story in the 90's, in a fictional poverty-stricken black neighbourhood in the United States, a sort of pre-quel to The Hate U Give. Drugs are rife, jobs poorly paid. Gangs and the associated violence are the narrative of the world in which the characters live. Rising above that world is almost impossible as the gangs' claims are generational and opportunities to avoid those claims are few. Maverick Carter is a young black man, still in high school, who is torn between the security of the gang life and taking the straight road. Shouldered with the sudden responsibility of a baby, he is forced to consider his future and how he is going to face things as father when the world seems to be against him.
While some of the events in this book are predictable, others take a different turn than expected. This book is about relationships, positive and negative; perceptions from differing points of view; poverty and deeply ingrained hopelessness; racism; and what it means to be an adult. Concrete Rose could be read as a complement to other books about the race divide or gang violence. It is a compelling read although at times, the vernacular does get in the way of the story.
Themes Gang violence; Poverty; Relationships; Racism.
Gaye Howe
Joe and the stars by Phil Cummings and Connah Brecon
Recalling his own childhood, moving from a carefree existence on a farm to a place where he could no longer see the myriad of stars he once cherished, Phil Cummings engages the younger reader who may feel at odds with a new environment, at a loss when change is underway, underwhelmed when things look different.
For Joe, the move to the city is not a happy one. He now lives in an apartment without the endless blue sky of his early years, or the red of the endless horizon, the shelter of the huge tree next to his house and the vast night sky under which he sat with his Dad.
His new home is vastly different: a small apartment with a shoe box sized window looking onto a paved courtyard and one small tree in its centre, a city filled with noise and so much light at night that he can not see the stars.
Phil Cummings gets to the heart of his hero: recalling his own youth at a time of immense change, when things had an uncertain edge and he had to look inside himself for comfort. In this story Joe builds his own night sky, fashioning stars to hang from the bare branches of the neglected tree, waiting for the lights of the city at night to bring them to life. Doing this attracts the attention of other children and where once he was alone and unhappy, he is now accepting and befriended.
A text full of contrasts: life on the farm compared with life in the city, Grandpa's tree and the courtyard tree, its once bare branches now sporting a tiny green leaf, the farm house and the apartment, the night skies, all underline the change Joe is having to absorb. The text underscores words which add movement and sound; the 'toot, screech and beep' of the city, and 'ting tong' of the wind chime in the tree. Readers will love emphasising those words as they appear in the text, a wonderful moment for movement, noise and dance.
The luminous illustrations are full of intriguing contrasts; the endpapers are similar but different and children will love noting those differences which reflect how Joe's life has changed. The colourful double page sweep of the farm and the night sky on the title page is paralleled through the story reprising Joe's relationship with the stars while the double page spread in the city is totally different, mirroring the change in circumstances. The tiny window he now uses to view the night sky is an unsettling contrast with what he once had and children will look at that image with sympathy. But eagle eyes will be heartened when they notice shadows of his former home in the new night sky and its one small star.
And a YouTube link takes you to a song penned and sung by Phil about his childhood on the farm giving a context and companion to the book. I can hear voices singing along with the chorus and imagine lots of foot tapping while children marvel at the images the clip shows of rural Australia. A wonderful adjunct to a story of resilience and change.
Themes Resilience, Change, Stars, Night sky, Rural life, City life, Family.
Fran Knight
Plantastic! A to Z of Australian Plants by Catherine Clowes
While books about Australia's unique fauna abound for readers of all levels, there are fewer that focus on our unique flora and even less for younger readers who are just developing an interest in the plants the populate our landscape.
In this new publication from CSIRO, 26 of our well-known and not-so plants are in the spotlight offering an introduction to things we see daily and those that are not so common yet still readily seen in local environments. Maps pf plant ecoregions enable readers to identify what they are most likely to see where they live. Each double page spread has a similar format with some detailed information using accessible language that speaks directly to the reader ensuring challenging scientific concepts are easily understood such as the exploration of plant classification (families,genera and species) through the analogy of mixed lollies; an interesting fact that goes beyond the scientific nature of the plant; and an activity that encourages the reader to discover more about what they have just read and engage with the plant. There are beautiful biologically accurate watercolour illustrations of each plant and its parts, while the whole has all the necessary elements to encourage easy navigation and information literacy skills. Comprehensive teachers' notes are available spanning a number of the Australian Curriculum areas, including a focus on the use of the plants by indigenous people.
If we are to have our students value our bushland then they must first know what there is to value (and there are pointers about how to explore it so that both explorer and environment stay safe) and so this is a must-have for any library collection and study that has the protection of our habitat at its heart.
