Reviews

200 minutes of danger by Jack Heath

Scholastic Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781760660857. 140pp. paperback
(Age: Middle years+) I can still feel my heart racing. 200 minutes of pure edge of your seat adventure and excitement that any reader would love. Especially reluctant readers.
Jack Heath is amazing. He manages to write 10 stories that should only take about 200 minutes to finish. So each story should be around 20 minutes long, which to me is brilliant because that is usually how long my silent reading lessons take. So, it's a perfect book for reluctant readers but extra special because it's a brilliant book. They are quick and different in their own way but intertwined with each other while also making the stories a standalone read.
Each story is action packed which grabbed me as soon as I started a different one. They were so good that it only took me one sitting to finish the entire book. All stories were well written and easy to follow. There is a mixture of characters from different backgrounds and sexes. Basically, ten ordinary kids in ten extraordinary situations.
If you want a fantastic, well written middle year read for any type of reader, especially reluctant readers, I wouldn't go past 200 minutes of danger. This is definitely going on my class reading shelf.
Maria Komninos

The yellow bird sings by Jennifer Rosner

Picador, 2020. ISBN: 9781529032437. 294pp., paperback.
(Age: Secondary). Historical fiction. Sniff, sniff (wipes tears away from eyes).
What a captivating and emotional tale about the love between a mother and daughter with a wonderful connection to music and how far a mother would go to save her child.
The yellow bird sings is a wonderfully written debut novel from Jennifer Rosner.
Poland 1941, Roza and Shira manage to sneak away as Nazi soldiers are rounding up Jews in their home town. They find safety in a dirty old barn hiding in the hayloft. Here in the hayloft the aim for Roza is the wellbeing of Shira her 5-year-old daughter. She nurtures, educates and protects her as much as she can. Roza invents a story based on a little yellow bird to keep Shira occupied. Shira is a musical prodigy who hears entire passages in her head but she cannot make a sound while she is in hiding. This imaginary little yellow bird helps keeping her safe.
The early chapters tell us the story of living in the barn with the help of the farmer Henryk and his wife Krystyna but there is a price to pay. Then due to dangers a decision is made and both Roza and Shira are separated and are at the mercy of unknown dangers.
The yellow bird sings is an emotional historical fiction book based around true stories of Jewish children being hidden during WWII. We learn of some of the atrocities committed against Polish Jews and glimpses of the Resistance movements with not too much graphic details, so it's a bit safer for students to read.
I loved reading The yellow bird sings and think it's a great addition to a library. If you enjoyed The boy in the striped pyjamas I'm pretty sure you would love this.
Maria Komninos

Do you love bugs? by Matt Robertson

Bloomsbury, 2020. ISBN: 9781526609519.
(Age: 6+) I will say at the outset that this book will break some poor entomologist's heart. The ease with which Robertson mixes bugs (sucking insect) with beetles (insect), spiders (arachnid), snails (gastropod) and worms (animal) is surprising, and an astute teacher will use the opportunity to differentiate between these species as the book is read.
That said, I enjoyed the humour in this offering, each double page showing readers creatures with which many people have a 'don't touch' relationship. So we are presented with ants, butterflies, moths, spiders, stick insects, bees, worms, grasshoppers, snails and dragonflies, all surrounded by a splatter of facts which will intrigue younger readers.
The funny anthropomorphic illustrations will cause readers to laugh out loud as they dip into the pages full of facts and hints about the animal being observed.
The opening pages of this fun paperback gives a plea for children not to be taken aback by these creatures, but to love them as they have been around since the dinosaurs. Robertson also gives some rules on engagement: do not bother bees, be respectful of the stick insect, step over the snail, and so on, impelling children to look more closely at the creatures in their gardens.
Two pages tell of moths and butterflies, telling the reader why the butterfly is so colourful and how delicate its wings are. The next page is about the moth and we are told why they come out at night and how they get their moisture. All very interesting to the curious minds of younger readers.
The information is interesting, but as the book is part way between an information and a fun read, it will not be easy to use without a contents page and index. Themes: Insects, Beetles, Arachnids, Garden creatures.
Fran Knight

As fast as I can by Penny Tangey

Slime by David Walliams

Harper Collins 2020 ISBN: 9780008349141.
(Ages: 8+). Highly recommended. Slime is another humorous and entertaining read by bestselling children's author David Walliams. The frenetic energy and action conveyed in the story leave the reader racing through to the final, hopefully calm and happy, ending. Wheelchair bound Ned is the main character who suffers at the hands of his older extremely horrid and unkind sister Jemima. His birthday is coming up and she has devised the cruellest and most dastardly trick to play on him yet. However Ned is on to Jemima and beats her at her own game. The accidental creation of Slime leads to Ned exacting revenge on all those adults who have wronged the children of Mulch Isle. With Slime on his side Ned is able to payback Sir Walter Wrath, Headmaster of Mulch School for Revolting Children who delights in expelling children, Edmund and Edmond Envy, the toyshop owners who hate children and steal their money, Madame Solencio Sloth, the laziest and meanest piano teacher ever, Captain Pride, the park keeper who allows no child into the park, Glen and Glenda Glutton, the ice cream van owners who trick the children into handing over their money and drive away. The worst adult of all, Aunt Greta Greed owns Mulch Isle, has 101 cats all called Tiddles and is related to Ned.
Reminiscent of Roald Dahl, the adults all get what they deserve plus more in hilarious moments and very child appealing ways. Throughout the story are clever illustrations and bold words keeping the reader focused and engaged in this highly amusing tale. Themes: Humour, Siblings, Slime, Cruel Adults, Disability, Revenge.
Kathryn Beilby

Elizabella and the Haunting of Lizard Lake Zoe Norton Lodge & Georgia Norton Lodge

Walker, 2020. ISBN: 9781760651855.
(Ages: 7-9) Recommended. Sisters TV presenter and comedian Zoe Norton Lodge and graphic designer and illustrator, Georgia Norton Lodge continue with the hijinks and humour of their Elizabella series. What pranks can Elizabella and her friend Minnie pull off at the annual Year 4 camp - food dye in the showerheads or in the teacher's coffee machine? With Mr Gobblefrump Acting Principal of Bilby Creek Primary School in charge, will there be any opportunities for fun at all?
When Elizabella's frill neck lizard Lizzie overhears their campsite is at Lizard Lake, he decides to stowaway in her bag. With high hopes of meeting lizard friends, he can communicate and philosophise with like-minded creatures. 'Don't worry, be happpy' is the camp motto, and Agapantha/Christine, Star, Minnie and Mo are the happiest counsellors ready to help the kids have the best time. Even Mr G-Frump's swept up in happiness, his strict ways are set aside. The Opportunity Course proves challenging, but the campers and even Mr G-Frump prove themselves able to conquer their fears.
With ghostly hauntings, midnight lake escapades in a canyes not a canoe and curious dreams, Elizabella and Minnie find themselves solving mysteries and making a new friend. Lizzie's explorations add to the fun; who knew camp lizards spoke Lizish and not English? With plenty of delicious food cooked by Miss Goose, loads of fun activities and time to uncover camp secrets, Elizabella's time at camp is brimful of happiness.
Georgia Norton Lodge's fun illustrations capture the highlights, from the happy mantras to Dougal the missing counsellor's reappearance and Lizzie and Barney's foodie forays. Zoe Norton Lodge's descriptive style, her love of unusual names and word twists to promote happiness add to the appeal. Elizabella and the Haunting of Lizard Lake is just right for readers who enjoy quirky characters, humour in school and family stories. Themes: Camping, Mysteries, Humour.
Rhyllis Bignell

The Republic of Birds by Jessica Miller

Text Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9781922268044.
(Age: Primary school students) Olga and her family have been exiled to an inhospitable outpost due to her father's inability to successfully complete the Sky Metro transport system in the capital city. The move is labelled a promotion, but it is all too clear that their father has been punished and moved to cold and dangerous lands, where he needs to deal with the growing tension between humans and birds.
Olga's younger sister Mira is the darling of the family and her dancing delights and entertains everyone. Their actress stepmother is suffering by being away from the social life of the city and her audiences.
Olga displays jealously and annoyance towards her sister, but it is only when Mira is kidnapped by the large birds that she realises her love for Mira and knows she alone must complete her rescue.
This journey for Olga becomes one of self-discovery as she uncovers her real abilities, becomes involved with the magical yagas and understands why she has a deep attachment to cartography and explorers.
There are aspects of this novel I really enjoyed, Olga's developing magical skills, the descriptions of the yagas and their chicken legged homes and the meeting with her personal hero, a long-lost explorer but there were parts of this story that I felt were not developed fully.
Olga's visit to the Bleak Steppe Finishing School for Girls of Unusual Ability seemed to be rushed and didn't provide the depth of learning and skill that Olga needed to complete her quest. The journey from ordinary to magical was hurried and I felt unconvinced that Olga had the talents to complete her adventure.
More time was needed to develop Olga's character and her quest which would have made the story more exciting and believable.
This novel, inspired by Russian folklore, would be suitable for primary students who enjoy fantasy stories. Teacher's notes are available.
Jane Moore

ANZAC Sons: Five Brothers on the Western Front by Alison Marlow Paterson

Big Sky, 2015. ISBN: 9781925275148. 52pp., pbk.
In the years of 1914-1918 over 330,000 Australians served their country in a war far from their homeland, more than 60,000 of them died. Five of these Australians were brothers; three of them were destined to never return to the home they loved. The Great War brought enormous sorrow to families all over the world. In Australia there were few who escaped the fear, nor the tragedy.
This is the story of the Marlow brothers. This powerful children's book brings their story to life for future generations. It is a tragic tale of mateship, bravery and sacrifice; a heartbreaking account of a family torn apart by a devastating war. It is a pledge to never forget.
Based on the original title Anzac Sons; the Story of Five Brothers in the War to End All Wars, this important children's book compiled by the granddaughter of a surviving brother tells the true story of brothers' service, the impact on the family and community and weaves through the facts and history of the Great War and battles.
Combining beautiful prose and imagery including photographs, maps, letters and facts, the book will reach children of a variety of ages. Children,teachers and parents can read the letters her ancestors wrote from the trenches, walk in their footsteps and remember all those who have served throughout the generations to defend our freedom and our way of life. This and Dreaming Soldiers have been released as a special 2020 ANZAC Day book pack with a number of accompanying resources. Details are available here.
As we prepare to commemorate an ANZAC Day like no other in living memory, with services online and driveway commemorations, this is a book to be shared at this time so we can think about the sacrifices made by those who have gone before to keep us safe, and renew our commitment to what we have to do now to keep others safe. And if you can't get this one in time for this year, there are plenty of other suggestions here.
Barbara Braxton

Anna K by Jenny Lee

Penguin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241420218. 400pp.
(Age: Adult - Older adolescents) This is a story of rich adolescents who attend wealthy schools, who like to party often and hard, using drugs to enable an even wilder time and who like to stay out until the early hours of the morning. Everything they wear is named for its designer brand, as are their accessories and the cars that they drive. They only shop in the most expensive stores in the city of New York, and their social lives seem to be set in the best clubs, where they drink, and use drugs freely, and party, often, until the early hours of the morning.
While this story is about these young people's desire to party, attending school is recognized as being very important in leading on to their future and thus their careers. In this intense narrative we are drawn into the frenetic lives of Anna, an exceptional young woman who falls in love with "Count" Alexi Vronsky, learning about their high level of competition, that is, to be the best, or to have the best, in everything they do. Parents seem to figure in their lives to a small degree, being busy making money themselves.
Money is at the heart of this novel, and its presence fuels both the lifestyle, the choices, the futures, and, sadly indeed, the disasters. While these party people face the challenge to do well enough at school to enable them to go to the best colleges and universities, one young man loses his way and his story is deeply saddening. This aspect reminds the reader of the dramatic aspects of the much-loved Russian epic tale that is reflected in Lee's book.
Overall, I found this to be a challenging novel. In that it is intended as an evocation of Tolstoy's Russian epic, Anna Karenina, we see how this novel serves as a reminder of some of the pitfalls that young people face, especially in a community where wealth creates a world of privilege. I would recommend this book as suitable for both adults and older adolescents. Lee's evocation of a past novel, one that was a powerful tome for its era, recreates the disturbing reality of the modern world in her depiction of one particular way of life.
Elizabeth Bondar

Walk the Wire by David Baldacci

Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781509874521.
(Age: senior secondary/adult) Amos Decker and Alex Jamison have no idea why the FBI has sent them to London North Dakota. On the surface they are investigating a murder, but why is the FBI involved? London is in the middle of no where a boom and bust town now enjoying another boom due to oil extraction by fracking.
The murder is unusual in that the body, discovered by a hunter, has been autopsied and dumped. Decker and Jamison work with the local police lieutenant Joe Kelly and the funeral home owner who is also the coroner. The powers that be in London have been there a long time and know the important people, and that certainly does not include the oil workers who come and go, but spend their money in the town. Two wealthy men own almost all worth owning; Dawson is in control of bars, hotels and apartments used by workers and McClellan who has the lions share of the fracking business
Add to the mix an old US Air Force installation, now privately run but with an Air Force officer in charge, the reader gets an inkling as to why there may be involvement with federal agencies. Despite the body count Decker and Jamison seem no closer to understanding what is going on. As leads are followed and people questioned anyone with answers dies. Another federal agency is involved clandestinely along with some highly trained and well armed mercenaries but surprisingly as the body count continues to rise none of the populace seem to notice!
The Air Force base has unusual goings on, some of which are noticed by the religious cult that farms next to it, but they keep to themselves and the wider community are none the wiser. However Decker eventually gets to the bottom of the history of the base and why there are problems and why it is being run by a private company.
The murders in London which may have no connection to the base require the agents to go back to first principles. There is a lot of money involved, greed, and love, albeit obsessive love. These lead them back to the main players,the old London families, and their interactions and prejudices and grudges.
For those who enjoy the genre, especially the Amos Decker series of which this is the sixth, I've no doubt this will be tried and true territory. I found the most interesting aspects to be the fracking information, the religious cult and North Dakota itself. The characters are rather stereotypical, either tall muscular and lantern jawed if male or slender willowy and beautiful if female. The plot is rather unbelievable, but then again it is The United States. Themes: Crime fiction, USA, FBI, Fracking, North Dakota (USA).
Mark Knight

Ruby Red Shoes: My wonderful Grandmother by Kate Knapp

Angus & Robertson, 2020. ISBN: 9781460758885. 32pp., hbk.
Ruby Red Shoes lives with her grandmother Babushka Galina Galushka and they have a most wonderful relationship because her grandmother wears fluffy slippers to the shops and doesn't care what others think; she tells stories from the time of the dinosaurs when she was a little girl; she says big words like 'quandary' and 'hullabaloo'; she belongs to a Book Club that meets once a month and sometimes laugh more than it talks; and she keeps fit through aqua aerobics. But mostly she's wonderful because she has x-ray spectacles and she can see deep inside Ruby and knows just what she's feeling.
In these times when so many little ones are separated from their grandparents, as mine are from me, because of being in that high-risk age group, this could be the perfect opportunity to reflect on the relationships and consider why they are so important. In fact, Ruby invites the reader to do just that. Perhaps the reflection might inspire a letter or a phone or video call so that connections can be maintained, or maybe the creation of a book just like this one full of special thoughts and memories that can be shared when all this is over and we can get together again.
Barbara Braxton

The girl with the gold bikini by Lisa Walker

Wakefield Press, 2020. ISBN: 9781743056875.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Olivia Grace has just finished school and wants to be a private investigator like Nancy Drew or Veronica Mars, and gets a job working for former school mate Rosco at Gold Star Investigations. She's a fun but awkward heroine, always getting into bizarre comical situations, that would make a great comedy film. She's tied herself in knots trying to master speed yoga instruction in an evening, she's posed as a femme fatale at a dating night, she's swum with sharks, she's braved the stand-up comedy circuit. There is just one laugh after another.
The setting is the Gold Coast, the world of sun, surf and meter maids, the girls in the gold bikinis who add coins to parking meters. A devourer of Mars Bars, Olivia is not the usual meter maid type, but even this is a challenge she takes in her stride, along with the occasional headstand when required. Whilst it is a light and funny plot, there are some unexpected twists as in all good detective stories, and also a positive affirmation of being true to oneself, having courage, and overcoming discrimination based on appearance or gender. Readers who enjoy comedy and detective stories will enjoy this book. And for surf lovers the descriptions of surfing the waves are brilliant.
Teaching notes are available. Themes: Detectives, Gold Coast, Yoga, Surfing, Body image, Sexism.
Helen Eddy

Why I love the Earth by Daniel Howarth

Harper Collins, 2020. ISBN: 9780008389109. 26pp., hbk.
Illustrator Daniel Howarth has taken the words of our littlest ones about why they love this planet and transformed them into charming, fun illustrations that will appeal and inspire.
Starting with Teacher Bunny showing her class a globe and giving her class a classic teaching strategy of completing a sentence, she says, "I love the Earth because . . . "
Then all her students respond with a range of reasons in a series of double-page spreads that bring together aspects of the planet, familiar and not-so.
This would be a wonderful book to share with both parents and children at this time because it is just made for getting our youngest readers to respond with text and illustration, especially when we are trying to strike a balance with screen time. Some might even like to investigate some of the phenomena that are mentioned such as how old the Earth is or why it has so many colours.
It's a great way to differentiate the curriculum as each follows something that fascinates them or has piqued their curiosity.
Another picture book that transcends its target age group and opens up worlds of possibilities.
Barbara Braxton

Surprising stories behind everyday stuff

National Geographic Kids, 2019. ISBN: 9781426335297. 256pp., pbk.
They are the things we see and use every day and which are so familiar we take little notice of them - cameras, mobile phones, rulers, toilets and even common customs like shaking hands, table manners and saying gesundheit.
But each has a backstory about its invention or development and in this intriguing little book from NatGeo Kids, each is explained. With hand-shaking now discouraged, what are the origins of this practice anyway? With toilet paper now a nightly news item, what is the story behind its development and the invention of the toilet?
Using its customary bold, colourful design, with stunning photos, and jam-packed with awesome facts, there are 10 chapters each with related inventions to keep young minds entertained and educated for a long time. Perhaps, if students are no longer in the physical space known as school, it could serve as a role model for their own investigation of something common. Perhaps a future edition might have concepts such as social distancing and self-isolation - what do these mean, what do they look like and why were they imposed?
While the book answers many questions, it has the potential to pose so many more, each of which could be a research topic for kids needing something to do, and with self-choice essential it will engage them while putting into practice all those information literacy skills!
Barbara Braxton

Derek Dool Supercool 1: Bust a move by Adrian Beck

Illus. by Scott Edgar. Puffin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760892951. 256pp., pbk.
Think of the COOLEST, FUNNIEST, most HANDSOME kid in school, times it by a gazillion and you get DEREK DILBERT DOOL. At least he thinks so . . . Pity he's the only one.
Life's tough when your name's Derek. You're destined to be uncool. But Derek is determined to find something - anything - that will change that. He's sick of being picked last in PE, of not being invited to parties, and of all the cool kids using his freckles as dot-to-dot challenges. Derek is going to find something that will make him SUPERCOOL and nothing is going to stop him.
There are many boys like Derek in our classrooms so his situation will resonate with them, and with its short chapters, punchy sentences and liberal illustrations this is a new series that is going to have wide appeal with independent readers who don't want to have to concentrate on convoluted storylines and complex characters yet. The popularity of other series like Diary of a wimpy kid has proven there is a strong market for these sorts of books amongst our newly independent male clientele so to have one that has an Australian flavour will have extra appeal.
Barbara Braxton