Reviews

The scholar by Dervla McTiernan

HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9781460754221.
(Age: Secondary-adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Crime, Ireland, University, Corruption. When Cormac Reilly and his girlfriend, Dr Emma Sweeney move to Galway they are hoping to put the past behind them and build their relationship, at the same time establishing their careers. But Reilly has a past and the new police department keep him tethered to cold cases until Emma comes across a body on her way into her lab one night at Galway University campus. She rings him and as he has made his concerns about his relegation to cold cases an issue, is given this case. But her involvement becomes more deeply entrenched causing him anguish and putting him in the spotlight of the police tribunal.
The identification of the body is simply the first of their problems, and mistakes are made from the start. Cormac finds a web of intrigue beginning with the relationship between the dead girl, Della Lambert, an exceptional student who dropped out after the first semester, and Carline Darcy, the granddaughter of the laboratory's benefactor, John Darcy. A missing laptop may hold the clues to what exactly is going on, but first Cormac must combat the mine field of pressure from above, pressure from the tribunal, and legal representatives from the pharmaceutical company which feels it owns Carline and Della's work.
Meanwhile, a disgruntled member of his team, is spreading rumours abut Emma causing people to look more closely at her involvement, and before Cormac can sort this out, her credentials are questioned and her involvement scrutinised. Cormac is taken off the case because of the conflict of interest and investigated, not before putting Emma offside with his questioning. Her past puts her in the frame, and it takes another of Cormac's team, Fisher, to unravel what is going on, despite the risk he is taking on Cormac's behalf.
An exciting crime story, the involvement of big pharma companies and the lengths they will go to protect their discoveries is paramount to the crimes committed, leading the investigators down paths that question the integrity of the laboratory work at undertaken at the university.
Large amounts of money are involved and where there is money, lies power and influence, so Cormac and his team must tread with utmost care. The location of this fine series makes for a fascinating backdrop as the isolation has a part to play, as well as the problematic relationship between north and south.
The first novel featuring Cormac, The ruin was very well received and offers an introduction to his character, along with a gripping story of neglect, so is a good read to have under your belt before the third appears in 2020.
Fran Knight

Lie with me by Philippe Besson

Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780241987094.
(Age:16+) Highly recommended. Philippe Besson is a French author and this novel (originally in French) is translated by Molly Ringwald. This book is a compelling read and impossible to put down. Told in three sections the narrator speaks of his first love. Philippe and Thomas are 17 and at school in a very small village in France. Their love is secret and passionate. The vulnerability of Philippe and Thomas is poignant as they both live the lie of appearing heterosexual while their love for each other occupies their hearts and minds.
Social class is also explored. Philippe is the son of the headmaster of the school and Thomas the son of migrant labourers. Thomas is aware from the beginning that Philippe will leave the village, and him, to make his way in the world.
As an adult Philippe meets a young man who resembles his first love. The young man is the son of Thomas. From this point in the novel we hear how this first love has shaped the lives of Thomas and Philippe. While they did not stay together - they were always in each other's lives. The reader discovers the outcomes of secrecy and self-deception, combined with the oppressive prejudice and discrimination they faced, as both poignant and thought provoking.
Although this novel is short it is a powerful story beautifully told.
Linda Guthrie

More by Matt Preston

Pan Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781760781828.
(Age: Adult) This may just be the book for anyone who is trying to add more vegetable into the daily diet. Subtitled More Recipes with More Veg for More Joy, Matt Preston presents a huge variety of recipes (over 100) that feature vegetables with a variety of flavours and colours. The Contents page includes the headings: Salads, barbeque, Pasta, noodles and rice, Bakes, Tray bakes, Braised and Fried and Meat appendix for the meat lovers who can't bear to not have meat but want to add more veggies to their meals. There is a handy Index and an extended index. Each recipe is illustrated with a full page colour photo of the dish, making the book not only very attractive to the eye, but helpful for the final presentation of the dish. The list of ingredients is easy to follow as are the instructions.
There are plenty of recipes here to make the taste buds water. If you like rich and creamy, 'The Decadent brie, leek and almond honey pie' recipe would make an excellent entree served with sourdough bread and red grapes, not to mention the 'Decadent vego souffles with creamed leek, cheddar and jalapeno'.
I couldn't resist trying out the delicious 'Zucchini slice version 5.0' which adds asparagus and dill in a variation of the old popular recipe. 'The creamiest coddle egg' looked amazing, and the 'Dadaist sausage rolls for Barry Humphries' contain no sausage meat but a delicious combination of zucchini, nuts and panko breadcrumbs amongst other ingredients and would make for a great conversation starter at lunch. Recipes for 'Singapore noodles' and 'Vegan Bolognese' will also give an alternative for family favourites.
More would make a very useful addition to a family's collection of recipes and is sure to extend the use of vegetables in daily meals.
Pat Pledger

Ghost bird by Lisa Fuller

University of Queensland Press, 2019. ISBN: 9780702260230.
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Themes: Mystery, Aboriginal beliefs, Speculative fiction. When Stacey's twin, Laney, goes missing the entire mob goes into action to find her. But Stacey has been hiding Laney's romance, her lies and her after-dark exploits with the bad-boy Troy from her protective mother. The uncertainty surrounding the missing twin escalates and the mystery of the taboo mountain near where Laney disappeared, combined with the racist family that lives nearby, adds layers of intrigue and threat. The dramatic disappearance releases all manner of uncertainties in the Aboriginal community, highlighting racism against their mob, but also inter-family distrust that had its genesis many generations before. Stacey struggles as her mother's protection goes into over-drive. Then, as her dream-life takes on a scarily ominous tone, it causes her to abandon her good-girl persona and take risks in her friendships and in her attempts to find her twin. The dark and un-named superstitions that surround the taboo mountain descend and take on physical form and create a frightening and bewildering scenario for the young teen.
Part coming-of-age story, part 'Romeo and Juliet' romance, part speculative fiction, part Aboriginal spiritual revelation, part mystery - this is a story that is mature on many levels. In the voice of Aboriginal teens and their community (with some rough-and-ready grammar, language and expressions) from the town of Eidsvold in rural Queensland, this is a story that reveals a non-white view of the world, and an Aboriginal religious perspective that is seldom known in the wider non-indigenous community. Because of this, a powerful insight is given into the love and experience of a family who are open to non-scientific explanations for what happens in the world. The community experience and the history of racism and its impacts are also revealed from the perspective of an Aboriginal voice.
This book has won acclaim as the winner of the David Unaipon Award and it works powerfully on many levels. The tension towards the end of the narrative is palpable and reveals the deft touch by the author and makes this teenage story a powerful piece of speculative fiction. Teacher's notes are available. (Note: Language warning; Sexual assaults mentioned)
Carolyn Hull

Mum's jumper by Jayde Perkin

Book Island, 2019. ISBN: 9781911496137.
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Grief, Loss, Death. Loss and death are never too far from many children's lives and so a book helping children accept the death of a loved one will have a place in a classroom or home, where quiet time reading a book together can help children understand, in a small way, what has occurred.
In this the young girl visits Mum in hospital, and later when her Mother dies, the routine of the death process is shown. People come and go, expressing sorrow, crying, saying a range of things which sound like platitudes, they offer support, flowers are given, but the girl finds it hard. She cannot concentrate at school, she feels like a large black cloud is hanging overhead, and despite all her friends around her she feels angry and alone.
When she and Dad go through Mum's things she finds a jumper, a favourite and puts it on. She wears it for a long time, and when Dad washes it, he tells her that grief is like that jumper, she will grow into it, the jumper will get smaller.
And it does, the girl eventually packing the jumper into the drawer. She knows it is there, but no longer needs to wear it everyday.
In wonderfully evocative illustrations, the story of acceptance unfolds. The book was written with the support of the Let's Talk about Loss, and the Cruse Bereavement Care Centre in Bristol and more information can be found at these sites.
Fran Knight

No one likes a fart by Zoe Foster Blake

Illus. by Adam Nickel. Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780143794493.
Hardback Book and Plush Toy Box Set. Have you ever wondered if a fart could teach you about friendship? Well, if that's you then look no further than No one likes a fart by Zoe Foster-Blake! In all seriousness, I did wonder how a story with a fart for the main character could help me discuss friendship and differences with my child. BUT . . . I was wrong to wonder. This story actually did those things! It tells of Fart who doesn't really belong anywhere because he smells and is different to everyone else, and no one wants to be his friend. He can't find the friend he desperately wants until he comes across Burp; all stinky, just like him! He finally (after lots of trying) finds a bestest friend who likes him just the way he is.
The illustrations by Adam Nickel have a retro feel about them, with colours such as brown, baby poo green, orange and black outlines.
I will admit that this book will probably only appeal to children who appreciate the word fart and its stinky aftermath. Those who find the whole scenario off-putting are best to steer clear of this one.
Fortunately for me, my youngest (who is well taught by her sibling) loves toilet humour so found this story amusing. She also thought the soft plush 'Fart' (as part of the gift pack) was a hilarious addition, but 'if it made a noise that would be better'.
All in all I liked how this book could be used purely as a picture book, but also as the gateway to a discussion about accepting others and also the concept that the world is not always a nice place. A great start for Zoe Foster-Blake as she dives in to the picture book world after a successful run in the adult fiction zone.
Lauren Fountain

The Wildlife Winter Games by Richard Turner

Illus. by Ben Clifford. Starfish Bay Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781760360757.
(Age: 5-12 years). Recommended. Themes: Sports, Animals, Arctic, Antarctic, Winter sporting events. The Wildlife Winter Games is a very different and interactive look at popular winter sporting events. These events, clearly explained on each page, include such sports as ice hockey, bobsled, luge and curling. Rather than humans competing, the author Richard Turner has used a variety of Arctic and Antarctic creatures to compete for each of the gold, silver or bronze medals on offer. Some of these creatures, the caribou, musk ox, colossal squid and the snowshoe hare will be unfamiliar to the reader who has to decide which one will win the event and receive which medal. To help the reader make a choice there are interesting and often little known facts about each creature presented on the page.
The illustrations by Ben Clifford are quite stunning. There is so much detail to take in that the reader is drawn back to the page time and time again in case something is missed. For those children who are sports mad this would be a perfect shared or partner read as many of these unique winter sports do not feature widely in Australian life nor do the amazing creatures competing in the wildlife games.
Kathryn Beilby

The killing chronicle by Alan Leek

Big Sky, 2019. ISBN: 9781922265487.
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Subtitled Police service and shattered lives. 'Alan Leek, an awarded police veteran, recounts incredible true stories from this period through the lens of a man who has personally experienced and witnessed the life-changing impacts of service. . . . This compilation of stories includes the callous Anzac Day anniversary shooting of a constable, the murder of a decorated country constable that ended with the posthumous award of the George Cross, the cowardly stabbing death of a constable who had survived Africa, Greece, Ceylon and New Guinea, accounts of front line country police mercilessly cut down and other stories of goal break-outs, gun flights and carnage. Some of the crimes dealt with here are horrific and tragic.' (Publisher)
I found this easy to follow and the illustrations throughout make it a faster, clear novel to understand. It was not my cup of tea but it can be recommended for older readers who are interested in true crime and Australian history.
Vincent Hermann

The Christmasaurus and the winter witch (You're on the naughty list) by Tom Fletcher

Illus. by Shane Devries. Penguin Random House Australia, 2019. ISBN: 9780241338537.
(Ages 8-12). Highly recommended. Themes: Christmas, Dinosaurs, Children with Physical disabilities, Magic. William (who is in a wheelchair), his dad, his new girlfriend Pamela and her daughter Brenda are taken on a tour of the North Pole by Santa in the week before Christmas. While on this tour they meet the Winter witch who shows William a time in the future when Christmas is banned. To a boy and his family who embrace all that Christmas has to offer with true enthusiasm, this is a disaster. William must work with his good friend the Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch to try to save Christmas.
The story involves a great variety of Christmas characters in the North Pole such as the elves who sing a delightful song of welcome to William on their arrival. The other Christmassy magic, such as the little wishes in the Forest of wishes and the Brain freeze potion, to allow the Winter witch to freeze time for Santa on his journey around the world, will interest young readers and work well to explain the way Santa works at Christmas. The fact that Santa doesn't trust Brenda with a special magic bean he gives to William creates a way for Brenda's nasty toy store owner father to create the chaos that may destroy Christmas.
The story also explores the idea of the blended family and many children who move between two parents and two houses, especially at Christmas, will empathize with the way Brenda and William's adventures allow them to develop into true siblings by the end of the story.
This will be a popular story for families to read at Christmas time to get into the festive spirit. The way the author uses his voice to intrude into the story and increases the magic and humour for the reader is like having your own personal conversation with the writer while you read. Although this is the second book in this series it stands alone and is a delightful, adventurous story that will appeal to many Middle primary children especially at Christmas.
Gabrielle Anderson

I'm ready for Christmas illus. by Jedda Robaard

Hadamar: The House of Shudders by Jason K. Foster

Big Sky, 2019. ISBN: 9781925675863.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. This story is based on real events. The author has used primary sources to create a compelling and horrifying story that explains in vivid detail the phrase: Lebenunswerte Leben (life unworthy of life). The story portrays the ways physicians (authorised by Hitler) selected patients deemed incurably sick and administered to them a "mercy death" or implemented sterilisation procedures. Hadamar was, and is, a hospital in Germany where the euthanasia programme was implemented during World War II.
So, while the language level is well suited to the young adult reader, this is not easy to read. The scale of the mass murder is difficult to comprehend. Told through the eyes of a child, Ingrid, we see the actions of the Gestapo in segregating children of mixed race, those with disabilities and those that were ill. On arrival at Hadamar Ingrid experiences the cruelty and evil that are enacted each day, such as invitations to picnics that end in death. While the story is related without hyperbole - the events are no less harrowing.
Justice and revenge are themes that recur throughout the book. Ingrid provides assistance to the Americans, anxious to have the staff answer for their crimes. The trials provide the reader an opportunity to hear the staff outline their defence for their actions, and to further understand Ingrid's reflections on her time in Hadamar (including her actions).
This novel would be a powerful text in Year 10. It humanises the history of the atrocities instigated by Hitler and allows the student to consider the broader view. It is an opportunity for the reader to remember the past and inspires the reader to question.
Teacher notes are available.
Linda Guthrie

Messy, wonderful us by Catherine Isaac

Simon and Schuster, 2019. ISBN: 9781471178054.
(Age: 17+) Recommended. Catherine Isaac provides a heart-warming read that reminds us that life is short.
Allie, the narrator, is a scientist working on a cure for cystic fibrosis and her life is ordered. When Allie unexpectedly comes upon information that calls into question the family ties she relies on to keep her life in order, Allie takes a trip to Italy to find answers. She is accompanied by her best friend Ed who has secrets of his own. He has recently separated from his wife Julia, and she phones Allie each day searching for answers for the sudden separation.
The reader is encapsulated in the world that is Northern Italy as Allie peals away the layers that surround Ed and unpacks her untold family history. We gradually discover two stories that are often left untold - domestic violence and unplanned pregnancies. The characters are well drawn so the reader can see the characters clearly, and empathise, as they wrestle with their dilemmas. The reader is drawn in to the life histories that have delivered Ed and Allie to their current circumstance and is left feeling invested in the developing outcome.
This is a story about love. Catherine Isaac deftly describes the love that can bind and the love that can destroy. The author skilfully leads the reader to see that life and love are messy. This messiness can be wonderful.
Linda Guthrie

Final Storm by Deborah Abela

Grimsdon, book 3. Penguin Random House Australia, 2019. ISBN: 9780143794462.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Wow what a stunning conclusion to a wonderful series. Isabella, Griffin and their friends have finally settled into New City after surviving their time in a flooded city in Grimsdon, the first novel in the series, and discovering secrets in New City, the second novel. In Final Storm, they still face wild weather, ice storms, robots and evil. Isabelle reconnects with someone from her past and her friendship with Griffin is tested. Can the group overcome the hidden dangers of New City?
Abela has called this her 'cranky' trilogy because Government were disregarding climate change and her readers has responded enthusiastically to this series, with Grimsdon and New City on YABBA shortlists since the first was published in 2010.
Final Storm is exciting and will be loved by the series many fans. There are many resources to support the series. Teacher's notes are available,  there is a Q and A with Deborah Abela and a book trailer link.
Pat Pledger

I'm bigger than you by Bianca Richardson

Illus. by Michaela Snowden. Little Steps, 2019. ISBN: 9781925839333.
(Age: 3-6 years). Recommended. This delightful picture book will encourage much discussion on the complexities of relationships, friendship and bullying, Bruce wants it all and he wants it all his way, but he finds that his bullying behaviour does not really meet his need for friendships and fun. I was intrigued by Bianca Richardson's successful ploy to present Bruce to his friends with a new demeanour. Michaela Snowden's illustrations are engaging and they beautifully demonstrate the emotions of the various characters.
Written for younger children, this book could be a useful tool for older children as they examine the elements of relationships.
Jan Barwick

Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

Macmillan Children's Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781509896899. 356p. bkp.
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. What happens to the heroes when they've won the war? They should be on top of the world, right? In Rowell's sequel to Carry On, living happily ever after hasn't quite happened. If Hogwarts was in an alternative, slightly edgy, world it might be the school that Simon, Baz and Penny graduated from but time has moved on and things have changed. The Mage has been destroyed and the friends are living a 'normal' university student life. Simon has no power (but a nifty pair of dragon wings and a tail) and Baz is despairing about their relationship. Penny wants to shake things up with a road trip across the American West with a visit to her boyfriend on the way. However, best-laid plans go awry and then the friends are faced with having to save the world yet again, while coming to terms with who they are and where they're heading.
In this engaging story we might be immersed in a world of magic and vampires but Rowell's characters face the same intensely personal challenges of friendship, love, direction and change that we mere humans deal with. Themes include self-esteem, self-evaluation, gay and straight relationships, diversity, and of course, what life looks like when the major goal has been achieved. A great follow-up for fans of Carry On and Fangirl.
Gaye Howe