Puffin Books, 2018. ISBN 9780143773023
(Ages: 1-4) Board book, Hedgehogs, Hibernation, Counting Book,
Rhyming book. This is a previously published title (2000) from the
creator of Hairy Maclary. It is winter and the garden is
full of hibernating hedgehogs. 'There's one beneath the Pizza plant,
two are on a ledge, I even saw three white ones in a hole behind the
hedge'. Our narrator, the young girl whose garden the hedgehogs are
all sleeping in, 'can't think WHAT will happen, in just a month or
two, to the horde of hibernators in this hedgehog howdedo'.
While we don't have hedgehogs or many hibernating animals in
Australia, young children will enjoy learning about hedgehogs and
what they get up to in the winter. The rhyme is simple and sweet,
and is a refreshing change from most counting books as it stops at
eight and does not have a predictable text pattern. The
illustrations are in Lynley Dodd's distinctive style and portray a
real sense of the quiet and still nature of winter.
Nicole Nelson
Comet's cross-country crime by Sally Sutton
Ill. by Kirsten Richards. Miniwings book 5. Scholastic, 2018,
ISBN: 9781775434870.
(Age: 6-8) Themes: Horses, Running, Theft. Six magical mini-horses
bring fun, excitement and a little bit of naughtiness into their
owners' lives. Told from Sophia's point of view, she describes her
Five-Point Race-Training Master Plan for preparing for their school
cross-country race. The Miniwings listened as the girls discuss
their goal to win the race and receive 'Glorious Victory' even
though Grace from the Red Team will be running with her magic shoes.
Sophia pushes Clara a bit hard on their first day of fitness
training and she fakes a twisted ankle.
Of course, the Miniwings horses all try to assist the girls with
their training, but it is Comet who comes up with a special plan to
help Clara and Sophia achieve their goal on race day. When Mr Jones
the kind caretaker explains that he's marked the course with orange
markers to help the runners find their way, Comet comes up with a
tricky plan to confuse the rest of the teams. Grace Rocketer's magic
shoes mysteriously disappear as well and she blames Sophia.
There are eerie noises, a monster chasing them, confused runners
trying to find the race track, and lots of things to contend with
along the way. Clara and Sophie's final decision shows a positive
attitude and brings about a special victory in the girls'
cross-country race.
Kirsten Richards' whimsical creatures, fun cartoon characters,
quirky pastel paint and ink drawings fly, swirl and frame Sally
Sutton's entertaining story told from Sophia's point of view.
There's a dictionary of Miniwing-ese to explain all of the unique
words they use to communicate. Comet's Cross-Country Crime is an easy-to read beginning
chapter book filled with horses and fun.
Rhyllis Bignell
Lady Helen and the Dark Days Deceit by Alison Goodman
Lady Helen book 3. Angus and Robertson, 2018. ISBN
9780732296117.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. After devouring the first two books
in the series (Lady
Helen and the Dark Days Club and Lady
Helen and the dark days pact) the final in the trilogy set in
beautiful Bath does not disappoint with its thrilling mysteries and
heart rending romance. Helen is in the midst of preparing for her
wedding to the Duke of Selburn, while at the same time struggling to
learn to control her powers with Lord Carlston as part of the Grand
Reclaimer, in order to overcome the Grand Deceiver. Lady Helen
believes that Carlston's wife is still alive and must supress her
illicit feelings for him, knowing that she could love the Duke of
Selburn who is devoted to her.
Anyone who likes the Regency period will be fascinated with the
gorgeous setting. Bath of 1812 is described in detail as is the
country mansion belonging to the Duke of Selburn and the manners of
the time. The slow burning romance between Helen and Carlston is
fraught with difficulties, not least the engagement of Helen to
Selburn, and Goodman kept the tension of this going right to the end
of the book - it was virtually impossible to predict if it could be
resolved or to predict just who the Great Deceiver was! And there is
action galore as Helen and Carlston join together as the Grand
Reclaimer in the final fight against the dark powers that have been
unleashed.
An inventive, highly addictive series, part historical and part dark
fantasy, this series will appeal to lovers of the Regency period, as
well as those who enjoy books by Georgette Heyer and the The
Glamourist histories by Mary Robinette Kowal.
I can't wait to see what Alison Goodman writes next!
Pat Pledger
Something rotten - a fresh look at roadkill by Heather L. Montgomery
Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2018. ISBN 9781681199009
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Biology. Non-fiction [591.7] In this
easy-to-read memoir, Heather Montgomery investigates the impact of
roadkill, for the most part in the USA but also high profile
international cases such as the mysterious cancer decimating the
Tasmanian Devil population.
Through her personal interest, we are led to appreciate the unsung
work of those whose relationship to roadkill goes far beyond the
conversational style of this accomplished naturalist and educator.
We are introduced to experts who recycle roadkill for: research,
conservation, data collection, museum exhibits, zoo predators,
macabre art and even for human consumption. Montgomery raises our
awareness of both the value of specimens and the volume of data by
exploring methods of reducing the carnage as enthusiastically as her
own taxidermy skills.
But Montgomery's exposition is far more interesting because of her
own story. Each roadkill find links to data that sends us off on
each new tangent. We screw our noses up with her at the gross bits,
laugh or acknowledge what individuals and governments and
individuals are achieving. Her information always concludes with
potential action on some level. For instance, motorists are
littering less but are still throwing out biodegradable scraps. What
we thought we were recycling lures animals to rely on the hazardous
blacktop for food.
She teaches taxidermy in one chapter, visits a busy wildlife
hospital and rehab centre in another; and in another outlines the
engineering required for safe animal migration. One chapter hosts a
rogue taxidermist producing macabre art.
This handbook, like Heather's website
categorizes hundreds of footnotes and links to further information
and calls to action, as well the more traditional generic features
so essential for revisiting information: Index, Contents and
Annotated Bibliography. Kevin O'Malley's illustrations are light on,
but they consolidate and spark interest as do Montgomery's
footnotes, which always enrich the original tale.
You will be fascinated, even if you don't normally read non-fiction.
To sell biology, Montgomery has harnessed our curiosity using a
gross and thus sidestepped environmental impact of the world's roads
and highways.
Deborah Robins
Wakestone Hall by Judith Rossell
A Stella Montgomery Intrigue Book book 3. ABC Books, 2018,
ISBN: 9780733338205
(Age: 9-12) Highly recommended.Themes: Family, School Life, Mystery,
Belonging. Judith Rossell's marvellous magical Victorian series
comes to a conclusion with Wakestone Hall. She has captured the
hearts and minds of many young and older readers who have taken
Stella Montgomery to heart.
Orphan Stella Montgomery's life has been filled with tragedy, drama
and heartache. She has discovered new friends, learnt self-reliance
and discovered an inner magical self. Stella is packed off to
Wakestone Hall, her three aunts and her mother's former boarding
school. Here it is expected that she will learn to follow the
guidelines, live by the strict rules and become an obedient child.
Stella's unhappy and finds school life most difficult. There are so
many regulations, from no conversation after lights out and no
arising from their bed until morning. Late one night Stella rescues
a cat from the rooftops, and so begins a chain of events that leads
her down a different and dangerous path. Ottilie and Agapanthus the
two new girls assist Stella in releasing the cat and they become
secret friends. Miss Garnet the head-mistress, a strict
disciplinarian, is hiding a cruel secret that Stella needs to solve
as well. She wants to know more about her poor mother's history and
delves into her aunts' school life as well. Ottilie's mother has
disappeared and the young girl looks for clues on their school
excursions to the museum and gardens. When Ottilie is kidnapped by
the evil men from the Fair, Stella and Agapanthus step up to
investigate.
Their dangerous mission leads them behind the scenes at the
fairground, where they are chased by the evil Gabbro Brothers.
Stella and Agapanthus meet two young boys, scrappers who make a
living by searching the underground passages under the town looking
for anything that can be sold to make money. Through underground
passages, in slum apartments, driven by the need to find answers and
a sense of belonging, Stella and her friends learn resilience as
they rely on each other's' abilities.
Rossell's world-building is shaded with darkness and light,
beautifully written with powerful messages of hope, growing into
one's true self, belonging, acceptance and resilience. Her gorgeous
purple-toned illustrations and vignettes, bring the Victorian era
alive. Her evocative characters heighten the elements of good and
evil, and her touch of magic adds to the delight of reading these
stories. Fans both young and older, myself included will be saddened
by the end of Stella Montgomery's journey.
Rhyllis Bignell
A dog's way home by W. Bruce Cameron
PanMacmillan, 2018. ISBN PanMacmillan, 2018. ISBN 9781529002690
(Age: 12- adult) Recommended. Themes: Dogs, Dog Owners, Movie
tie-in, Animal Rescue. A Dog's Way Home is an emotionally
honest story of love, loss and the journey of hope told from Bella,
a pit-bull cross's point of view. W. Bruce Cameron's previous
award-winning novels and movies including A Dog's Purpose,
are written with a deep understanding of the bond between dogs and
their humans. He brings awareness to the predicament of feral cats
and dogs, the role of Animal Control officers and the Breed
Discriminatory Legislation and to the plight of military veterans.
Bella the puppy lives under the porch of an abandoned house, her
mother and brothers and sisters taken away by the Animal Control
Officers. Mother cat feeds her along with her own kittens. Lucas Ray
sneaks in to the building to feed the feral animals. Though the
apartment he shares with his mother, a disabled veteran, doesn't
allow dogs, Lucas can't resist taking Bella home. The young puppy
learns commands go to your crate, do your business and tiny piece of
cheese. Lucas even sneaks Bella into his work the VA, where she
brightens the lives of disabled vets.
Bella is part pit bull and these dogs are banned in Denver. When the
Animal Control officers threaten to take Bella away, Lucas is forced
to send her to a foster home until he can figure out what to do. The
young dog's world is turned upside down, different people, different
smells, sounds and ways of living. Bella decides to leave and find
her way home. However, there's four hundred miles of Colorado
wilderness, forests, rivers, snowy conditions between her and the
person she loves.
Bella's travels take several years and along the way Big Kitten a
cougar helps her find food and shelter. There are times of sadness
and joy, poignant scenes and tough encounters. Cameron brings
Bella's spirit to life; he captures her inner thoughts, her
struggles and her absolute love for Lucas. There are beautiful
moments, pearls of wisdom and life lessons written in a sensitive
canine point of view.
Both adults and readers from twelve plus will love this animal
story.
Rhyllis Bignell
Mamie by Tania McCartney
ABC Books, 2018. ISBN 9781460755860
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: May Gibbs. Art, Drawing.
Imagination. Australian bush. Fairies. Celebrating one hundred years
since the publication of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, this
charming, warm-hearted look at May Gibbs and how she developed her
ideas of the gumnut babies will endear itself to younger readers.
Those who do not know the stories of the gumnut babies will be
intrigued to look further, those who know the tales, will get their
copies out to reread, while others will find the back story of May
Gibbs an absolute treat, describing an artist who made a name for
herself when women were not expected to make their own way in the
art world.
A brief outline of her life is given on the last page, giving just
enough detail for a child reader, but for an older reader, whetting
their appetite to search out more.
In this picture book, we see the young May, called Mamie by her
family, enchanted with the fairies, elves and pixies that lived in
her garden in England. Brought up in a house where imagination was
actively supported, Mamie sang and danced, painted and put on shows.
But as quick as a wink, everything changed when her family moved to
Australia. In this new place she found it hard to find the pixies,
elves and fairies of the past. She loved the blossoms and gumnuts
of the new trees, learning to draw them with ease, winning prizes at
art shows, while one of her paintings was given to Queen Victoria.
She made dolls of the pixies and fairies, dressing them up like the
Australian blossoms until one night her ideas coalesced and the gumnut babies were born.
This beautifully illustrated book gives readers a version of May's
life which is at once full of historical detail, sticking to the
chronological timeline of her life, while at the same time giving
it a modern twist which will endear her story to younger readers,
making it possible for them to more readily empathise with May's
life and work.
The illustrations give an impression of May's artwork, and the
detail ensures further scrutiny by the readers. Some may find it
unusual that Mamie is dressed in modern clothes, but this will
ensure some research is done by classes looking for the reality of
the Victorian setting.
Fran Knight
The girl, the dog and the writer in Provence by Katrina Nannestad
ABC Books, 2018. ISBN 9780733338182
(Ages: 9-12) Highly recommended. Themes: Family life. Criminal
activity. Provence (France) - Social life and customs. The girl,
the dog and the writer in Provence is a delightful
continuation of young Freja Peachtree's story, moving to the
picturesque Provencal village of Claviers with her guardian Tobias
Appleby and their large boisterous Irish wolfhound Finnegan. Freja
still misses her mother Clementine who remains in a Swiss clinic
undergoing treatment; she sends her postcards describing her
wonderful new home. There is a frisson of uncertainty about her
relationship with crime writer Tobias, is he her father, her uncle
or just a really close friend her mother trusts? Nannestad
celebrates the joie de vivre of the small community, the olive
groves, lavender fields and the hidden treasures in the market
square.
Freja's friendship with their young precocious neighbour King Pippin
who lives with his grandma is eye-opening. His freedom to explore,
his knowledge of the quirky townsfolk and his unwavering care for
Freja is heart-warming. While Tobias is caught up in his imaginative
and creative world writing a murder mystery set in Provence, seeing
villains at every turn and unusual murder methods, the children and
ever-hungry Finnegan observe village life and become embroiled in
solving a series of crimes.
Love continues to blossom between Tobias and Vivi who has moved from
Rome to pursue her career in the world-famous Claviers patisserie
run by Monsieur Diderot. There's a wonderful unique carousel that
brings joy to the townsfolk, woodlands to explore and food to enjoy.
Katrina Nannestad's The girl, the dog and the writer in Provence
is a wonderful and delightful story filled with both light and
shade, love and uncertainty, food and festivities. Themes of
friendship, family relationships, creativity and acceptance are
beautifully interwoven. Tobias' parenting style and his willingness
to let Freja learn without formal schooling is both interesting and
concerning. Fans from across the world must wait for the next
exciting destination, mystery and adventure to resolve Freja's
family relationships.
Rhyllis Bignell
The amazingly disorganised help dictionary by Georgia Productions
Penguin Books, 2018. ISBN 9780143793250
(Age: 12+) Recommended. Themes: Internet. Persistence. Creativity.
Author and YouTube star, 19 yr old Georgia, has amassed half a
million followers from her bedroom in New South Wales. Although we
have seen vlogs and blogs become books before, this book captures
the essence of Georgia's YouTube persona. It is not merely a coffee
table book such as Doug the Pug or the delightful travelogue
of Penguin Bloom, the magpie. The popularity of the cute animal
doesn't apply to this human. Georgia is as entertaining on her
channel as in her writing. Both media give us real insights into the
teenage mind. As a bonus, Georgia is an accomplished comedienne and
cinematographer.
The title is a misnomer - this book is not a dictionary. This
teenager struggles with ADHD (a pneumonic for her book's title)
plus: anxiety, body image, peers, teachers, grooming and other
teenage rites of passage. Georgia doesn't utilise all the letters of
the alphabet - random letters decorate the odd pages to signal each
eclectic chapter. Georgia's thoughts are, on balance, fairly mundane
and naive; but to her credit they are also insightful, funny and
honest. You will be mesmerised by Georgia who definitely has an
attractive visage and personality.
However, a YouTuber is above all things, a marketer, an
entrepreneur. That is the refreshing thing about this book - it is
what it seems. Georgia, in marketing herself, needs to grab hold of
every truism, philosophy or common sense tip that she's ever
recycled in her short life, in order to populate her 'dictionary'.
She is very aware of the cycles of promotion and the certainty that
the book loops attention back to her YouTube channel. She even stars
in her own book trailer.
Forget the adage about self-promotion being no recommendation.
Vlogs are viewed and responded to both visually and verbally, making
for a connection and immediacy hitherto unknown. Georgia knows this
instinctively as a Millennial and gives credit to the vloggers who
inspired her. After nearly 5 years, Georgia has bragging rights as
far as vlogging skills go. One chapter forewarns prospective
copycats by explaining the difference between constructive criticism
and hateful comments. Promotion is the end game in the symbiotic
environment of YouTube. By sheer volume of hits, Georgia's films
resonate with teenagers seeking connection. Honing her craft as both
a producer and consumer of visual texts, her social commentary sheds
light on daily teenage chaos in a way which will uplift both young
and old.
Deborah Robins
The chaos of now by Erin Lange
Faber and Faber Limited, 2018. ISBN 9780571317479
(Age: Teens+) Recommended. Themes: Cyberbullying. Suicide. Computer
hacking. A group of hackers emerge with a new website that can avoid
the cyber snoop's radar, a place for people to voice their own
opinions for once without getting punished for it. The hackers claim
they want nothing but justice and payback. Payback for the bullies
who drove a student to take their own life. Eli, a hacker himself,
is not sure if he wants to get involved. But knowing he can turn the
cybershop's own system against them is more than tempting enough. But
soon enough justice turns into vengeance and Eli is not sure if he
will be able to keep things under control. This follows Eli, a smart
hacker who isn't too sure of his plans for the future after high
school, and some friends he makes during this story. With secrets of
his own, he gets caught up with a group of hackers who want to seek
'justice' for their friend whom earlier that year committed suicide
as a result of online bullying. Thinking he is smart enough to
handle this situation on his own he agrees, but things slowly spiral
into a mess he just cannot face alone. Secrets pile up and
friendships and relationships suffer because of them. The chaos of now mainly follows the topics of cyberbullying
and the aftermath of suicide, while also touching on teenage love
and high school dramas, as well as family issues relating to single
fatherhood and new partners. This is a very well written and
emotional story that teenagers can relate to, and I would recommend
it to teenage readers and above.
Kayla Raphael
Pearl, the flying unicorn by Sally Odgers and Adele K Thomas
Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781742997322
(Age: 5-7) Themes: Unicorns. Magic. Sally Odgers delights with a
second easy to read story filled with flying unicorns, ogres and
some magical problems. Once again, bold splashes of pink add sparkle
to the page borders, pretty illustrations and special words. Pearl,
the flying unicorn will continue to delight young unicorn and
fantasy fans with its easy to read chapters and amusing story.
Pearl the unicorn loves her Kingdom friends, Tweet the Firebird and
Olive the Ogre. She wants to surprise them with a treat of crunchy
apples, all she needs is to magically make them appear.
Unfortunately, Pearl's forgotten the order of the words in her magic
spell. 'Toss, wiggle, wiggle' results in a shower of pink sparkles
and giant pink teddy falling from the sky. Each combination of words
accompanied by head tossing and hoof stomping creates a unique
result, without any fruit appearing.
Olive the Ogre's pink flower magically changes into a small grumpy
lion, much to Pearl's surprise. Her friends try to encourage her,
but nothing seems to work. Pearl decides on a different approach
after pink milk splashes all over them. With Tweet and Olive on her
back, Pearl trots into the dark forest in search of a special apple
tree. When stinky gobble-uns threaten to take over the Kingdom with
their stinky magic, Pearl has a difficult choice to make.
Adele K Thomas' fun, pink, grey and black illustrations that show
both Pearl's magical failures and successes add sparkle to Sally
Odgers enchanting story. Pearl, the flying unicorn is just
right for young unicorn lovers transitioning from picture books to
early chapter books.
Rhyllis Bignell
Liberty by Nikki McWatters
University of Queensland Press, 2018. ISBN 9780702260292
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Historical fiction. Liberty
intertwines three stories: in 1472 France, Jeanne, a peasant girl
learns that Charles the Bold and his army is preparing to attack her
hometown of Beauvais; in 1797 in Ireland, Betsy becomes involved in
the Irish uprising against English rule; and in 1960s Australia, a
country girl Fiona becomes involved in university student protests
against conscription for the war in Vietnam. Each of them is bereft
of their mother, and each struggles in their relationship with their
father, trying to assert their independence and clashing with
cultural norms and expectations.
Though the lives of the three girls are different they each have to
find their inner courage and spirit, drawing on the strength of
their female forbears, the names recorded in the ancient Systir
Saga - a book that links them all together and which has been
handed down through generations of women.
The stories of the French and Irish girls are based on historical
accounts: of Jeanne Laisne, or Jeanne Hachette, who rallied the
French defenders by hurling herself against the enemy on the
ramparts and tossing down the Burgundian flag; and Betsy Gray who
fought fearlessly alongside her brother and her lover with the
United Irishmen. And while the third heroine, Fiona, is fictitious,
her story is based on the anti-conscription 'Big March' of 8
September 1967 in Brisbane, Queensland.
The central theme is liberty or freedom; Jeanne and Betsy become
embroiled in physical battles and have to fight to defend themselves
and their country. It is interesting that McWatters' modern story is
not of a physical conflict but about standing up against forced
conscription into war, standing for freedom to protest.
Although initially a little disjointed, the chapters soon pick up
momentum, and the reader is drawn into the personal stories of each
of the girls, and it is hard to put the book down, carrying the
reader on to each dramatic conclusion. Students will enjoy the
historical contexts, the courageous heroines and the developing
romantic relationships. The messages about the value of education
and feminist independence are all very positive. Teachers'
notes are available.
Helen Eddy
The Restless Girls by Jessie Burton
Ill. by Angela Barrett. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408886915
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Themes: Fantasy; Princesses. Twelve
excellent Princesses, all with talents unique and exceptional, are
plunged into a virtual prison by their father, the King, after the
unfortunate death of their mother. The grief over the Queen's death
unsettles the King and makes him irrational in his attempts to
protect his daughters. The girls are unable to find consolation from
within their imposed locked room existence . . . until they find a
hidden mysterious fantasy palace where they can again know joy. This
fantasy experience gives them opportunities to live life abundantly
(with talking animals and food of every description) and to dance
again. But the secret life they are enjoying must be kept hidden.
The King though becomes suspicious! Will they be released or will
the escape into their fantasy palace come to an unhappy end?
Written in the lyrical style of a classic fairy-tale, Burton has
written a wonderful story that esteems the intelligence of girls and
reveals their capacity to solve problems and to express their
loyalty to one another. The illustrations by Barrett are delightful
and reveal princesses that do not have Anglo-Saxon heritage.
Published as a hard cover 'fairy-tale' book, this would make a
lovely gift or also a good read-aloud book.
Highly recommended for ages 8+
Carolyn Hull
Geronimo by David Walliams
Ill. by Tony Ross. HarperCollins, 2018. ISBN 9780008279752
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Humour, Penguins, Difference,
Endeavour, Striving, Perception. When hatched, Geronimo the Emperor
Penguin, just thinks about flying. That's all he wants to do and
spends his waking hours attempting to fly, despite his father among
others telling him that penguins do not fly. Undaunted, he slides
down an ice hill, bounces from the round stomach of a sea lion,
climbs onto the back of an albatross, all without success. His
father really wants him to succeed despite knowing how impossible
his dream is, and thinks back to when he was a boy dreaming the same
dream. He cannot let his son down and calls all the other penguins
together to hatch a plan.
The imaginative plan his father and the other penguins hatch is
simply wonderful, giving the young penguin the feeling of flying,
but in another realm entirely. It will delight younger readers as
they too know the impact of trying to do something which everyone
tells you is impossible.
David Walliams' off beat humour shines through from the name the
penguin is given on the cover, sure to impel many readers to look up
the word and muse on why Walliams has given the animal that
particular name. After that he describes the attempts made by the
penguin, always ending in failure when he lands in the freezing sea
or the deep snow or on an iceberg, each time beautifully supported
and enhanced by Ross' illustrations. Tony Ross brings his own sense
of humour to the setting, as children will love seeing the things
that make the Antarctic unique. Readers will quickly spot an array
of animals and landscapes, made aware of the cold and isolation, as
well as the size of some of the animals found there. The expressions
on the faces of all will entrance younger readers as they work with
Geronimo in trying to make his dream come true.
Fran Knight
The callback by Maddie Ziegler
Maddie Ziegler trilogy book 2. Aladdin, 2018, ISBN
9781481486392
(Age: 9-12) Themes: School life, Dance, Friendship, Identity. Teen
Maddie Ziegler, one of the stars on Dance Moms and a judge on So You
Think You Can Dance draws inspiration from her life experiences in
her trilogy. In The Callback she writes about middle school
life, rivalry at the dance studio, friendships, settling in to a new
home and life in a new state.
Twelve-year-old Harper's life is super-busy; her family have just
moved to Florida and she's joined a new dance studio. She's part of
the elite team Dance Starz with five other girls who are very
competitive. Their teacher Vanessa challenges the girls with
individual solo performances in different dance styles and Harper's
is lyrical, a style that she loves. Rival Megan is determined that
the solo will be hers and sets about to cause problems by lying and
sabotaging her team-mates' individual classes.
When Harper accidentally falls asleep in English because she's
stressed about her dancing, her teacher keeps her back after class.
As she explains about all her after-school dance classes, her
teacher asks for her help. She needs a soloist to perform one dance
in the school play of The Little Mermaid because the previous dancer
had to pull out. Harper's life becomes even more busy; she's making
new friends and enjoying helping with the school play's dance
routines. At home, her younger sister Hailey is feeling left out and
Harper tries to assist her with her new video adventure 'Hailey on
the Daily' with some interesting results!
Maddie Ziegler's novel The Callback is a fun read with
plenty of dance moves, school dramas and friendship issues just
right for ages 9 to 12.
Rhyllis Bignell
