Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743317754
(Ages: 8-12) Hal Rifkind, a.k.a. Cartboy, returns in this second
title in the series. Hal's dad is sending him to summer camp at Camp
Jamestown, the only problem being that this is a history camp, where
nothing has changed for 400 years. Of course, the school bully is
also at the camp, tormenting Hal and generally making life even more
miserable. At least Hal and his new friends have something to keep
their minds off their worries - a treasure map!
The book is written as a series of letters to a futuristic being
(Hal is hoping they will find a way of travelling back through time
to save him from camp) and it feels too contrived, playing to the Diary
of a Wimpy Kid format. While some of the time-line
illustrations are amusing, many of the other photos and pictures
don't really add anything to the book other than breaking up the
text. The stereotyping of the major characters and too many
coincidences and story-leaps may be annoying for many readers, and
Australian children won't relate to the American idea of summer
camp.
Donella Reed
Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston
Heart of dread series, bk 1. Orchard, 2014. ISBN 9781408334669
(Age: 15+) Post-Apocalyptic fiction. Gambling. Dystopia. Adventure.
Natasha Kestal is trying to get out of New Vegas, a city now covered
in ice, but still a place where crowds come to the casino in a
desperate bid to win. Nat is a blackjack dealer who longs to go to
'the Blue' a mythical place where the sky is still blue and the sun
shines. She bets on a little group of mercenaries led by Ryan Wesson
to get her there, but can she keep the mark showing her magical
nature a secret from this ragtag group?
This is a strange blend of fantasy and science fiction. There are
the usual features of fantasy: dragons and little men, but the world
that is inhabited is one that has been taken over by ice and fits
into a scenario usually found in Science Fiction. This interesting
world provides the background for the action that is the predominant
feature of the book. Thrills and spills galore, chases through the
countryside and danger at sea and evil pirates all keep the reader
engaged.
Natasha, the main character is likeable and it is easy to become
engrossed in her struggle with her magical nature and her dream of
arriving in a safe place. The budding romance between her and Ryan
is secondary to the action, but there is enough to keep those who
enjoy romance keen to find out how it progresses.
Short sentences would make it a relative easy read for less able and
reluctant readers. However the gambling background of Las Vegas and
the age of the protagonists lends itself to older adolescents. A
cliff-hanger will ensure that those who enjoyed the story will pick
up the next in the series.
Pat Pledger
Chu's First Day at School by Neil Gaiman
Ill. by Adam Rex. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408847039
It is Chu's first day at school, and like every new-starter he is
worried that the others won't like and they won't be friendly. He is
somewhat dismayed when his teacher asks them all to share their
names and something they are really good at. One by one, she writes
their names and special talents on the board - so many that she has
to keep rubbing them off and starting again. All the while Chu says
nothing but at last it is his turn and suddenly everyone finds out
what he is good at - with catastrophic results.
I've been holding this book back until schools start thinking about
next year's new entrants as transitions to Kindergarten start to
happen and 'big school' is really in the picture. This is lovely
blend of the anticipation and nerves that beset every child who is
starting this new adventure, delightfully offset by Gaiman's humour
and Rex's illustrations.
Barbara Braxton
Sunker's Deep by Lian Tanner
The Hidden series, bk 2. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN:
9781743435427
(Age 8+) Recommended. Screaming mobs rampaged through the streets,
determined to destroy the machines that they blamed for all the
wrongs in the world. They smashed automobiles and typewriters,
omnibuses and telephones. The police were helpless against them. The
army, brought in by the collapsing government, destroyed its own gun
carriages and joined the mobs. Everyone else, frightened and
confused, barricaded their doors, telling each other that the
madness must stop soon.
But they were wrong. The long harsh reign of the Anti-Machinists was
only just beginning.
Under the water Sharkey is a hero. Everyone knows about him and how
the ancestors have talked to him. What no one but him knows is that
his whole life is based on a lie. So when the time comes for Sharkey
to step up and save the day, he doesn't know how to go about it.
Above the water, Petrel, Fin, the Captain and the crew of the oyster
are on their way to land, to try and bring machines back to the rest
of the world and stop the Devout's influence.
When Petrel and her friends get stranded and Sharkey's family gets
kidnapped, both parties have to band together to rescue each other
and themselves.
I would recommend this novel to girls and boys above the age of
eight. The Hidden series is very intriguing to read and they
are like nothing I have ever read. I would also recommend this to
people who enjoy reading sci-fi as it is set in the future. As this
is the second book in the series, I would recommend reading Ice
Breaker first. Lian Tanner has shown great
imagination in this original story. Her way of writing is
interesting and shows that books really can take you to another
place.
Jazmin Humphries, Year 7
Ice Breaker by Lian Tanner
The Hidden series, bk 1. Allen & Unwin, 2013. ISBN:
9781543314340
(Age: 8+) Recommended. 'Don't worry,' she whispered, 'I won't let
'em throw you overboard. You're not really sick, are you? This is
prob'ly the worst of it already. You'll be up and skipping around by
the end of the middle watch. And then it won't be just me against
the rest of the ship. It'll be both of us.'
Petrel lives on the Oyster. A ship that sails through the ice. It
has done this for three hundred years now and everyone has a place
on the ship. But not Petrel, she is the Nothing Girl. So when she
spots a stranger lying in the ice she is determined to save him. No
one has ever seen a stranger before. So what is he doing all the way
out here?
Fin wants nothing more than to destroy the demon that lives on the
Oyster and take his place among the Devouts. He won't let anything
distract him that is until he meets Petrel and starts to doubt
everything he has been taught to believe.
What Petrel doesn't know and Fin is trying to find out is that the
Oyster is hiding something. There are legends about this secret, the
Sleeping Captain, they call it.
What happens when Brother Thrawn and the Devouts launch an attack?
Will Petrel finally speak up and will Fin realise who his true
friends are?
I would recommend this novel to people of any gender, above the age
of eight as there is some violence and themes that may be too scary
for children any younger. Ice Breaker is slightly confusing
as it changes from one person's view to another although it is still
interesting to read and shows that anything is possible when you use
your imagination. The only thing I could pick up was the fact the Ms
Tanner spelt some words differently or wrong. As it occurs quite a
lot I believe it is written to suit the setting of the story.
Jazmin Humphries, Year 7
Willy's stories by Anthony Browne
Walker Books, 2014. ISBN 9781406351613
(Age: All) Highly recommended. Reading, Books, Classics. Anthony
Browne recreates images from ten classic tales in this delightful
new publication. Each double page has Willy as the hero, placed in a
desperate situation that children will adore. Those who use the
clues from the picture and the text will relish the reminder of a
favourite tale while others may have seen a DVD. Others still may
not know the reference but I am sure those who know will share their
knowledge. What a wonderful opportunity is here for teachers and
parents to read aloud those books, classic tales and myths as they
appear in Willy's guise.
Each double page shows a scene from a book, an incident in which
Willy is at the centre, caught up in the moment, surrounded by
recognisable details, characters and scenes from that book. The
situations Willy is in are most exciting, with enough detail for
readers to either say what happens or predict what may happen or
take a different tack altogether and make up an entirely new ending
for that story.
The illustrations are superb, with Willy hiding in the barrel on the
deck of a ship, finding out that Long John Silver and some of the
crew are planning to mutiny, or is taken up by a tornado in Kansas,
or finds footprints on an island where he is shipwrecked, or climbs
a tower on a rope made of hair. Each situation finds Willy in
danger, and some readers will call out with excitement at the
predicament he is in, helping him avoid the next step. Each
illustration gives lots of clues showing what book is being
presented to the reader, while books can be found hiding in various
places around the page.
What an endorsement of books and reading, what a tantalising
introduction to some of the classics, what fun kids will have making
up the ending for each page of text or finding the partly hidden
books. The uses to which this book will be put are many, encouraging
engagement, imaginative responses and further reading, but above all
enjoyment at the variety of books offered to readers large and
small.
Fran Knight
Shiver the Whole Night Through by Darragh McManus
Hot Key Books, 2014. ISBN 9781471404092
(Age: Senior secondary). McManus sets his narrative in a small town
in Ireland where we are introduced to our hero, 17 year old Aidan,
whose world is far from perfect. He has become a victim of the
schoolyard jungle, subject to physical, verbal and cyber abuse that
is a part of the bully's toolkit. Apart from his best friend, Podsy,
he has become ostracized by the student community and the reader
cannot help but sympathise with his hideous situation and hope that
things change. And they do! The body of Slaine, a local girl, is
found in Shook Woods. She appears to have 'frozen to death' but
after Aidan receives a mysterious message he is determined to
investigate further. Ironically it is this death that gives Aidan a
purpose which his life had hitherto been lacking. As the story, and
Aidan's investigation continue the reader is taken into the world of
the supernatural with all its inherent characteristics: demons,
zombies, strange physical phenomena and of course the inevitable
clash of good and evil. That an uncharacteristic cold freeze
descends on the town and more and more people die mysteriously adds
to the sinister atmosphere. Shiver the whole night through also explores the notion of
revenge and, given the reader's sympathy for Aidan, invites us to
consider the morality of such actions.
The story is not without its light hearted moments and Aidan's
sometimes black sense of humour provides relief from the intensity
of the plot. His friend, Podsy is a delight. It would be interesting
to meet these two at a less dramatic time.
This is Darragh's first Young Adult book and while almost formulaic
in its structure Shiver the whole night through would have
appeal for disciples of this genre.
Barb Rye
Harvey Drew and the Bling Bots by Cas Lester
Hot Key Books, 2014. ISBN 9781471402487
(Age: 9+) Higly recommended. 'Multi-coloured chunder' and 'speckled
vomit' are just 2 of the outcries that will get children reading in
this novel! 11 year old Harvey Drew is the space captain of the
grossest rubbish collecting space ship known as the Toxic Spew.
Between a crazy alien crew, weird looking pizza and 'sucking up
gloop', children are sure to find something hilarious going on. The
crew receive a distress call in regards to a load of Techno-tium,
the most valuable metal in the universe, and the adventure begins.
Boys will be attracted to the grossness of a rubbish truck come
space ship and the rib-tickling antics of the crew. Highly
recommended for independent readers aged 9+, it is a quick
moving and funny story that is also accompanied by black and white
illustrations. Throughout the story, the narrator adds their own
funny comments including how behind people on Earth are. It would
make a great class novel too comparing what we know about space with
the fiction of space.
Kylie Kempster
'Shouldn't you be in school?' by Lemony Snicket
All the Wrong Questions series, bk 3. Hardie Grant, 2014. ISBN
9781742972985
This book, part three in an exciting mystery quartet, left me
wanting to catch up on the previous two instalments. Though this
book stands alone with some questions answered at the end, Snicket's
'autobiography' has his usual clever humour and unending list of
cryptic mysteries that keep you guessing.
There's been a fire and the town librarian is arrested; 13-year-old
Snicket and his sidekick are hired to find the villain. Sounds
simple, but this is a Lemony Snicket case and things go from bad to
worse when he discovers he's been asking the wrong questions all
along. As a series of arson attacks follow, it's up to Snicket to
find out exactly what the evil Hangfire is up to.
Jessica Smith
The mystery is perfectly paced and the true pleasure is in the way
the writing captivates the reader and makes us care deeply about
quirky Snicket and his friends who lose their school to arson. We
immediately detest the villain, even though his presence is cloaked
for much of the book. As in An Unfortunate Series of Events, the
young heroes (this time Snicket himself) make us wish we could
invite them to tea and perhaps help them solve the mystery
ourselves. Writer Daniel Handler throws incredible wit into
otherwise dark and grim situations and makes the evil-doings of
adults seem a piece of cake for young Snicket to handle. Retro
ilustrations by Seth add to the nostalgic feel to the setting, with
great effect. This series will be loved by older Snicket fans and a
great introduction to him for younger readers.
Jessica Smith
Scarlett Fever by Maureen Johnson
Hot Key Books, 2014. ISBN 9781471403040
(Age: 13+) Recommended. The second book following Suite
Scarlett, finds Scarlett Martin acting as Mrs Amberson's
assistant, racing around New York looking after Chelsea, a young
Broadway star and trying to get over Eric the boy who let her down.
She is still looking after the Empire Suite at the art deco Hopewell
Hotel as well as coping with Max, her new lab partner. Life is full
of surprises that she just has to cope with.
As with Suite Scarlett, the New York setting is just fabulous and
anyone who has a yen to read about this wonderful city will really
enjoy this book just for that. But of course the book is much more
than the setting. Scarlett continues to push through life with her
family members causing constant problems and joy and she has such an
engaging voice that the reader becomes immersed in her feelings and
what is happening around her. The introduction of Max, as a contrast
to Eric ups the romance department and a cliff hanger at the end
will ensure that the next book in this series, The Key to the
Golden Firebird, will be sought after to continue the story of
the family and its hotel.
Written in the third person and giving lots of insight into the
feelings and actions of all the family members, this is a clever and
often humorous expose of a fascinating family group, their friends
and the entertainment industry. A great feel good book, it is one
that teens are sure to enjoy.
Pat Pledger
Regal Beagle by Vijay Khurana
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9780857983701
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. The Queen of the land has died and
there isn't a family member to take her place. The Royal Scrolls say
the crown is to be passed on to the Queen's best friend and so our
story begins. The Queen's best friend is a dog, Lucy. Lord Runcible
is not impressed as he wants to be king. The people of the kingdom
think it is a lovely idea but what mischief will Lord Runcible get
up to in his quest to be king?
Regal Beagle is an easy to read novel and is highly recommended to
readers aged 9+. It is only 121 pages long and the font is a good
size so it is great for those starting outing with their first
novel. The author describes Lucy's thoughts as if she is a human and
it is easy to fall in love with this little dog who has the biggest
job in the world.
Kylie Kempster
The memory tree by Britta Teckentrup
Hachette, 2014. ISBN 9781408326343
(Ages 2-8) Highly recommended. Every now and then a book comes
along that is beautifully presented and brings with it a message
that every child should have the chance to read and discuss. On the
first page, 'He looked at his beloved forest one last time and lay
down. Fox closed his eyes, took a deep breath and fell asleep...
forever.' The memory tree centres on the death of a loved
one (the Fox) in a quiet, polite and sensitive story that instantly
evokes emotions. The memory tree has a placid and calm way of presenting both
the illustrations and the story. The local inhabitants of the
forest, Owl, Mouse, Rabbit, Squirrel and Bear, all reflect on their
experiences and memories of Fox who had touched them each
individually in a beautiful and memorable way. These reflections
evoke emotions and personal memories easily in the reader.
The issue with The memory tree is when does an adult read it
to a child? The story is very emotional and can perhaps be too
powerful for a bedtime story. It may be a great way to discuss the
loss of life or the topic of immortality.
My son loved this book and immediately asked for it to be read
again. I would thoroughly recommend it to be a part of any good
library. I would also recommend The memory tree to anyone
who needs to discuss the passing of a loved one with a child.
If only the story of dying could always be this sweet.
Steve Whitehead
William Shakespeare's Henry V, retold by Robert Swindells
Shakespeare today series. Bloomsbury, 2010. ISBN
9781408123966
(Age: 10+) Recommended. Retelling. Shakespeare. English history.
For the series Shakespeare today, Bloomsbury has
commissioned writers to retell the stories of the bard to be
accessible to a younger modern audience. In this they have succeeded
admirably. In the past I have read a number of these, Romeo and
Juliet, As you like it, and Midsummer night's
dream, which have been terrific, distilling Shakespeare's
story into modern idiom. A list of the others can be found on the Bloomsbury
site. Henry V, the tale of a new king wanting to retake the land in
France he feels he is entitled to by divine right, is a masterful
tale of power and its use, as Henry rebuffs overtures from the King
of France, wanting to test himself in his new role. The words of
Shakespeare are turned into lines that can be found today, but also
rework some of his poetic writing, so introducing the modern reader
to some of the scope of Shakespeare's writings. Short pieces from
the play are used as prefaces for each of the five chapters, and the
characters which make up the original story, in the main, are
included.
So we have Falstaff and the drinking friends of Henry when he was
young, hoping to curry favour with the new king. Each of these old
friends is disappointed, but none more so than the traitors within.
I love this retelling, and hope students will get a taste for
Shakespeare from it, if only to watch a DVD of the play with more
understanding.
Fran Knight
The anti-boredom book of brilliant things to do by Andy Seed
ll. by Scott Garrett. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408850763
(Ages 5-10 ) Recommended. There is no doubt that The
anti-boredom book of brilliant things to do is a great cure
for boredom on a long drive. It has great quizzes, jokes, facts and
'think of as many things as you can think of' scenarios. With
chapters including food, sport, names, money, music, school,
holidays, the future, gadgets, toys and games there is no doubt that
several hours of distraction are possible.
Endless amounts of jokes like 'What's the best thing to put in a
pie? (Your teeth)', will have children in fits of laughter in the
back seat. Questions like 'what name would you rather be called,
Angelique or Prudence' will leave you speechless, and having to name
10 foods beginning with P will leave you bamboozled, frustrated and
wanting to prove your ability on the next task.
A warning should be given though to any adults thinking about buying
this book if there is a chance they may be the driver of a car on a
long distance trip that has The anti-boredom book of brilliant
things to do in use. The jokes are predominantly really bad,
bordering on insanely horrific and liable to cause deep frustration
that may lead to road rage. A good example would be: 'how does Usain
Bolt keep cool? He sits next to his fans'. The anti-boredom book of brilliant things to do is a book
that would be perfect for a travelling family's glovebox. It would
be a sensational stocking filler for a child who is going on a
vacation over the holidays as well. Also let's face it, if a child
is reading and demonstrating comprehension through laughter and
answers then it is a great positive for their growth as emerging
readers.
Steve Whitehead
Mr Darcy and the Christmas pudding by Alex Field
Ill. by Peter Carnavas. Mr Darcy series. New Frontier, 2014.
ISBN 9781925059137
(Age: 3-6) Christmas. Mr Darcy, and Mr Darcy and the
dancing duck precede this book with the same main character,
encouraging younger readers to delight in this series of stories
with a similar theme. Mr Darcy is getting ready for Christmas. He
gathers the ingredients he needs for his Christmas pudding, also
inviting his friends to come and stir it on Stir-up-Sunday. But he
spies Mr Collins out in the snow making tracks for Maria, the small
bird. He rescues the bird from Mr Collins, taking it inside to the
warm, but shutting out Mr Collins. Lizzie takes pity on Mr Collins
and asks that he be allowed inside with the others if on his best
behaviour. Her wish is granted.
With all the warmth of Christmas, Alex Field shows small children
some of the customs practised in our community at Christmas time.
Redolent of the English and European traditions where their
Christmas is celebrated with snow and cooler temperatures, this book
is a nifty showcase of the customs we still celebrate in Australia,
despite the different season. An opportunity presents itself for
discussions about different customs celebrated across the world at
this time. With its cute illustrations, and explanation of
Stir-up-Sunday at the back, this book will add to the Christmas
cheer in the classroom, even if some of the readers are not aware of
Pride and prejudice.
Fran Knight
