Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot vs The Mecha-Monkeys from Mars by Dav Pilkey
Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9780545630122
Highly recommended to boys aged 7+. Colourful images and minimal
text tell the story of a mouse called Ricky Ricotta whose best
friend is a mighty robot. The opening scenes have them skateboarding
down the street and in trouble with Ricky's parents. The hilarious
images only add to the text but the fun doesn't stop there!
The other main character is the evil Major Monkey who is hatching a
plan to take over the Earth. Unfortunately, Major Monkey has his
sights set on Ricky's robot.
Reluctant readers will enjoy how the action scenes are set out like
a comic strip and the small amounts of texts will be even more
appealing.
Kylie Kempster
Paper planes by Allayne Webster
Omnibus Books, 2014. ISBN 978174299699
(Age 11-13) Recommended.
'If they bomb us while we're asleep,
Will we wake up dead?'
Paper planes is a fiction chapter book. It is about a boy named
Niko, his family and his best friend Nedim and how bombs are raining
down on them constantly. They are quickly running out of food and
water, so Niko and his older brother and sister have to be sent away
without their parents, and may not ever return.
Niko is the main character who goes through many difficulties, such
as when some boys come to the front door with a gun and demand food
from Niko and Nedim. One of the boys accidently fires the gun and
hits his brother on the leg, so Niko and Nedim have to wheelbarrow
the injured boy to the hospital.
My favourite part of the book was when Niko and his brother and
sister have to go through a long, dark tunnel and Niko has to hide
in a weapons box past many army officers who nearly discover him
inside. Luckily Niko's sister and her friends make a diversion and
they escape.
I really enjoyed Paper planes because it was full of mystery,
adventure and fear. What I liked most was that it was as if I
was looking through Niko's eyes and I think that this is a great way
to engage the reader. I recommend this book for 11-13 year olds.
Amelie Meinel (Student, Year 6)
Rania: This is the book of you by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781742990118
(Ages: 8-12) Highly recommended. Jealousy. Family
relationships. Friendship. Rivalry. Schools. When Raina's aunt and
uncle and two cousins move closer she is thrilled. An only child,
she is pleased to have relations close at hand, especially Uncle
Tony, her dead father's brother. Her cousin Andrea is her age and
joins the same class, adding to her pleasure, but when the girl
begins to rival Rania in the classroom, and move in on her friends,
and finally attempts to win the election for school captain, their
relationship is stretched. Rania puts a lot of pressure upon
herself, striving to be the best in class, hoping to become school
captain and volunteering to make a peacock for the school to replace
a picture of one destroyed in the school foyer.
But Rania's friends, Deyana and Jodie remain true, urging Rania to
see her cousin in a better light, sometimes stretching their
friendship too. The three find an old book in the school library and
although blank, sometimes words appear which speak volumes to the
girls and gives them clues as to how to proceed.
When Rania is told by the words of the long dead Betsy that 'you do
not chose your family, you chose your friends' and tells the girl to
learn to love her family, Rania sits back a little and finally works
out why Andrea is so keen to win the election, and Andrea begins to
realise just how lucky she is to have a father. The two girls come
together to solve the problem of Rania's peacock and all is well.
This is a charming story of girls learning to like and respect each
other, to listen to and learn from each other, to take a step back,
not to give way to feelings that may harm their relationship
terminally. This is one of a group of four stories about these girls
and each is sure to win a strong fan base as they tell of real life
problems for girls of this age told with humour and sympathy. In the
background the school is so real that readers will instantly
recognise the customs, rules and processes involved, along with some
of the habitual problems of bullying and making friends.
Fran Knight
Bella Dancerella series by Poppy Rose
ABC Books, 2014 Bella Dancerella loves to dance ISBN 9780733332456 Bella Dancerella: Ballet school ISBN 9780733332463 Bella Dancerella: Concert night ISBN 9780733332470 Bella Dancerella: The big test ISBN 9780733332487
(Age: 5-8) Bella loves ballet and every movement she makes is based
on a dance step. As she moves through her chores on the farm,
she whirls and twirls, skips and leaps entertaining the barnyard
audience, but getting into trouble with her dad because she forgets
to do all she has been asked. Even though he knows she loves
to dance, and would dance in her sleep if she could, he sees it as a
waste of time and would prefer her to like something useful, like
fishing. So even though she would dearly love to attend Miss
Tweedie's Ballet School, it's unlikely he will agree... and so her
farmyard friends hatch a plan to persuade him to say yes.
It seems little girls of a certain age like one of two things -
ballet or horses. Bella Dancerella loves to dance is the
first in a series that caters for the ballet-lovers and Miss 8 had
her nose in it as soon as she spotted it, living her own dreams
through Bella. Brightly illustrated (albeit in a Disney-esque
fashion) with just the right amount of text for the newly
independent reader, she enjoyed all four of the series I had,
particularly Concert night which focuses on Swan Lake, a ballet she
and I have attended many times.
There is a website
with lots of activities and an online search suggests that there may
well be other accessories, such as how-to DVDs, all developed some
time ago by a Melbourne mother Mary
Toniolo. Certainly a search of YouTube shows that there is
more to the series than the books, including a video which
demonstrates the five basic positions.
While the books themselves will be a popular addition to your
collection, suggesting it to parents as a possible present for
Christmas may well be a smart move - they will thank you for it and
many little girls will be very happy.
Barbara Braxton
Terror kid by Benjamin Zephaniah
Hot Key Books, 2014. ISBN 9781471401770 (Ages: 14+) Recommended. Justice. Terrorism. Hacktivism. Cyber. Rico
Federico is a teenage boy who is a die-hard computer hobbyist,
having four computers of his own built from discarded hardware, and
hacks websites constantly. He lives in Birmingham, London, and is
constantly under threat due to riotous protesters damaging property
and looting. His friends are among the protesters but Rico believes
that non-violent methods are the most effective and refuses to
partake. This does not stop the police from constantly wrongly
accusing and arresting him since he is always 'in the wrong place at
the wrong time'. Rico knows it's his Spanish heritage that keeps
getting him into trouble and his father is quite vocal in defending
him against the racial discrimination. Rico meets a protestor called
Speech who knows of Rico's tech-savvy talents and offers Rico a
payment of 2000 pounds to create a website for a friend. Speech offers him
more tasks until eventually he asks Rico to hack into a local police
station's computer network and temporarily disable it for 10 minutes
as a means of non-violent protest. Unsure at first, Rico reluctantly
obliges. He is proud of himself for aiding a noble cause until the
day of the protest when a student at his school is notified her
father was killed in a bombing that took place at the same police
station. It is revealed that they were unable to x-ray a delivered
package due to their network being disabled and the package was in
fact an explosive that then killed numerous officers. Rico has to go
into hiding because the authorities now believe that Rico Federico
is a mastermind terrorist planning with the likes of Al Qaeda. Terror kid is a story that involves the reader by giving an
insight into the falsely accused and illustrates the hardships that
are endured by individuals of different cultures in a post 9/11
world due to racial discrimination and ignorance. The reader feels
sympathetic for Rico due to his helpful nature and naivety being
taken advantage of. The Federico family feel like real, authentic
characters that are victims of the corruptness of the system. Rico's
father is an activist at heart and displays this by constantly
questioning authority, especially when that authority is wrongfully
harming his son. It is entertaining to see that Rico has inherited
these traits and reaffirms the theory that the apple doesn't fall
too far from the tree. It is an excellent narrative that is not
afraid to tackle any taboos or controversial subject matter.
Corey Joyce (Student)
Dragon jelly by Claire Freedman
Ill. by Sue Hendra. Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN 9781408838846
(Ages: 2-8) Highly recommended. Max is having a monster party and
all his monster friends are invited. The party will have all the
usual party attractions, pass the parcel, a magician, a jumpy
castle, paddling pool, hide and seek and more but that's where the
normal everyday party that we all know stops. Max's party is nonstop
creepy-crawly, stinky fun with worms, frogs, buzzing botfly eggs,
bat drool, maggot cream and many more icky sticky things that will
gross out many an adult but have a young child in fits of laughter.
Then it's teatime, with termite tarts, earwig rolls and eyeball
birthday cake but the real treat that wows them all is the red-hot
dragon jelly.
Claire Freedman who previously brought us the hilarious book Aliens love underpants has teamed up with the wonderful illustrator
Sue Hendra. This combination has produced a brightly illustrated
entertaining picture book that pushes the boundary of silly mucky
icky fun.
Steve Whitehead
EJ Spy School: Deep water by Susannah McFarlane
Lemonfizz Media, 2014. ISBN 9781921931642
(Age: 7+) EJ Spy School: Deep water is part of the EJ
Spy School series and is a great first novel for girls aged
7+. At 43 pages long, the story is a quick read and gives budding
readers a chance to move away from the 'reader box'. The stories use
everyday vocabulary and a simple, structured narrative.
Emma Jacks (spy name Agent EJ10) isn't keen on swimming lessons at
school and is relieved when called away on spy business.
Unfortunately, she has to do spy stuff underwater. Armed with new
spy tools and Bubbles the dolphin as a partner, EJ tests her new
equipment. The new team work hard to earn their water spy badge but
when Bubbles goes missing can EJ get over her fear of deep water to
help save Bubbles?
Kylie Kempster
Clariel by Garth Nix
Abhorsen bk 4. Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781741758627
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. The long awaited prequel to the
Abhorsen series (Sabriel, Lireal and Abhorsen),
continues this series that Cassandra Clare says has 'influenced a
generation of fantasy writers' (back cover). Sixteen-year-old
Clariel has an affinity for the forests of Estwael, and hates being
in the city of Belisaere. Here she finds that her mother has been
keeping secrets from her about her abilities as a member of the
Abhorsens, and that she is expected to follow the demands of
everyone around her. The King has retreated into solitude after his
daughter left and Guildmaster Kilip is determined to take over as
ruler. The Abhorsen is intent only on hunting and no longer carries
out his duties. There is a Free Magic creature that Clariel is asked
to help capture but things do not go well and her chance to escape
disappears as the land falls into chaos.
Clariel is not your usual heroine. She is solitary and
self-absorbed, determined to live a life alone in the forest. She is
not interested in romance and it was a relief not to have the almost
inevitable love triangle as a major plot. Instead it is the inner
struggle that Clariel has that is central to the plot. She must
learn how to control her berserk nature, even though she has not had
the education in Charter Magic that she needs. As the book develops
Clariel is tempted by the power of Free Magic and her urgings to
give into her dark side. The struggles between the creatures that
belong to the Free Magic and the wielders of Charter Magic are
fascinating to follow. Mogget, the 'cat', makes another welcome
appearance, his wily nature and sarcastic comments adding greatly to
the plot.
I was fortunate that I had read the previous books earlier this year
so had some background about the island home of the Abhorsens, the
paperwing aeroplanes that soared high in the sky and the Charter
marks; however it would not be necessary to have read the series as
Clariel will stand alone. Lovers of fantasy will delight in
this tale and the whole series would be a great introduction to
really good fantasy for those who haven't read it.
Pat Pledger
Starring Jules (Super-secret spy girl) by Beth Ain
Allen & Unwin, 2014. ISBN 9781743318850
(Age: Year 6-7) Second grade has ended, which means it's time for
Jules Bloom, beginner actress to film her first movie, The Spy in
the Attic. Unfortunately, Charlotte her ex best friend has
Jules worrying about impressing her teen idol, Emma Saxony. Her new
best friend, Elinor has gone back to her home country England for a
visit and they can only keep in touch by email.
Sadly Jules has been forced to take a road trip to Montreal without
Elinor and she might not have the courage to go down the mud slide
in the movie's climax.
Luckily Elinor has been sending her secret spy missions to keep her
busy and with Jules accomplishing them left, right and centre she
was getting back the confidence to complete the movie. She was so
glad to have Elinor on her email side all through the summer.
I really enjoyed this book, especially Take 6 when it looked as if
Jules would have a lonely birthday until her Grandma Gilda turns up
and everyone has fun making their own waffles and splattering each
other with batter.
I liked the dual personality of Jules - actress and secret spy.
It was a good part when her teen idol Emma shows her true colours.
I would recommend this book to Years 6 & 7.
Gabrielle Priddle (Student, Year 6)
Cured by Bethany Wiggins
Bloomsbury, 2014. ISBN: 9781408842959
(Age: Older teens) Recommended. Cured by Bethany Wiggins is
the sequel to her post-apocalyptic adventure of a novel, Stung.
Cured is a story based on another girl's perspective after
the aftermath of Fiona Tarsis and how she helped stop the pandemic
that was claiming the civilized world and destroying the way of life
as we know it. When honey becomes worth more than gold and the small
surviving populations live in secluded, defensive clusters and the
infection beasts are slowly being cured and saved, Jacqui is one of
the only girls living outside of the wall with her well-prepared and
self-sufficient family. Jacqui's older brother Dean was one of her
closest friends and when he leaves the house after nearly three
years of hiding and preparing, Jacqui is prepared to go out into the
wild and crazy world to find him and find the famous Fiona. But when
the beasts are gone, the scourge of humanity has claimed the ruins
of the world and anybody who gets in their way. Numerous threats and
risks are met just by leaving the house by herself. But with
determination and courage, Jacqui may find more than she expected in
the wild, savage world. Cured is a thrilling read with many unexpected developments
in its intense plot and with its detailed characters. This novel is
written in a way that entices readers to keep turning the pages and
stay in the fantasy world full of danger, thrill, suspense, mystery,
love and family dedication. I would recommend this novel to older
readers, teenagers and mature readers. Overall, this novel keeps you
stuck to the pages and wanting to read the adventure all over again.
Sarah Filkin (Student, Yr 12)
The naughtiest girl saves the day by Anne Digby
Hodder Children's Books, 2014. ISBN 9780340917756
(Age: 9-13) This novel is a fiction book.
Elizabeth is known as the naughtiest girl, but is she really the
naughtiest girl? Elizabeth is accused of committing naughty deeds,
but did she do them?
This novel is set at Whyteleafe Boarding School. Elizabeth, who is
also known as the naughtiest girl in the school, is suspected of
doing several naughty things in school. Elizabeth knew she didn't
commit them, but everyone else believed she did. Elizabeth
eventually discovers who really committed them.
This novel was very interesting. It kept me, as a reader, engrossed
in the story. It made me curious to continue reading the novel.
There were a lot of characters that played their part in the book
and it made the book very enjoyable. The way the book was written
made me feel like I was at Whyteleafe Boarding School. The events
were very good and the characters had a very big impact on what was
happening. The things that were happening made me become engrossed
in the book and made me read it for longer because it was so
fascinating.
This book is aimed at girls aged 9 - 13.
I would classify this fiction novel as a mystery novel.
I would recommend this book for a year 4, 5 or 6.
Amber Rose (Student, Year 6)
Ambon by Roger Maynard
Hachette Australia, 2014. ISBN 9780733630484
(Age: Senior Secondary) Subtitled: The Truth About One of the Most
Brutal POW Camps in World War II and the Triumph of the Aussie
Spirit. This book describes the deployment of 1150 Australian
soldiers in a unit called Gull Force, to the island of Ambon in the
Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) just after the Japanese attack on
Pearl Harbour in December, 1941. At the end of the war less
than 300 had survived captivity by the Japanese. The reviewer's
father who is vividly described in the first chapter of the book was
one of the lucky survivors.
The book would be useful for senior students who are studying
Australia's involvement in conflicts overseas and the ethos of
Australian mateship. The stress imposed on a group of men subject to
isolation, boredom, forced labour, starvation, cruel treatment and
illness, resulted in loss of trust in leadership and the breakdown
of discipline and mutual respect. The book also details the massacre
by beheading of 300 Australians and Dutch in February, 1942 and asks
questions about why soldiers were sent to the island to face almost
certain defeat, death and captivity.
An index, 8 pages of photographs, footnotes and a bibliography are
included in the book.
Paul Pledger
Alice-Miranda 2015 Diary by Jacqueline Harvey
Random House, 2014. ISBN 9780857984104
Highly recommended. With a pastel green striped and spotted cover
Alice-Miranda is back with her 2015 diary. What a wonderful
Christmas or birthday gift for a young fan. It is the most
spectacularly special diary you'll ever use!
Once again, the diary is full of fill-in sections about families,
friends, parties, there's 5 things to be grateful for, an
opportunity to say thanks and of course delicious recipes. The Easy
Rocky Road is a simple recipe this would make a great present for
someone special. Friends play an important role in Alice-Miranda's
life and a Friend Finder page is included. Games, puzzles, simple
French and Japanese phrases and a page to list your goals for 2015,
conclude the first section of the diary.
The colourful diary pages are delightful, with a one week spread,
quotes from characters, fun coloured designs and images,
affirmations and suggestions for living a positive life. The diary
ends with pages for notes, a checklist of Alice-Miranda books read
and the suggestion of two more to come in 2015.
Thank you Jacqui Harvey for another wonderful diary, a must-have for
fans. A delightful present for Alice-Miranda readers from eight
years of age.
Rhyllis Bignell (an Alice-Miranda fan too!)
Good Dog Hank by Jackie French
Ill. by Nina Rycroft. HarperCollins, 2014. ISBN 9780732293642.
ebk.ISBN 9780730496397.
(Age: Early childhood) Hank is a very good dog - or so it seems. He
obeys all the house rules like not eating from the table or climbing
on the beds or chasing cars although he does have his own way of
interpreting them! But it's always with the best of intentions or
the taking of opportunities that present themselves. This is a
really funny story from master author Jackie French brought to life
by the charming pictures of Nina Rycroft, the team who created
Dinosaurs Love Cheese. Apart from the humour of Jackie's words,
their interpretation using what has to be the B-I-G-G-E-S-T dog
ever, who is all legs, tongue and tail, makes this the perfect
picture book in which there is such a marriage between text and
illustration that one would be diminished without the presence of
the other.
Written at a fast clip with nothing extraneous, we follow Hank as he
gallops through the day in his own way, being really good in a
wink-wink, nudge-nudge sort of way, depending on whether you are
viewing his actions through the perspective of an adult, a child or
Hank. It would be a great introduction to teaching children that how
we see something depends on our role within it. It might be OK to
wear a sock washed by Hank's slobber if you're a child, but maybe
not so flash if you're in charge of family laundry.
This is a feel-good story that can be a read-aloud, read-along or
read-alone because it will touch the heart of anyone who has ever
had a dog with a mind and a mischief of its own. You don't have to
be a younger reader to relate to this story and enjoy it. One of
these days I'm going to do one of those magical garden tours of
Jackie's garden and I fully expect to see Hank there somewhere.
Barbara Braxton
The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
Doubleday, 2014. ISBN 9780857532503
(Age: 10+) Recommended. 'Call!' Alistair barked. His face was pale.
'You absolutely cannot stay at the school. You don't understand -
it's too dangerous. Call, you must listen to me. You don't know what
you are.'
For as long as Callum Hunt could remember his father had told him
that magic and the Magisterium were too dangerous for someone like
him.
Then Call gets in to the Magisterium and starts to doubt everything
his father has ever told him. Why would his father tell him that
magic was dark and dangerous?
Another, more important question lurks in the back of Call's mind.
Why do the chaos-ridden seem to trust him and what is the secret of
his past?
I would recommend this novel to children of any gender above 10 as
this novel has action, humour, mystery and that slight touch of
schoolgirl crushes. I would also recommend this novel to people who
enjoy reading fantasy novels.
Holly Black and Cassandra Clare have done a brilliant job writing
this novel. They use descriptive language and as there is a second
book coming out in 2015 they don't give too much away at the end.
Jazmin H. (Student, Year 7)
