Reviews

Concealed in death by J.D. Robb

Eve Dallas series, bk 38. Piatkus, 2014. ISBN 9780749959401.
(Age: 16+) Crime. Thriller. Serial killer. When Roarke swings a sledgehammer into the wall of a derelict building that he plans to renovate and uncovers the bodies of two young girls, Eve Dallas steps in. Another ten bodies are uncovered, all wrapped in plastic and hidden in wall cavities and Eve begins the process of finding who owned the building and who could possibly have gotten away with the murder of 12 girls. The place, named The Sanctuary, had once been a home for troubled teenagers and gradually with the help of Garnet DeWinter, a forensic pathologist, and a clever reconstruction artist, Eve puts names and faces to the twelve victims.
The Eve Dallas books are always well written and entertaining. The mystery in this one was quite suspenseful, and even though it was possible to guess who was the person most likely to have committed the murders fairly early on, Robb manages to put an unexpected twist into the last chapters that is quite surprising.
The usual characters appear; gorgeous billionaire Roarke is able to help out in his clever way; Peabody is stalwart and often lightens the mood with her dialogue, and Eve's relationship with Denis and Mira is shown in some depth. The addition of a new character, the very beautiful Garnet DeWinter, forensic pathologist, allows for a bit of sarcastic repartee from Eve and provides some new interest to the series.
Readers who have enjoyed previous books will not be disappointed.
Pat Pledger

The Simple Gift by Steven Herrick

Re-print. University of Queensland Press, 2014. ISBN: 978070223133.
The Simple Gift gives us as readers a unique reading experience, a story told through a series of short, easy to read poems which have nothing to do with the sometimes tedium of traditional poetry. Poems written by the hand of three different characters tell Billy's story about running away from home, from beatings and the antics of his drunkard father.
Hoboism is a lifestyle choice for some, usually for those who are trying to escape their past; this is the case for sixteen-year old Billy as he walks down the lonesome highway away from his Wentworth life taking with him the remainder of his dad's alcohol and smokes out of spite. He finds himself in a small town called Bendarat where he makes himself shamelessly comfortable in an old train carriage. It is a new home free from the fear and violence of his past. He lives off leftovers from McDonald's and his fifty-dollar savings fund while making friends with a few choice locals including the local librarian Irene, Old Bill who is a fellow hobo and high-school student Caitlin who mops the floors and watches him as he waits patiently for his dinner.
The Simple Gift is just that, a gift; wonderfully written and easy to read this engrossing book is filled with all of the description and emotion attributed to poetry without the assumed tedium. I would highly recommend this to young adolescents who do not like to read (and even those that do). It is easy to forget that this is a book filled with poems about growing up and finding oneself and slip into the shoes of Billy, Old Bill and Caitlin as they enjoy the pure pleasure of having nothing and giving all.
Kayla Gaskell

The Silversmith's Wife by Sophia Tobin

Simon & Schuster, 2014. ISBN: 9781471128097.
(Age: Senior students - Adult) The Silversmith's Wife is set in the late eighteenth century London and follows the intricacies of a crossed web of lovers which begins to untangle only with the brutal murder of the Silversmith, Pierre Renard. Found by the night watchman his murder is dismissed as a petty theft, unworthy of serious investigation, however, by request, Digby agrees to look further into the death. He makes many discoveries about the man Pierre Renard however the crucial titbit, the culprit, remains a mystery to Digby.
The Silversmith was a cruel man to his wife who had been pushed into the marriage by her family and in the process has lost all that was dear to her, including her spirit. The portrayal of women from this time is always with a differential approach, this novel is no different making out the Silversmith's wife to be of little worth, a trophy of sorts and unable to be trusted in business.
Interspaced with journal entries written by Pierre Renard himself and broken by accounts from those involved in the investigation and in his previous life the mystery of his murder is slowly uncovered as the complicated web of his affections unravels. Historical drama is the easiest description to apply to this novel and despite being classed as an adult novel I would recommended for seniors with an interest in eighteenth century life. The adult themes present, such as rape and murder, are portrayed mildly enough for senior students. Some crass words have been implemented throughout the novel for effect.
Kayla Gaskell

Night Monsters by Nina Poulos

Ill. by Cheryl Westenberg. NLA Publishing, Australia, 2013. ISBN 9780642278333.
Picture book. The subject of monsters in the night has often been explored in children's picture books. Some aim to allay fears while others offer strategies to ward off monsters to parents and children alike. This book published by the National Library in Canberra, offers a whole new look at the idea of night monsters.
Cackle the Kookaburra assembles all her friends to hear about the monsters in the night that they had reported seeing. Each animal in turn tells about their frightening experiences including the sounds they heard and how they responded. Their stories range from a witch to a monster snake hissing, dragon's wings beating and forest giants roaring as they passed. Just then a ghost appears with an eerie sound but Cackle Kookaburra recognises immediately that it is not a ghost but Larry Lyrebird who has frightened them all because he was bored. Larry Lyrebird admits that as a mimic he was able to make sounds which made the animals think that monsters were nearby. As Larry demonstrates his amazing ability he tells them where the sounds came from; the hiss of a tyre going down, the clack of a gate the roar of a motor bike and the screech of a white cockatoo. The animals all agree that Larry can stay if he promises not to scare them again.
The story is told in rhyming verse with full page illustrations showing the imaginary creatures scaring the animal telling its story. The book ends with a double page spread of information and pictures about the Superb Lyrebird drawn from National Library resources. The idea that it is imagination aided by sounds that creates night monsters could help some children overcome night fears, or, at the least, by reading the book they may learn about that amazing Australian mimic, the Lyrebird.
Sue Keane

Life in half a second: How to achieve success before it is too late by Matthew Michalewicz

Hybrid Publisher, 2013. ISBN 9781925000207.
Described as 'Truthful and hard hitting' this book is an exhaustive (and exhausting) look at the ingredients of success. It is sold as the product of 'thousands of studies and decades of research'. Yet it all seems so familiar and reminds me of being introduced to Dale Carnegie by a young teacher when I myself was in Year seven.
There is no doubt that Matthew Michalewicz is on a mission to help young people understand that they have to make choices and how to go ahead and plan for their success. He breaks down the book nicely into the five doors of success bookended by the countdown and waking up.
His main premise is that life is short and that if you want to achieve your goals you must plan how to achieve them by breaking down the components that are necessary for success. I like the fact that he encourages young people to realise that the first step necessary is to define their goals.
Each chapter finishes with a summary of the actions required in order to see through the vision. These breakdowns are useful and reinforce the ideas presented. While the book is ostensibly about how to achieve life success, I feel that there is much useful advice in how to break down any concepts into achievable chunks. This makes it useful to students whose goal may well be to be a better student and to learn concepts of study and note taking.
While I may quibble about how the author defines and measure success in what seems to me to be very material terms I feel that he has written a very useful book for young people which does not talk down to them. Having taught in Boys' schools I know that there is a demand for this type of material. I do believe that my colleagues, the school counsellor and the careers teacher would be very happy for this book to join the collection.
Michael Jorgen

Sir Henry Parkes, the Australian Colossus by Stephen Dando-Collins

Meet the Piratesons by Knife and Packer

Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781742836706.
(Age: 10+) What looks like a pirate, talks like a pirate and lives on a pirate ship in the middle of Freak St? The Piratesons of course! It is another instalment of weird and wonderful families in the Freak St series. Meet the Piratesons is full of bright illustrations and easy to read text. It is an engaging novel for girls and boys aged 10+.
Fancy living on a pirate ship and looking for lost treasure? Well, Mr Pirateson is in search of the lost gold underpants - a family treasure - and he has finally found the treasure map.
Children will enjoy reading about the family's adventures as they look for the treasure and the modern links - like a skateboard loving sister - make it a relatable story for children.
Kylie Kempster

Daisy's Quest by Jodie Wells-Slowgrove

Ill. by Kerry Millard. Wilderness Fairies bk 1. Penguin Australia, 2014. ISBN 9780143307464.
(Age: 6+) Recommended. Fairies. Australian bush. Flowers. Daisy, a little fairy living in the Australian bush, is named after the Golden Everlasting or Paper daisy. She is eagerly waiting for the time when she will earn her wings and become a fairy who can fly. When Queen Jasmine sends her off on her Fairy Quest, she is determined to succeed. But along the way she has to decide whether it is more important for her to win her wings or to help someone in need.
What makes this fairy story stand out is its Australian setting. I was fascinated by the descriptions of Australian flowers as Daisy set out on her quest. There is even a vivid description of the Paper Daisy at the end of the book. Daisy's companion is Vu, a chrysomelid beetle, and the species is very rare as the reader finds out in the note about the beetle also at the end of the book. Children will delight in learning the Latin names for the Paper Daisy and the chrysomelid beetle, and will revel in learning more about the flora in the Australian bush. Kerry Millard's illustrations will also add to children's knowledge of flowers and insects, as well as portraying the fairies in a most delightful way.
Of course, anyone who enjoys stories about fairies will love this book. Daisy is a delightful young fairy who looks after the bush and her friends. Her quest for her wings makes for a fascinating story which will be enjoyed by children who are newly independent readers. It would also be a great read aloud and would fit in beautifully in themes of sustainability and conservation.
Pat Pledger

Bird by Crystal Chan

Bird by Crystal Chan
Text Publishing 2014. ISBN 9781922147707.
(Ages: 11+) The narrator is 12 year-old Jewel who lives with her parents and grandfather in a small town in Iowa, USA. Her older brother, who she never knew, jumped off a cliff at the age of five, thinking he could fly. This tragedy haunts the family, leading them to pursue an unhealthy belief in the power of magic, curses and spirits, which is further explained by the Jamaican/Mexican family background and the rather isolated community in which they live.
I enjoyed the young girl's narrative voice and was convinced of her heart-felt loss of a brother, along with her frustration at how her parents cannot give her the affection and reassurances she needs. When she meets Eugene, who initially betrays her friendship, but wins her over as a kindred spirit and as someone who she can share her secrets with, the opposition from her family is overbearing and drives her to the edge.
This is Chan's first book and is full of interesting ideas about families, friendships, small towns and the safety of secret places. The nature and power of magic, which surrounds the lives of this family, is rather unsettling and, at times, Jewel's language is oversentimental, but Bird is thought provoking and a worthwhile read.
Julie Wells

Girl Of Shadows by Deborah Challinor

Harper Collins, 2013. ISBN: 9780732292997.
(Age: Adult) This is an adult novel and unsuitable for senior high school students as it contains an abundance of vulgar language and adult themes.
Set in convict Australia over the period of 1830-1831 this novel follows the story of three convict girls working in assigned positions in Sydney Town to pay of their debts earned from felonies committed in London. Much better off in Australia the girls have their fair share of difficulties to overcome including the constant fear of being identified as the murderers of Gabriel Keegan, a cruel man who arguably deserved the end he found. The majority of the story focuses on Sarah Morgan and her position as a maid in the Green household and her endeavour to continue her stolen contribution to 'The Charlotte Fund' in order to support their dead friend's daughter in the Female Factory. Despite being unable to legally hold employment as convicts, both Friday Woolfe and Harriet Clarke also contribute through Friday's considerable talents as a prostitute and Harriet's skill in artistry for the local tattooist. Sarah is miserable in her placement with the Green's, Mrs. Green is a hard women and a vindictive mistress. The girls decide to frighten Mrs. Green while Mr. Green is absent, using the women's superstitions to create a fear which would be maddening.
The second in a trilogy this novel is one of the best historical fiction novels that I have read so far, unfortunately it is aimed at an adult audience. Over-run with brilliant detail and well developed characters this third-person piece is truly spellbinding and I would highly recommend this to mature aged lovers of historical fiction.
Kayla Gaskell

Hello Darkness by Anthony McGowan

Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 9781406337846.
(Age: 12+) Anthony McGowan is well known for previous books, Henry Tumour and The Knife That Killed Me; both of which have won awards in Britain. I visited his website and discovered an interesting film clip where he is interviewed about the gang culture in Britain, knives, schools, and parenthood. He talks about school being a scary place in a world where the gap between the rich and poor widens. Young people come together for safety and a bit of security. Hello Darkness is a story about Johnny Middleton, an outsider, excluded from all the school factions, and at the mercy of aggressive teachers. Everyone knows that he has returned to school after suffering a recent nervous breakdown. He becomes entangled in a killing spree where all the school pets are killed, and he is determined to prove his innocence and reveal the killer.
From the first page on I was immersed in life at the school; intrigued, amazed and amused. The humour is wonderful, especially when Johnny exaggerates circumstances, embellishing at every opportunity. However Johnny's plight is often heartbreaking and the reader hopes he finds the culprit soon. The language is fast-paced, making this story very readable. There is however a niggling uncertainty as we read. Some things are farfetched and the comedy darkens and Johnny seems to experience a slipping sense of reality. In fact the reader is never quite sure how much of what Johnny is seeing or doing is actually happening. This is what makes the book enjoyable: all is not clear and it is interesting to try to work things out.
Julie Wells

Meet the Anzacs by Claire Saxby

Ill. by Max Berry. Meet series. Random House, Australia, 2014. ISBN 9780857981929.
Recommended. The Meet series of picture books appear to be a response to the addition of History to the Australian curriculum recognising the contributions of significant historical individuals. This title instead focuses on that group of young men who helped shape the Anzac legend.
The text gives us a sense of the excitement and motivations of the volunteers as they gather from all over the country to join up and begin basic training. We sense the pride of the families and general excitement of the men as they set sail and the sense of a holiday atmosphere on the ships despite a training schedule as they head not for Europe, as expected, but Egypt. We then experience the growing impatience of the troops as they continue training in desert camps, shadowed by the pyramids, and developing as a combined Australian and New Zealand force, finally setting sail again for Gallipoli. The story ends with the men squeezed into the landing boats heading for the beaches and the final sobering sentence;
'War was like nothing they could have imagined '.
Max Berry has used muted colours in his painted illustrations depicting a range of perspectives from crowds cheering, broad landscapes to the legs of soldiers marching off to war. The soldiers are depicted at a distance so they are representative of all and any of the many ages, cultures and backgrounds that made up the original Anzacs.
Whilst there is a plethora of books being produced in anticipation of the 100 years Commemoration beginning this year, this title will be welcome in schools and homes as an explanation of the mood of the country and the soldiers prior to the reality of World War 1.
Sue Keane

The Firebird Mystery: A Jack Mason Adventure by Darrell Pitt

Penguin, 2014. ISBN 9781922147752.
Highly recommended for readers from 11 years of age. Themes: Steampunk Fiction, Detectives, Orphans, London - England - History, Adventure stories, Detectives, Technology - fiction, Mysteries. Darrell Pitt's exciting new Steampunk series introduces young orphan Jack Mason to the reader. Filled with derring-do deeds, determined detective work and dastardly villains this exciting fast-paced adventure is set in an alternative London world.After the unfortunate death of Jack's acrobat parents, he's sent to live at Sunnyside Orphanage a dismal place where he's taunted by bullies. Jack's life changes dramatically when he is rescued and taken to live with an eccentric detective Ignatius Doyle. The next week of his life is filled with danger as they take on the case of finding Scarlet Bell's missing father and saving the world from the evil clutches of Professor M.
The novel is rich in imagery with familiar London sights, historical events and figures interwoven with futuristic technological inventions. Huge steam airships fill the skies, metrotowers stretch skyward and giant megastructures covered with terrafirma two hundred times stronger than steel fill the landscape.
Jack and Scarlet show real emotions and their skills are much needed by the eccentric Mr. Doyle to help solve these mysteries. Darryl Pitt has drawn from Arthur Conan Doyle's character Sherlock Holmes, Jules Verne and added villains from history to make this a rich and rewarding novel. Scarlet Bell is a strong relatable character, an advocate of women's rights and the Suffragette movement. Detective Doyle's character adds to humour especially when he reminisces about previous cases involving three bizarre elements - a spanner, rubber plant and exploding nun!
This is a wonderful introductory novel, there are seven more to come! Highly recommended for readers from 11 years of age. Great class novel with links to History, Geography, Technology and Science.
Rhyllis Bignell

Annie's snails by Dianne Wolfer

Ill. by Gabriel Evans. Walker Stories series, Walker Books Australia, 2014. ISBN 9781921720635.
(Age: 5+) Recommended, Snails, Gardens. Annie is looking around the garden to find some snails. She loves them and wants to collect some to be her pets. She plays snail trails with her younger brother, leaving a trail of debris for him to follow, while she hides under the washing basket, masquerading as the snail shell. She looks and looks for some snails: all in the right places, dad's tomato bush, Mum's garden hat, near the water tap. There are none. But after a shower of rain she looks in their hiding places again and there they are. Collecting six snails she keeps them in a bucket, painting a letter for their name on their shell.
Over the next day she learns about being a thoughtful pet owner and whether the pets are best left to their own devices, in their own environment.
The line illustrations add another level of humour to the story as we see Annie and her brother playing, and laugh at Annie's style of stance, imitating her mother's, and particularly, the imaginative use of the garden when the children are searching for the snails, as well as the words made by the snails.
This is a lovely tale of looking after pets, of learning about snails, of learning to enjoy the garden, of even learning a few letters and putting them together to make words. All in all a delightful first chapter book for younger readers, with three chapters, and published in clear large print, easy for younger readers to try their hands at.
Fran Knight

Stay where you are and then leave by John Boyne

Doubleday, 2013. ISBN 9780857532947.
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. War, Home front, Shell shock. The day Alfie turns five is the day war starts in Europe. Alfie will never forget it and even though his family and a few neighbours celebrate that night, he will not celebrate another birthday for many years. Even worse, despite his father promising to stay with them, he joins up and leaves, mum having to become a nurse to earn some money, and then when that proves not to be enough, Alfie borrows their neighbour's precious shoeshine kit and sets himself up at King's Cross Station. Despite asking questions of his mother, he cannot learn anything about his father's whereabouts, and then his letters stop.
He shines the shoes of many men passing through on their way to work, but one day a doctor drops his folder, and helping him pick all the papers, Alfies spies his father's name, and the hospital where he is staying.
He determines to go and help him get back home. Here he finds an utterly changed man and convinced that he will do better at home, surrounded by those who love him, determines to help him get there.
Behind the story of Alfie and his family, we see World War One and its impact on those at home, their privation, their efforts to make ends meet, the suspicion amongst people who have been neighbours for years, the impact of a white feather, the arrival of military police at the door.
Through Alfie's nine year old eyes, we are privy to the cruelty of war and its imposition on millions of people, and the questions that remain unanswered. Alfie and his family are part of the street where their friends live and the impact of the war is felt by all as Boyne cleverly shows the ranges of effects on a variety of people. We see those for whom war is a fight to be fought, women sending their husbands off, while others want them to remain home. There are the older men who see it as a glorious thing, the conscientious objector who refuses to kill, those who beat him up for his views while others nurse the ones who return with shell shock, an unknown disease, one thought to be another word for cowardice.
This multi-layered story reminds the readers that war is made up of ordinary people, and it is their lives which are disrupted and overturned by policies made by others far removed. I was struck by the way that Boyne, author of The boy in the striped pyjamas, covered so many other facets to war, the growing independence of women, the call for Suffrage, the development of psychiatric nursing, rationing, the impact of war on the rail and so on, all making a fascinating background to a thoroughly involving story.
Fran Knight