Allen & Unwin, 2013. ISBN 9781743310625.
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. During World War two, David Cox was
only a young boy and this title tells of his experiences during the
war. Having moved to the city at the end of Grade One, the author
begins by recounting a number of everyday events which made up his
life through to the end of Grade Five. After sharing the experiences
from the daily lives of many country children, he details the ways
in which things changed when the American army rolled into town.
Children began to play at being soldiers and adults discussed their
fears with other adults diligently keeping their concerns from the
youngsters. Despite this, air raid shelters, trenches, black outs
and the Austerity Program became part of their lives. He describes
the changes which occurred as a result... cars became less utilised
as people reverted to riding bicycles or walking... and extended family
gatherings saw many of their members arriving in the uniforms
of the armed forces. Relationships were formed between the
townspeople, the 'Yanks' and the Javanese soldiers. Although many
families survived with absent husbands and fathers, Cox shows a
positive spirit was nonetheless present amongst the people and was
finally rewarded as peace was declared.
With the National Curriculum bringing about a major focus on
Australian history, there seems to be a rush in producing picture
books to match the various strands. Cox has done so brilliantly with
the release of this and his previous title, The road to Goonong.
For younger children, this will be helpful in showing the
differences between how they themselves live compared to the lives
of their grandparents and great grandparents. Older children
could look more at the timelines shown in this book and focus on the
events of the war as they match those shown in the book. Themes of
perspective (adults, children, 'Yanks', Javanese etc.) resilience,
positivity, building relationships and caring for others from
different backgrounds are all part of this title and could be
further teased out with students. With Cox's sensitive approach in
the text and his cartoon style illustrations (which bear
similarities to those of Quentin Blake) and the use of gentle, warm
colours, this is a title relevant to children of almost any age.
Jo Schenkel
A memory of light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
Orbit, 2013. 909p. Pb. ISBN 9781841498706.
(Ages: Senior secondary students - adults) A memory of light
is the fourteenth book in Robert Jordan's epic fantasy series The
wheel of time. Robert Jordan died in 2007 - and Brandon
Sanderson was commissioned to complete this final volume of the
series.
There had been many good decades, good centuries; but the wheel of
time turns, ages have come and passed, and memories have become
legend. The word now, is that the end is coming; the world is dying,
and there is the threat of war.
After the fall of Caemlyn, Egwene's soldiers are camped on the Field
of Merrilor. Rand al'Thor has arranged a meet with the rulers of the
nations. His intention is to offer the Dragon's Peace. It seems Rand
al'Thor will stop at nothing to protect this world, but Egwene is
not happy. Will the Dark One escape if the seals are broken? If the
papers are signed then Dragon Reborn must confront the Shadow at the
Last Battle... and, Shayol Ghul will be the scene of the last
showdown.
Working from Jordan's notes, and consulting with Jordan's widow,
Sanderson has created a vast 909 page narrative with a broad
character base, and readers will be pleased to meet familiar
characters once again. Although this is the first book in the Wheel
of time series that I have read, and the pace did seem slow,
Sanderson's detailed imagery did channel me into ages past and
present. The descriptions were imaginative, and believable within
the context of the narrative.
This book is recommended for senior students, and adult readers of
fantasy.
Colleen Tuovinen
Catch the Zolt by Phillip Gywnne
The Debt Instalment One, Allen & Unwin, 2013. 288p.
(Age: 11+) Recommended. Life is pretty good when you are the eldest
male issue of an affluent Gold Coast family, attending a good school
and at the top of the sport you love.But imagine that your birthday
changes all that. It's time for Dom to learn the family secret.He's
inherited a family obligation, a debt. He must pass a series of tests
handed down for centuries to the 15 year old males of the Silvagni
family by a particularly vengeful secret organisation, known only as
'The Debt'. The Debt is a new action series for teens and tweens by
Phillip Gwynne. A departure from his usual realism, and taking 3
years or 6 months per book to write the 6 book series, Catch the
Zolt is the first instalment and Dom's first test. Can our
humble narrator track down a young criminal, who has become a local
cult hero to the locals for his brazen crimes and for evading
capture? The first trial leads Dom into dangerous neighbourhoods but
the biggest threat is the particularly malevolent price for failure
which hangs over Dom's head .
Dom is a likeable narrator and we worry that he cannot pay his first
debt. But he is also ingenious, fit and a capable hero, even if his
family and contemporaries can never be privy to his struggles and
triumphs. Gwynne's writing seems less careful but there are no
obvious shortcomings in this fast-paced crime thriller and it's just
as well, because you won't be able to stop at just one instalment.
Deborah Robins
The Watch Tower by Elizabeth Harrower
Text Publishing, 1966, reissued 2012. ISBN 9781921922428.
(Age: Senior secondary - adult) The Watch Tower is shrouded
in atmosphere and foreboding. Set after World War II breaks, Laura's
mother pulls her out of school when her father dies and takes the
two sisters to Sydney where she treats them as servants.
Intelligent, hard-working Laura is sent to Business College while
younger girl, Clare, is allowed to remain at school for a time.
Graduating first in her class, Laura accepts a demeaning local job
at Shaw's Box Factory so that she can support her mother and sister.
Their mother flaunts her exotic heritage and returns to England for
a life that she thinks befits her, leaving Laura to marry her boss,
Felix Shaw.
The character of Felix is one of the more disturbing and layered in
Australian literature. Something of an entrepreneur, he builds up
businesses (later with Laura's significant help) and fleeces
himself, or allows others to cheat him, when he sells. He often
appears urbane, particularly in public, but is manipulative,
unbalanced and needy in private. He is significantly given a china
figure of Bluebeard, and threatens the girls overtly and with sly
psychological skill, even selling their beautiful house as an
undeserved punishment.
As readers, we desperately look for means of escape for Laura and
Clare. They seem powerless because of their lack of a nurturing
family, incomplete education, gender and personality. But are there
ways out?
Older female students should appreciate the nuanced writing in this
re-issued classic and hopefully be empowered by this study in how
not to live.
Joy Lawn
Monkey and Elephant get better by Carole Lexa Schaefer
Ill. by Galia Bernstein. Candlewick Press, 2013. ISBN
9780763648411
(Age: 3+) Picture book. Animals. Friendship. Two friends, Monkey and
Elephant do many things together. Monkey is a little fazed when
Elephant seems to be forever doing the same things as he is. He asks
him not to copy, but when Elephant comes down with a cold, Monkey
tries very hard to help him get over it. When Monkey brings along
some fresh hay and water, Elephant does not lie on the hay or drink
the water, as Monkey expects, rather he soaks the hay in the water
and then eats it. Monkey suggest that Elephant moves into the shade
to stay cool, but Elephant prefers to stay in the sun and keep warm.
When the reverse happens, it is Monkey who needs to stay in the
shade, and drink water and rest on the hay, as Elephant trumpets his
song.
The two come to realise that although they are good friends there
are differences, and so these are celebrated.
With the look and feel of a reader, this hardcover book may suit a
reader box, or perhaps a class where differences are under
discussion.
Fran Knight
Gum Girl: Countdown to destruction by Andi Watson
Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 9781406329414.
(Age 10+) Gum Girl: Countdown to destruction is a
comic-style book and includes 3 different stories featuring Gum Girl
as its superhero. Gum Girl saves the day with bubble gum! I would
recommend this to girls who are independent readers, aged 10+.
Each story has a moral such as not wasting time, and getting along
with others, but they move quickly and are a lot of fun. The comic
illustrations are bright and engaging, helping the reader get
involved in the stories and the characters. It would be a fun read
for any reluctant reader who likes stories about girls and
superheroes.
Kylie Kempster
Big Thursday by Anne Brooksbank
Penguin, 2013. ISBN 9780143567165 Pbk. 264 pages. RRP$17.99
(Age 12+) Highly recommended. Nat's family is in crisis. His father,
Luke, has been called to account for some serious errors of judgment
in his professional accountancy role and has been ordered to
undertake weekend detention along with serious financial redress.
His mother, Rachel, is finding it difficult to handle the loss of
their family home along with many of their possessions and what is
even harder, their respect and status within their community.
His younger sister, Hannah, and little brother, Toby, are finding it
difficult to adjust to living in a caravan park rather than their
large house.
Nat doesn't mind the new caravan home and its proximity to the beach.
It means it is even easier for him to catch some waves when he's not
at school. His passion for surfing has been nurtured his whole life
by his dad who was, in his time, a champion competition
surfer. Somehow the rollercoaster of emotional upheaval is
easier to deal with when he's riding a good wave. Discovering that
Grace, a long time schoolmate but recently acquired friend, is
equally passionate about surfing - albeit far more accomplished than
he - also helps him to deal with his emotional state.
Just as the dust seems to be settling a little as they all adjust to
their vastly different circumstances, a new crisis develops when
Luke's mental health causes him to be seriously injured. Nat's mum
feels unable to sustain the family situation as it is and, in
desperation, relocates Nat and his siblings to Tasmania and her
parents' guesthouse. While Nat desperately misses his friends,
and particularly Grace, it is his dad he is most anxious about and,
taking matters into his own hands, manages to travel back to his home
to ensure the safety of his loved father and ultimately save his
family from a complete breakdown.
Brooksbank has captured the anguish and turmoil of a family in
extraordinary circumstances beautifully. The characters are well
drawn and so utterly believable and authentic. Highly
recommended for readers about 12 years old and up - particularly
grommets!
Sue Warren
Jandamarra by Mark Greenwood
Ill. by Terry Denton. Allen and Unwin, 2013. ISBN 978 1 74237 570 0.
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Picture book. Aboriginal themes.
Heroism. Resistance. The story of Jandamarra is one not widely
known, but should be. It is the tale of the resistance of the Bunuba
people in northern Western Australia to the incoming settlers with
their cattle and sheep. It is the obverse side of the story of
European settlement in Australia and a stark contrast to stories
such as that of the Durack family who took over a large tract in the
Kimberley and whose story is better known.
I first read of Jandamarra in a brilliant little book in a series
published by Allen and Unwin in 1997, called Kimberley Warrior.
I then watched out for references to him and his life, but could
find little. Wikipedia has a few scant paragraphs about him, and a
documentary appeared on ABC TV in 2011, and a book has been
published by Penguin and more recently Magabala Books has
republished a book about him which first appeared in 1999.
Jandamarra was at first part of the police contingent sent to the
north to keep the Bunuba people under control. He helped track and
capture Aboriginal people but became increasingly hostile to the
takeover of their land. He and others retreated to the Napier Range
near Fitzroy Crossing, where having a sound knowledge of the
surrounding countryside and the many caves in the hills, were able
to hold out against the police for several years, marauding cattle
herds passing by, evading the police and being declared an outlaw.
He was eventually found and killed, but not before he had become a
legend, a ghost who could appear and disappear at will, giving
strength to the people whose land was being occupied.
Denton's illustrations are most accessible: they portray a man the
readers will readily identify, capturing the essence of the story of
this warrior appalled by what was happening around him and taking
steps to fight. The country is brilliantly conveyed, from the harsh
outlines of the Kimberley to the Baob trees with their upside down
roots waving in the air, the bleakness of the caves from which
Jandamarra offered resistance.
The story is important from many levels: it is a story we should all
be exposed to, it is one which dispels the myth that Aboriginal
people allowed others to come and occupy their land, it shows a
proud, tough warrior fighting for his and his community's rights, a
leader still referred to today.
Fran Knight
Gracie and Josh by Susanne Gervay
Ill. by Serena Geddes. Ford Street Publishing, 2013.
Hardcover. ISBN 9781 9216 65844.
(Ages 5+) Well recommended. Written by award winning author Susanne
Gervay, and with an endorsement from Variety, this book is a must
have for any children's collection, be it school or public library.
This is the touching, funny, honest and heartwarming story of
brother and sister, Gracie and Josh. Josh is a movie maker, and
Gracie is his shining star - she is the Incy Wincy Spider, and Josh
helps her costume along by making fat black sausage legs. Josh and
Gracie are making a movie together -a story which features many of
the people in their day to day world - a movie which brings people
together, and makes them laugh, and celebrates the day to day
moments which were often too busy to stop and celebrate.
It's especially important for Gracie and Josh to celebrate these
little moments, because Josh is sick. Josh is so sick, he spends a
lot of time in hospital, has weeks where Gracie can't come close,
and so sick that his hair has all gone. Gracie is a staunch defender
of Josh, getting cross with the doctors who make Josh take his
beanie off, and cross with the sickness which keeps Josh away. Josh
is stoic and strong, and there for Gracie, except in his bad weeks.
In his bad weeks, Gracie is there for Josh, reminding him that the
spider fell down 6 times, but he didn't give up - you just have to
try, try, try again.
Supported by bright, colourful and honest illustrations, this book
comes well recommended.
Freya Lucas
Unremembered by Jessica Brody
Macmillan, 2013. ISBN 978-4472-2112-8. 300pp
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Most of us believe that not
remembering anything could be quite dangerous - but for Seraphina it
is remembering that could prove to be more dangerous.
Seraphina, the only survivor of an aeroplane crash in the Pacific
Ocean, wakes up in a hospital bed to the first day that she can
remember. Oddly enough Serpahina does not appear on the plane's
passenger list nor are there any records of her - anywhere.
Otherwise unharmed but consumed with the intrinsic knowledge that
someone is out to harm her Seraphina is desperate to find out who
she is, what happened to her and why. With the help of her
mysterious love interest Zen, who claims to know her from the past,
we are taken into a world where science is used for evil and making
people forget is all in a day's work. Still if Seraphina can learn
to trust Zen love just might conquer all.
Yes the plot has been done before, but author Jessica Brody's sci-fi
thriller Unremembered still provides an enthralling read as
good fights evil and true love it seems is never really forgotten.
Be warned though, Unremembered is the first novel in a
trilogy and you will have to read the next one.....
Denise Russell
Boondaburra by Natalie Lonsdale
Even Before Publishing, 2013. ISBN: 9781922074553.
Boondaburra, the platypus, is different to the other Australian
animals that he meets. Because of this, he is teased and rejected by
them, retreating to his burrow where his mother placates him. She
tells him that he has been made as the Creator has chosen for him to
be; that he is unique and that diversity is an important part of the
world. Shortly thereafter, a massive fire destroys the bountiful
bushland of their home. His mother expresses her concern for the
other animals and together the two head off to offer help and assist
with finding food for the other survivors. When Bondaburra pokes his
head out of the muddy billabong, he sees an injured kookaburra.
Before he can offer assistance, the bird is threatened by a large
snake. Using his poison spur, Boondy drives the snake away and
provides food for kookaburra. As the other animals slowly return to
the area, some months later, they hear the tale of the brave
platypus. Immediately, they begin to accept him and value him for
his differences.
This book is published by Wombat books under the imprint of their
Christian publishing label. Despite its strong Christian messages of
love, caring, acceptance and diversity, this book could be used in
any setting as there is no reference to God but merely the Creator. The story of Boondaburra could be used to discuss not
just bullying and differences between people or groups but also the
Australian creatures and the effects of natural disasters. The
detailed realistic watercolour illustrations which use earthy tones,
as well as a clever page of jigsaw pieces which depict small parts
of a variety of animals, provide a wonderful backdrop to this story.
Jo Schenkel
Timmy Failure: Mistakes were made by Stephan Pastis
Walker Books, 2013. ISBN 978 1 4063 3980 2.
(Age 10+) Recommended. Timmy Failure is a humorous story revolving around the main
character, Timmy Failure, and his adventures as a detective. It is
similar to the popular series Diary of a Wimpy Kid and also
includes diagrams and illustrations to enhance the diary style text.
The chapters are easy to read and I would recommend it to boys, aged
10+, who are independent readers.
Timmy is a quirky young boy who works with a polar bear and dreams
of being a famous detective. At the moment, he works out of
his Mum's closet but he dreams of making it big and owning a fancy
office! Initially, Timmy comes across as a rather ineffective
detective but his outlook on life is quite funny. Readers will
giggle at his antics, wonder how he can work with a polar bear
and wonder how Timmy can't see the clues to help him solve a case.
Is Timmy cut out to be a detective?
Kylie Kempster
Killing Rachel by Anne Cassidy
The murder notebooks series. Bloomsbury, 2013. ISBN 9781408815519.
(Age 12+) When Rose receives a series of pleading messages from a
former friend, hurtful memories are aroused, prompting her to recall
a tormented friendship. Flashback episodes explain that Rose is
orphaned following the mysterious disappearance and presumed death
of her mother and her partner, both of whom were police working on
an important and secret case. Rose attended boarding school
following here bereavement and gradually became friends with Rachel,
a confusing and manipulative girl who delighted in melodrama and
attention.
After Rose learns of the drowning death of Rachel, a sense of guilt
and sorrow prompts her to revisit her old College, partly to
reconnect with staff and students, but also to try to understand the
circumstances of her estranged friend's passing. Joshua, whom Rose
considers a 'half brother' being the son of her late mother's
partner, drives her to the distant College, before detouring to
undertake his own investigation into matters relating to their
parents' disappearance.
Two separate mysteries are involved in this story, which is fine,
except that Cassidy assumes prior knowledge regarding the parents'
death from the previous book Dead time. The conveyance of the detail
to inform the reader is awkward and I think that a prologue
summarising the story to date would have worked more effectively
than trying to weave detail into the narrative, character's thoughts
and dialogue. Rose's jealous, romantic desire for Josh is an
uncomfortable incongruity, given the emphasis on her perception of
him as a half brother.
This is a good story when it comes together, however not much
involving Rose happens prior to page two hundred and I am not
confident that readers of 12 onwards to whom this is pitched will
have enough patience to get there. The pain and suffering of
adolescent friends quarrelling, reconciling and then destroying
their relationship is depicted beautifully, as are the volatile and
sometimes nasty aspects of adolescent girls' friendship groups and
exclusion practices.
The story is compelling as Rose and Josh stumble over clues about
their parents' demise and a remarkably coincidental connection with
Rachel can be forgiven in the context of the story line.
Whilst no extreme violence is depicted, thugs make some unpleasant
threats and the theme of people trafficking is referred to without
the exploitative details being discussed.
Rob Welsh
Princess Betony and the Thunder Egg by Pamela Freeman
Walker Books 2013. ISBN 978 1 921720 24 6.
(Age 9+) Recommended. Princess Betony and the Thunder Egg is
a cute story in a cute little hardcover book. it is the second story
involving Princess Betony and she comes from a land of magic. To
help celebrate the King and Queen's anniversary, the Wild Magic
gives them a gift but it is the Princess who must collect it. Betony
must travel to the Dark Forest. It is a great privilege but also
very scary! Can she retrieve the gift safely? How will she make it
through the forest of spider webs?
This small hardcover book is only 103 pages long and reminds me of
the types of little books little girls would have been given in the
'olden days'. The author, Pamela Freeman, has created a lovely
little story, like a fairy tale, and I would recommend it to girls,
aged 9+. Its small size also makes it great for travelling!
Kylie Kempster
The Trunk by S. Carey
Eeries series. Puffin Books, 2013. ISBN 978 0 14 330698 6.
(Age 10+) The Trunk is a spooky story and is part of a
series (or Eeries) of 13 books. It is a short Australian novel which
is great for those reluctant readers and it is a mystery to solve.
In The Trunk, young Charlie is facing a boring summer
holidays until new people move next door. Unfortunately, the new
couple are rather creepy-looking and Charlie's dog, Dexter, doesn't
like them at all. The mystery deepens as the odd couple carry a very
large trunk into the house. Charlie's imagination starts running
wild and you can imagine the crazy thoughts he starts to have when
he hears strange noises and then beautiful singing. Was there a
child hidden in the trunk? Is she really talking to him? Why has she
been hidden away? What has scared Charlie so much that he runs,
screaming, from her? The Trunk is a quick read and will engage reluctant boys (and
girls) aged 10+. Prepare to be spooked!
Kylie Kempster
