Scholastic Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0-545-24004-8.
(Age: 8-12) Nobody wants to be on the loser list, the infamous list
written on the wall in the girl's toilets. Seventh grade Danny Shine
is mortified when school bully Chantal decides to add his name. He
feels he cannot slip further down the school 'food chain' and
decides to remove his name from the wall. This is when his life
starts to fall apart. Danny becomes alienated from his best friend
Jasper, who is happy to be called a geek, and gets involved with the
bad boys of the school, 'The Skulls'.
Danny's obsession is reading, drawing, trading and buying comics. It
is his skill in drawing tattoos that stop him from being beaten up
by the school bullies who eventually involve him in shop lifting.
Danny must decide how to deal with all of the challenges and
problems his new life as a delinquent creates as well as coping with
his big crush on Asia O'Neill.
There are many similarities with Diary of a Wimpy Kid. The
diary handwritten format peppered with comic style line drawings
will appeal to Wimpy readers.
H.(Holly) N. Kowitt is an American writer. It is interesting that
some female writers who aim their books strongly towards boys, do
not identify themselves as male or female by using only first name
initials. The Tom Gates books by L. (Liz) Pichon are another
example of the non gender specific author name. Tom Gates
books are also a great read for "Wimpy' fans. The Loser List will appeal to 8 to 12 year olds, boys in
particular. A book trailer is available here.
Jane Moore
The best day of my life by Deborah Ellis
Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN 97874237 914 2.
(Ages: 11+) Recommended. Leprosy. When Valli learns that her aunt
and uncle are not her relatives but someone to whom money was paid
to take her in, she decides to leave. Their life is dependent upon
the town's coal mine, the children collecting pieces that have
fallen along the roadside to make a pittance to give to the family
for food. Hearing they are not related she climbs aboard one of the
trucks leaving the town. In turn the driver finds her ad takes her
to a place he knows where young girls are wanted, but when they wash
her and realise that she cannot feel the burns on her feet, they
toss her out and she must fend for herself. Valli has leprosy and
Deborah Ellis is again at her knowledgable best in relating an
engrossing story which also informs and educates.
Surviving on the streets in Kolkata means sleeping where she can,
begging a few pence for food, and stealing or borrowing what she
needs. A doctor meets her and seeing the state of her feet takes her
to her hospital where she can receive treatment. But once Valli
notices the others with stumpy fingers and pieces of their noses
gone, she runs off. When she comes to a decision to accept the
disease, she returns, finding that she can be cured.
At the end of the book is a sound glossary giving the readers the
meanings of some of the Indian words used, and the author's note
acquaints the readers with the facts of this disease, still much
prevalent in poorer areas of the world where the germ can spread
more easily because of overcrowding and poor diet. Ellis' work
always brings a dignity to the children she talks about, whether
they be in Pakistan, Bolivia or Afghanistan, and the story will
ensure that the book is read and read again.
Fran Knight
Bush bash! by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina
Little Hare, 2012. ISBN: 9781921714771.
Recommended for ages 5+. When dingo dashes by, looking very excited,
the other animals become intrigued and question where he is headed.
As numbats, flying frogs, bilbies, crows, wombats, gliders, sea
snakes, magpies and lizards ask where he is going, he finally issues
them with an invitation to follow him. The surprise ending is
eventually revealed and we see why he has been so excited and in
such a hurry.
With a simple repetitive style of text, the focus of the reader can
easily be placed on the vibrantly coloured, stylised pictures.
Patterning is used in the background and the bush is depicted in
such a way as to make it interesting and exciting. Dingo leaves
prints in the sand which can be easily followed by the animals and
also by the reader. Although at first glance this would appear to be
just a simple counting book which uses Australian birds and animals,
it has another more important layer. The reader is also encouraged
to look closely at the illustrations to find both aboriginal
artifacts and introduced species.
In the classroom, this could provide scaffolding on which the
students could write their own stories based on Australian animals.
More importantly, it could also be used to discuss endangered and
introduced species which impact on our environment.
Jo Schenkel
The great big Aussie Easter egg hunt by Colin Buchanan
Ill. by Chris Kennett. Scholastic, 2012.
Easter time in Australia sees all the animals racing across the land
to find their Easter eggs. In rhyming lines, we have the kangaroos
scratching around Uluru with the gecko, and hooting with bandicoot
at Kakadu, while the eagle spreads eggs from high at Alice Springs.
All the iconic places around Australia are included, along with many
well known animals, so that teachers could use the book as a fun
read, using a map of Australia to pinpoint each landmark mentioned,
introducing a class to the many places they may have heard of but
are not sure where they are. The list of animals too, is a useful
tool again for the classroom, with animals not all would know, but
the range gives a neat introduction to a few lessons about
Australian animals.
The accompanying CD could be used in the classroom to sing along
with, pointing out the places on the map as the song is sung, or
small groups may like to learn it to present the map and the places
to the class. The spirited illustrations by Chris Kennett could be
used as a base for the classes' own drawings of Australian animals,
or be copied to do a show and tell of animals for recognition
purposes.
In this Year of
Reading, this book is a fine adjunct to the many books already
listed on their website about journeys around Australia to match the
Alison Lester book, Are we there yet?. And this could be
added to Buchanan's other books along a familiar theme, Fair
dinkum Aussie Christmas, Fair dinkum Aussie Easter and
Santa's Aussie mix-up.
Fran Knight
Diary of a cricket god by Shamini Flint
Illus. by Sally Heinrich. Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN 9781742378268.
No this is not about Shane Warne or Ricky Ponting! This is the Diary
of 9 year old Marcus Atkinson, son of a marketing guru and Self Help
book author, as he struggles to fulfil his father's hope of him
having a 'Future in Sport'. Whilst his father believes 'Talent is in
the Mind', Marcus wishes it was in his hand and feet. Still
embarrassed by his efforts playing soccer, recorded in Diary of
a Soccer Star, Marcus reluctantly joins the cricket team.
Continually spurred on by his father's mottos, Marcus persists at
training and finally playing despite his and the coaches better
judgement. The rules and language of cricket are introduced in with
humour and wit as Marcus struggles to learn to bat and bowl. The
line drawings which accompany the text add to the fun and make for a
highly readable story as Marcus finally hits the ball and manages to
find a way to win.
This will be a very popular book with the budding cricket god who
has a chance to understand the game without making embarrassing
blunders like Marcus. The popular diary format and comic
illustrations will also appeal to reluctant readers as well as those
who are fans of the Wimpy Kid and Big Nate books. A
must for the Primary Library.
Sue Keane
Kangaroos hop by Ros Moriarty
Ill. by Balarinji. Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN 9781742379159.
(Ages: 2+) Highly recommended. Includes Yanyuwa language
translation. Picture book. Kangaroos hop is a colourful and contemporary picture book,
with vibrant illustrations and animals which seem to hop, swoop and
dance from the pages.
Throughout the story, the reader meets all manner of native
creatures, who romp through the book in a colourful and cheerful
melee, on their journey down to the river bank. They soon stop short
and turn quiet when they see which creature is waiting for them
there!
The simple and predictable text is accessible to younger readers
because it scaffolds the language by building up the story piece by
piece, using cumulative patterns. The layout makes pointing out key
punctuation features easy, and phonemic structure of the verbs
provides many 'teachable moments' within the book. The addition of
the Yanyuwa language translation at the rear of the book gives the
reader access to an additional cultural element, and is accompanied
by a map, indicating where Yanyuwa is spoken.
The bright illustrations and clear print make this the ideal book
for beginning readers to connect with, with plenty of opportunities
for educators and parents alike to interact with the text both
during reading (which animal do you think we'll see next? Can you
remember who was in the group? There was the kangaroo first, then
the birds . . . ) and afterwards (Can you hop like
a kangaroo? Can you shuffle like an echidna?)
The blurb of the book states that it 'celebrates animals, verbs, and
the brilliant art of the Balarinji design studio' and it certainly
doesn't disappoint. This book would be an ideal addition to any
Indigenous picture book collection, both in school and public
libraries, and comes highly recommended.
Freya Lucas
Sydney Harbour bridge by Vashti Farrer
Scholastic, 2012. ISBN 978 174169 953 1.
Part of the My Australian Story series, Sydney Harbour Bridge tells
the story of the construction of the bridge from the beginning of
1931 until its opening in 1932. The story is told in the form
of letters and diary entries by Billy Thompson and Alice
Carson. Billy comes from a working class area and Alice, a
middle class area, both within sight of the bridge. The story
conveys a real sense of the effects of the Depression on the people
of Sydney in particular and Australia in general. It give a
graphic account of how hard life was for people as well as a look at
the politics of the day especially in the form of Jack Lang, the
colourful and controversial Premier of NSW.
As the story progresses it gives a real insight into the background
of the bridge and how it was constructed as well as the impact that
it had both positive and negative.It shows that people were
evicted from their homes often with little or no compensation at a
time when it was becoming increasingly difficult for ordinary people
to make ends meet.
The author has used alternating diary entries from Billy and Alice
to good effect. As well as the history mentioned earlier the
reader can identify with Billy and Alice and see the effect that the
Depression has on them, their family and friends. The
historical notes at the end help pull everything together and put
things into an historical perspective. I am sure that it would
encourage some readers to undertake further reading and research
into this part of Australia's history.
David Rayner
Goldilocks and just the one bear by Leigh Hodgkinson
Noisy Crow, 2012. ISBN 978 0 85763 043 8.
(All ages) Recommended. Picture books. Humour. When the bear becomes
lost in the confusing city, he takes refuge in a hotel, finding
himself in a room which feels very comfortable, unlike the scary
city downstairs. He feels hungry and finds several things to try
before eating the rather dry toast. Then he needs a sit down and
looking around the room finds a number of things that are not quite
right until deciding to sit in the bean bag, with rather disastrous
results. Needing a comfy bed, he ventures into the bedrooms to find
one that is just right, and goes to sleep.
To his amazement he is woken by very loud shouting and finds that a
family has returned, looking through the damage the bear has done,
emulating the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. A very neat
and funny solution offers itself to make the ending simply
tickety-boo.
Readers will laugh out loud as they follow the bear's antics in
finding himself a safe and quiet place to sleep. Large and small
children will find much humour in the background as they read the
story, and will search for the differences between the text and what
is happening on the pages. Watch out particularly for the signs in
the street and the similarities and differences between this story
and that of Goldilocks, as well as the language used, stretching the
readers' vocabulary. This is a happy ever after story that will
thrill its readers, whether read aloud or by themselves, it is well
worth delving into again and again.
Fran Knight
The Pirate Prisoner by Terry Deary
A and C Black, 2011. ISBN 9781408128343.
This novel is one in a series of pirate adventures. Terry Deary has
a reputation for capturing historical facts in episodes of fiction,
bringing delight to young audiences worldwide. In this story Red
Legs Greaves owns a sugar plantation on the island of Nevis. He used
to be a pirate but his days of roaming the high seas have caught up
with him. He faces the gallows for robbing a wealthy ship owner many
years before. Only a miracle can save him.
This book is an exciting read that will intrigue most children. It
is a short, fast paced adventure guaranteed to whet the appetite for
the remainder of the series.
Tina Cain
Three summers by Judith Clarke
Allen and Unwin, ISBN 978 1 74237 827 5
(Ages: 12+) Highly recommended. The first summer sees best friends,
Ruth and Fee waiting for their year eleven results. Fee already
knows what she wants in life, marriage and children and has set
herself upon that path. Ruth, encouraged all her life by her
grandmother, Margaret May, the child of an orphanage and a sour
marriage, aims for university, and is in two minds when she wins a
scholarship and place at Sydney University. The local priest, a long
time friend of Margaret May, who has watched over the motherless
Ruth, rages against the decision to move to Sydney from the pulpit.
After all men do not marry educated women and cities are places of
sin and abomination.
The small country town, west of Dubbo breaths rumour and innuendo,
gossip and half truths as the fabric of their living is revealed by
Clarke in this story of the girls' lives. Ruth is attracted to Tam a
young man from the big house outside town, and rumoured to have
fathered several children to girls in Ruth's school. After an
encounter with him, thoughts of what might have been shadow Ruth for
the rest of her life.
Fee's letters later follow Ruth to London where she lectures and
writes, letters full of her marriage and five sons, and a longing to
know if Ruth is happy. The second summer sees Fee begin to question
her life, and when her youngest son, Josh is accepted at university
but also intends to marry, Fee is shocked into saying things she
later regrets.
During the third summer, Ruth has returned to Sydney and living in
the mountains, fosters a damaged girl, one she is warned, never
shows affection. During one long day of extreme heat and with the
promise of fire in the air, the two women, the retired lecturer and
the young girl with Tam's grey eyes, find a path of connection.
This is a stunning novel. The two women, friends for life, are on
opposing paths on life's journey, one staying home contentedly
married and bringing up children, the other seeking worlds anew.
Both question their decision, but each knows it is the right choice.
The steadfast friendship remains a constant theme in their lives,
and the one true thing each has aimed for is there for each of them.
Neither can imagine living the life of the other, but as the summers
pass they both accept what each has chosen, just as each realise
that their path is particular to themselves.
Again Clarke deposits us in the world she has created, we laugh and
cry, recognise people and situations, and are dismayed all over
again with the narrowness of some while congratulating those who
have some recognition of what makes them human. This is a moving
story, skillfully told, which will readily capture the imagination
of its readers.
Fran Knight
Kick it to me by Neridah McMullin
Ill. by Peter Hudson. One Day Hill (distributed by Scholastic) 2012.
ISBN 978 0 980794 6 1.
Warmly recommended. Picture book. Football. The story of the
beginnings of Aussie Rules Football is not a story widely known, but
it is brought to life in this engaging story by Neridah McMullin.
Tom Wills, a young boy living on a Western Victoria pastoral
station, was sad at the end of summer when cricket was finished for
the year. His Aboriginal friends invited him to join them, and so he
learnt the basics of Marn-grook. Years later, in a position where a
new game was being touted to encourage fitness in Australia, rugby
was suggested, but Tom Wills, famously said ; "we shall have a game
of our own" and so Aussie Rules Football was born.
A two water bag introduction by Eddie McGuire gives the premise for
the book, but readers will jump straight into the story and get what
they can from it by themselves. They will engage with the story
readily, it has all the ingredients necessary for a good tale,
football, boys out by themselves trying new things and comradeship.
That it is true, adds another dimension to the tale, and readers
will look at the game and its Aboriginal footballers with renewed
interest and respect.
The lively illustrations will engage and direct the reader to things
mentioned in the text. I loved the close up pictures of the boys'
faces staring straight out of the frame; they give a directness to
the story and challenge the reader to think about what they are
reading. The biographical information about Tom Wills rounds off a
book which slots in well with our new curriculum.
Fran Knight
My green day by Melanie Walsh
Walker Books, 2012. ISBN 978 1 4063 3001 4.
Warmly recommended for younger readers. Picture book. Environment.
With the subtitle, 10 things I can do today, the books has a
smiling face peering out of the round hole in the cover inviting
readers inside. When she wakes she tells us that she eats free range
egg for breakfast, and this is shown in the illustrations, while in
smaller print at the bottom of the page, the term, free range, is
explained. One the next page we are told that she places the egg
shell in the compost bin, and this is shown, again with an
explanation of why this is done. Through ten double pages, many with
an inset, we see the things the narrator can do at home to be green,
thinking about her impact upon the environment. Each page is loaded
with things children can talk about. Each page would act as a
springboard for a class discussion or small group discussion.
I really like the way the publisher uses cut outs and part pages to
create interest in turning each page, and the bold swathes of single
colour too added to the interest for the reader. I can imagine this
book being used in the classroom, with a teacher using it to
introduce a topic about being green, or the environment, or what to
do at home to help the planet, and about recycling. There are
endless possibilities, but make sure you have a muffin recipe ready
to use.
Fran Knight
Ten Scared Fish by Ros Moriarty
Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN: 9781742379128.
(Age 2-5) With turtles by the waterhole, snakes in the river grass
and fish in the saltwater, all seems to be well until the arrival of
a shark changes the dynamics.
This simple counting book continues to add animals until the
appearance of the wide open mouth of the threatening shark. Young
children would enjoy counting along with the addition of each
animal. Basic shapes used to create the illustrations could easily
be copied by young children as the artwork holds much appeal.
Jo Schenkel
Night School by C. J. Daugherty
Atom Books, 2012.ISBN 9781907411212.
(Age: teens) Highly recommended. Something sinister appears to be
happening at Cimmeria Academy, and secrets need to be uncovered
before someone is hurt. In her novel Night School, C. J.
Daugherty builds great tension into this wildly intriguing plot. The
brooding graphic and blurb on the cover, together amplify the
undercurrents lurking in this novel. By invoking elements of
vandalism, young love, murder and fires, there is plenty of action
going around. Night School opens with sixteen-year-old Allie caught
red-handed in a brazen act of vandalism, her artistic graffiti
boldly adorning the school principal's office door. After a night in
the lock-up and an unceremonious handover by the police, Allie
discovers there will be no meter of leniency from her parents. All
too soon she finds herself bundled away to boarding school.
Once installed in the vast three-story gothic mansion, Allie begins
to ask herself whether it is a school, or a prison? Automatic
locking gates, curfews and 'night school' all fill her with
apprehension. In spite of her reservations however, Allie begins to
make friends, and quickly discovers a connection with the quietly
withdrawn Carter West, but also confusingly, handsome Sylvain's
admiration is difficult to resist. Tres difficile. Life at the
academy settles into an orbit of classes, secrets and explorations
and then, disaster strikes. What happens on the night of the summer
ball, and why has it not been reported? When everyone is lying, who
do you trust? Allie isn't sure, but is determined to find out.
Writing in the third person, C. J. Daugherty quickly establishes
believable characters. Some of her strengths lie in description and
dialogue, and, she has manifested interaction well between the
characters in her broad cast. Although some tensions are left
unresolved in this novel, these mysteries will surely be revealed
once the sequels hit the bookstores. Publication of the first sequel
to Night School is anticipated in 2013. I look forward to
it. Night School is highly recommended for secondary school
libraries.
Colleen Tuovinen
Au revoir, crazy European chick by Joe Schreiber
Electric Monkey, 2011. ISBN 9781405259439.
(Age: 13+) ALA
2012 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers. Perry Stormaire
is persuaded by his parents to take the Lithuanian exchange student,
Gobi Zaksauskas to the senior prom. The bribe of having his father's
Jag to drive sweetens the ordeal for Perry, who really doesn't want
to take the unattractive young girl out. Instead he wants to play in
his band which has finally got a gig at a nightclub. It turns out
that Gobi is a highly trained, attractive assassin who is out for
revenge and Perry is in for the ride of his life.
Each short, snappy chapter starts with an essay topic from a leading
university. This gives a fresh and funny approach to the writing,
which is done in the first person by Perry. Through his
writing the reader finds out about his bossy lawyer Dad, his band,
and his hopes for his future. Best of all, the reader is taken on a
high octane ride through New York as the hapless Perry is forced to
drive his father's Jag as a getaway car after Gobi carries out her
assassinations.
The action is so fast and the suspense so thrilling, that I was
compelled to suspend belief and read this in one sitting. Smart
writing and funny asides from Perry added to the enjoyment.
Schreiber gave enough information about his characters to make them
believable, and the hint of romance was a nice touch.
It is sure to be a hit with both boys and girls and is certainly one
to tempt reluctant readers.
Pat Pledger
