Pan Macmillan, 2023. ISBN: 9781529061130. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
Starling House starts with a slow burn. A classic Gothic horror story that from the beginning evokes feelings of the Overlook Hotel and the House of Usher. There are so many threads in this book… There is the predominant theme of “not belonging”. None of the main characters in this story, even Starling House itself, are part of the tribe and it is their otherness that defines them in their relationships and their actions. There is the theme of “complicity to conceal” within the community that the story is set in as people choose to believe only what suits their collective narrative. Finally, there is also the theme of personal growth as the characters question their roles and their own self-limiting beliefs. A coming-of-age story with a difference. This book drags you in and before you know it, you are sitting up too late, reading the next chapter and the next. While Starling House is not a difficult read and is quite compelling, this doesn’t mean that the writing style or language is simple or unsophisticated. It is descriptive and evocative without being overblown. The characters have depth and motivations that are believable, even in their otherness. While a younger YA reader may pick up this book and enjoy it, I think that it is more suited to an older audience to understand the nuances. There are a couple of sexual references in the book but touched very lightly and as an important part of the story.
Themes Gothic mystery, Horror, Supernatural.
Gaye Howe
Game on: Glitched by Emily Snape
EK Books, 2023. ISBN: 9781922539410. (Age:8-12)
A series of misdeeds, including covering the neighbour's cat in bright pink paint, has got Max and his brother banned from screens for an entire weekend, something that is devastating for both of them particularly with an online gaming competition in a couple of days. So Max has resorted to practising his moves in his head, at the same time as trying to write a history essay for another competition but is distracted because his mother is going on a date with his history teacher. To distract him from that, he goes to the toilet but because his brain is every-which-way, he forgets to wash his hands - and that's when things start to go wrong...
Because his brother Liam is hiding in the bath playing on a phone he has found suddenly the boys find themselves travelling through time, back to earlier versions of their home town, in the time of the dinosaurs, the Stone Age, and the days of the Romans. And if they are ever to get back to the now, they have to solve riddles while carrying out tasks and dodging dangers... all before the battery runs out or they are discovered by their mum.
A sequel to Shrinkle and written to draw reluctant readers into print stories, the author says, 'Reading should be a pleasure and it was my aim to write books that pull you in and hook you from the start. Hopefully, then you can't help being moved by the characters as they grow and develop. I love comedy in books, but funny books also have to have heart, believable characters, and a great plot that keeps you reading till the very end.'
Using a modern premise of being drawn into a game, with characters not unlike themselves, and the sort of fast-packed, immediate action including countdowns, levels and time limits, this is the sort of story that will pull even reluctant readers away from their screens. They might even like to speculate on what might happen if they (or Liam and Max) were drawn into their own favourite game, a concept which, in itself, might spark story-writing and a group display of possibilities. Some might like to be inspired by the Lego Masters television series and recreate the world of their game, or perhaps investigate the origins and history of their own town.
Themes Time travel, Computer games, Mobile aps.
Barbara Braxton
How it works: Light by Sarah Hull. Illus. by Kaley McKean
Usborne, 2023. ISBN: 9781474998895. (Age:7+)
Most of us know that light is the key to life on this planet and that our major light source is the sun. But there are many other facts about this phenomenon that remain a mystery to us, even as adults, and in this new book from Usborne some of the ways that light works that baffle us are explained in a lift-the-flap format with simple text and bright, appealing diagrams.
Budding young scientists (and even those who aren't) can learn how light works, why there is even light at night, how colours are formed and perceived, and a host of other fascinating facts including some simple experiments that can be tried to understand the concepts better. More for the age group that has a basic awareness of science than our youngest readers, this is a book that answers those fundamental questions ranging from rainbows and reflections to lightyears and lasers and then these are backed up by the usual Quicklinks for those who want to know more about particular aspects.
The format could even serve as a model for a class investigation as students pose their own questions and then explore and explain the concept to develop their own answers.
Themes Light.
Barbara Braxton
The space between here & now by Sarah Suk
Quill Tree Books, 2023. ISBN: 9780063373129. (Age:14-18) Highly recommended.
This intriguing story focuses on the life of Aimee Roh, a seventeen-year-old Canadian-Korean, ready to move into the adult world, leaving behind her often silent father and the gaping hole of an absent mother. But first she must deal with her present struggles and her past memories. Her situation is somewhat different to most of her peers because she also deals with a condition that has a sci-fi quality – Sensory Time Warp Syndrome, a condition that propels her back in time into her own memories. Unable to make changes to her past, she simply becomes a spectator in her own life, gaining perspective, but not always the answers she wants. Her ‘disappearances’ from her present life become increasingly problematic and can’t be hidden or ignored. The chance to resolve the mystery of her missing mother, and her father’s reticence to share the detail of her mother’s absence complicate Aimee’s grip on her memories and her present life. A visit to her mother’s home country in Korea seems to bring the search for understanding to a critical point, but it also gives her opportunity to find answers to her queries about her condition. It may even enable a romantic connection to develop and the possibility of the restoration of relationships.
This is an exceptionally clever YA story with a unique ‘time travel’ premise involving specific memory travel. The development of the characters from a Canadian-Korean background and with Korean language and culture woven through the plot is delightful and wonderfully unique for Australian readers. Understanding loss and moving beyond family secrets is also part of the thread of this story. The concept of a ‘known’ syndrome created for the story, is so seamlessly woven into life that you could almost assume it was a real condition. The gentle friendship relationships that Aimee shares firstly with Nikita, and then later with Junho, are tenderly painted and the start of a romantic connection has a sweetly winsome quality. I loved the cultural journey into Korea and the setting and sensory excursion adds a wonderful warmth to the story. This is a book to recommend to those who are beginning to dabble in Sci-fi, but who also enjoy relationship and family drama or romantic realism, particularly readers aged 14 – 18 years.
Themes Memory, Grief, Time travel, Family, Korea, Canada, Romance, Friendship.
Kate DiCamillo, winner of the Newbery Medal and other awards has written another charming fable that will delight fans. An old sea captain has died, leaving behind a chest containing five puppets, a boy, a girl, king, owl and wolf. The chest is sold and eventually ends up in the home of two sisters, Emma and Martha. They decide to put on a play featuring the puppets, who were waiting for their adventures to begin.
The story is told in three acts, and in alternating voices, and the reader will learn about the unrequited love of Spelhorst, the sea captain, the wishes and adventures of the five puppets, the puppet play organised by Emma, and the desire for change of the maid Martha. These overlaying tales are beautifully brought to life by DiCamillo and lovingly illustrated by Julie Morstad in black and white illustrations that bring to life a Regency life period. The voices of the puppets who could not control their own destinies, were particularly poignant, and I loved the wolf who would like to use her sharp teeth. Award-winning Kate DiCamillo discusses the book here.
Perfect for young independent readers, The puppets of Spelhorst would also make an engrossing and challenging read aloud class novel. As this is the first in a planned series called A Norendy Tale, readers are sure to want to pick up further books, and may like to try other books by DiCamillo like Raymie Nightingale and The Magician’s elephant.
Fen and Rey are foundlings. Left as babies near The Light House, they grow up with a history of a mother who left them with foxes; a mother who lived in the Wildlands. The two red-headed girls are entwined, with different talents related to the natural world, but always they hanker for their story and identity to be made clear. Their life in The Light House is simple, with a collection of other foundlings and Lissa who is their carer, but always the call of the wild lingers, and the appearance of a fox stirs their desire to escape. Will they be able to discover their identity and find their mother?
This is a story of the ache of children with no real identity, it is full of the melancholy of loss. The girls share stories to make up for the absence of their own story. Consequently, it is almost heart-breaking to hear inside the hearts of those who feel that they do not belong and who need to weave their own make-believe stories to lighten their view of their world. The girls have each other, and their sibling bond is strong, and Fen also has a powerful desire (expressed with the sighting of the fox) to live free in the Wildlands, a place that seems to be attempting to return the land to its natural state. This unexpected environmental thread is understated but is just an expression of being connected to the natural world. Balen’s writing style is spare, and simple, but also very atmospheric. It creates an emotional and heart-rending depth that is unusual in a children’s book. It is not so sad though that children would be distressed as they read. As many children’s authors hide serious issues with other light-hearted threads, this book is different as it is always serious in tone. The girls’ quest does lead to a moving conclusion, but not what might be expected.
With only the most basic of information about the Wife of Bath in Chaucer’ Canterbury Tales, this story has been teased out to produce not only a great read, but one that remains true to the original character, on her way to Canterbury with other pilgrims in the late fourteenth century. The story reveals the background of the time, when men could beat their wives, where villeins still were part of the farm’s stock, little more than slaves, where the church held sway despite the countless examples of hypocrisy, and when people went on pilgrimages to places held holy because of dubious relics held there, or because they are places of importance in the Christian world.
Eleanor’s early life is a mix of being treated like part of the family which adopted her, but also seen as a servant, until she is caught at 12, about to be deflowered by a priest. She, of course must shoulder the blame, after all she is a woman, and so is given in marriage to a man fifty years her senior. It is this marriage she looks back on with warmth, as he treats her with respect and builds up her skills at the loom. After his death, his son takes over the property and Eleanor is kicked out. This is the way her life continues, a husband, five of them whose death sees her lose everything, forcing her to rebuild her life. Going on a pilgrimage at the end of each marriage gives her time to pause and reflect. But she still makes far reaching errors of judgement, that give her friends caused for alarm.
This is a wonderful retelling, rich in detail, funny, sometimes brutal and bawdy, allowing us a glimpse of the times, particularly focussing on the plight of women, through Eleanor’s inquiring eyes. Geoffrey Chaucer is related rather losely to Eleanor and so has an enduring relationship with her in the form of letter writing and occasional visits. It is he who promotes Eleanor’s first marriage, knowing the old man would treat her well and teach her useful skills.
She goes on creating workshops where women are employed, testing the ideas and teachings of the church and the various forms of government she crosses. It is in London that she meets up with an arm of the Guild, so appalled that she as a woman has set up a business, her house and livelihood are smashed up and her dogs and one of her entourage, slaughtered.
Each time she goes up against aggrieved men who will not allow her to do what she wants, she goes on a pilgrimage. So we are taken to Rome, Canterbury, Jerusalem, and St Martin’s Le Grand, all sparkling in the descriptions given by Brooks, as Eleanor sees all with a critical look.
Karen Brooks has written a fascinating account of the life and times of a character in Chaucer’s classic tale. This story exposes the plight of women in the Middle Ages, although for some, not much has changed.
This is historical fiction at its best, thought provoking, descriptive, wonderful characters and a background that rings with truth.
Themes Historical fiction, Middle Ages, Pigrimages, Role of women, Abuse, Inequality.
Fran Knight
I try by Susie Brooks and Cally Johnson-Isaacs
Farshore, 2023. ISBN: 9780008542337. (Age:3+)
One of the common complaints from kindergarten teachers is that new-to-big-school children often demonstrate little resilience - the ability to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again, solving the problem through trial and error. And they need to develop special lessons and programs to teach this to compensate for the helicopter parenting where all the child's potential problems have been eliminated in advance by over-zealous adults and thus the child hasn't had the opportunity to learn to cope with setbacks and sadness. So this book would seem to have been written especially for them to aid in those lessons.
Addressed directly to the child reader, it offers ways to encourage them to be adventurous and learn something new; be brave and do something tricky; be strong and don't give up. Using examples from the animal kingdom, this book motivates little ones to try new things, build their confidence and become resilient in all aspects of life. If you're too short to reach, ask someone to help; if something doesn't go as you expected, try again; if you're afraid, take the first step.... The cute and relatable cast of children work together and support each other, showing that there is always help around, especially when venturing into the unknown.
With anxiety levels apparently at an all-time high amongst our children, one of the kindest and most powerful things we can do is help them develop the belief in themselves and the strategies they need to face new situations so these simple suggestions provide an excellent starting point for that.
This compilation of eight short stories is a masterly example of dry wit, black humour and absurd understatement.
In the title story, the narrator tries to second-guess their Director in the Utopia/Yes Minister-like quest for the perfect memorial to an unnamed terrible event. Cohen takes us into the bureaucratic nightmare of on-line surveys, brainstorming sessions and politically correct keynote speakers and email signatures in a deadpan series of events that is both too real to be comfortable, and laugh-out-loud relatable.
In 'Mr Cheerio', also written in the first-person, two young people take to the streets in support of homeless people, in a series of increasingly bizarre protests. At the same time, the narrator displays an apparent lack of insight into their deteriorating relationship.
In a longer story, 'Bugs', 46-year-old Mark unearths a much-loved childhood toy, but in a sinister mirroring, the talking bunny starts to lose his catchphrases, as Mark’s mental health begins to spiral. Mark’s surrounds are comfortingly familiar; a handyman neighbour with an impressive tool belt, the ritual of regularly ordering Indian takeaway, middle-aged fathers wearing Pink Floyd t-shirts and a concerned uber driver, however their very ordinariness makes his decline the more poignant.
'Mattress' is a short interior monologue recounting an ill-fated furniture pickup, as the narrator describes how he has to work with his ex-partner’s new boyfriend.
A new employee becomes increasingly fixated on their elusive predecessor in 'Holes', as they try to overcome the tedium of a routine office job by rearranging the desk stationary.
'A History of Walking' tracks an unnamed man’s life through the various ways and places that he walks.
'The Enigma of Keith' ends the collection with another story about a memorial; a roadside marker that starts as a traffic management research project, but takes on a life of its own.
All these stories are set in familiar locations, with unassuming, often naïve characters narrating. They are gentle stories that unmask the restrained disappointments that come with working in bungling bureaucracies and navigating imperfect relationships. They are a delight to read, and Cohen has subtly linked them with recurring characters, objects and themes that tie the individual stories into a thought-provokingly good read that senior students who appreciate the absurd, would enjoy.
In Cub and Brown, whimsical storytelling by Edwina Wyatt (The Secrets of Magnolia Moon) is perfectly complemented by detailed and classic black and white illustrations by Evie Barrow (Horatio Squeak). There are nostalgic nods here to Paddington and Winnie the Pooh, especially in Brown's tendency to take the spoken word very literally (with humorous Amelia Bedelia type results). Cub is a Scout who's come to the woods to camp with his group. Imagine his surprise when he comes across a bear, and an angry one at that. But as Cub quickly finds out, Brown is only grumpy because he is tangled in his own shoelaces and the two quickly become firm friends.
Separated into twelve short chapters (labelled as Tip #1: Be Prepared, etc), each is a standalone short story about Cub and Brown. In each one Cub uses his Scout prowess to help Brown in some way, from helping him understand the concept of time to stopping him from sucking his thumb. Cub is practical, while Brown is a little impetuous and the dialogue between the two is humorous. Some standout stories are when Brown tries to catch Cub a fish for his birthday and is told by a bird to use his head and his stalling when it is time for Cub to go home is just glorious: 'One last thing,' said Brown. 'Have you got a pocketmouse?'. His efforts to catch the culprit who has been making an almighty mess in his house is also very funny. Fans of gentle books will adore this with its pop of humour and fabulous characters. It would work wonderfully as a class read aloud with lots of areas for discussion, particularly in regards to language use and character development. The illustrations throughout and short chapters that can standalone also make it approachable for newly independent readers and those who may struggle to focus on a longer novel or chapters that follow on from each other.
What a brilliant book by the amazing Matt Stanton. I was expecting this to be a bit of lighthearted “fluff”, but instead I read a book about dealing with bullies. Matt Stanton has delivered a book that will resonate with children and their fluffy protectors.
When Gilbert’s underpants are hung from the school gate and around his neighborhood by Carl the school bully, he decides that revenge is needed, after all the bully needs to be taught a lesson. Together, with his best and fluffiest friend, Fluff, Gilbert plots his revenge and what follows is a series of ill-advised revenge plans enacted by Gilbert and Carl until a truck load of Parmesan cheese is dumped on a caravan.
Gilbert’s mum has faith that he will work this out and solve the problem, no intervention by the mum occurs and Gilbert must resolve this himself.
This book is a great look at bullies, revenge, and the power of “not feeding the turtle”. It will become a family favourite with its easy-to-read story and its fast-paced action. Gilbert’s underdog status will appeal to the reader and Fluff and Gilbert’s goldfish add a comedic dialogue that keeps the story moving and the reader laughing.
This is a book that would be great as a book for a newly independent reader but also as a class read aloud, I am sure that students will be wanting to hear about the escapades of Gilbert, Fluff and the bully, Carl. It is also a great way to talk about bullying and the fact that there will always be bullies and people who are mean for one reason or another, but that revenge might not always be the best option.
I am really looking forward to Book 2 in this series as I can see it becoming a favourite with parents, teachers, and young readers.
Themes Friendship, Bullying, Revenge, School stories.
In Some desperate glory, Emily Tesh, the author of the award-winning Silver in the wood (World Fantasy Award for Novella, 2020), moves into space with a thought provoking and challenging look at life on the Gaea Station. Earth has been destroyed by the Majoda and the inhabitants of the Station have vowed to avenge the loss of their homeland. Kyr is a young woman, a strong and skilled warrior who expects to fight for her ideals. Instead, she is assigned to the Nursery to bear sons and her brother Magnus is sent off to certain death. She is determined to avenge the death of her planet, rescue Magnus and face the Wisdom, an all-seeing weapon used by the Majoda. She seeks out Avi, a talented friend of her brother, who understands the station’s operations, and together with an alien prisoner she escapes from everything that she has known.
Initially Kyr is not very likeable; her crew mates believe she is a bully and she is fixated on making them the best group on the ship. However, as she faces danger and explores a world outside of the space station, she grows in understanding and empathy, and begins to question everything that she has been taught. The adventures she faces are exciting and it is easy to become involved in her quest and to relate to the people around her.
Life aboard Gaea Station is brutal and those in command are lacking in compassion and are abusive, depriving the young of food and encouraging unhealthy competition.Tesh does not flinch from describing scenes aboard the station and themes including fascism, racism and abuse underpin the story. Sources she includes in her Acknowledgements are Fascists, Spartans and Scientology.
The tense action, the interesting science of time slips and AI all make for an engaging space opera, while the underlying themes add a level of complexity that many readers will find engrossing.
Themes Space opera, Racism, Coming of age, Abuse, Revenge.
Robert Runs is written by Mariah Sweetman, a proud descendant of Ugarapul people and the 2022 winner of the Daisy Utemorrah Award presented annually for an outstanding unpublished manuscript of junior or YA fiction by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander writer. This deeply moving and compelling novel shares themes of despair, loss and extreme cruelty but also friendship, family and hope. With brutal honesty, it tells of Australia’s shameful past, the inhumane treatment of First Nations people and their long search for a place of safety and peace.
This book shares the story of Robert ‘Goupong’ Anderson who lives in the orphan section of Deebing Creek Mission. Goupong, with good friend Jonathan, are two of the older boys and are looked up to by the younger children but also bullied by their peers. Goupong in particular has a nasty temper and lashes back frequently. The sadistic ‘Boss Man’ punishes the children regularly and ultimately commits a brutal and heinous crime known as the Deebing Creek Massacre. Throughout the book, we read about the love of running for the children with Goupong’s greatest joy the opportunity to win every race. After he is ‘discovered’ he has the opportunity to race against the fastest white man, Arthur Postle known as 'The Crimson Flash', whom he defeats.
While this book interweaves fact and fiction, it delves deeply into the history of the First Nations people and the horrific conditions they were forced to endure. It tells poignantly of the struggles the children living on the mission had in trying to maintain a connection to their family and traditions. Robert Runs is a powerful and important novel about a time in Australia’s past that should not be forgotten. It will be a worthy addition to secondary schools and public libraries. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes First Nations people, First Nations Language and Culture, Injustice, Family, Colonialism, Stolen Generations, Identity, Religion, Missions, History, Racism.
In 1920s Sydney, in Farmer’s department store, in the rosy hued ‘Ladies Rest and Writing Room’, Dotty pens a letter to her beloved Digs, but the address is “c/- Wherever You Are, Somewhere in the World, My Heart Pieces: 1,000,000”. Dotty is only just holding things together; her love is ‘missing in action’ and though she clings to hope that he might yet return, she finds herself lost in grief and anger. ‘She was breaking and breaking’. . . She could not continue to live like this. Unliving.’ She darts out in front of trams, spends compulsively, her mind is a whirl, there’s no telling what she might do.
In the same ‘Ladies Rest and Writing Room’ the attendant Clarinda, a former schoolmate, also struggles with grief and the aftermath of loss. The lives of the two women become entwined, when Clarinda comes to Dotty’s aid, amid the frenetic bustle of post-war Christmas shopping. When they step outside, the noise, the traffic, the jostling crowds threaten to overwhelm them both, like pushing against a fierce tide.
Within the pages of this novella Kim Kelly brings to life the loneliness and grief of two women, at a time of renewed fervour, hope and celebration following the end of the war. For Clarinda, reaching out to Dotty is an act of compassion and forgiveness, and for Dotty it is a moment of stepping outside herself and becoming aware of the misfortune of others.
The story is beautifully written, the sounds and sensations of bustling Sydney life swirl around the two solitary figures adrift in the chaos. The 1920s shopping scene is presented in all its historical accuracy, but the references are not intrusive. It is all part of the picture of life as it was then, and a part of the lives of two women overcoming barriers to find the solace they need.
Kim Kelly’s Ladies’ rest and writing room is a well-deserving winner of the inaugural 20/40 Publishing Prize awarded by Finlay Lloyd, 2023.
Ruby's rescue by Elizabeth Mary Cummings. Illus. by Cheri Hughes
Big Sky, 2023. ISBN: 9781922896285. (Age:5-8)
Ruby was riding her horse Rusty when the terrible bushfire appeared. Now sporting a cast and a wheelchair (although it isn't really clear if she was already using a wheelchair) Ruby is desperate to help with the bushfire cleanup. But it's hard to move herself in the chair and her mum won't let her ride Rusty to go out looking for injured animals. She feels completely useless until an encounter with a possum with burnt paws gives her a clever idea: special gloves for the injured animals. The following pages show her brainstorming: possible names, required research, fabric considerations and patterns. There is also a copy of her letter she sends to the mayor asking for help and the flyers she puts up to get the community on board. Before long 'Everyone is happy to be working together to help the animals.'
This is a lovely story about community working together to help out when things are tough and mirrors what actually happens in our society after events such as bushfires. It shows that one person's idea and their determination to make it happen can lead to real results. It's a great example for children of their own agency even when faced with things that might make them feel anxious or helpless. Simple text makes this suitable for independent readers but makes a great classroom text, especially if looking at how to take ideas and put them into action. This is a lovely story that is relevant to many Australian children and will be especially useful for children who worry about natural disasters and their implications. At the end of the book is a list of how to protect your home from bushfires (taken from NSW Rural Fire Service Online Guide).
