The Witch Hunter Chronicles: The army of the undead by Stuart Daly
Random House, 2011. ISBN: 9781742750552.
(Age 12+) Recommended. This, the second book in the Witch Hunter
Chronicles, follows the adventures of 16 year old Jakob von
Drachenfels. In the first novel, The Scourge of Jericho,
Jakob joins the Hexenjager (an order of witch hunters in 1600's
Germany) under false pretences. Having barely survived his first
encounter in a witch infested castle, in this the second novel, he
is part of a team racing across Europe and the Ottoman Empire to
prevent The Watchers (fallen angels) from destroying the Tablet of
Breaking and bringing about the end of the world.
This is a rollicking, historical action adventure that runs at
breakneck speed. It is a cross between The Three Musketeers,
Tomb Raider with a big nod to Indiana Jones. Full of
sword fights, zombies, evil angels, traitors and booby trapped lost
temples, there is much that teenage boys especially will enjoy.
There is a fair bit of gore, and horrifying deaths, and the death
rate does take its toll on young Jakob. He sees many of his friends
and allies brutally killed in front of him, and then witness the
terrible indignity they suffer, when they are raised from the dead
by The Watchers. Former friends are now zombies and deadly enemies
and he is faced with the dilemma of having to destroy those he loved
and respected. Considering the amount of hardship and terror Jakob
faces, he shows fortitude to continue on the quest with the
determination that the deaths will not be in vain.
The author is a history teacher, and this shows in the attention to
detail, historical notes, lists of weapons and a bibliography at the
end of the book. There is also the sense that the author is having
fun with twisting events of the past to suit his story. There is
even a Leonardo da Vinci inspired submarine - and more booby traps
than all the Indiana Jones movies combined.
I can imagine that this series will be popular with ages 12+
particularly, but not exclusively, for boys.
Alicia Papp
BOOOM! by Alan Macdonald
Ill. by Mark Beech. Bloomsbury, 2011.
Recommended for ages 7-9. This short chapter book Booom! is
the fourth instalment in the entertaining Iggy the Urk series.
Set in the Stone Age the series is focused around the tribe of Urks
(it is safer - and easier on the cooking!) and their continued and
humorous discovery of the world around them. In the midst of the
daft tribe is the intelligent Iggy whose realism and ideas for
change and innovation are met with incredulousness. Nothing could be
better than what we have now! If we go too far we will fall off the
edge of the world! If it is raining in the valley it is raining all
over the world! The hilarious banter between the reluctant and
unworldly Urks and the imaginative Iggy is fantastic. Also fabulous
are the Quentin Blake-like illustrations by Mark Beech.
This book does not require reading of the previous Iggy books and
will draw children into a time when knowledge of the world was
limited, when volcanoes were mysterious and called 'Old Grumbly',
when the properties of water were unknown and the idea of boats or
'floaters' were ridiculed. In Booom! the likable hero Iggy
is left to once again lead his foolish tribe out of trouble and is
also bestowed with an unexpected responsibility, no doubt signalling
many more comical Iggy adventures to be had in the future. This is a
fast-paced reading experience that will please anybody possessing a
sense of humour and an imagination!
Nicole Smith-Forrest
Star League: Monkey Business by H. J. Harper
Ill. Nahum Ziersch. Random House Australia, 2011. ISBN
9781864718606.
(Ages: 7 to 10) This title is one of a series that promises to be
popular with younger readers. Each adventure in Star League
can be read alone and features a different one of this
crime-fighting group taking the heroic lead. In Monkey Business
Leigh, the animancer, discovers that Aunt Petunia, star of the
television show Le Nice Pets, has master-minded the means of
training animals to be obedient to her underhand commands the world
over. The repercussions are enormous when animal numbers in homes,
sanctuaries and zoos are considered. There is plenty of action in
this imaginative story, often overly exaggerated, but, with some
interesting plot lines, the reader is sure to stay with the
narrative to discover the ending. Black and white cartoon drawings,
depicting plenty of action, work well with the text as they
introduce each new chapter. The writing style is simple but it
creates a clear picture of the characters interacting with the
setting. Character development is lacking but the story with
its twists and turns ensures that we read on, especially with the
addition of a bit of fun and fantasy.
Julie Wells
Even my ears are smiling by Michael Rosen
Ill. by Babette Cole. Bloomsbury, 2011 ISBN 9781 4088 0297 7.
(Ages: 4+) Recommended. Poetry. A lovely hard cover book full of
poetry, and illustrated by Babette Cole will find a place in
libraries for readers wanting to read these out loud or play along,
or sing or read together or simply listen to the accompanying CD
read by Michael Rosen.
All good fun, with simple lines and rhyme, the poems are short and
funny, redolent of everyday life for young children. So catching a
bus, or jumping on dad, or having a bath, or looking at photos of
relatives are all grist for the mill for Rosen's talent at making an
easily digested poem for young children which will have them smiling
when they recognise familiar situations and themes.
I loved The Pancake Maker with its rhymes with the words pancake and
maker running through the two pages. Listening to Rosen's reading
adds to the fun of it as he gives spaces and breath stops that are
not obvious on the written page. Or the lovely, I've had this Shirt,
with its reminders of things that are loved and kept for years and
years and years. Some poems spread over several pages, where some
are just a few lines, but most being a handy page long, enough to
read and talk about and read again in class. And I can imagine kids
at home or in the classroom or library wanting the CD played over
and over again, so be prepared.
Adding to the fun is a small 4 lined poem at the bottom of the page
every now and again beginning with the lines, Down behind the
dustbin . . . These give a lovely model for children writing
their own poems, using the form given by Rosen.
Fran Knight
Bleeding hearts by Alyxandra Harvey
Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN 9781408814970.
(Age: 14+) The fourth in the Drake Chronicles, Bleeding hearts
continues the story of the Drake family's fight against the
Hel-Blar. A new character, Christabel, is introduced. She is Lucy's
cousin and has come from the city to live with her relations when
her mother is taken into rehab. She has to adjust to living in
Violet Hill, a small country town, after big city living. She is
amazed that Lucy's parents are so strict about curfews and going out
at night and knows that there is something mysterious going on that
Lucy and the Drake brothers know about. She is also fascinated by
Connor Drake, who is unlike her usual attraction to bad boys. He is
a clever nerd with computers and very sweet as well! Unbeknown to
Christabel, there is a deadly infestation of vampires threatening
everyone in Violet Hill and when she is kidnapped, the Drakes are
forced into action.
Once again Harvey has created characters who come alive on the
pages. This book combines two stories in one. Not only does the
story of Christabel and Connor unfold, but Lucy's feisty character
comes to the fore as does her romance with Nicholas.
There is plenty of action for the Drakes when fighting and tracking
Christabel's kidnappers; a new type of vampire is introduced and the
vampire hunters from the Helios-Ra school actively pursue the
Hel-Blar. The excitement continues throughout the book, with lots of
dangerous fights and thrilling times. This was certainly a book that
I held my attention throughout and that I finished in a couple of
sessions. Bleeding hearts is not as easily read as a stand alone as the
second and third in the series, but the characters and action are
enough to ensure that readers new to the series will seek out all
the books. A desperate cliff hanger as a conclusion will also ensure
that they eagerly await the next in the series.
Pat Pledger
Olympic and world records 2012 by Keir Radnedge
Scholastic, 2011. ISBN 9781741699821.
With the Olympic Games coming up this volume will be a welcome
addition to information about the Olympics. It is divided into
chapters featuring the sports that are contested in the Games. The
first chapter examines the history and heritage of the Olympic
Games, where they have been held; famous firsts including facts such
as a Chinese Australian teenager's vision of a united world which
led to the Closing Ceremony being one where all athletes mingle
together. It gives a worldview of the Olympics with information
about athletes from all over the world and from different times.
The book contains numerous photos, which range from early historical
ones to modern day ones. Each photo has a snippet of information
about how the different sports began and fascinating details about
many athletes. It is ideal for browsing as each section has
fascinating material arranged in box like sections, often with a
photo accompanying it, and with bold headings to entice the
reader. It is certainly not a book that has to be read from
cover to cover but is ideal for dipping into. Reluctant readers will
enjoy the easy to read layout and enticing information.
Pat Pledger
The Sending by Isobelle Carmody
Penguin, 2011.
(Age: 15+) In the sixth and penultimate book in the Obernewtyn
Chronicles, we see Elspeth Gordie the former outsider Misfit and now
a Guildmistress of Obernewtyn struggling with her destiny as the
saviour of The Land. Being the only person who can disarm Sentinel,
the dormant computer that controls the Balance of Terror arsenal,
she awaits the final summons that will begin her quest. If she fails
the entire world will be destroyed, but if she does succeed, she
will have to leave The Land and all that she loves behind forever.
I had only read the first three books in this series many years ago,
so prior to reading The Sending, I decided to read all the
books. This may have been a mistake as without the lapse of years
between books, I found the constant reference to previous events
repetitive. While I enjoy a good big read, this story progresses
very slowly and became a little monotonous in its detail and
description. There are endless discussions and meetings and list
making on what to pack for the sea voyage to the Red Land and
planning for the Moon Day Festival. It takes far too long for
anything related to the quest to actually happen - close to 400
pages pass before she sets off on her final journey. Because of the
complexity of this vast set-up, I struggled to remain interested,
especially with only the first person narrative of Elspeth to
follow.
It does have passages of wonderful, descriptive writing and I did
enjoy the 'voice' of the wild wolf pack, and the way Elspeth
struggles with her dark side. In the end however, I found it hard to
maintain concern with the manoeuvrings, and what the eventual
outcome will be. This is not a bad or unworthy book, but I think
I've been spoilt by reading some outstanding and fascinating fantasy
and sci-fi novels recently.
I'm sure fans of Isobelle Carmody will find much to love in this
book, and are eagerly awaiting the final book due out next year,
when all the many questions and story threads will finally be
resolved.
Alicia Papp
The Good Jihadist by Bob Shepherd
Simon and Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 9781847377760.
(Age: Senior students) Matt Logan leaves the British army
disillusioned after a joint exercise with the US Delta Force goes
horribly wrong. To raise money to fund his future with Emma, a TV
network news journalist, Matt goes to Afghanistan as a security
advisor. When Emma is killed in suspicious circumstances in
Islamabad, Pakistan, Matt is determined to avenge her death and
joins a unit run by his ex-Delta Force colleagues. In Pakistan
nothing is as it seems. The politics of Pakistan and Afghanistan are
shown to be unpredictable and unreadable by those who are ignorant
of history and who underestimate the power of tribal loyalties.
Matt's suspicions fall on one tribal and religious group after
another; the Waziri, the Baluchi, the Pashtani, the Taliban,
Al-Qaeda all seem possibly implicated, but so do members of
Emma's team and perhaps even the quite fanatical Christian ex-Delta
Force group. Shepherd is no master of prose but his writing is
direct and forceful. His characters display a limited range of
emotions, loyalty, suspicion, remorse, but do have remarkable skills
of endurance. The complexity of the plot compensates for character
simplicities, and a real strength is its exposure of the complex
nature of power in Pakistan. Christian fundamentalism is shown to be
as blunt and destructive a weapon as radical Islam, and elements of
the Western presence are more untrustworthy than the perceived
enemy. This is a novel for those who like action and acronyms. There
is a comprehensive glossary, fortunately, and a useful map.
Unfortunately for school use it does contain obscenities, though
nothing that one would not hear in many schoolyards.
Jenny Hamilton
Days Like This by Alison Stewart
Penguin, 2011.
(Age Senior students 15+) Written in post apocalyptic times, Days
Like This portrays a soulless existence for the inhabitants of
Sydney who live within the wall. Lily and her siblings live in a
world controlled by adults. The adults however are not like they
used to be; these adults are distant and emotionless and no longer
care for the wellbeing of children. There are the terrifying
Blacktroopers, a strong, uniform unit which arrive every Friday and
give the family their pills. There is Max, who even her parents seem
to be afraid of. Finally there is Megan and Pym, her parents, who
have changed so much since the wall that Lily no longer calls them
Mum and Dad.
Due to global warming a wall was built to separate the haves from
the have nots. Lily and her family live on the safe side of the
wall, or so they are told. They're told they are privileged because
they have food and shelter and protection from the sun. However, the
children are not safe at all; they are all in danger.
I had a little difficulty with this novel. For a teenage novel it is
very dark and the children are treated so appallingly. Even without
the details, the implication that young girls are raped added to my
discomfort.
The story does show the tremendous love Lily has for her siblings
and her dogged determination to save them against great odds which
does provide some hope for the future. However I found the evil of
the adults outweighed the good of the children and found the imagery
disturbing. I would only recommend this novel for well adjusted
senior students.
Sue Mann
The Golden Door by Emily Rodda
Book 1, The Three Doors Trilogy. Omnibus, 2011. ISBN: 978 1 86291
912 9
(Highly recommended for ages 10+) When his city continues to be
attacked by the Skimmers, the ineffectual Warden of the Weld posts
many notices warning of their dangers. Shortly thereafter, the
Warden advertises for volunteers of eighteen years and over to head
out of the city to seek the being responsible for the invasions.
When Rye's older brothers, Sholto and Dirk, decide to undertake the
task, and appear to go missing, Rye visits the Healer and is
challenged by Tallus to go and find his brothers. Although he does
not wish to go, circumstances conspire against him and Rye heads off
beyond the Wall. Almost by accident, a young girl named Sonia
manages to accompany him on his journey and together they meet an
assortment of characters that may or may not be trustworthy.
Rodda has followed a similar recipe to that used in many novels
involving a quest. Rye is the reluctant hero of the tale, as was
Rowan in her Rin books and this title would provide a perfect avenue
to introduce the students to the concepts involved in the
'hero's journey'. Where Sheba provided Rowan with the impetus to
travel, here it is Tallus who fulfills this role and instead of
Rowan's map, Rye is provided with a bag of items which have the
power to assist him in his quest to find his brothers and return to
Weld. These could be used as comparative texts, as part of an author
study or simply to aid students to identify the characteristics of
the hero and discussions of what makes a champion. This could
possibly provide a starting point for next year's Book Week theme,
'Champions Read'.
Jo Schenkel
Girl on the run: Ringmaster by Julia Golding
Darcie Lock on the run series. Egmont, 2011. ISBN 9781405247344.
(Age: 11-14) Spy books are definitely a strong theme for young
adults and Ringmaster by Julia Golding adds to this genre.
Unlike the Gallagher girl stories by Ally Carter, where the girls
are specifically trained to spy, teenage Darcie Lock is an
accidental spy. Her mother is overseas on a shopping spree
(apparently!) when her father goes missing. It turns out, that
unbeknown to Darcie, her father works for the British Intelligence
Service and Darcie goes undercover as Agent Zebra to help find her
Dad. Darcie receives a crash course in self defence and spy gadgets
and soon becomes embroiled in an international smuggling ring.
Set in Kenya, this story is exciting and action packed as Darcie
goes from one dangerous escapade to another. She is a strong,
independent girl and this will appeal to female readers in upper
primary and lower secondary school. The bright front cover of a
female silhouette with butterflies and flowers, is definitely
designed to attract girls.
Although the scenario of M16 asking a 14 year old untrained girl to
help them with their mission is unbelievable, you forget the
illogical situation and just enjoy the ride. I think this book will
be enjoyed by students who love action and an escapist read.
A glossary of terms helps to understand some of the local language
used in the novel.
This is book 1 in the Darcie Lock Girl on the Run series.
The next story Empty Quarter is set on a cruise ship.
Jane Moore
The best pet by Andrea Shavick
Ill. by Brett Hudson. Pearson Australia, 2011. ISBN 978
1 4425 4821 3.
(Age: Early Childhood and Junior Primary) Well recommended. Anyone
teaching early childhood students will recognise this scenario. All
the young students try to outdo each other with their pet's amazing
attributes. The illustrations give a clear and rather cheeky
picture of each child's idea of their pet's ability. Alex
falls for the trap of wanting desperately to have the best pet, but
knows he hasn't a chance when Emma loudly announces that he hasn't
one. Alex proceeds to blithely announce that he has a pet
which is 'better than all of yours!' p3. A recipe for
disaster. The story gradually evolves as each student invites the
group to their home only to find each pet does not perform up to the
owner's expectations. Then comes Friday and Alex takes them to his
home dreading the outcome. But with a delightful twist, all is
restored and finally Emma wants to know the outcome of the
competition. It's left to the reader to decide. It's a very
comfortable story where much positive discussion could ensue. It's a
pity a hamster was chosen for they are not able to be kept in
Australia. Why not a guinea pig? Perhaps a good
discussion point! The text is well spread out and the italics draws
attention to the point of the story. Many can read the text via the
illustrations which don't seem 'real' for themselves. A pity I
think, for real people are more meaningful, but perhaps young
students enjoy this style. A good length for students to hear and
read for themselves. An enjoyable read.
Sue Nosworthy
Editor's note: This also available in paperback. ISBN 9781442548220.
Pizza cake by Morris Gleitzman
Puffin Books, 2011. ISBN 9780 14 330598.
(Ages 8+) Humour. Short stories. A selection of short stories by
Morris Gleitzman will fill a niche for many readers, giving them a
quick read, a read aloud in the classroom, stories to share with
friends, and stories to read alone with a family. All have a simple
premise, one that will capture the imagination of the reader, often
one they have come across themselves, with Gleitzman, in his usual
manner, offering a convoluted solution.
In the title story, for example, the words pizza cake is a phrase
often heard by a young boy and he imagines the words into an object
which becomes his talisman when he is afraid of something. His
beloved grandfather used the words and so Glenn finds consolation in
his words. But in the end, he finds that they mean something quite
different and he learns not to be scared. The first story, Saving
Ms Fosdyke puts teachers in the place of sports stars, valued,
sought after, and more importantly paid to sport star level. The
difference makes for a very funny read, and kids will laugh out loud
at the truth of it all. Pizza cake, containing ten shorts stories will be a favourite
in the classroom, library and at home.
Fran Knight
Eight Keys by Suzanne Lafleur
Puffin, 2011. ISBN 9780141342030
(10+) Turning twelve and starting middle school heralds the
beginning of an unhappy time in the life of Elise. Playing
make belief games with her long term friend Franklin suddenly seems
embarrassingly childish. Her locker buddy is a horrible bully and
school rapidly becomes a daily terror. Her aunt and uncle, with whom
she lives, want to help but Elise feels trapped. Can she ever be
happy again?
Help comes in the form of a mysterious key which unlocks a door to
the past. Elise has to make sense of what she uncovers and
find a new way to face the future.
This is a simply delightful adventure that ignites the imagination
in a most enchanting way. Fitting in at school and the acceptance of
peers is of utmost importance for adolescents and readers will
relate to Elise's struggle to find her place. The story reinforces
the values of friendship, integrity and trust in a compassionate and
creative manner.
This book will appeal particularly to girls and will make a great
addition to the school library.
Tina Cain
Dangerous to Know by Katy Moran
Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4063 1729 9.
When two strangers meet and fall in love, the world is suddenly lost
and the other person is their life raft. Jack and Bethany feel like
this and when nobody wants the two to be in love, they fight for
what they truly want - each other - but when family gets in the way,
what is really left to do? When family members are lost, sick,
worried, back unexpectedly, Jack and Bethany have to fight harder to
keep their love and stay in one piece - but sometimes, can family
have the strongest potential to break that love? Jack and Bethany
experience what it means to have a true love connection, but will it
work for them? Love is uncontrollable and you can't help who your
heart chooses.
I loved how even though they had to fight hard and at everyone they
still tried to make that love last. I sympathized for Jack and
Bethany because all they had to go through they still loved each
other. Fighting fate is hard, but fighting family is even harder.
This book shows the true colours of a fight-worthy love. I love
fight-worthy loves stories and this book is among them.
Cecilia Richards(Student)
