Bloomsbury, 2011.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Have you ever wondered what the story is
behind Michelangelo's classic sculpture, David? In this book, Mary
Hoffman imagines the story behind the famous sculpture, combining
the politics of Florence at the time with a fascinating back-story
and glimpse into the possible personal life of the sculptor himself,
not to mention the subject of David.
David is first and foremost a historical novel. For some, this may
seem like a turn-off, but in truth the many layers of fascinating
politics and personal lives make this an interesting, nonetheless
informative read. Mary Hoffman has the real talent as a writer of
creating a brilliant, creative imagining of what the past was like,
immersing the reader in old studies, language, and history. This
book was no exception. The characters are fascinating and well
developed, and the plot is interesting, especially if you've ever
been curious about the story behind the famous sculpture. For fans
of history, this will be a captivating read, and for people who are
interested in politics, this will be even more so.
This book is best for older readers, because of some sexual content.
David is the perfect novel for those curious about the story
behind the famous sculpture, politics in Florence or simply someone
looking for a good read.
I recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams (Student)
Darius Bell and the Crystal Bees by Odo Hirsch
Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN: 978 1 74237 683 7
When the bees on the Bell Estate appear to have swarmed, the bee
keepers, the Deavers, are not especially concerned . . . at least,
not until all of the bees seem to have disappeared. Meanwhile Mr.
Beale, the science teacher, is enlisted to explain both 'swarming'
and the importance of the bees in the process of pollination. When
Darius realises the consequences of the bees' absence, he and his
friends go into action to try and resolve the situation to ensure
the workers on the Bell Estate will not suffer or be forced to
leave. Whilst these issues are upmost in the boys' minds, Mrs.
Lightman, the Principal of Viglen School is demanding Darius assist
her in producing costumes from the Estate. She plans to use them in
winning the Mayor's Prize at the annual event. Will Darius be able
to sort things out for his friends and outsmart the Mayor in the
process?
Despite not having previously been a major Odo Hirsch fan, I've
thoroughly enjoyed the Darius Bell books. They are easy reads and
would be useful as read-aloud titles for middle to upper primary
classes or for use in literature circles. This could be used as an
adjunct to a science unit because the whole of Darius's class
becomes involved in various science-based activities around bees and
pollination. Team work, friendship, loyalty and problem solving are
themes which are central to this title, all of which could be teased
out within the classroom. There is a certain amount of humour
included, largely at the expense of the mayor and the principal as
well as revolving around Paul and his inappropriate use of proverbs.
Allen & Unwin regularly include great teacher notes on their
site, as well as teacher reviews. Comprehensive teacher notes for
this title can be found here.
Jo Schenkel
Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink
Atom, 2011. ISBN 9781905654475/
Circle of Fire is an engaging Gothic fantasy with a feminine heroine
Lia, who manages to overcome both her own darkness of character and
a menacing, supernatural force threatening the world.
Lia summons a steadfast conviction utilising the wholesome strength
of love, both familial and romantic to overcome her trials. The
story interweaves a supernatural quest with an idealised romance.
Michelle Zink uses an imaginative treatment of characters who are on
a high ethical plane with an emphasis on values.
The story speaks to me of family and bonding, the bonds between
parents, siblings and extended family, even those bonds we make with
significant others and how these alliances are drawn together in
times of trial and hardship. Instead of possible dissolution, a
unity is created that is strong enough to overcome the jealousies,
hurts and estrangement of Lia's twin sister Alice and draws many
other characters to contribute their loyalty to the quest.
All the ingredients of prophecy, journey, romance and quest combine
to involve the reader's interest and enjoyment.
Cristine Davis
Dark woods by Steve Voake
Faber and Faber, 2011. ISBN 978 0 571 26005 8.
(Ages 11+) Horror. Cal a foster boy who knows that this family, like
all the others will send him back, refuses to display any emotion to
anyone he is with. After all, what is the point, no-one really knows
him and he is adept at keeping himself to himself. But on a camping
holiday with his latest foster parents, he meets Eden, a girl of
similar age camping in the same park, who takes him exploring. What
they come across is absolutely fearful, dragging up their most
dangerous nightmares, making them real enough to endanger their
lives.
They meet a man in the woods who promises to help them return to
their camp, but taking a drink from him, find themselves in his
remote cabin far deeper in the woods, hearing the most improbable
story. His only friend was a dog, Tansy, now dead, and he has built
a machine that will bring the dog back, a machine which materialises
something that is thought about while asleep. He talks Cal into
helping him, but Eden is not so sure. During his experiments on the
two, he materialises their scariest nightmares, and it is what he
has brought back from their dreams that they must now escape from.
So begins a terrifying night in the forest, escaping the worst
nightmares of these two teens, as well as the man who wants his dog
brought back and feels that they have betrayed him. it is seriously
creepy and will be eagerly read by middle school readers.
Fran Knight
Dress Rehearsal by Zoe Thurner
Fremantle Press, 2011. ISBN 9781921696671.
(Age 15 +) Recommended. The story of Lara Pearlman and her friends
as they prepare to stage their school play reveals strained
relationships within families and with friendships. Year 12 student
Lara is a free spirit which often puts her at odds with her
controlling mother. She imagines herself in love with the school 'Mc
Dreamy', Blake, and has complicated relationships with Oggy, her
best friend, and Nathan, who is her chief supporter. Lara needs to
work out how to challenge the rules but remain safe, and how to act
when presented with very real and complex challenges to her values.
While Lara's descriptions of her life are often funny, sudden twists
in the story line take the reader into darker territory in the
latter part of the book as actions taken have negative consequences
for many of the characters. There is a certain level of complexity
that may cause confusion for some readers, but those who persevere
will remember the character of Lara with fondness.
Zoe Thurner, a first time author, is a high school drama teacher and
the descriptions of drama rehearsals and school life are
entertaining and believable.
Chris Lloyd
A monster calls by Patrick Ness
(From an original idea by Siobhan Dowd). Ill. by Jim Kay. Walker
Books, 2011. ISBN 9781406311525.
(Age 13 +) Highly recommended. The cover and title might suggest
this is a horror story but in fact it is a touching tale about a boy
facing the death of his beloved mother. It's bad enough that Conor's
mum is battling cancer; it's bad enough that Conor is having
dreadful nightmares but things become even worse when the yew tree
monster comes to call. Every night at exactly 12.07 the monster
appears. At first Conor thinks it means to frighten him until he
discovers that the monster wants to tell him three stories: one
about a witch queen (a little like his grandmother), one about a
selfish man (a little like his dad) and one about a lonely,
invisible man (a little like himself). Conor is confused and angered
by these stories which all have a sharp twist in their tails.
However, he is horrified when the monster asks him to tell the story
of his nightmare. Can he finally face the truth?
The idea for this touching story came from Siobhan Dowd, whose
untimely death prevented its completion. Patrick Ness has done a
brilliant job in taking Dowd's idea and not only making it his own,
but also, creating a beautiful book in the process. He is well
supported by illustrator, Jim Kay, whose dark pictures and evocative
cover complement the text brilliantly. The placing of the
illustrations even provides an antidote at times: as the grief and
anger mounts in Conor's life, it is almost a relief to turn a page
and find the mood conveyed in pictures rather than words.
And the meaning of the nightly visits by the monster will finally,
and heart wrenchingly, become clear to both Conor and the reader.
The subject matter behind this story may be dark but Ness cleverly
finds the beauty of love and life at its core - readers will be
saddened but also satisfied by the novel's ending.
Deborah Marshall
Sektion 20 by Paul Dowswell
Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4088 0863 4
(Ages: 12+) Recommended. Thriller. Cold War. Alex is a rowdie,
deemed as subversive by the authorities and others loyal to the
German Democratic Party of the DDR, German Democratic Republic, or
East Germany between World War 2 and 1989. He comes from loyal
parents, but the views of Alex and his sister, Gali are cause for
concern for his teachers and then the Stasi, the police whose aim is
to make all conform to the narrow beliefs of the state. The Cold War
is in full swing, the division between east and west all
encompassing. Alex loves the hated subversive music form the west,
playing with his cheap guitar, and sharing his love with his band
and his girlfriend, Sophie.
But when one of his group, Holger and his girlfriend, Effie, attempt
to escape over the wall, Alex comes within the sights of the Secret
Police, and the new leader of Sektion 20, a zealous ex Nazi who has
taken an East German's identity, and is ambitious to prove his
ability. After he is tortured, Alex's family realise that they will
always be under suspicion and that their children will have many
doors closed to them, so they escape into West Germany. But their
troubles are still not over.
A spine chilling adventure story of survival, the background of the
Cold War is fascinating and will be new to many students, adding
another level of story about refugees and what it is like to have to
flee your homeland.
Fran Knight
Murgatroyd's garden by Judy Zavos
Ill. by Drahos Zak. Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 9781 921720 52 9.
(Ages: 5 +) Picture book. Recommended. The cautionary tale of what
happens if you do not allow your parents to wash your hair, is given
full reign in this very funny story of Murgatroyd and his dislike of
getting his hair washed. His parents try to do this task, but he so
dislikes it, he screams and the screams radiate all over the city,
causing mayhem to commoner and rulers alike. Women's skirts fly up,
umbrellas are wrenched from people's hands, the mayor cannot give
his speech, the quuen's crown falls to the ground and is smashed and
the president loses his suitcase, all of its contents spilling onto
the ground. So what to do? The queen orders the parents never to try
again and so the hair grows and grows, filling up with flowers and
trees and vegetables. neighbours pick the flowers and veggies, but
Murgatroyd becomes weaker an weaker, trying to hold up his enormous
garden of hair, so that he is forced to ask his parents to cut it
off. A neat resolution to the problem makes everyone happy.
The story is augmented with delightfully whimsical illustrations.
Richly detailed, enticing children to look more closely, the
illustrations will also make the parent laugh at the little things
hidden in the pictures. Why has the president a high heeled shoe in
his luggage for example? The hair is full of interesting little
things which younger children will delight in searching out.
First published in 1986, Murgatroyd's garden was named an
honour book in the CBCA list that year, along with Animalia
(Graeme Base)
Walker Books has republished this along with many other Australian
Classics, all listed at the back of this book, along with
information from both the author and illustrator and the 1986
publisher.
Fran Knight
Only Ever Always by Penny Russon
Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 9781741750447.
(Age 15 +) Readers may well find the beginning of this novel to be
rather confusing as it switches quickly between the two very
different worlds of Clara and Claire. Claire's world is one of
safety, love and happiness. However, this world is shattered when
she learns that her beloved Uncle Charlie has had an accident from
which he may not recover. Clara's world is already shattered: she
appears to have no parents, she lives in a wreck of a house and she
scrapes a living together by scrounging. However, Clara does have
two friends: the streetwise Groom, who clearly adores her, and the
enigmatic Andrew, whom she adores. When Andrew becomes ill, Clara
sets out to save him and so becomes embroiled in an even seamier
side of life.
The literal link between these two stories is a musical globe which
enables the girls to move between worlds. Befittingly, Claire's
globe is whole whilst Clara's is shattered. But there are other more
subtle links: the two quaint old ladies who live next to Claire also
feature in Clara's world (in a more evil incarnation) and Andrew's
battle against death mirrors Charlie's.
Unfortunately, there is much to confuse the reader in this book:
Clara's world is difficult to understand at first and the frequent
transition between the two worlds, at climactic points in the story,
can be a tad jarring. Claire's second person narrative voice is also
an odd choice as it often seems rather stilted; at other times
her phrasing seems a little too poetic for a thirteen year old girl.
However, for those readers who stick with it, there is also much to
enjoy in this novel: as the twin stories draw closer together, we
see how both girls deal with loss and grief. There may be elements
of the story which are not fully explained but the ending is quietly
satisfying.
Deborah Marshall
No Ordinary Love Song by Alison Prince
Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 9781406306637.
(Age: 14+) Sixteen year old Callum doesn't see the point of anything
in his life. Convinced the world is doomed because of environmental
vandalism, he also feels disconnected from school and his
dysfunctional family. Each week he travels from the small island off
the coast of Scotland, where he lives, to attend counselling
sessions on the mainland. When a new girl from Australia comes to
live near him, Callum is challenged to see the world differently.
This book deals with typical teenage issues such as the search for
identity, romance and sexual intimacy, although not in a
particularly confronting way. It is told from Callum's point of view
and that of his mother Elaine, who is also searching for her own
happiness in a tired marriage. She and her husband are having extra
marital affairs which adds to Callum's sense of isolation.
Alison Prince is the author of over forty books and teenagers will
identify with her contemporary concerns about the environment and
family breakdown. Unfortunately the story feels contrived and
superficial in places, which undermines its overall value.
Tina Cain
Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart
Random House, 2011. ISBN: 978 1 74275 096 5.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. When her sister becomes betrothed to
a prince in a northern nation, Zeraphina's only consolations are
that her loyal animal companions are by her side - and that her
burning hunger to travel north is finally being sated. Already her
black hair and pale eyes mark her out as different, but now
Zeraphina must be more careful to keep her secret safe. Craving
blood is not considered normal behaviour for anyone, let alone a
princess. So when the king's advisor, Rodden, seems to know more
about her condition than she does, Zeraphina is determined to find
out more.
Zeraphina must be willing to sacrifice everything if she's to
uncover the truth - but what if the truth is beyond her worst
nightmares?
This book is amazing, it brings on a different take on vampires. I
read this book in exactly 7 hours and 25 minutes, and that's pretty
fast for me. I really enjoyed the story line and even though a few
sentences were confusing or slightly in the wrong place I love it! I
will definitely be following Hart with her writing career and cannot
wait until the sequel.
Taylor Oxenham (Student)
Poggle and the treasure by Michael Evans
Egmont, 2011. ISBN 978-1405248129.
Poggle is an enchanting baby dragon with a cheerful, gentle, teddy
bear face who lives in a jaunty striped beach hut at the beach where
his adventures take place. In this story, he and his best friend
Henry have spent a grand day playing pirates . .
. they've made a pirate ship, eaten a pirate lunch and fought
a scary sea monster. Now, in the best tradition of all pirates, they
are digging for treasure. But what they find is not the chest of
riches, they expect. It is an egg, which they lovingly tend to until
it hatches. The creature that emerges will be familiar to the
children, but not to Poggle and Henry, and there's a certain delight
in knowing something others don't. The ending has a delightful twist
and both Poggle and Henry agree they found REAL treasure.
Michael Evans has crafted a great story that Miss 5 really enjoyed
(especially guessing what might be in the egg) and his illustrations
add a touch of humour that we both enjoyed. We talked about the
things that come from eggs (she's familiar with these because we
have chooks) and what real treasure is. It's not always jewels and
gold. I'm sure this one will be a read-again next time she comes.
Barbara Braxton
Have you seen Ally Queen? by Deb Fitzpatrick
Fremantle Press, 2011. ISBN: 9781921888489.
(Ages: 12+) Highly recommended. When fifteen year old Ally Queen
moves from Perth to the back of beyond, she believes that her life
is over. With her only friends having been left behind and their
communication being limited to text messages and emails, it seems
that nothing can get any worse. Ally's nerdy younger brother, Jerry,
lives for his electronic creations and seems happy enough about the
move, whereas she places the blame entirely on her non-conformist
parents who have forced the change upon the family. Feeling as
though she doesn't fit in, with her dress sense and interests
different to those of the girls at the new school, Ally keeps to
herself and seemingly attracts the interest of only an annoying boy
who travels on her bus. Her mother starts to 'lose the plot' and
Ally continues to keep her private life a secret from her class
mates, teachers and the school counsellor whom she is forced to
visit. Will her life ever be 'normal' again?
By using the genuine voice of an egocentric teenage girl,
Fitzpatrick has dealt with the serious issues of growing up, being
true to oneself, family, friendship, relationships, isolation and
mental illness in such a way as to appeal to a broad variety of
readers. There is a suitable amount of humour sprinkled throughout
thereby lifting the mood of the story without trivialising the
issues. From an adult perspective, the wall Ally builds around
herself, thereby adding to her loneliness, seems unnecessary. To a
teenager, it is highly likely this would be the accepted way of
handling matters, yet the author shows that problems can be shared
and hence diminished.
The similarities between this title and Tim Winton's Lockie
Leonard Legend are certainly evident. With the Western
Australian beach setting, the distinctive Aussie voice, the move to
new towns, the mental illnesses experienced by the mothers of the
protagonists and their ways of handling them, these could act work
together as paired or comparative texts. The responsibilities Locky
and Ally take on could provide a focus for the points of difference
between the two titles.
Jo Schenkel
Captain Congo and the Klondike gold by Ruth Starke
Ill. by Greg Holfeld. Working Title Press, 2011. ISBN 978 1 921504
27 3.
(Ages 8+) Adventure. Graphic novel. Warmly recommended. The daring
Captain Congo and his side kick, Pug, travel incognito to Alaska's
Klonduke after the heat of the gold rush to investigate claims that
the old gold field is haunted. Reports of a monster, of lights at
night and of men disappearing are grist to the mille when Congo and
Pug hit the trail. During the train ride north they are sabotaged,
Pug almost falling to his death and the would be murderer falling
foul of Congo's strength. Arriving at Klondike, they are again
detoured from their purpose as another villain lures them down a
dangerous river, then leaves them to the rapids. Luckily Congo was a
champion rough river rider, and so saves the day, yet again!
At night the pair watches what happens, following the trail of the
Yeti type creature, until it ends suddenly. But the next day pug
falls into the hole where the creature disappeared and eventually
Congo follows him, working out just what is happening. But in
catching the bad men at the end they appear to be helped by a
somewhat ephemeral being from inside the old mine.
A hoot from beginning to end, I was captivated by the wonderful
antics of Congo and his friend as they pursue villains, follow
monsters and solve the crimes. They do not flinch in the face of
danger and stand up to what ever is thrown at them. The Canadian
Mounted Police, Mae West and villains of all sorts make an
appearance, adding to the underlying humour of the piece, all well
served by Greg Holfeld's imaginative and entrancing illustrations.
He has a great style, filling the pages with bright, evocative
pictures full of movement and drama, his characters all having
quirks which separate them from the others. Evocative of comics I
read in the 1950's, the storyline and illustrations are all
consuming to the modern reader, and the hard back book is great to
handle and read.
Fran Knight
A spy in the house by Y. S. Lee
Walker, 2009. ISBN 9781406315165.
(Age 12+) Recommended. Mystery. After Mary Quinn lost her parents,
her life deteriorates and she is forced to steal to stay alive in
the grim Victorian age when orphan children scavenge on the streets.
Sentenced to death for theft at the age of 12, she is rescued from
the gallows and taken to Miss Scrimshaw's Academy for Girls, where
she turns her life around. After five years at the Academy, she is
ready to take on a new life and is offered a place in the Agency,
which investigates cases involving criminal acts and when sufficient
evidence is collected, the criminals are turned over to the police.
Mary is sent off to live with the Thorold family, as a companion to
Angelica, a bored, spoilt girl, who is also a gifted musician. Mr
Thorold is suspected of fraud and Mary is to keep her eyes and ears
open and help find evidence to convict him. When Mary meets James, a
young man who also wants to find out about the Thorold family, all
sorts of exciting adventures follow. This mystery was gripping with
lots of red herrings scattered throughout the book and enough twists
and turns to keep the reader guessing what was going to happen next.
There is also an intriguing mystery about Mary Quinn's father, which
I hope will be explored in the sequels, The Body at the Tower
and The traitor and the tunnel, which I am looking forward
to reading.
Right from the first pages I became really involved in the feisty
character of Mary Quinn. Lee has created a wonderful heroine whose
adventures kept me enthralled to the end of the book. I loved how
independent she was and how the Agency was prepared to take girls
who were intelligent and had potential and turned their lives
around. The witty repartee between James and Mary also brought a
dash of humour to the book.
A fast paced, well written book, this would be a good introduction
to the mystery genre for young readers.
Pat Pledger
