Angus and Robertson, 2011. ISBN: 978 0 7322 9022 1.
Highly recommended. From a blissful childhood, where food is
plentiful and family life happy and filled with ease, Nanberry's
life changes with the arrival of 'ghost canoes' and white people.
With them come white people's diseases, to which the aboriginal
communities have no immunity and the young boy sees his immediate
family struck down with smallpox. When the Governor and Surgeon
White go to investigate the deaths, Nanberry is discovered and taken
to the hospital where he is cared for and fed. As the child is
returned to health, and shows an aptitude to quickly learn English
words and ways, the Surgeon decides to adopt him. He takes the boy
home where his maid is expected to care for both Nanberry and the
o'possum which the Doctor has also found. This is the beginning of a
strange little family, which grows and changes over time, and the
life of each of the characters as they straddle the boundaries
between the worlds of the aboriginals, convicts and the English free
settlers.
French is a prolific author, whose novels are not only easily
devoured but quality literature, often challenging the reader to
think more deeply on her chosen topics. This title is no exception.
The killings of the aboriginal people, the relationships between
Masters and servants, English and aboriginals, the inhumane
treatment of the convicts onboard the ships to Australia and the
treatment (or mistreatment) of the land are amongst the topics
covered without being sanitised. Themes of family, loyalty, honour
and the value of hard work are all included, with the title being
based on the concept of belonging. Nanberry reflects on changes he
notes in himself as he muses, 'Black brother. White father.' Based
on actual characters of the time, one can well believe this dilemma
of being 'stranded between two cultures and at times earning
contempt from both' (author's notes) as being true not only of
Bennelong but also of Nanberry.
This title would work well as a comparative text for secondary
students, alongside Geraldine Brooks' Caleb's Crossing.
Jo Schenkel
First light by Rebecca Stead
Text, 2011. ISBN 9781921758256.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. This novel follows two separate
narratives which eventually join together to form one story. First
there is Peter, a young boy whose father is a university professor
and travels a lot to search out solutions to global warming. He
decides to take Peter, a university friend, and Peter's mother on a
trip to the North Pole for some research. Peter has also been having
very bad migraines and strange visions, visions that lead him to a
world hidden in the ice.
The second narrative is about Thea, a girl not much older than
Peter. She lives in a lost civilisation hidden deep in the ice of
the North Pole, and she has never seen the sky. She hopes to lead
her people to freedom above the ice, but is quickly repressed by her
grandmother. This leads her to search for the reason they can't go
above the ice, and in turn this reveals the truth about her mother's
death. First Light is the sort of book that is very hard to put
down. Once the story gets going, the reader is drawn into a
fantastic world of magic, mystery, and the allure of the icy north.
It's obvious this book was written for younger readers, but for the
older ones, this will still be a treat. This book relies, not on
sheer emotion or heart-stopping action scenes, but on the simple
pleasure of a very well told story. The plot is original and
refreshing and the characters are very realistic. The writing style
will probably feel a little simple to the older readers.
One of the main reasons this story works so well is because of the
setting. The allure of the north is in its mystery and by using this
effect so much; the setting has become one of the main characters.
The way it is mentioned makes the north feel alive, and the
creativity used in the construction of Gracehope (Thea's hidden
village) is wonderful. First Light is a very well written story that most people
will enjoy, but particularly young readers. This is a solid,
enjoyable book that is sure to make you smile.
I highly recommend this book.
Rebecca Adams
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth by Don Gardner
Ill. by Katz Cowley, sung by Craig Smith. Scholastic Australia. 2011
ISBN 978 1 74169 784 1.
(Ages 3-6) Picture book. Humour. Christmas. The old song is given a
new face with this attractive picture book, released for the
Christmas market, having a monkey as the main character, bemoaning
the fact that his two front teeth have gone missing. He has no idea
where they are, and tells the other animals, eventually lining up
with the throng waiting to see Santa with their requests. He tells
us how incomplete he is without his front teeth, unable to say Merry
Christmas, or Sister Susie sitting on a thistle, or to whistle. Each
page has delightful illustrations, sure to please any reader as well
as the person who reads it aloud. Each page will encourage
discussion amongst the smallest of the listeners about their teeth
and why they are important, and incidentally what they want for
Christmas!
A companion CD will initiate a great deal of fun in the classroom
and at home or the local library when the children sing along.
Fran Knight
Dinosaur dig! by Penny Dale
Noisy Crow, 2011. ISBN 978 0 85763 006 3.
(Ages 6-8) Picture book. A different counting book with 10 dinosaurs
digging a hole, with 10 different pieces of machinery is presented
in this vibrant picture book. On each double page is a dinosaur and
a piece of machinery doing something which requires lots of words to
describe their actions. As each page turns, another dinosaur and
piece of machinery appears, adding up to 10. The repetitive nature
of each page makes it a shoe-in for kids joining in and predicting
what will happen next. Each page also has a series of wonderful
doing words which kids will be able to emulate and use to make
appropriate noises.
Altogether a great sharing book for a group of kids and an adult
reader. The endpapers cover each of the dinosaurs used in the book,
with their correct names and realistic drawings, while the other end
features the machinery with again the correct names and realistic
drawings. Kids will learn the correct names for both dinosaurs and
machinery from this picture book.
The climax to the story will have kids laugh out loud at the
dinosaurs and what they intend to do with the hole that they have
dug. An odd combination of things, but kids will lap it up.
Fran Knight
Sensitive Creatures by Mandy Ord
Allen and Unwin, 2011. ISBN 978 1 74237 216 7.
Suitable for upper secondary students and adults. At first glance
this collection of 39 short, black ink comics featuring Mandy Ord's
trademark 'one eyed girl' seems to belong in the company of those
slightly offbeat street and graffiti art books. However the
'sensitive creatures' that inhabit the stories, finding ways to live
conscientiously in a sometimes challenging urban environment,
deserve a wider readership. Mostly autobiographical, Mandy's
challenges range from finding ways to deal with aggressive thugs on
public transport and engaging disinterested students in art classes
to agonising over having almost driven her car into a pedestrian.
Simply linked with frames showing the artist struggling to find a
new idea for a story, this collection reminds us that to live with
integrity and care about the people we interact with every day is
not always easy. Orr lives and works in Melbourne so the urban
landscape has a familiar feel, one of my favourite parts is her
comment, on visiting her sister in Brussels and observing the
differences, 'I can't ever imagine there being a hard rubbish in
Brussels' p.130. Art and media students will find her comic style
interesting and accessible.
Sue Speck
The traitor's smile by Patricia Elliott
Pimpernelles. Book 2. Hodder Children's Books, ISBN
978-0-340-95677-9.
Pimpernelles: The traitor's smile is a fantastic book which will keep
your curiosity kindled and make it very hard to put this book down.
Pimpernelles is a series of two books that are set in England and
France back in the revolution. The main characters are Eugenie, a
beautiful French aristocrat who is fleeing the horrid revolution
with her quiet and handsome French companion, Julien. Hetta,
Eugenie's English cousin who is such a tomboy, believes that the
revolution in France is fantastic as she dreams about one day being
involved in it.
As Eugenie and Julien appear in England, Julien not speaking fluent
English, things start to become intense between Hetta and Julien
when she offers to teach him the English language. Suddenly
everything changes when Guy Deschamps appears in Deal, the small
coastal town in which this book is staged. Guy had been close
friends with Armand, Eugenie's brother who is being held in a prison
awaiting trial by the guillotine due to acts against the republic.
Eugenie is astounded that something might be going between Guy and
Julien.
A truly spectacular story of: loss and love, revolution and
hardship. This book would be more appropriate/ suited to the age 15
and upwards.
Sarah Filkin (Student)
On Orchard Road by Elspeth Edgar
Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 978 1 921720 29 1.
(Ages 10+) Recommended. A gentle story of finding friends in unexpected
places, Jane moves to a country town where she knows no-one. A new
school, a smaller house, her mother and new baby sister are still in
Melbourne, where the baby is in intensive care. Jane is sullen and
sometimes uncooperative, but then immediately contrite. An incident on
her first day at school puts her off side with a group of the boys, who
when seeing her on her bike on the weekend threaten her causing her to
fall off and injure herself. She is helped by another boy from school,
Michael, and when a woman comes out of the strange dilapidated house
nearby to help, Jane feels the tension between her and the others. But
taken inside, she soon comes to see that this woman is a recluse,
picked on by the same group of boys, and very much alone.
Beautifully written, full of wonderful descriptions, this story will
win the readership of many young girls, particularly, in middle school.
The change in Jane's life is one felt by all as she must cope with not
only living with just her father as he begins his new job, but also
find new friends in a new school, and work out where she belongs. All
the time the separation of the girl and her mother is felt keenly and
the health of her baby sister hangs over them all.
The relationships between Jane and her parents and new sibling are
exquisitely told, bringing another layer of reality to the story
already overflowing with verisimilitude.
But the old woman draws her back and Jane's life becomes entwined with
hers as she learns more about her and her past while they share their
innermost thoughts, their writings and drawings. Teamed with Michael at
school, they and two others conduct a presentation about the old woman
and her garden, showing some of the drawings Jane has done and giving
life to the old garden. A lovely story of coming together, of finding
new friends, of getting along with those outside your own experience,
this story will remind many of the anxiety felt when trying to fit in.
Fran Knight
Waltzing with Jack Dancer: a slow dance with cancer by Geoff Goodfellow
Wakefield Press, 2011. ISBN: 9781862549593.
(Age 16 +) Recommended. Geoff Goodfellow is a well known South
Australian whose poetry has been studied at Senior School level for
many years. In 2008 he was diagnosed with throat cancer and in this
collection of poems he documents with humour and candour the harsh
realities of cancer and treatment. The poems work best as a
collective narrative rather than as individual poems as Geoff takes
readers on his journey through misdiagnosis, unsympathetic medical
staff and the awfulness of the treatment and its side effects.
His teenage daughter Grace also contributes to the book with a
moving prose piece that documents the effects of the cancer journey
on family members and the anguish she feels watching her strong
father battle such a formidable enemy.
Be aware there is some very strong language so it is recommended
that your copy is reserved for senior students. Teachers can contact
Geoff Goodfellow for school visits through his website. Highly
recommended to anyone who has been a cancer patient and family or
friends who have cared for someone with cancer.
Chris Lloyd
Captain Blunderbolt by Carol Ann Martin
Ill. by Loren Morris. Mates (series). Scholastic. 2011. ISBN 978 1
86291 823 8.
(Ages 6+) Recommended. Life on the goldfields is tough for Alberta,
Maudie and Tully Flannigan. Their parents work hard to get money for
the family to live, but the school lessons cost threepence a week
which they can barely afford. Father goes off to try and find work,
but often gets lost coming home. The children would prefer to wag
school, and in so doing one day, climb upon a mound of rocks near
the town and find it is the hide out for the notorious captain
Blunderbolt, the local bushranger. There they watch his antics, and
Tully, knowing that their father has gone off again in search of
work, comes to the conclusion that the bushranger, an inept rider
and thief, is their father. When the police set a trap for the
robber, things escalate and Blunderbolt escapes, but not before Alberta
works out who he really is.
A fun little story in this great range of books, Captain Blunderbolt
will be enjoyed by the early chapter book readers, looking for a
humourous tale to read. Lots of pictures reflect the action, adding
to the overall picture of what it was like to live on the gold
fields in the nineteenth century. Some words, as in the others in
this fine series, are highlighted, adding variety and interest to
the text. Short chapters ensure readers will follow what is
happening, and the whole package is inviting. A list at the end of
the book outlines the others in this series, which will be eagerly
sought out in the school library and bookshop shelves.
Fran Knight
Beautiful days: A Bright Young Things Novel by Anna Godbersen
Penguin, 2011. ISBN 9780141335551.
(Age: 16 +) Recommended with reservation. This is the second in a
series by an author already well known for her Luxe series. A
historical romance novel, it continues the story of three young
women living a glamorous and decadent life in New York in the late
1920's. Cordelia is becoming involved in the family
bootlegging business, Letty is trying to mark her mark as a singer,
and Astrid is deciding whether she wants to become a young bride.
There is fascinating detail on the period, particularly on the money
to be made by gangsters during prohibition and the fashions and
decadent lifestyle of the rich. The characters of the 3 girls are
engaging and you care about their fates and worry about their
naivete. The middle part of the book does move slowly but as the
main characters are drawn into danger the pace picks up. It is well
written with rich language and an ending that leads you to ponder
their fates as the Depressions looms. Recommended for readers who
would have some knowledge of the period already.
Chris Lloyd
Vicious little darlings by Katherine Easer
Bloomsbury 2011. ISBN: 978-1-59990-628-7. Vicious Little Darlings is a gripping novel which you will
either hate or love. The one thing that doesn't change is the
knowledge you will want to read it through time after time. Emotive
and diabolical, Katherine Easer's first novel is nail biting and
packed with drama and a touch of the paranormal.
From a broken home Sarah Weaver has two choices, have her Nana pay
for her tuition at Weatherly Women's Collage or make her own way at
UCLA. Poorer than poor Sarah chooses the former - not that her
Nana's word means much to her, but a bit of cash now and then is
much better then working between classes. Sarah keeps this in mind
as she enters her dorm, nothing can prepare her for what happens
next.
You name it this story's got it; sex, romance and horror, mystery,
humour and it's jam packed with life lessons and warnings. This is a
book every girl should read. Lies, lust and love are featured themes
and there are wickedly crafted characters. Join in the mind games
with Agnes, Maddy and Sarah as they show you what it's like to feel
like you're sitting in a pressure cooker.
Kayla Gaskell (Student)
Act of Faith by Kelly Gardiner
Angus and Robertson, 2011. ISBN 9780732292805.
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. Intelligent and strong minded
Isabella is forced to flee Cambridge in 1640 with her scholarly
father and seek refuge with a printer in Amsterdam. The story, told
engagingly in the first person, also takes us to Venice and Spain as
Isabella and a young friend, Willem risk their lives to save their
Master from the perils of the Inquisition.
This book will inform the reader about the damage that can be done
through religious intolerance and the importance of freedom of
thought. It is fast paced and the intriguing and well researched
detail of life on the Continent in the 17th Century will be enjoyed
by readers. The three main characters (Isabella, Willem Signora
Contarini, and Master de Aquilla) are all passionate book lovers and
the moments of humour and of romance in the story act to break some
of the tension during the frantic race across Europe.
This would be an interesting paired text with Fahrenheit 451
or The Book Thief for Senior English students. It could also
be used by students seeking a strong female protagonist. There are
excellent Teacher Notes available
and a sequel The Sultan's eyes will be published in 2013.
Chris Lloyd
When we were two by Robert Newton
Penguin, 2011. ISBN 9780143566830.
Sometime around 1916, seventeen year old Dan and his younger brother
Eddie leave home from Gunnedah to walk to Port Macquarie, hoping to
find their mother who left home many years before whilst escaping
their violent father. The boys are ill prepared to undertake this
road trip and by necessity find themselves associating with various
characters, good and bad whom they meet on the journey.
Eddie has an intellectual disability from a brain injury caused by
near drowning when he was small and the greater part of the tale is
centred around his elder sibling's protective and loving nature
toward him. The complexity of this relationship is gradually
revealed during their adventure which is realistic when considered
in the simpler, more austere time in which it is set.
Plausibly, the boys encounter the unpleasant side of life, however
Dan's ingenuity and courage prevail and they soon find themselves in
the company of a family whose daughter shows them kindness. On the
next stage of their journey Dan and Eddie meet a delightful
character called Ah Ling. The boys initially find this Chinese man
confronting with his limited language and strange customs, however
his benevolence and wisdom soon prevail and the boys accumulate
skills and knowledge from him as they journey onwards.
The latter half of the novel involves the pair falling in with a
band of volunteer soldiers who are marching to the same destination
to enlist. These likeable ruffians contribute depth to the tale as
their background stories and daily interactions involve humour and
pathos which occasionally relates to the boys' own experience.
Concepts such as decency, resilience, dedication and responsibility
are presented and considered by the various characters who are led
by the fatherly figure Henry who is firm but fair with his comrades,
including the boys.
The concept of where you're going, as opposed to where you've come
from is a powerful theme in this narrative as is the consideration
of relationships founded upon choice, alongside bonds from birth.
This enjoyable story will appeal to and have meaning for early and
mid teens. The cover illustration is especially poignant.
Rob Welsh
Santa's Aussie mix-up by Colin Buchanan
Ill. by Simon Swingler. Scholastic Australia. 2011 ISBN 9781 74283
007 0.
(Ages: 4-7) Picture book. Christmas. When Santa comes to Australia
to deliver his presents, he finds that he needs the help of an
Australian animal to deliver them all. But which animal can he
chose? He must test them all to find one that is suitable. Each
animal in its turn tries the test, but none of them is up to
the task. The Tasmanian Devil wraps up the wallabies, the platypus
slips and falls in the wombat hole, the kangaroo smashes the
presents with its hopping and the emu trips. The kangaroo an emu
begin to argue over which animal is the best, and Santa then takes
the middle road and has emu and kangaroo deliver the gifts, despite
their shortcomings. The children receive their presents even though
this year they are a little worse for wear.
A pleasing little tale told in rhyme will have the readers
predicting what is going to happen to each animal, and recognising
each Australian animal as it appears. They will find much to laugh
at with the animal antics, and will find more humour in the brightly
executed illustrations which cover each page.
A parody of Advance Australia Fair, the students will recognise the
similarities once the story is begun and start to sing along as it
is read. A CD accompanies the book adding another layer of enjoyment
for the reader and listener at Christmas time.
Fran Knight
Pearson Picture Books
Pearson Australia, 2011.
The ten titles listed comprise half of this series, each being a
slim picture book of sixteen pages, just a tad smaller than A4 size.
Their brightly illustrated covers contain simple, cartoon style
pictures and bold titles, displaying the unique styles of the
different illustrators yet working cohesively as a set. These would
be useful as either class readers for students just starting school
or in the Library, perhaps as a boxed set, for children who wish to
borrow books they can read by themselves. Most 'readers' seem to use
a smaller format but these, being larger, seem to be more like
ordinary picture books. Many children would experience a greater
sense of satisfaction from reading these as they seem to be a bridge
between the two types of texts. Any of the themes or story lines
could provide a starting point for discussions in a classroom as the
messages in each title is positive and the stories amusing.
Robby in the River
Judy Waite, Judy Brown (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4792 6
When Robby, the dog, falls into the river while trying to retrieve a
stick, Lucy needs to be creative and persistent in order to get him
out.
Jolly Hungry Jack
Carrie Weston, Nick Schon (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4784 1
A counting book involving food, this also acts as a cautionary tale
about what one should eat and perhaps hints at the old adage
regarding one's 'eyes being bigger than one's stomach'.
The Day the Sky Fell Down
Michaela Morgan, Janet Cope (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4802 2
This rhyming story has a slightly different take on the traditional
tale of Henny Penny.
Lion's Lunch
Hiawyn Oram, Woody (il.l) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4796 4
Tiger endeavours to encourage the other animals to aid Lion in
getting his lunch! The illustrations of the devious Tiger wearing
dark glasses appealed to me.
No Running!
Alison Hawes, Michael Reid (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4788 9
Rules at the pool are made for a purpose but, in some instances,
they are also broken for good reasons.
Try Again, Emma
Jane Langford, Ann Kronheimer (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4800 8
Persistence, determination and effort are important as Emma works to
create an entry in a poster competition.
Jasmine's Duck
Barbara Wood, Barbara Vagnozzi (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4786 5
Not everything is as it seems when Jasmine tries to share her food
equally with the ducks at the park.
Answer the Phone, Fiona!
John Priest, Andy Cooke (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4790 2
A simple rhyming tale, familiar to many families, Fiona fails to
hear or answer the persistent ringing of the phone.
Goal!
Jane Langford, James Browne (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4798 8
Alex longs to be part of the soccer team but is too young. Will he
let this put him off of practicing or not?
Hullabaloo at the Zoo
Michaela Morgan, Bill Ledger (ill.) ISBN: 978 1 4425 4794 0
A delightful rhyming tale in which the animals at the zoo are
observed by the children, this story has a funny ending which will
appeal to young readers.
Jo Schenkel
