Walker Books, Australia, 2012. ISBN 978 1 921977 75 6.
(Ages: 5+) Highly recommended. Picture book. Humour. Seemingly
simple, this tale of Louise building herself a house and following
her construction through to the end is most appealing. Each verso
(left hand side page) shows the plan of attack, and the recto (right
hand side page) shows her using the part she has built. Each double
page shows a step in the building's construction, with Louise at its
centre, building something she wants to build and the reason for its
being built.
The large white pages on the verso plan out her building, while the
colourful recto show the results of her efforts. Each page adds
another piece to the building: each page shows her abilities and
interests, until finally the house is built, shown in all its glory
towards the end of the book, and reflected on the front cover.
Readers will thrill at the efforts Louise goes to build her house,
adding many features they will want to discuss, while talking about
the things they would want to include in their houses. They will
love to look at the variety of clothing she dons for specific parts
of the building process, and this too will initiate discussion
amongst the readers about the clothing's significance. Her choice of
building materials is another point of interest and the last image
of what she does with the house too, will intrigue readers.
Walker Books has added editorial comment from Libby Gleeson, as well
as the author, giving her reasons behind writing the book, so adding
another level of interest to a class where this book is read. Walker
Books has again republished another Australian classic, one which
deserves to be looked at again and again.
Fran Knight
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2012. ISBN 9781742972817.
(Age: 12 +) We've had angels, vampires, demons and werewolves
attracted to teenage girls and now it seems mermaids, or rather
mermen (despite the protagonist's objection to this description of
himself) are the new angels. Galen is a Syrena - one who has human
form on land but grows a fin and swims at incredible speeds when at
sea. He feels an electrical connection to Emma and her white
hair and violet eyes would indicate she, too, is a Syrena. Although
she discovers she can swim underwater for a long time when Galen
takes her into the deep, her legs never morph into fins. He is a
Prince but she is a commoner, unaware, until puberty, that she has
the Gift of Poseidon. Furthermore, as the only living heir of
Poseidon, she is destined to marry Galen's brother Grom and produce
offspring for Royal House of Triton.
This is a glorified teen romance with the requisite hot male,
hostility with intense mutual attraction on meeting , a controlling
male and reacting female, break-up and make-up. There is violence,
an arranged marriage and even a visit to the wreck of the Titanic.
The device of alternating chapters of Emma's first person voice
contrasting with Galen's story told in the third person allows for
the inclusion of the stories of the minor characters. This
archetypal Cinderella plot is slow-moving but has humour in Galen's
adjustment to human life. There are underwater descriptions and
concerns about overfishing. The cliffhanger ending sets up the
sequel, Of Triton. The target audience will love it but it
seems a missed opportunity to learn much more about sea life and sea
mythology.
Kevyna Gardner
Night Beach by Kirsty Eagar
Penguin, 2012; 315 pages; p/b; rrp $19.95. ISBN 9780143206552.
(Age: 16+) Here is a novel that whets the appetite for the
paranormal. Night Beach in the hands of Kirsty Eagar is
thrilling. As it transitions from the normal to the paranormal,
Eagar injects her 'night beach' with eerie credibility, ensuring
this compelling scenario is certain to capture its adolescent
readership. Night Beach contains many of the elements that fire the
imagination of the modern young reader - surf, the opposite sex,
cars, art and the supernatural. Eagar's knowledge of surfing glows
throughout this narrative, as she creates mesmeric images of the
power and awesomeness of the ocean, and its addictive hold over the
surfing culture.
Kirsty Eagar's strengths are indisputably in imagery, dialogue and
imaginative plot creation. It is easy to feel the fear, as seventeen
year-old Abbie struggles to remain afloat in the real world; even as
she is drawn into the shadowy darkness of something not quite
normal.
Abbie is quickly spinning outside the safety net of family, school,
art assignments and into the darkness of Kane's brutish world. Kane
has just returned from a surfing trip away, but something sinister
has returned with him, and only Abbie can see it. Poised on the
crest of the dark and dangerous, Abbie's obsession for Kane gnaws
away at her. Her obsession, and his disinterest both fuel her
recklessness. She cannot understand what happened while he was away,
that has resulted in the return home of a different Kane, but she is
determined to find out. With her mother and stepfather away, Abbie
finds herself alone in the house with Kane, who lives downstairs.
Kirsty Eagar has created a broad cast of supporting characters
providing depth to the canvas of this novel. However, the reader
will always want to know if Abbie gets her beau, and escapes the
shadows of the 'night beach.'
This novel includes sexual references, and imaginatively portrays
the dark side of the paranormal. It should interest girls in the 16+
age group.
Colleen Tuovinen
My home Broome by Tanzyne Richardson and Bronwyn Houston
Magabala Books, 2012. ISBN 9781921248467.
(All ages) Warmly recommended. Picture book. Aboriginal
stories. When 10 year old Tanzyne was kept at home with a bout
of swine flu, she decided to write a poem about why she liked living
in Broome. Two years later after an established artist worked with
12 students selected from the schools in Broome to be trained and
mentored in their work, this happy, fun filled, brightly coloured
book is the result.
On each page is a stanza from Tanzyne's poem, surrounded by detailed
illustrations of the things mentioned. Each stanza takes on a
different aspect of Broome life, the Yawuru people, bush tucker,
pearl divers, animals, birds, big industry, fish, playing with other
kids, the trees and flowers on the cliffs and beaches. Each stanza
is richly illustrated by the large group of children who worked with
Bronwyn Houston. Their detailed illustrations give an impression of
Broome running parallel to the words. So the reader can pick out a
myriad of features that make up Broome today: middens on the beach
showing the longevity of the Yawuru people int he area, a baob tree,
the diversity of cultures, the festivals, markets, the staircase
moon, the humpback whale and the housing.
The book closes with a thumbnail sketch of the 12 illustrators and
an outline of those who helped Tanzyne and Bronwyn in their task.
Magabala books is producing a range of fascinating material about a
part of Australia rarely seen in written form, so giving students
across the country a wonderful opportunity to know it better.
And this book, written and illustrated by children will have an
immediate appeal to primary school people intrigued both by their
introduction to Broome and the work that can be produced by their
age group.
Fran Knight
Divine Clementine by Hayley S Kirk
Random House Australia, 2012. ISBN: 9781864718997.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. On the second page of Divine
Clementine, Clementine is witness to the tragic and abrupt
death of
Stella, her best friend and aunty. We then journey to a very dark
place
with Clementine as she struggles with trauma and denial. For the
first
part of the novel, this narrative is often uncomfortable, often
heart-breaking, yet always genuinely poignant. Clementine lashes out
at
everyone with cruel, cutting declarations, and scary, harmful
actions.
We hang on, and hope something will occur that lets her see her life
is
worth it.
The secondary characters are built beautifully: Clementine's
parents,
Theo the confused boy-next-door, Stella's siblings and parents, and
even Stella who is flighty, unpredictable, and mysterious. Stella
has
totally coloured Clementine's perception of the people who love her.
Only when Clementine has access to Stella's journals do we see Aunty
Stella was not always truthful or fair to the other members of her
family. These big reveals impact further on Clementine, and she
sinks
still deeper into depression, and distances herself even more from
those who love her.
In the last third of the book Clementine is forced to spend her
summer
holiday with her aunt and uncle on their farming property. Here I
found
myself questioning the plot devices used by the author. Although it
unfolds slowly and realistically enough, Clementine's growing
affection
for Thom, the young man from the next door farm, seems to have an
almost too-good-to-be-true cathartic effect on her. Some time has
passed since Stella's death, and the introduction of gorgeous nieces
and nephews whose innocent and nonjudgmental attitudes soften her
hardened heart, but chiefly it is Thom who swoops in and saves the
day.
And I worry about Clementine replacing one person with another, so
quickly, and so completely. I know I said earlier in the review that
she needed someone to show her life can be good, but this just
seemed a
little too easy.
However, it is the character of Clementine who holds this book
together. Her voice is strong and feisty, and she is portrayed
beautifully as honest, funny, and clever. So it's quite easy to
dismiss
these little niggles and accept Clementine has emerged with a
clearer
head, and a greater understanding of the fallible nature of people.
Unfortunately Divine Clementine might be overlooked since it
deals with
topics that seem to be everywhere in YA Lit this year: Death, grief,
loss, mental illness, and family dysfunction. However, it holds its
own
in the company of others.
Trish Buckley
Shakespeare makes the playoffs by Ron Koertge
Candlewick, 2012. ISBN 9780763658526.
Highly recommended. Shakespeare makes the playoffs is the
sequel to Ron
Koertge's very well received young adult novel, Shakespeare bats
cleanup. Once again Koertge tells a tale of baseball and
poetry and
(not quite) first love in an American Middle School setting; and
once
again the entire work is told in verse. Like all great books, this
novel transcends its subject matter to dig away at the really big
questions; life, death, love and betrayal.
The whole is carefully wrapped in a finely crafted email
correspondence
between Kevin, the Shakespeare of the title, and Amy, his newly
found
poetry buddy. At no stage does Koertge get too sentimental or overly
clever as he manages to draw realistic and sympathetic teenage
characters struggling with the highs and lows of teenage love.
Though
strictly a sequel, this novel can be read as a stand-alone book
easily
with the main characters' backstories adeptly slotted into the
narrative.
Kevin, the poetry writing first baseman of the title struggles with
himself, his brain a churning mixture of emotions. His loyalty to
his
current girlfriend, the beautiful Mira and his growing realisation
of
the intellectual possibilities of the poetry writing Amy jostle,
each
slight shift in his feelings described in a poem. Shakespeare makes the playoffs stands out as a shining gem in
the
miasma of derivative dystopian writing that makes up much of what we
have lately been offered as 'Young Adult Literature'. You don't have
to
know or like baseball or even poetry to thoroughly enjoy this
gentle,
poignant story of growing up. Dare I say Ron Koertge has hit another
homerun?
Stephen Bull
Silhouette: Ambition is everything by Thalia Kalkipsakis
Hardie Grant Egmont, 2012. ISBN 9781921759659. Silhouette: Ambition is everything by Thalia Kalkipsakis, is
an intriguing novel. Teenager Scarlett seems to be the typical
obsessed ballet student on a higher plane than most ballet dancers
as she is studying dance at a high school, the Academy, dedicated to
dance. Almost relishing the pain and wear-and-tear on her body, she
pushes herself to the limit physically and emotionally.
Absolutely supported by her mother and close friends, Scarlett seems
to be destined for a brilliant career, except that she makes one
unexpected decision - to audition for a music clip knowing that she
is not eligible until she has completed her secondary school
academic and dance course. As a typical teenager, she persuades her
best-friend to go along with her, but it is Scarlett who wins the
place and wows the singer and everyone else. This single decision
will send her life spiraling out of control, plunging her into an
affair with a bored young rock star, involving her in sex, alcohol
and drugs, and academic failure.
A salutary lesson for young girls, this realistic narrative is
captivating and, like all of its kind, lets her off with a warning,
so that her life is changed but not ruined. Satisfying, true to its
genre, and rewarding honour and loyalty over rebellion, Silhouette
will entertain young readers and give pause for thought.
Liz Bondar
Come into this poem by Tony Mitton
Francis Lincoln Children's Books, 2011
Recommended. Tony Mitton is a well established, highly skilled poet
and children's author, with many books to his name. This book of
poetry demonstrates his versatility and literary skill. Combining
high level literary skills as well as whimsy and appeal to children
these poems make good poetry accessible to all ages.
I loved reading The road I tread is hard and long/ And now
my heart beats not so strong, a serenade to sleep; while Invisible
ink is reminiscent of Shel Silverstein's wacky humour. There
is also pathos in an ode to Glengorm, presenting a brief picture of
the Highland Clearances, alongside awe-inspiring observations on the
simplest natural features found in a garden. Note Seed Spell :
'Bury me dark, bury me deep./Let me lie a while asleep . . . Let my
root stretch out, uncoil/ sifting nurture from the soil'.
On the other hand I can just see young children performing Big
red boots at school assemblies or having a go at describing Dark
after reading this poem. Then there are the poems based on folklore
from Chinese, Japanese and Celtic sources.
This slim volume is a treasure trove of ideas for teachers and
models of great writing. Above all it's just fun to read to children
and will help them develop a love of language and poetry.
Diana Warwick
Champions read. Book Week 2012 book trailer presentation by Jane Moore
Book Bubbles, 2012. 1 DVD. 25 mins. $35.00.
Order form.
Recommended. The enticing Champions Read book trailer
contains highlights of all the books for the Early Childhood,
Picture Books, Information Books and Younger Readers in the 2012
short lists for Children's Book Week. It is a very useful tool to
promote the short listed books in a primary school and is sure to
attract attention and comments. The Picture book and Information
sections would also be useful in a secondary school, as would some
of the books in the Younger readers section, like Crow Country
by Kate Constable, Nanberry: Black Brother White by Jackie
French and Brotherband: The Outcasts by John Flanagan.
Champions read starts with many images of champions and children
enjoying reading. Then each book is introduced with some interesting
and pertinent questions. For example the introduction to The
runaway hug by Nick Bland asks the question, 'Who do you give
your hugs to?' and has more questions with some gorgeous
illustrations that made me want to read the book again. In fact
really good illustrations have been selected to go with each book (a
long bibliography is available at the end) and appropriate music
sets the mood for the individual books.
I particularly loved the trailer for Crow Country by Kate
Constable, with its stark black and white images and eerie music,
and believe that it would certainly entice a child to want to read
the book.
The site licence allows the loading of the DVD onto as many
computers on the school campus as is desired. Because the DVD is
able to be viewed in sections, it is ideal for the whole of the
primary school, with the older children watching the Younger readers
section and the Information section and the younger children could
watch the Early childhood and Picture book section. Classroom
teachers could run it before school and while the children are
having their lunch. Having the whole DVD run before and after school
in the school library on a whiteboard is sure to get children
wanting to read the books and it would make an excellent
introduction to the books. In fact I would suggest that this DVD
will stimulate a lot of requests for the books, so be prepared to
have multiple copies, or short loans!
Pat Pledger
Changeling by Philippa Gregory
Simon and Schuster, 2012. ISBN 9780857077318.
(Age 13+) Recommended. It is 1453 and 17 year old Luca Vero is
expelled from his monastery, accused of heresy. He is taken up into
a mysterious secret group, The Order of the Dragon, members of which
are sent out to investigate rumours of good and evil. He is sent to
find out the truth behind a nunnery, where the nuns have strange
visions and some even have marks on their hands. Here he meets
Isolde, who has chosen to go to a nunnery to avoid marrying a man of
her brother's choosing.
Told from two different viewpoints, that of Luca and Isolde, the
reader is swept into a strange medieval world where superstition is
rife and where women have little power over their lives. With this
novel, the reader knows that Gregory has an impeccable background
with her historical research and the details are rich and
fascinating. The life of Isolde is vividly described. The fact that
she can't inherit her father's wealth and castle because she is a
girl will be fascinating to today's readers, as will the life that
she chose instead of an undesirable suitor. The mystery surrounding
the strange happenings at the nunnery is well constructed with
enough action and strange occurrences to keep the reader involved.
Luca is equally a fascinating character. He is careful and clever in
his deliberations and finds himself involved with finding out the
truth about Isolde and whether she should be burnt as a witch.
Freize, Luca's companion adds a dash of humour to the stories, as
well as pointing out that it is love that is all important. Ishraq,
Isolde's friend and a young woman with special powers, is also a
person that the reader will find fascinating to follow.
Gregory 's story of medieval werewolves in the second half of the
story will appeal to today's readers who seem to be fascinated with
these creatures. Once Luca has solved the mystery at the nunnery he
meets up with Isolde and Ishraq again, and with Freize is summoned
to resolve a matter concerning a strange beast that has been
captured and which the villagers believe to be a werewolf.
My only quibble with this story is that while it deals with often
complex themes, making it unsuitable for younger readers, the
language and descriptions are not as complex. This however, does
make it suitable to use as an easy to read introduction to the
historical genre for older readers.
Historical maps add depth and the author note gives a historical
viewpoint. There is a website
for the series and and a book
trailer.
Pat Pledger
We are one village by Nikki Lovell
Allen and Unwin, 2012. ISBN 9781742378367.
Highly recommended. We Are One Village follows the journey
of ex-Adelaide school girl Nikki Lovell who, at the age of 18, went
to work as a volunteer aid worker in the small Ugandan Village of
Namwendwa.
Nikki, unaware of the extent of poverty and disease in Namwendwa and
its neighbouring villages, witnesses and is subjected to some very
confronting situations. AIDS, unclean water, lack of basic
necessities and a monotonous daily diet of tasteless porridge are
the harsh everyday realities that these people face.
Throughout the book, Nikki's cheerful presence impacts the villagers
significantly, making her a popular figure amongst the younger
children. She and her colleagues assist in teaching the villagers
the basics of good health and hygiene practices, as well as building
up a school library stocked with books from Australian donors.
Written as a personal diary, we as readers, are given an insight
into her thoughts, feelings and the labours that need to be
undertaken by her and the villagers on a daily basis.
Not only do we see her struggle between her Australian upbringing
and her new spiritual home, but we also see her coming to terms with
a relationship breakup, missing home and the choices she is forced
to make regarding her dreams and passions.
I highly recommend this book because despite its sometimes bleak
subject matter, nearly every page still manages to provoke a smile.
Each carefully written chapter is symbolic of her perseverance,
optimism and her desire to make a difference. It is a real eye
opener for those of us who take for granted our privileged and safe
life, and also to how much of a difference one person can make in so
many people's lives.
Nikki is commended for her past and continuing work (she has created
her own aid organisation called One Village ) and remains
an inspiration to all.
This book is captivating and a true reflection on Nikki's love and
care for others.
Courtnie Caldinez (Student)
The glimpse by Claire Merle
Faber and Faber, 2012. ISBN 9780571280537.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. This is a compelling dystopian novel.
At first, this dystopia may seem miles away from our present world;
for in Merle's future, the world is divided into Pures and Crazies.
A simple DNA test determines an individual's likelihood of mental
illness, thus determining their 'Purity'. As one of the characters
suggests, this is a world based on scientific racism. However, as we
learn more about the events which led to this new world, this
dystopian future may seem all too possible. References to a Global
Depression and Petrol Wars will sound familiar whilst a world where
people can be tracked by their online presence, may seem all too
close for comfort.
And the protagonist, Ana, is caught right in the middle of the moral
dilemma created in a world where the Pures have it all and the
Crazies are at the mercy of the Psych Watch, who may swoop in at any
moment and cart Crazies off to a 'loony bin'. Whilst the Crazy world
might seem threatening to any right minded Pure, what if the DNA
test that lies at the heart of this new future was not all it
seemed?? For Ana this question is critical. Firstly, because it is
her father who designed the test. Secondly, because of the doubt
surrounding her Pure test results. And thirdly, because the young
Pure she was betrothed to has mysteriously vanished as he sought to
uncover the truth about the DNA test.
In her quest to rescue Jasper, Ana finds herself deep in the heart
of the Crazy world where she learns that many of her prejudices were
unfounded. On top of this, she just might be falling for a young man
who may be Jasper's only chance for freedom . . . or who may be
intent on destroying her world. Not only is Ana fighting for
Jasper's future she is also fighting for her own. And as the plot
twists and turns, this smart young woman, will find her courage and
determination is put to the test. Her adventures will have the
reader on the edge of their seats to the final page.
Deborah Marshall
Endure by Carrie Jones
Book 4. Bloomsbury, 2012. ISBN 781408821190.
'Zara is back from Valhalla after successfully rescuing Nick.
Bedford needs their best warrior now more than ever, as the evil
pixie regime is causing mass destruction and chaos everywhere.
Though Nick's job is clear, Zara's role is a lot more uncertain.
She's not just fighting for her friends - she's also a pixie queen.
And to align her team of pixies with the humans she loves so much
will not be as easy as she hopes. Especially since she can't even
reconcile her growing feelings for her pixie king . . .' Publisher.
Comment from reviews of the first 3 books in the series: Need
by Carrie Jones
If you thought that pixies were cute little things with pointed
ears, then you are in for a surprise. (Pat Pledger)
Captivate
by Carrie Jones
Light, easy to read paranormal. (Pat Pledger)
Entice
by Carrie Jones
It is a great book and I think it deserves 10/10 stars.
Amelia Kelly (Student)
Hist! by C. J. Dennis
Ill. by P. J. Gouldthorpe. Walker Books, 2012. ISBN 9781921977749.
(All ages) Highly recommended. A new edition of one of my favourite
poems, Hist! by C. J. Dennis and beautifully illustrated by
Peter Gouldthorpe, is a real treat. I loved this poem as a child,
taught it to many classes when a teacher, and now will introduce it
to my grandchildren, who are certain to love it as well.
Hist! . . . Hark!
The night is very dark,
And we've to go a mile or so
Across the Possum Park.
The rhyme and rhythm of the poem flow beautifully and it is one that
is easy to read aloud and easy to memorise - just right for
performance poetry in the classroom and great for scary fun when
reading it aloud to a small group or one or two children.
Peter Gouldthorpe's linocut illustrations are an inspiration for the
imaginative child. Torchlight gleams up at the faces of the three
children who go exploring at night . Mist swirls through black trees
and mokes and possums huddle in the trees. Black images of witches,
skeletons, spiders, birds and bats lurk on an aqua border on every
page. Written in a time when children had more freedom,
Gouldthorpe's last picture of the trouble that the children are in
for going out at night is a lesson for children as well.
This edition has a commentary written by Dr Robyn Sheahan-Bright and
information about C. J. Dennis.
Peter Gouldthorpe writes about his inspiration for the book and his
realisation that the poem 'Wasn't really about what actually
happens, but how the imagination can run wild in the dark'.
This is a beautiful addition for any library and a great gift for
children.
Pat Pledger
Department 19: The rising by Will Hill
HarperCollins, 2012. ISBN 9780007455409.
(Ages: 13+) Highly recommended. Adventure. Fantasy. A stunning
opening takes the reader into the world of the Loop, an unknown base
housing Department 19 within the most secret place of the British
Intelligence system, where a group of people, selected almost as a
birthright, seek out and kill vampires, the modern scourge within
world communities. Heroes, Larissa, Jamie and Kate retrieve two
vampires, taking them back to the Loop, where a group of scientist
are working on an antidote. But along the way, the words, 'He Rises'
are seen as graffiti, chilling the very essence of many of the
vampire hunters.
In the first book, Department 19, the premise for this
exciting story was given as Jamie a witness when his father was
killed by a group of black suited unknown assailants and his mother
kidnapped. He eventually found out that his father was a member of
this department but both his parents had turned, causing a moral
dilemma amongst the group, which included Frankenstein and
descendants of Van Helsing. Jamie joins the group, despite their
having murdered his father, and is surprisingly joined by Kate, a
vampire, but one who wishes to help destroy the evil overtaking the
world.
This second novel is absolutely full of incident and adventure as
the trio pit their wits against the vampires, often locked in blood
soaked battle with them. Within the story, the relationship between
the trio is stretched to the limit as Jamie and Kate begin a
romance, and Larissa is also befriended by another hunter who Jamie
does not like. The trio keep their secrets and this causes tension
between the group, adding to the fascination of the story.
Jamie is at once a likable hero but arrogant and selfish, often
treating his two friends badly, putting his own demands first. His
position within the facility too, gives cause for concern as he is
seen as someone who has gained seniority through influence not
talent, and is treated scornfully, often with suspicion.
In three months, Dracula is said to be ready to take over the world
again, as his servants from his past have stolen his remains and
found a way to revive him. So the countdown is on. The first part of
the book, 91 Days to zero hour, will keep readers on track to get
through the 700 pages full of action to find they still have 85 days
to go! But no worries, it is a great read, with the promise of much
to come.
Fran Knight
