UQP, 2011. ISBN: 978 0 7022 3881 9.
Having missed their train back to Verdada, Edsel and Jacq are digging a
hole under the city of Widen, without fully understanding why they are
doing so. With their water rations about to be consumed, they find a
beacon which they believe may help them find their way out of the
tunnel. By unraveling a jumper, hand knitted by Jacq's Gran, the pair
leave behind a trail of wool to help them find their way back to their
starting point. Journeying through the tunnel, they have some unnerving
experiences in which they find it difficult to identify fact from
fiction. When they meet an old friend, they believe they will be saved
but not everything is as straightforward as they might hope.
Despite the adventure, interesting characters, settings, inventions and
twists and turns in the plot, I found this a difficult title to read .
. . due mostly to the fact that I have not yet read the first two books
of the trilogy! Whilst some series seem to contain predominantly 'stand
alone' titles, this did not. Having read the final book, I am now keen
to read the previous books to learn more about the journey and
characters in the series and make more sense of the events herein. With
the themes of loyalty, friendship and the desire to atone for one's
wrongs, this book has some positive aspects. I plan to revisit the
series as a whole as it certainly seemed to be another entertaining and
thought provoking read.
Jo Schenkel
Vicious little darlings by Katherine Easer
Bloomsbury, 2011. ISBN: 978-1-59990-628-7.
(Age: 15+) Vicious Little Darlings by Katherine Easer is a
magical
novel that will keep you spell bound till the last minute. The main
character Sarah Weaver is looking for a place in an all-girls collage
when she befriends two very strange characters: Agnes, a control
freak who is very protective of Maddy, and Maddy, a beautiful
blonde who always gets what she wants.
During Sarah's first day at the all-girls college, she meets her
room-mate Maddy. Maddy is kind, caring and loves her friends. Her
best friend, Agnes is like a sister to her and is at her beck and call.
During her period at the college, Sarah gets asked to move off campus
with Agnes and Maddy. Living in a small town where there is hardly any
suitable men to be with, she meets Reed, a cute artistic intellectual
who loves Sarah deeply. Sarah wants to spend all her time with
him but Maddy disapproves, more drama occurs in the solution to this
problem.
A dramatic ending makes this book truly desirable to read. Perfect
for people who love drama, romance and thrill. Age wise, this book
would be more suited to fifteen year olds onwards, not a tween novel. A
brilliant plot with a brilliant ending.
Sarah Filkin (Student)
Hal Junior : The Secret Signal by Simon Haynes
Simon Haynes, 2011. ISBN: 9781877034077.
(Age: Suitable for 9 -12 year olds) Set in the future, Hal Junior lives
in a space station with his scientist mother and his dad who cleans air
filters. The story begins with Hal trying to retrieve his homework from
the space station recycling hatch with help from his clever friend,
Stephen 'Stinky' Binn. Unfortunately Hal, who often gets into trouble
despite his best intentions, has a near miss catastrophe trying to
solve his homework dilemma. Hal has the ability to attract mayhem and
has been described as a 'Dennis the Menace' in space. Yet it is Hal who
discovers a sinister plot that would affect the whole space ship.
Simon Haynes has written a fun science fiction book for primary aged
students. It has an exciting plot, humour and a likeable main
character. I am not a Sci Fi fan but I enjoyed reading Hal's adventures
and did laugh at some of his antics.
The book also contains small line drawings and some funny visual jokes.
Simon Haynes has published other science fiction books for teens /
adults but this is his first venture into children's fiction. The book
has been self published and lacks the cover appeal and paper quality of
mainstream publishers but is worth reading.
Jane Moore
Kill all enemies by Melvin Burgess
Penguin, 2011. ISBN 978 0 141 33564 3. Kill all enemies is the story of three teenagers, Billie, Rob
and Chris
all of whom have a number of problems. Billie is considered
violent, Rob is thought to be a bully and Chris is lazy and not
interested in school. However as the story progresses you learn
more about each of them and what has caused them to appear this
way. Each chapter is headed by one of the characters and helps in
the development of how we see them. All is not what it seems with
any of them, clues are given along the way and this helps build up a
larger picture of the three main characters. There is plenty of
violence and strong language but it is hard not to become involved in
the story. Each of the characters is flawed but have their
redeeming features as well. Rob is fiercely protective of his younger
brother and mother, Billie is trying to be calmer and to allow people
to help her while Chris has dyslexia and goes to great lengths to
disguise the problems that this causes him.
They all meet in the course of the story and their interaction is one
of the key elements of the story along with dysfunctional families and
all the normal problems of adolescence and growing up.
I liked the book, it had a ring of authenticity and their problems were
not glossed over, but the story came to a satisfying conclusion.
Supposedly based on real life experiences I would think older teenagers
would be able to identify with the characters and their problems and
perhaps learn from them.
David Rayner
The luck of the Buttons by Anne Ylvisaker
Candlewick Press, 2011. ISBN 9780763650667.
(Ages 8-12) Recommended. Set in a small town in Iowa in 1929,
twelve-year-old Tugs Button has always just accepted her lot in life,
being part of a family which seems quite proud of its misfortunes. But
then popular and coordinated Aggie Millhouse asks her not only to be
her partner in the Independence Day picnic three-legged race, but also
invites her to her birthday party. Tugs wonders if perhaps you have to
make your own luck, and after winning two blue ribbons and a camera at
the picnic, begins to have more confidence to do so. When a stranger
arrives in town claiming to be a newspaperman and taking money from
many of the townsfolk, Tugs is the only person who seems to think his
story does not add up. But will anybody listen to her? After all, she's
just a scruffy Button in an old pair of overalls.
Tugs is a very likeable character who finds out much about herself by
examining how her family and the rest of the town views her. While some
of the language and the historical American small-town setting may
leave younger readers a little bewildered, the characters and mystery
of the story will appeal to many upper primary students, especially
those who sometimes feel trapped by their own circumstances.
Donella Reed
Just right by Birdie Black
Ill. by Rosalind Beardshaw. Noisy Crow. 2011. ISBN 978 0 85763 030 8.
(Ages 4-7) Picture book. Humour. Christmas. An absolutely delightful
story about giving a gift for Christmas has the king buying a large
roll of beautiful red cloth for the dressmakers to make his wife a
lovely cloak. The leftover cloth is then left by one of the maids on
the doorstep where it is picked up by a kitchen maid. She uses some of
it to make a jacket for her daughter, then leaves the scraps on her
doorstep. Badger, spying the red cloth takes it home to make a red hat
for his father. The scraps again are picked up and mittens are made for
the squirrel's wife. The last little piece is found by the mouse and
she finds it just right to make a scarf for Billy. Each present is
wrapped or not, and left under the tree in each of the households, and
on Christmas morning each is opened and appreciated. A beautiful double
page spread at the end of the book shows all the givers and recipients
proudly displaying their gift as they skate on the frozen lake.
This charming book shows the range of gifts given for Christmas and
will elicit responses from the students listening or reading it
themselves about what they receive and give for Christmas. That each
piece of leftover cloth is used by the characters, makes a telling
reminder that the giving of a gift is not about its monetary value but
the impetus behind the giving of the gift. This book will be a valued
inclusion in the Christmas stories used in classrooms and by parents at
this time of the year, when discussing what the children will give for
Christmas. It is a humorous look at what is important about giving, and
incidentally a tale about recycling and making the best use of an
object.
Fran Knight
Fury by Elizabeth Miles
Simon and Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 978 0 85707 486 7.
(Age : 14+) Recommended. Em loves the winter holidays. And this year,
things are really looking up: the guy she's been into for months has
finally noticed her. But if she starts something with him, there's no
turning back. Because he's going out with her best friend.
On the other side of town, Chase's home life is stressful and his
social life unravelling. But that's nothing compared to what's really
haunting him. For Chase has done something cruel - something the
perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it's only a matter of
time before he's exposed.
Mistakes can be deadly. And three beautiful, mysterious girls are about
to make them pay . . .
A very interesting book that puts a spin on why people have unexpected
accidents. It show that when you do something wrong in your life, be
quick to apologise and always tell the truth. Miles captured me with
her writing skills and I was sucked into the story in no time at
all. A moving story that will truly make you think about the
things you have done and whether they were really worth it or if they
should have never been done.
Taylor Oxenham (Student)
The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
The Kingkiller Chronicles: Day Two. Orion, 2011.
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. He was once the most powerful wizard,
feared swordsman and famed dragon slayer of his or any time. A man of
myth and legend, Kvothe disappeared without warning. Now a quiet
inn-keeper he wishes to live out his days in peace and pass on the
knowledge of his life to those around him. Only his friend and
assistant; Bast is aware of Kvothe's true identity. Believing that
Kvothe is still the man he once was Bast wishes to wake Kvothe from his
life of monotony. When a scribe passing through town recognises Kvothe
he asks to record his story. Kvothe wanting to set the record straight
agrees and begins telling the scribe his story, in three parts over
three days.
In the space of two books Rothfuss has staked claim as one of the
premier fantasy writers in recent years. The Wise Man's Fear
surpasses
its predecessor The Name of the Wind in most if not all areas.
Substantially longer at 994 pages, many readers may choose to neglect
it due to its sheer bulk. But upon reading the first few pages, setting
the book down is the last thing on the reader's mind. The writing is
detailed but never dull, the characters engaging and relatable.
The plot employs elements of action, drama, comedy and romance,
ensuring that readers of all styles will be engrossed. The ending
leaves the reader aching for the next instalment and if it is anything
like The Wise Man's Fear it will be well worth the wait.
An original storyline, detailed characters and an engaging writing
style make The Wise Man's Fear one of the better fantasy books
to hit
the shelves in recent years. Some readers may be deterred by its length
but those who pick this book up will not be disappointed.
I highly recommend this book .
Michael Adams
What Comes After by Steve Watkins
Candlewick Press, 2011. ISBN 9780763642501.
(Age 14+) Highly recommended. Newly orphaned 16 year old Iris is
forced to leave her home in Maine and live with unknown relatives in
North Carolina. As an animal and vegetarian she is horrified by the way
her callous aunt and cousin treat the animals on their small farmlet.
When intervening to save the lives of two of the animals she is
savagely beaten by her cousin on the orders of her aunt and both aunt
and cousin end up in the county gaol.
This results in her being fostered and is a new beginning for Iris as
she realises that that she must be the one to redeem her life and that
there will be no fairytale ending for her. This novel is beautifully
written and despite its negative subject matter it has a strong message
of hope and resilience. All the characters are believable and
there are some engaging secondary characters.
Fans of Cynthia Voigt's writing will particularly enjoy the novel and it
would be an interesting suggestion for girls you would like to move on
from the Jenny Downham books.
Chris Lloyd
An A to Z of Fairies by Caroline Stills
Ill. by Heath McKenzie. Little Hare, 2011.ISBN 9781921714504.
Do YOU know who's living at the bottom of your garden??? If you read
this delightful book by Caroline Stills, then you might have a sneak
peek, without having to wait for midnight on a still moonlit night.
There might be brownies, elves, fairies, gnomes, leprechauns, pixies
and nixies and a whole host of other little folk that you never knew
existed, just ready to take you and your imagination away into a
wonderful world of fantasy. And while you're meeting them all, if you
look closely you will see three familiar fairy friends keeping you safe
on each page. Can you find them? If not, there's help at the back of
the book.
This is a companion book to An A to Z of Pirates and Heath
McKenzie's
artistry is just as enchanting, and, although perhaps not the
conventional portrayal that you might expect, it is quirky and
colourful and engaging in its detail. When Miss 5 comes to visit she is
transported to fairyland - both in her bedroom and in her special fairy
garden - and when she came to stay last week, this book went from
first-read to favourite in five minutes. We read it over and over
finding something new on every page, and then outside and over the
bridge we went to see if there were any new residents hiding in or
around the big gum tree that shades our fairy garden.
'Q is for the fairy queen, who, on the first of May, will whisk you off
to fairyland, if you should glance her way.' But any day can be the
first of May with this lovely book on your shelves.
Barbara Braxton
Popular by Gareth Russell
Razorbill, 2011. ISBN 9780141334530.
(Ages 15+) This is the first book in a new series by an Irish
author. Set in modern day Belfast readers are introduced to the
privileged world of Meredith Harper and her friends Imogen, Catherine
and Cameron. The main motivation in life for these teenagers is to be
popular and they ruthlessly manipulate the people around them to
achieve this. They lie, scheme and gossip while attending parties and
spending lots of money. Beautiful and rich Meredith is the Queen Bee
and her callous treatment of her friends is particularly uncomfortable
to read. The plot revolves mainly about one of the girls having two
boyfriends at the same time and how this can be hidden.
The novel could be read as a satire by more savvy readers but my
concern is that many teenage readers would not find themselves
internally challenging the behavior of the characters as perhaps the
author intended. At times the dialogue is amusing and the characters
are well constructed if mainly unlikeable.
Fans of the Gossip Girl series may be interested in reading this series.
Chris Lloyd
The son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
Penguin 2011, ISBN 9780141335728.
I really liked this book. I have read other books in the Percy
Jackson series and enjoyed them but this is the first I have read
in
the Heroes of Olympus and now I want to read the first in this series.
Percy is being pursued by two Gorgons, who refuse to die even though he
has killed them a number of times. They are also wearing Bargain
Mart uniforms and offering him samples off the tasting plate as they
try to kill him. Hampered by a loss of memory Percy gets refuge
at Camp Jupiter a Roman Camp. Here the old lady he has helped
along turns into the goddess Juno and she reveals a prophecy.
Percy befriends Frank and Hazel who have their own problems and
prophecies to deal with.
As the story progresses we learn more about Frank and Hazel and how
they become a part of the quest that Percy goes on to help save Camp
Jupiter from the evil goddess Gaia.
There is plenty of action and fights along the way as well as humour
which when combined make up a story that moves along at a cracking pace
and keeps the reader entertained and keen to find out what happens
next. I especially liked the joke about the Amazons and the way
the friendship develops between Frank and Hazel. I'm sure fans of
Percy Jackson will like this book and be looking forward to the next
book in the series as Percy and his friends continue on their quest to
save the world from Gaia.
David Rayner
Pearlie in Paris by Wendy Harmer
Ill. by Gypsy Taylor. Random House, 2011. ISBN 978 1 74166 380 8.
(Age: Junior and early Middle Primary girls) Well recommended. This is
another of the enduringly popular Pearlie series and although a
well
known formula, none the less it's a style girls enjoy. From the
colourful front cover depicting the Eiffel Tower and the title in
glitter, the reader embarks on a Parisian journey of pure delight.
Fifi's spring collection is in tatters until Pearlie saves the day with
a clever twist! The smooth, colourful and exciting illustrations
on smooth quality paper will delight the young reader. A little
French is dusted through the text. As usual the font is well sized and
clear. Even an Australian slang word, 'reckon' slips in.
Some of Pearlie's exclamations are clever. For example she
says 'roots and twigs' on p25 in response to seeing Fifi's collection
in small pieces. Percy the snail's dilemma of eating Fifi's flower
dresses and then find escargots on the menu makes for humorous reading.
Young female readers will enjoy this fairy story.
Sue Nosworthy
Itsy-bitsy animals by Margaret Wild and Jan Ormerod
Little Hare 2011. ISBN 9781921714429.
'This itsy-bitsy kitten likes to pounce and jump.
That itsy-bitsy panda goes bumpity-bump'
This is a delightful introduction to the world of baby animals for the
very young, with all sorts of possibilities for acting the parts. And
like its companion, Itsy-Bitsy Babies, it has a delightful
message to wrap it up. I love the baby tigers curled up with Mother
Zebra. The rhyme and rhythm of the language and the clear pictures in
subtle colours are perfect partners. Simple, yet sophisticated - it's a
winner.
Barbara Braxton
Brother/Sister by Sean Olin
Penguin, 2011. ISBN 9780141338453.
(Age: 15+) Will and Asheley are siblings with a strangely intense
relationship. Their father abandoned the family many years earlier and
their mother is a chronic alcoholic who cannot be depended upon. As the
eldest, Will feels responsible for keeping his sister safe, a task made
harder when she begins to socialise with the trendy kids at school.
Conversely, Asheley would like to entice her awkward, nerdy brother out
of his solitary, reclusive existence. Their conflicting goals collide
in a disastrous, unforeseen way resulting in them both trying to
explain to the police their connection to a dead body.
This is a dark, psychological thriller with sinister undertones. The
story is told from the alternating viewpoints of Will and Asheley
leaving the reader struggling to gain a foothold on the truth.
Interactions that are seemingly normal and reassuring are interspersed
with disturbing episodes hinting at their dysfunctional dynamic. There
is a surprising twist at the end which compels the reader to speculate
on the integrity of both narrators. Brother/Sister is a cleverly written and sophisticated story.
The veiled allusion to incest may be off putting for some but others
will find this a gripping, page turner.
Tina Cain
