Penguin, 2011.
(Age: 15+) In the sixth and penultimate book in the Obernewtyn
Chronicles, we see Elspeth Gordie the former outsider Misfit and now
a Guildmistress of Obernewtyn struggling with her destiny as the
saviour of The Land. Being the only person who can disarm Sentinel,
the dormant computer that controls the Balance of Terror arsenal,
she awaits the final summons that will begin her quest. If she fails
the entire world will be destroyed, but if she does succeed, she
will have to leave The Land and all that she loves behind forever.
I had only read the first three books in this series many years ago,
so prior to reading The Sending, I decided to read all the
books. This may have been a mistake as without the lapse of years
between books, I found the constant reference to previous events
repetitive. While I enjoy a good big read, this story progresses
very slowly and became a little monotonous in its detail and
description. There are endless discussions and meetings and list
making on what to pack for the sea voyage to the Red Land and
planning for the Moon Day Festival. It takes far too long for
anything related to the quest to actually happen - close to 400
pages pass before she sets off on her final journey. Because of the
complexity of this vast set-up, I struggled to remain interested,
especially with only the first person narrative of Elspeth to
follow.
It does have passages of wonderful, descriptive writing and I did
enjoy the 'voice' of the wild wolf pack, and the way Elspeth
struggles with her dark side. In the end however, I found it hard to
maintain concern with the manoeuvrings, and what the eventual
outcome will be. This is not a bad or unworthy book, but I think
I've been spoilt by reading some outstanding and fascinating fantasy
and sci-fi novels recently.
I'm sure fans of Isobelle Carmody will find much to love in this
book, and are eagerly awaiting the final book due out next year,
when all the many questions and story threads will finally be
resolved.
Alicia Papp
The Good Jihadist by Bob Shepherd
Simon and Schuster, 2011. ISBN: 9781847377760.
(Age: Senior students) Matt Logan leaves the British army
disillusioned after a joint exercise with the US Delta Force goes
horribly wrong. To raise money to fund his future with Emma, a TV
network news journalist, Matt goes to Afghanistan as a security
advisor. When Emma is killed in suspicious circumstances in
Islamabad, Pakistan, Matt is determined to avenge her death and
joins a unit run by his ex-Delta Force colleagues. In Pakistan
nothing is as it seems. The politics of Pakistan and Afghanistan are
shown to be unpredictable and unreadable by those who are ignorant
of history and who underestimate the power of tribal loyalties.
Matt's suspicions fall on one tribal and religious group after
another; the Waziri, the Baluchi, the Pashtani, the Taliban,
Al-Qaeda all seem possibly implicated, but so do members of
Emma's team and perhaps even the quite fanatical Christian ex-Delta
Force group. Shepherd is no master of prose but his writing is
direct and forceful. His characters display a limited range of
emotions, loyalty, suspicion, remorse, but do have remarkable skills
of endurance. The complexity of the plot compensates for character
simplicities, and a real strength is its exposure of the complex
nature of power in Pakistan. Christian fundamentalism is shown to be
as blunt and destructive a weapon as radical Islam, and elements of
the Western presence are more untrustworthy than the perceived
enemy. This is a novel for those who like action and acronyms. There
is a comprehensive glossary, fortunately, and a useful map.
Unfortunately for school use it does contain obscenities, though
nothing that one would not hear in many schoolyards.
Jenny Hamilton
Days Like This by Alison Stewart
Penguin, 2011.
(Age Senior students 15+) Written in post apocalyptic times, Days
Like This portrays a soulless existence for the inhabitants of
Sydney who live within the wall. Lily and her siblings live in a
world controlled by adults. The adults however are not like they
used to be; these adults are distant and emotionless and no longer
care for the wellbeing of children. There are the terrifying
Blacktroopers, a strong, uniform unit which arrive every Friday and
give the family their pills. There is Max, who even her parents seem
to be afraid of. Finally there is Megan and Pym, her parents, who
have changed so much since the wall that Lily no longer calls them
Mum and Dad.
Due to global warming a wall was built to separate the haves from
the have nots. Lily and her family live on the safe side of the
wall, or so they are told. They're told they are privileged because
they have food and shelter and protection from the sun. However, the
children are not safe at all; they are all in danger.
I had a little difficulty with this novel. For a teenage novel it is
very dark and the children are treated so appallingly. Even without
the details, the implication that young girls are raped added to my
discomfort.
The story does show the tremendous love Lily has for her siblings
and her dogged determination to save them against great odds which
does provide some hope for the future. However I found the evil of
the adults outweighed the good of the children and found the imagery
disturbing. I would only recommend this novel for well adjusted
senior students.
Sue Mann
The Golden Door by Emily Rodda
Book 1, The Three Doors Trilogy. Omnibus, 2011. ISBN: 978 1 86291
912 9
(Highly recommended for ages 10+) When his city continues to be
attacked by the Skimmers, the ineffectual Warden of the Weld posts
many notices warning of their dangers. Shortly thereafter, the
Warden advertises for volunteers of eighteen years and over to head
out of the city to seek the being responsible for the invasions.
When Rye's older brothers, Sholto and Dirk, decide to undertake the
task, and appear to go missing, Rye visits the Healer and is
challenged by Tallus to go and find his brothers. Although he does
not wish to go, circumstances conspire against him and Rye heads off
beyond the Wall. Almost by accident, a young girl named Sonia
manages to accompany him on his journey and together they meet an
assortment of characters that may or may not be trustworthy.
Rodda has followed a similar recipe to that used in many novels
involving a quest. Rye is the reluctant hero of the tale, as was
Rowan in her Rin books and this title would provide a perfect avenue
to introduce the students to the concepts involved in the
'hero's journey'. Where Sheba provided Rowan with the impetus to
travel, here it is Tallus who fulfills this role and instead of
Rowan's map, Rye is provided with a bag of items which have the
power to assist him in his quest to find his brothers and return to
Weld. These could be used as comparative texts, as part of an author
study or simply to aid students to identify the characteristics of
the hero and discussions of what makes a champion. This could
possibly provide a starting point for next year's Book Week theme,
'Champions Read'.
Jo Schenkel
Girl on the run: Ringmaster by Julia Golding
Darcie Lock on the run series. Egmont, 2011. ISBN 9781405247344.
(Age: 11-14) Spy books are definitely a strong theme for young
adults and Ringmaster by Julia Golding adds to this genre.
Unlike the Gallagher girl stories by Ally Carter, where the girls
are specifically trained to spy, teenage Darcie Lock is an
accidental spy. Her mother is overseas on a shopping spree
(apparently!) when her father goes missing. It turns out, that
unbeknown to Darcie, her father works for the British Intelligence
Service and Darcie goes undercover as Agent Zebra to help find her
Dad. Darcie receives a crash course in self defence and spy gadgets
and soon becomes embroiled in an international smuggling ring.
Set in Kenya, this story is exciting and action packed as Darcie
goes from one dangerous escapade to another. She is a strong,
independent girl and this will appeal to female readers in upper
primary and lower secondary school. The bright front cover of a
female silhouette with butterflies and flowers, is definitely
designed to attract girls.
Although the scenario of M16 asking a 14 year old untrained girl to
help them with their mission is unbelievable, you forget the
illogical situation and just enjoy the ride. I think this book will
be enjoyed by students who love action and an escapist read.
A glossary of terms helps to understand some of the local language
used in the novel.
This is book 1 in the Darcie Lock Girl on the Run series.
The next story Empty Quarter is set on a cruise ship.
Jane Moore
The best pet by Andrea Shavick
Ill. by Brett Hudson. Pearson Australia, 2011. ISBN 978
1 4425 4821 3.
(Age: Early Childhood and Junior Primary) Well recommended. Anyone
teaching early childhood students will recognise this scenario. All
the young students try to outdo each other with their pet's amazing
attributes. The illustrations give a clear and rather cheeky
picture of each child's idea of their pet's ability. Alex
falls for the trap of wanting desperately to have the best pet, but
knows he hasn't a chance when Emma loudly announces that he hasn't
one. Alex proceeds to blithely announce that he has a pet
which is 'better than all of yours!' p3. A recipe for
disaster. The story gradually evolves as each student invites the
group to their home only to find each pet does not perform up to the
owner's expectations. Then comes Friday and Alex takes them to his
home dreading the outcome. But with a delightful twist, all is
restored and finally Emma wants to know the outcome of the
competition. It's left to the reader to decide. It's a very
comfortable story where much positive discussion could ensue. It's a
pity a hamster was chosen for they are not able to be kept in
Australia. Why not a guinea pig? Perhaps a good
discussion point! The text is well spread out and the italics draws
attention to the point of the story. Many can read the text via the
illustrations which don't seem 'real' for themselves. A pity I
think, for real people are more meaningful, but perhaps young
students enjoy this style. A good length for students to hear and
read for themselves. An enjoyable read.
Sue Nosworthy
Editor's note: This also available in paperback. ISBN 9781442548220.
Pizza cake by Morris Gleitzman
Puffin Books, 2011. ISBN 9780 14 330598.
(Ages 8+) Humour. Short stories. A selection of short stories by
Morris Gleitzman will fill a niche for many readers, giving them a
quick read, a read aloud in the classroom, stories to share with
friends, and stories to read alone with a family. All have a simple
premise, one that will capture the imagination of the reader, often
one they have come across themselves, with Gleitzman, in his usual
manner, offering a convoluted solution.
In the title story, for example, the words pizza cake is a phrase
often heard by a young boy and he imagines the words into an object
which becomes his talisman when he is afraid of something. His
beloved grandfather used the words and so Glenn finds consolation in
his words. But in the end, he finds that they mean something quite
different and he learns not to be scared. The first story, Saving
Ms Fosdyke puts teachers in the place of sports stars, valued,
sought after, and more importantly paid to sport star level. The
difference makes for a very funny read, and kids will laugh out loud
at the truth of it all. Pizza cake, containing ten shorts stories will be a favourite
in the classroom, library and at home.
Fran Knight
Eight Keys by Suzanne Lafleur
Puffin, 2011. ISBN 9780141342030
(10+) Turning twelve and starting middle school heralds the
beginning of an unhappy time in the life of Elise. Playing
make belief games with her long term friend Franklin suddenly seems
embarrassingly childish. Her locker buddy is a horrible bully and
school rapidly becomes a daily terror. Her aunt and uncle, with whom
she lives, want to help but Elise feels trapped. Can she ever be
happy again?
Help comes in the form of a mysterious key which unlocks a door to
the past. Elise has to make sense of what she uncovers and
find a new way to face the future.
This is a simply delightful adventure that ignites the imagination
in a most enchanting way. Fitting in at school and the acceptance of
peers is of utmost importance for adolescents and readers will
relate to Elise's struggle to find her place. The story reinforces
the values of friendship, integrity and trust in a compassionate and
creative manner.
This book will appeal particularly to girls and will make a great
addition to the school library.
Tina Cain
Dangerous to Know by Katy Moran
Walker Books, 2011. ISBN 978 1 4063 1729 9.
When two strangers meet and fall in love, the world is suddenly lost
and the other person is their life raft. Jack and Bethany feel like
this and when nobody wants the two to be in love, they fight for
what they truly want - each other - but when family gets in the way,
what is really left to do? When family members are lost, sick,
worried, back unexpectedly, Jack and Bethany have to fight harder to
keep their love and stay in one piece - but sometimes, can family
have the strongest potential to break that love? Jack and Bethany
experience what it means to have a true love connection, but will it
work for them? Love is uncontrollable and you can't help who your
heart chooses.
I loved how even though they had to fight hard and at everyone they
still tried to make that love last. I sympathized for Jack and
Bethany because all they had to go through they still loved each
other. Fighting fate is hard, but fighting family is even harder.
This book shows the true colours of a fight-worthy love. I love
fight-worthy loves stories and this book is among them.
Cecilia Richards(Student)
David by Mary Hoffman
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
