Skywake invasion by BBC film critic, screenwriter and gamer Jamie Russell is the first book of a trilogy, kicking off what is sure to be an action packed scifi series for readers aged 9+. This is not the usual story of a portal out of the real world to somewhere else; this is a frightening conflation of real life world and the arrival of an alien world which, it was thought, had previously only existed in the artificial world of gaming.
Casey is the leader of a high ranking gaming team, the Ghost Reapers. She and her team meet for the first time in real life (IRL) at a live SkyWake tournament at a large shopping mall. Simultaneously around the world in other major cities, other top level gamers are meeting to compete at this international level. However Casey sees a sinister shimmer above the mall and there are sinister 'cosplayers' who seem to be overplaying their roles with what looks to be real weaponry. By chapter three the stage is set. Casey, her family and her gaming team have been introduced. Developing the plot rapidly, Russell builds an atmosphere of foreboding with flashes and shimmers of possible illusions that are inexplicable. Interwoven is the team's relationship which has to be built on trust IRL before they can possibly effectively work together to prevail against the massive power of the evil alien forces which is suddenly unleashed upon not only the gamers but on all the human beings at the shopping malls around the world.
The action is savage and lethal. Abductions of the smartest of the gamers are happening and the police forces with all their strongest equipment are rendered powerless against the aliens. Casey and her team have to use their gaming skills and trust each other to stop the aliens. But in book one, after riveting, page- turning, heart in the mouth action and adventure, they haven't succeeded. In fact . . . where is the next book? We need it NOW!
Shu Lin arrives at her new school and she looks different, does not speak English very well and eats different food at lunchtime. This story is told from the point of view of one of the children in the class and clearly shows how not knowing about someone's culture can make it difficult for some children to accept a new arrival who is vastly different from them.
One day the teacher arranges for Shu Lin's Grandpa to come into her class to show them his traditional Chinese paintings. He doesn't speak but just shows his wonderful paintings. This event becomes the key to unlock the empathy and understanding in the other children as Shu Lin eagerly helps them to master this special artform.
Inside the book is a double gatefold spread revealing a magnificent Chinese painting which creates the opportunity for exploration of this wonderful style of art. This highly acclaimed Chinese-British illustrator, who studied under Quentin Blake, has used a mixture of pencil, paper cut and coloured pencil to bring the story to us. She shows us the wide variety of cultures across this school through her illustrations which could provide a discussion starter in classes who read it.
Themes Friendship, Painting-Chinese, Cultural awareness, Empathy.
When Maeve finds a pack of old tarot cards whilst cleaning out a closet during school detention, she quickly discovers her talent for reading people. Soon, she becomes the most sought-after diviner in her school, everyone wants to know what the cards will say about them. But when Maeve's ex-best friend Lily is forced into a reading, an unsettling card named The Housekeeper appears, one that Maeve has never seen before. When Lily does not come to school the next Monday, they soon discover she has disappeared without a trace. Shunned by her schoolmates and struggling to fully comprehend her newfound romance with Lily's non-binary sibling, Roe, Maeve must dig deeper into her connection with the tarot cards to help find clues as to where Lily may be.
This book has everything you need. A gripping mystery, supernatural elements, romance etc. And as far as inclusivity goes, this story covers it beautifully. Lily is hearing impaired and wears a hearing aid, Maeve's sister is gay, and we explore her relationship and the discrimination shown towards her, Roe is exploring their gender identity, Fiona is mixed race and often calls out and educates Maeve on her behaviour. The supernatural, witchcraft elements of this book are well thought out and bring a unique and different twist to the disappearance of Lily. It is so nice to see Maeve find her feet and discover her talents as at the beginning of the novel we hear a lot about how she is not gifted, smart or talented and will never live up to the expectations of her family. When she finds her niche, you really start to see her grow as a character.
There are so many layers to this story and would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery with a magical twist whilst also covering modern day social justice issues such a race, gender and LGBTQI+ discrimination.
An enchanting and thought-provoking story that challenges you to reflect and ponder the importance of the relationships that we create and foster. First written in 1992 by Swedish author Ulf Stark, this story was later translated into English. Can you whistle, Johanna? is a story about a young boy, Berra and his friend Ulf. Berra seeks to find a grandfather of his own, after hearing how exciting they are to have from Ulf's own experience. He questions why he doesn't have one already, as they sound really cool. The next day they come up with a plan to find a grandfather and what a better place to start, than the retirement home. On arrival at the home, Berra and Ulf find Ned and it seems that both Ned and Berra are made for each other. Both are unknowingly seeking a human connection and are happy to have someone special to share their life with. Touching moments throughout the story make the reader question the importance and significance of relationships. Both Ned, Berra and Ulf build a respectful and loving relationship as they listen, share and forge a caring and thoughtful connection.
Delightful illustrations throughout the book by Anna Hoglund compliment the storyline and bring further enjoyment to the story. As Berra, Ulf and Grandpa Ned spend time together, there is a sense of warmth and kind-heartedness in their generational bonding. Ned shares elements of his past including his whistling skills with the song, 'Can you whistle Johanna?'. Berra fervently attempts to master the whistling skills that Ned shows him, however, can't quite master them yet. A poignant conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of how sharing special moments, can bring pleasure to people's lives that they will never forget.
If there is one word that children of today know as well as their name it is "virus". So much of their lives have been affected by this tiny, invisible thing that has had such huge impact. But what is a virus? Using the successful Lift-the-Flap Q&A format of others in this series, readers can investigate just what a virus is, discovering that there are many more than just COVID 19! They also learn the importance of the rules like social distancing, washing their hands and other personal hygiene issues, important because if they understand the why about the what they are more likely to comply. It also alleviates some of the fear that their imaginations can conjure up. In the past we have been teaching our littlies about why they need to eat well, sleep long and play hard to have a healthy body and preventing illness has been a peripheral, but things have changed and this is an important addition to the collection so they can better understand this thing that is going to shadow their lives for a long time to come.
Poison War book 1. Random House, 2019. ISBN: 9780552176293. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
Winner of the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel (2018) and Ditmar Award for Best Novel (2019) City of lies is a slow burning epic fantasy that is sure to grab the attention of any fantasy reader. Right from the first sentence "I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me . . . " the reader is taken into the world of Jovan, an expert in poisons, trained as a proofer or taster, to protect Tain, the Chancellor's Heir and his life-long friend. His sister Kalinda, her frail physique unable to manage the poisons, has been trained as a spy; quiet and unassuming, she manages to hear and see things that might threaten her city-state. When the Chancellor is poisoned and their uncle also succumbs, the pair find themselves trying to find out who the murderer is, while protecting Tain, now the head of their city. To make things even more difficult, an army has laid siege to their city and it looks as if the assassinations and rebellion are linked.
Written in the voices of Jovan and Kalinda in alternate chapters, the reader gets to know the feelings of both main characters. Jovan is very anxious and manages to calm himself by pacing and counting repetitively, while Kalinda must work very hard to overcome her physical disabilities. However, they are both intelligent and determined and very loyal to Tain and to their city and use their intelligence and resilience for the good of the state.
Hawke has described a very believable world that will resonate with readers as they catch glimpses of similarities to our world today. Silasta is rich and cultured, but the siege of the city reveals the flaws in the way the countryside has been ruled. The Council members have become greedy and the pacts to look after and educate workers, while respecting their religion have been forgotten. Spirituality is not respected and believers in the strength of the land are disregarded.
Readers who enjoy a mystery, sieges and escapes, and compelling main characters with flaws, are in for a treat and will want to move onto book 2, Hollow empire. Other books with poisons and assassination are Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and His fair assassin series by Robin Lefevers.
Tree Beings by Raymond Huber and Sandra Severgnini
EK Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781925820539. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
With the tag line 'Books with heart on issues that matter, readers picking up this weighty book will be in no doubt about the expertise being presented to them. An introduction and opening chapter by celebrated environmentalist, Dr Jane Goodall will cement the idea that this book is worth the read.
Divided into four main chapters (Big Ideas), Life in the trees, Trees can save us, Trees are like beings and Trees need our help, each chapter is then segmented into shorter chapters which tell of the anatomy of the tree and its purpose on earth and what it does for us, with smaller sections offering real stories about how some people have worked to save trees. So we read of Tony Rinaurdo who noticed that the stumps of the tees in the desolate land around the village in Niger, Africa where he was trying to grow trees, were still alive. So he set about nurturing these stumps and from these the villagers grew back a forest which helps the soil, reduces carbon in the atmosphere and provides shelter.
Another tale is of Wangari who stood up to her government in Kenya where forests were being cut down. Eventually the Green Belt Movement took hold, planting over 50 million trees, while a young girl sat in a Redwood Tree in California for two years to stop its destruction, so each chapter gives information that is fascinating and enthralling, while paralleling that information with a human story of someone making a difference.
Within the chapters too are full page information sheets about one aspect of the forest: Brazil nuts and Fig trees, for example, while web addresses are given to encourage children to find out more, and specifically, how they can help. A Glossary, Reference list, Index and page of puzzles round off an absorbing book, one the I can imagine will be picked up by kids eager to learn more and help save the trees.
Detailed illustrations greet readers on every page, highlighting the themes of the chapters, adding to the environmental message of the text, and adding eye appeal to the ideas presented. I particularly enjoyed the images of what lies beneath the surface, seeing how the roots travel and make a difference.
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781398507142. (Age:Young adult, adult) Recommended.
Talia is being held in detention facility for girl offenders after lashing out at a man who had casually killed a cat by pouring boiling liquid on it. She instigates a dramatic escape from the facility as there is a plane ticket awaiting her from Bogota to the U.S. to join her mother and siblings. The fifteen year old's country, Columbia, is a violent place where a "nameless and tentacled war" (pp. 15) has been waged for years, where fear and danger are never far away and families like Tahlia's struggle to make a living. That is why her mother and sister Karina have made the journey across the border to find safety, better paid work and opportunity in the U.S. She sends home money to help support Talia and her grandmother's laundry business. Even without proper papers, what they earn in a week in the U.S. is more than they made in a month back home. Mauro, Tahlia's father had also gone to the U.S. and a son, Nando, was born there. But Mauro was arrested for a minor traffic infringement and was deported back to Columbia as "undocumented", having overstayed his visa. While life in Bogota is difficult, it is Tahlia's home and she loves her father and grandmother and the traditional stories and the spiritual dimension to their lives. As she makes her way home, she experiences the dangers of travelling in such a corrupt and violent place but also she is touched by the little people she encounters just trying to live their lives meaningfully.
Tahlia's story will speak to immigrants worldwide, living in countries happy to have undocumented immigrants do menial tasks for little pay with no support, treated as enemy foreigners by their host countries. What they gain in financial security is balanced by the loss of their own spiritual home and families left behind. The author's own story is rooted in this one. She is part of the "United States of Diasporica" (pp. 129) and tells her story in the second part of the book. The third person narrative style is infused with beautiful descriptive language and the personal narrative in the second part is particularly insightful. Senior students will gain some perspective on the push and pull that drives "illegal" migration from poor countries to rich ones and the cost to families who make the journey.
Princesa Anita lives in her palace on the island of the Dominican Republic. She can see dragons over the rooftops of nearby houses. She knows that one day one of them will take her away, but until then she jumps from one cement roof to the next, going to the market and talking to people on her island. But the day comes when she and her family must leave, going to the airport to board the dragon. Her mother tells her of the good things about their new home: electricity to read at night without interruption, restaurants and a dryer. She bids farewell to the people who matter, particularly Abuela but she promises to send many photos.
This story of moving, relocating, of shifting houses will recall incidents in many students' lives, when they too were hesitant about the move their family must make. Anita's fears are reflected in her fear of the dragons she sees in the sky, dragons she knows take people to other places, away from their island. Despite Mum telling her of the good things they can expect after their move, Anita is still scared, and it is only when she realises that the whole family feels as she does, that they board the plane, ready to face a new adventure.
This is a disarming story of overcoming fears and facing up to change, as Anita leaves her beloved island where she has lived all her life to an unknown place far away.
The delightful illustrations give a flood of information about the Dominican Republic, causing me to check it out on a search engine, as I am sure others will too. The warmth of the family centred illustrations underscores the family's going away together, of the family supporting each other in this time when all are feeling wretched about leaving their island and those they love.
Several Spanish words are used in the story, (Abuela, arroz con leche, princesa for example) prompting readers to work out who they mean from the text, say them out loud and learn them.
This fantasy novel follows on from Wicked Fox and is best understood after reading the first book. This novel engrosses the reader in Korean mythology (focussing on Dokkaebi, Gumiho and JeoSeung Saja) having folktales interspersed between chapters. The reading pleasure is supported by a glossary and cultural notes.
Set in the present day, in Seoul, the novel explores the relationships between the four main characters (Somin, Junu, Miyoung and Jihoon). The story continues on from Wicked Fox with the main characters, Jihoon and Miyoung, grieving the loss of loved ones. In this sequel the characters of Somin and Junu are richly drawn as we discover the complex backstory that has formed Junu’s need to protect Somin, Miyoung and Jihoon.
This novel illustrates the ongoing effects of differing parenting styles as Kat Cho expertly integrates the mythology with the present day. These parental relationships are resolved and satisfy the reader who cannot help but be touched by the characters and their struggles. The threats of the supernatural to life, for individuals and the community, creates suspense throughout the story. The writing also contains violence. While most sits well within the realm of fantasy, one scene is graphically depicted and caution is advised for the inclusion of this book in school libraries.
The nature of love (romantic, maternal, paternal, platonic and unconditional) is linked to kindness and forgiveness. It offers the reader the opportunity to experience the various stages relationships as an opportunity to reflect on the attitudes taken between characters throughout the writing.
Trigger alerts: grief, death, violence.
Themes Grief, Supernatural, Korean Mythology, Romance, Betrayal.
Lovers of fantasy are in for a treat with the latest offering from Lynette Noni, author of the wonderful Whisper series. Kiva Meridan is 17-year-old and has been imprisoned in Zalindov, a terrible prison, for the last 10 years. After the death of her father, she has worked as the prison healer while waiting for her family to come and rescue her. When the Rebel Queen is captured, she is instructed to keep her alive and the only way she can do this is by facing the Trial by Ordeal in her place. If she can master the deadly challenges of air, fire, water, and earth, then she and the Queen can go free. Helped by another prisoner, the charismatic Jaren, Naari an enigmatic prison guard and an ever-optimistic young boy Tipp, her courage and intelligence will be sorely tested.
I found it very difficult to put The prison healer down. The world building is intricate and the prison, its forbidding walls, the fate of the prisoners and the cruelty of the guards, is all vividly described and memorable. The tension leading up the Trial by Ordeal was breath-taking. It was impossible to imagine how Kiva would survive the trials as well as the cruelty of the prison. While trying to keep the Rebel Queen alive she must attempt to solve the mystery of the plague that is sweeping the prison, desperately formulating theories about what is causing it and how she can save the prisoners.
Kiva is a strong, determined young woman who keeps to herself. Tipp's positive outlook brings a light into the grimness of the prison and he manages to get under her skin, even though she is determined not to let herself care for anyone. Jaren and Naari prove themselves worthy sidekicks, while the head of the prison is suitably detached and wicked.
The prison healer is sure to be popular with its easy-to-read style and interesting characters. And that cliff-hanger ending will ensure that the next in the series is picked up. An interview with the author can be found here. Fans may like to go onto the more complex historical fantasy Courting darkness by Robin LaFevers.
Themes Prisons, Trials, Survival, Dissent.
Pat Pledger
Rowley Jefferson's awesome friendly spooky stories by Jeff Kinney
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories joins the ranks of Jeff Kinney's Awesome Friendly series which follows the phenomenally successful Diary of a wimpy kid series.
As with all of Jeff Kinney's books, this book will walk off the shelves to be enjoyed by primary aged children, particularly boys. Characters include Rowan, Gabe, Jasper, Anders, Gunther, Rafe and Robbie (mostly boys) and the situations are typical childhood scenarios and feature daredevilry. This time the action occurs in the intersection of daily school and homelife and the spooky realm of ghosts, vampires and zombies.
The narrator is removed - a storyteller. The stories follow the comfortable story formula . . . "There was once . . . and usually there is a twist to think about at the end. These stories deliver life messages in a humorous manner. Messages include being true to oneself, not taking pranks too far, making mistakes, making the right choices, not asking too many questions, accepting difference and being happy within one's own skin. The messages are only arrived at after the hilarious consequences of wrong choices are experienced; certainly though, Kinney is not "preachy." The reader receives the message naturally.
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories is in large print with fun cartoon images - at least one/page, simple vocabulary presented on lined paper with the font suggesting that a young boy is writing in his journal. Although there is naughtiness, there is a sense of right and wrong, making these books acceptable to adults; the fun is harmless.
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories is particulary accessible to reluctant readers as it features short stories. A child can read any story in any sequence. The stories are comically spooky and often end with a twist.
A perfect read for hooking in reluctant readers from aged 7 through the primary years.
Themes Spooks, Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, School.
Wendy Jeffrey
Girl A by Abigail Dean
HarperCollins, 2021. ISBN: 9780008389062. (Age:Young adult and adult) Highly recommended (with proviso about abuse).
Lex is a force to be reckoned with, a company lawyer, based in New York who knows what she wants and seems perfectly in control. But she is also one of the seven Gracie children, neglected, abused and chained to their beds in the 'House of Horrors' at Moor Wood Road. Alexandra, designated 'Girl A', by the investigation that followed her escape, aged 15, is back in England because her mother has died in prison and the director has requested an interview. Lex has been appointed executor in her mother's will, a role which necessitates contacting her siblings, each adopted by a different family, each assigned a different psychologist, each assimilating what happened in a different way and with whom she has had limited or no contact. As she decides what to do, Lex looks back on their imprisonment and abuse, reflecting on her relationship with her brothers and sisters as they were then and the various ways they have been shaped by their experiences since.
The 'House of Horrors' story is based on an actual horrific family abuse case but the description of the family's gradual descent into the worst conditions imaginable, while detailed and specific is never sensationalised. What is profoundly moving are the psychological journeys of these children indelibly marking their adult lives.As she visits each of her siblings Lex delves deeper into their shared experience of childhood trauma in a layered narrative which cleverly blends the timelines, regressing as she breaks down some of the walls erected for her own protection. The author carefully builds her character studies from the start and consistently sustains them throughout the narrative. I found them believable and tragic, damaged but resilient. I immediately turned back to the start to see how this beautifully crafted book was put together and a second reading was rewarding. Senior students and adults will enjoy the book with warnings about sexual content and traumatic abuse of children.
The Secret Explorers series will continue to hold the interest of younger readers especially those that enjoy learning new facts while reading a fiction story. Once again the eight highly gifted children, Ollie, Cheng, Gustavo, Leah, Kiki, Roshni, Tamiko and Connor are responsible for a mission to rescue animals or humans and encourage readers to learn about a natural environment. In Book 6 The Secret Explorers and the Smoking Volcano, Cheng the geology expert with a passion for volcanoes and Leah the biology expert, are on a mission to Vanuatu to experience a volcanic eruption and save some new friends. Throughout the rescue mission Cheng shares with the reader many new and interesting facts related to volcanoes. Will this exciting action-packed story have a successful ending?
In every mission, a vehicle aptly named the Beagle, transforms itself into an all-terrain machine suitable for the environment the secret explorers are visiting. Each book contains mission notes, a quiz and a glossary of new and important words. All books in the series introduce younger readers to natural environments around the world that need to be cared for. There are illustrations throughout providing visual links for the reader. Any of the six books would be a great read-aloud in the classroom related to an environmental topic or shared as small group read. A welcome addition to a home, school or public library.
Abdel-Fattah's book collects the voices of Muslim youth born since the 9/11 twin towers attack, young people who have grown up in the climate of Islamophobia and fear of terrorism. Her aim was to compare the impact of 9/11 on Muslim and non-Muslim youth.
Of course, 'Muslim' does not denote a homogenous group, as readers of Abdel-Fattah's previous co-editored publication with Sara Saleh Arab, Australian, other will be well aware. Muslim young people could be migrants or descendants of migrants from 22 different nations with different languages and different cultures. But the impact of 9/11 was shared by them all, with responses ranging from hiding their identity and keeping a low profile, to feeling that they were expected to have the answer to every question about terrorist activity.
The experience of the interviewees was one of racism, regardless of the fact that there is no Muslim race. They felt regarded as 'other' or non-Australian. Abdel-Fattah draws a link between how Muslim people are regarded and how Indigenous Australians are regarded - their identity and experience is not that of the mainstream 'White' culture. And she exposes the failings of our education system to truly be multicultural, from the attitudes of teachers varying between good and bad, and the omission of Muslim culture and history from the Australian curriculum, a huge omission when you consider that 1 in 4 people in the world are Muslim.
The last chapters of this book provide a challenge to teachers and education departments to consider how to truly be more inclusive, how to break down barriers and change the story to one of empowerment. The book as a whole is also a significant record of young people's accounts of their personal experiences, and would resonate with both Muslim and non-Muslim readers.
Themes Muslim youth, War on terror, Racism, Islamophobia.
