Ill. by Brosmind. Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2018. ISBN
9781786037336.
(Age: 5+) Recommended. Themes: Muhammad Ali. Boxing. Ambition. One
of a series called Little people, big dreams this little
book about Muhammad Ali will intrigue younger readers to find out
more about this man. The series aims to show that great scientists,
thinkers, artists, designers and sports people all began as a child
with a dream. And Muhammad was no different. Born in Kentucky in
1942, he began fighting when his new bike was stolen and the police
officer invited him to join his boxing classes suggesting that he
needed to be able to box if he wished to deal with the thief.
Beginning his training at 12 years old, by 18 he won the gold medal
in the light heavyweight division at the Rome Olympics. From there
he won major events but when conscripted to go to Vietnam, he
refused and was banned from boxing for three years. Returning he
kept winning and was the first man to win the heavyweight belt three
times. He was involved in many charities, taking seriously the
Islamic duty of charity, and fought for the end of racial
discrimination.
Told in brief pared back sentences, the factual information
will impel readers to look further, wanting to find out more about
this man who had such an impact upon the twentieth century as a
boxer, black activist, philanthropist and sportsman. His sayings
have become part of our language and his images are recognised the
world over.
Accompanying the brief text are similarly simplified images showing
the young Cassius Clay and his family, his training and winning the
gold medal, on to his conversion to Islam, awards he won and
charitable work pursued in the latter years of his life. The
illustrations clearly show his strength as a boxer and latterly his
physical deterioration, raising awareness amongst the readers of
brain damage that result from concussion. The last two pages of the
book give a complete list of all the books in this series, while the
pages before give a written account of his life.
Fran Knight
You make me happy by Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Ill. by Alison Brown. Bloomsbury, 2019. ISBN 9781408878958.
(Age: 3-5) Themes: Happiness. Wellbeing. Friendship. You make me
happy, you make me new. Together there's NOTHING that we cannot
do.
Fox and Porcupine celebrate their friendship and happiness in this
joyful rhyming picture book. They love dancing and singing in the
grassy forest meadow, splashing in the cool stream watching the blue
birds in flight. Fox surprises his friend with a birthday cake on a
sunshiny day. Finding fun in the simple things, Porcupine decorates
his quills with leaves and flowers while his buddy wears twig and
flower antlers. As the seasons pass, as night-time turns to day, we
see the friends exploring their environment and sharing in simple
pleasures.
Smriti Prasadam-Halls' simple rhymes capture the fun and joy, the
simple pleasures these two friends experience. 'You make me happy'
is the echoing refrain, she uses relatable settings, and upbeat
phrases to describe Fox and Porcupine's experiences.
Alison Brown's whimsical pictures are filled with colour and light.
She captures the characters' feelings, and their joy dancing,
climbing trees, holding hands, hugging and playing in autumn leaves.
The author promotes emotional wellbeing and encourages healthy minds
and bodies in this gentle picture book, just right for sharing with
a young family or kindergarten children.
Rhyllis Bignell
We eat bananas by Katie Abey
Bloomsbury, 2019. ISBN: 9781408899212.
(Age: 2-5) Recommended. Themes: Eating, Fruit and Vegetables, Food.
Flamboyant graphic designer, author and illustrator Katie Abey
returns with her animal menagerie to champion an array of food from
bananas, to pancakes, pasta and peas, beans and greens. She asks her
young readers to explore each page, finding foods they like to eat
and having fun with the crazy animals' antics.
Over twelve colourful spreads, each animal is observed having heaps
of fun, the koala in the wheelchair enjoys banana muffins, green
smoothies and broccoli soup. Baby elephant squirts pumpkin soup on
snake, while on another page alligator bounces up on the trampoline
feeding the giraffe in scarves spoonfuls of tomato soup. Delicious
food is cooked and eaten in a variety of colourful places,
creatively worn as shoes or clothes, there's even a llama dressed as
a lemon! The mandrill's brightly coloured butt stands out, as he
twirls his spaghetti and jumps out of a bright coloured birthday
cake.
Toddlers and pre-schoolers will enjoy exploring each page, chatting
about their favourite foods and following different animals' food
choices and actions throughout. Watch out for the cheeky monkey who
stands out from the crowd. How many ice-creams, who has pooed, who's
skipping with spaghetti? There's so much to investigate! With speech
bubbles filled with questions and fun comments, text placed all
around the illustrations and a bold array of brightly coloured
animals We eat bananas is an amusing picture book to share.
Diet, nutrition and tools like the traffic light system of healthy
eating can be linked to the sharing Abey's story with kindergarten,
childcare and preschool children.
Rhyllis Bignell
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Cassidy Blake book 1. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN: 9781407192765.
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Themes: Ghosts, Paranormal, Edinburgh
(Scotland). Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Middle Grade and
Children's (2018), 2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults, 2019 Quick
Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. When Cassidy Blake's
parents go to Edinburgh for their TV show about ghosts, Cass and her
best friend Jacob, who really is a ghost, go along too. Arriving
there Cass finds that she is surrounded by ghosts and Lara, a girl
who can also see them, tells her that her mission is to send them
beyond the Veil, the land of ghosts who haven't moved on. This seems
like a good idea when the Red Raven starts haunting her, trying to
take away her life force. City of ghosts has all the ingredients for a thrilling, quick
read: there are ghosts aplenty, the setting is the magical
Edinburgh, and Cass, ably helped by Jacob, is a courageous and
daring girl. Readers will love the tour of Edinburgh, the old Castle
which is haunted by ghosts of soldiers and children, Greyfriars
graveyard where a little dog is buried, and old streets and shops
where ghosts hang out.
The plot is fast paced and the suspense will keep the reader
enthralled as Cass fights for her life in the Scottish graveyard.
Her relationship with Jacob will also intrigue and the reader is
left with questions about the Veil and their role there, and will
want to pick up further books in the series.
Pat Pledger
On the come up by Angie Thomas
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN 9781406372168
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. 'I might have to kill someone
tonight'. This is the startling first line of Thomas's novel, but
the 'killing' isn't what it sounds like. Bri is a high school
student who is finding it hard to sit through school when all she
wants to do is write and perform rap poetry, and she has her sights
set on wiping out her competitors in the rap contest held in the
local Boxing Ring. Her father was the famous rapper Lawless,
murdered outside their home when she was only a four years old. Bri
is all set to continue in his path.
The setting is a black ghetto in the U.S., where gangs roam and the
police target black kids. Bri's mother is a recovered drug addict
who wants her daughter to break free, go to college and make a
better future. But Bri has her heart set on being a rap star, and
maybe her drug-dealing Aunt Pooh or her father's ex-manager,
Supreme, will help her get there.
The novel is written in Bri's voice, and whilst the slang may at
first be unfamiliar and off-putting to a non-American reader, the
reader is gradually drawn into Bri's world and the language becomes
very real and natural. The author, Angie Thomas, is herself a former
teen rapper, and the world she describes sounds authentic, written
from her experience.
Bri's natural talent and determination seem to be leading her to
success, but hand in hand with that comes controversy and danger.
The perils of social media have also to be navigated. Bri finds
herself having to make decisions without anyone to really guide her.
Although the world of gangsters, drugs and rap contests might be
foreign, Bri's struggles to find the right path through it all, and
find her true values, makes a story most teenagers could readily
identify with.
I found it to be an engrossing story and I came away with a new
appreciation of the complexity of improvised rap poetry. This book,
set in the U.S., would make an interesting comparison with Limelight
by Solli Raphael (2018), which describes an Australian teenage slam
poet, and his messages of social equality and self-empowerment.
Helen Eddy
Lola Dutch, when I grow up by Kenneth and Sarah Jane Wright
Bloomsbury, 2019. ISBN 9781681195544.
(Age: 4-7) Recommended. Themes: Girls. Imagination. Careers.
Animals. Lola Dutch is an energetic, imaginative, tutu wearing young
girl whose life is one big adventure. Her best friend Bear is always
there for her, supporting all her new ideas. Gator, Crane and Pig
willingly assist with Lola's creative schemes. In Lola Dutch,
when I grow up she is a tour de force, a whirlwind focussed on
her future careers, pondering her potential vocations. Marching into
this delightful story, she leads the parade in a cow-girl outfit,
followed by a postie-swan, doctor pig and a gator king.
What will Lola be when she grows up? Lola declares this conundrum to
be an emergency, so all her friends gather in Bear's book-lined den.
Here a special volume catches her eye 'Opera through the ages',
yes, she wants to be an opera singer destined for the stage.
Everyone helps, building the stage, writing the music and designing
an exquisite costume for Lola's first and only performance. Once
she's achieved her first goal, she quickly moves on to the next
career, as an inspirational inventor working through the stages
from research through trial and error to building a wondrous flying
machine. Not satisfied with this achievement, Lola's creativity
blossoms as she plants a beautiful garden with Bear, Gator, Pig and
Crane. Will that be enough for this inspired miss?
Sarah Jane Wright's whimsical gouache and watercolour paintings add
stylishness; they burst boldly and energetically across the pages.
Working collaboratively with her husband Kenneth, they have created
a beautifully descriptive, inspirational story that will raise
wonder and joy in the young reader. Paper dolls are included on the
jacket reminiscent of the times past. Lola Dutch, when I grow up is a wonderful read aloud providing
opportunities and stepping stones for Science, Technology and Art.
Rhyllis Bignell
Spiderman: into the Spider-verse: the official guide by Shari Last
Marvel, 2018. ISBN 9780241347843.
(Age: 7-10) Themes: Movies. Spiderman. Heroes. Shari Last's guide to
Marvel's movie Spiderman: into the Spider-verse is a
comprehensive coverage of the characters, actions, powers, settings,
even past Spidermen. Pitched at a younger audience, each spread
includes bright bold illustrations with easy-to-read explanations,
questions and things you need to know.
Teenager Miles Morales is a smart guy who enjoys making his friends
laugh, but he has difficulty focussing at school. His world changes
after he's bitten by an unusual looking spider. His new powers
include wall-crawling, invisibility, stickiness, agility and a
special Spider-sense. We are shown Miles' academic world, Brooklyn
Vision's Academy, his room-mate, awkward interactions in the
hallways and his top classes and great teachers.
Whilst Miles' mother is supportive and loving, his father, an
old-style Brooklyn cop, finds it hard to relate to his son. His
parents are good role models; however, his uncle Aaron Davis lives
on the edge, taking his nephew out spray-painting abandoned
buildings.
Learn about Spiderman's enemies and their evil plans, supervillain
Green Goblin, Kingpin leader of New York's underworld and Prowler
the dangerous city stalker. 'Did you know?' informative stars pop up
throughout, catching the reader's eye. Dark moody graphics, up close
faces, bold fonts, bullet point lists and a quiz to determine your
spider power add pizzazz. Shari Last's Spiderman: into the
Spider-verse: the official guide is an exciting movie tie-in
for fans.
Rhyllis Bignell
Gandhi by Dianne Bailey
DK Life Stories. Dorling Kindersley, 2019. ISBN:
9780241356333.
(Age: 8-13) Recommended. Themes: Gandhi; India; Civil resistance.
The life story of Gandhi is well documented, but this book will
introduce the younger generation to his life and work. Insights into
the life of Gandhi are explained in this book, and his non-violent
approach to creating political change have been an encouragement to
many other lives and continue to be an inspiration to the world.
Bailey has written a very basic explanation and overview of the life
and peaceful journey of this humble man whose desire to make a
difference for those who had experienced discrimination. He also
worked for the independence of his home country, India, to release
the country from colonial rule by British authorities.
This non-fiction book is easily read, using uncomplicated language
and will be a good addition to school libraries. The presentation of
the information includes quotes, sidebars to explain terms, and
photographs and cartoon-style illustrations. A time-line and
glossary are also included at the end of the book.
Recommended for readers aged 8-13.
Carolyn Hull
Duel at Araluen by John Flanagan
Rangers Apprentice: The Royal Ranger Book 3. Random House,
2018. ISBN: 9780143785927.
(Age: 11-15) Highly recommended. Themes: Adventure; Battle; Royalty;
Heroism. As the third book in the Royal Ranger series it is
apparent that much has gone before, leading to the incredibly
capable Princess Cassandra having to defend her injured father, King
Duncan, and the remnant of soldiers in the Castle, while trapped
high within the fortified south tower. Her husband, Sir Horace and
the Ranger Commandant, Gilan, are similarly trapped in an old hill
fort, but far away, and unable to provide the rescue the Princess
will need to remain in power. The orchestration of this two-pronged
attack on the ruling authority of Araluen is down to Dimon, and it
looks like he has the upper hand. His engineers have also devised a
rather interesting device to launch an assault. If nothing else he
just needs to wait until all food and water is used up within the
Castle and the other fortress and he can take control of Araluen on
his own. But, he has no idea that he will be brought undone because
of a young female apprentice Ranger (Princess Cassandra and Sir
Horace's daughter, Maddie) and the Brotherband of Skandians who,
with their intense fighting skills, will be a formidable and
surprise force to be reckoned with.
John Flanagan knows how to write an exciting and dramatic adventure,
and even though I have not read all of his books, those I have read
I have not been able to put down. (Younger readers devour every book
in each series!) There is fighting, tension, incredible 'warrior'
strategy and some odd moments of humour from the interesting
characters. It would be unusual for anyone to dislike this book in
the spin-off series from the standard Rangers Apprentice
series. (Note: Book one in the Royal Ranger series was
originally published as Book 12 in the Rangers Apprentice
series. The Brotherband series is a stand-alone series, but
the two become linked at various points.)
The delight of this book is the heroine Maddie rising to reveal her
training as a Ranger has not been in vain, and her ability to lead
and strategise to solve problems in conflict is only matched by her
skills to evade detection.
Highly recommended for readers aged 11-15. (Both male and female
readers will love the action and adventure.)
Carolyn Hull
Henry VIII and the men who made him by Tracy Borman
Hodder and Stoughton, 2018. ISBN 9781473649897.
(Age: Senior secondary - Adult) Recommended. Tracey Borman has
created a powerful story of the life and times of Henry VIII, King
of England from 1509 to 1547, reflecting the value of both the
historical authenticity and the collection of writings, legal and
other documents, from which Borman draws her historical narrative.
Supported throughout by numerous references, this novel describes
Henry's interactions with the men, and to a lesser extent the women
(who were really considered to be tools to producing the necessary
male heir), using historical records, and photographs of paintings
of Henry and other people important to the narrative. Additionally,
we are able to grasp the significance of the works of the writers
who have studied and documented Henry's life, particularly in the
references to the effects of the religious upheaval at that time. As
would be expected, the story is based deeply on the times and
revolutionary ideas of the Reformation in England and Borman has
created a strong sense of that period: the political, social and
religious events that brought about such great religious and social
change during Henry's lifetime.
We read how Henry was always determined to have his way, but when
thwarted, would exact violent punishment as his revenge, most often
almost immediately accomplished by killing the perpetrator, or
incarcerating those who displeased him. Reading this book in the
modern world, and knowing that so many had been 'removed' when they
upset Henry, or interfered with his plans, it seems to be remarkable
that anyone was prepared to work for him, and certainly that anyone
was prepared to challenge him. While Borman details how some of the
damned would plead their innocence, or implore forgiveness, even up
to the day of, or preceding, their 'removal', we gather that there
was almost never any chance of remission. For the men who did not do
as he demanded, or his wives, who were removed because they failed
to produce the male heir he wanted, or he had grown tired of them,
he found no reason why they should not be punished with death.
Indeed, Henry's cold and dispassionate slaughtering of those who did
not do, or produce, what he wanted, is the most abiding theme
throughout this magnificently researched tome.
Plunged into Borman's vibrant world of political intrigue, we see
the rivalry of the men who surrounded Henry, the reactions to and
change in beliefs of the new religion, and the growing antipathy, in
England, to the unsettling events of the rejection of the previously
dominant European-based Roman Catholic Church. Interestingly, it is
difficult to keep in mind that this narrative is based on truth, its
accuracy detailed in Borman's extensive bibliography, her
references, notes and index, all of which take up over sixty pages.
Captivating, commanding and beautifully written, this novel will
leave the reader with a sense of horror that this man could see
himself as above all human codes of decency in his ruling of a
country by birthright, and in his pursuit of an heir. Borman's portrayal
appears to interpret his responses, choices, actions and
interactions with others as driven by his determination to wield his
power, as he becomes the man who destroys those who displease or
disobey him. In fact, men whom he liked seem to have suffered the
same fate of needing to be killed when their actions displeased him
or when they failed to do what he demanded, even though he appeared
to be slightly saddened by this fact. This novel would be a fine
study for senior English history students and a compelling read for
anyone who is interested in this era.
Elizabeth Bondar
Dog Man: Brawl of the wild by Dav Pilkey
Dog Man book 6. Graphix, 2019. ISBN 9781338290929.
(Age: 7+) Highly recommended. Themes: Humour. Crime. Dog Man is back
with another outrageous adventure which fans will devour. This time
he is sent to the pound for a crime that he didn't commit and finds
that he doesn't have a place with the dogs or with people, a real
dilemma for him. His faithful friends work hard to prove his
innocence with action and fun galore for the reader.
Readers new to the series will quickly pick up the main threads of
the Dog Man series with George and Harold's recap of the story so
far, telling of Dog Man's origins, his awesome allies and the evil
villains The Fleas. A nod to Call of the wild by Jack London
will create much hilarity for those who have read it. I loved the
drawings of the dogs pulling a sled laden with dog poop and kids of
all ages will follow the illustrations and story often laughing out
loud.
Li'l Petey continues to frustrate his father with his senseless
jokes, while at the same time coming up with a narrative to help him
try and be good and the pages where the reader can do their own
flip-o-rama, making sound effects for extra fun, add to the
originality of the plot and the general hilarity of the story.
This one won't stay on library shelves for a second and there is
sure to be a very long waiting list for it!
Pat Pledger
Emergency contact by Mary H.K. Choi
Simon and Schuster, 2018. ISBN 9781534425934.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Fiction. Penny and Sam, two complete
strangers at first, have an unforeseen encounter that results in
them becoming each other's emergency contact. With their growing
friendship being entirely through each other's phones, they skip the
awkwardness of social interactions at first. But as they get to know
each other and their trust in each other grows, life seems to twist
their stories together in an unusual and rushed series of events.
Penny sees herself as awkward and different from everyone around
her. She understands the social customs of teenage life and
friendships. But still, she has difficulty performing them, not
feeling comfortable enough in her own skin and feeling alienated
from others. Her character is surprisingly self-dependent and very
set in her own way of thinking. Sam, on the other hand, has a funny
way of knowing how people tick and is able to fit in with most. His
character has an adaptive personality and is a very easygoing person
at first. But he too has personal struggles that he faces as well.
With each other's help and through their texting they are both able
to help each other in a way that is surprisingly supportive.
Choi has written a story that is both detailed and easy to read. The
text conversations fit into the story appropriately and help to give
you more of an insight into Penny and Sam's personality. The
chapters are also divided into Penny and Sam's perspective and is
used smoothly to tell both of their stories. Overall this story is
interesting and a great read for teenagers and young adults.
Kayla Raphael
Helen Keller by Libby Romero
Ill. by Charlotte Ager. DK Life Stories. DK, 2019. ISBN
9780241322932.
(Age: 8-12) Highly recommended. Themes: Helen Keller. Biography.
Disability. Blindness. Deafness. Helen Keller's life is revealed in
this accessible biography for younger readers. Helen's disability
and her relationship with her teacher Annie Sullivan are described
with simple detail. Her later life is also explained, along with her
opinions and service for others, all demonstrating her amazing
capacity; she was never limited by her disabilities but used her
talent for overcoming obstacles to inspire others.
The presentation of this book is delightfully appealing for readers
aged 8-12. The cartoon style illustrations are interspersed with
photographs, and decorated text boxes are used to explain
terminology and ideas for the benefit of the younger audience. With
colourful chapter headings, a family tree, a summary timeline of
Helen's life, a quiz, and a glossary the book is a wonderful,
appealing non-fiction book. The text is not complex and this book
would make an excellent addition to a biographical collection in a
primary school library.
Highly recommended. Ages 8-12
Carolyn Hull
Playing Atari with Saddam Hussein: Based on a true story by Jennifer Roy with Ali Fadhil
Oneworld Publications, 2018. ISBN 9781786074669.
(Age: Upper primary, Lower secondary) Recommended. An intriguing
title, combining two seemingly unconnected topics. Ali is an
eleven-year boy who lives in Iraq during 1991, a time when the
country was bombed by the Americans. President Saddam Hussein has
invaded Kuwait and the US and allies launch Operation Desert Storm
to force him out. That means the people of Kuwait must experience
the onslaught of the bombing raids, starvation and death.
All of this is seen and described through the eyes of Ali who lives
with his brothers, sister and mother while his father is away
serving as a medic.
Mixed up with the horrors of war, are the day to day survival
strategies his family must practise such as taking shelter and
surviving on meagre food supplies. He deals with problems with his
brothers, bullies in the street as well as witnessing the horror of
a public execution.
Ali loves his Superman comics, his Atari game, soccer and American
shows (from which he has learnt English) and wants nothing more than
his father to return safely and life to go back to normal.
This novel is based on a true story and Ali Fadhil, the joint author
and protagonist of the story, eventually migrates to the USA after
participating in the trial of Saddam Hussein as a young man.
This is a time in history that the young readers of this book may
not know but it gives a child's eye look into the experiences of
real people on the ground surviving war.
The cover has a pixelated Atari screen style of illustration showing
Ali surrounded by bombs and soccer balls, wryly mimicking the
comments made by Americans, calling the nightly bombings 'the video
game war'.
I recommend this book to upper primary, lower secondary students.
Jane Moore
Zenobia by Morten Durr and Lars Horneman
UQP, 2018. ISBN: 9780702260254.
(Age: All) Recommended for all ages, a useful stimulus to discussion
of refugee issues. Could worry younger readers.Themes: Refugees,
Children in war, boat people, migration. The opening page of this
graphic novel is divided into three uneven frames; in the middle we
see the gently curving horizon with the sky above. Below, alone in
the ocean is an overloaded boat, every inch occupied by people. The
following pages zoom in on the people, so tightly packed that the
deck is not visible. We see a little girl, alone, surrounded by
adult men. Then the sea gets rough and the people are thrown from
the boat, clutching babies and meagre possessions and our little
girl is thrown into the sea. The first words come as she sinks, 'it
is big and empty here'. 'No-one can find me here.' We find out her
name is Amina and we enter her memories of happier times, playing
hide and seek with her mother and cooking before they one day went
to town and never came back. She had to be brave like Zenobia, a
beautiful warrior Queen of Syria who never gave up. An uncle takes
her to try and escape the war torn country but there is not enough
money for them both so she is alone when the boat sinks.
Beautifully produced and powerfully composed the colours instantly
transport us into the blue of the ocean or the brown of the ruined
Syrian villages. The impact of the deceptively simple story is
graphic and should worry us all. Like the Child Soldiers of Africa,
the tragic plight of children in conflict told through books like
this will reach into our hearts unmediated by words. We anticipate a
last minute rescue but that ending is withheld.
Sue Speck
