Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9781444940688
(Age: Older teens and Young Adult) Recommended. An action-packed
thriller novel that slowly builds to a crescendo of events that
continually surprise the reader. "Run Riot" is a powerful novel for
Young Adult audiences who enjoy reading about the reluctant everyday
hero and who can relate to issues that affect many young people
living on the fringes of society. This is a novel that explores how
community is a valuable network which must be supported and defended
by all members. Young high school students MC Taran and her twin
brother Hari, no longer live their lives as an isolated family
because they feel a connection to the people they share Firestone
House with, they feel that they somehow belong and are part of
something.
Unfortunate circumstances have forced Taran, Hari and their parents
to move to the Housing Estate that is not in a desirable part of
town and which has a negative reputation. They would rather live
somewhere else. But, just as Taran was beginning to envisage a way
out of poverty with the hope of recording something worthwhile, and
Hari working towards University after school, tragedy happens and
it is happening to them, their new friends, romantic friends, family
and their community.
They and their 2 friends Jamal and Anna, are on the run from tough
bad guys, the police and other powerful entities. They run but in
doing so, they realise that they must stand up for themselves, each
other and the occupants of flats at Firestone House - their
community and neighbours. They must stand up to corporations who
want to redevelop their 'Home' in order to house wealthy people in
grand apartments and uncaringly destroy the lives of many people by
doing so. All of this happens in just 24 hours.
The big issues of police brutality, gentrification, young people
growing up, love and relationships and general helplessness of the
less fortunate in society, are brilliantly highlighted in tense and
adrenaline packed language and banter which resonates with young
people.
About the Author - Nikesh Shukla.
Nikesh is a writer, writing for a literary Journal "The Good
Journal", co-editor, writer of a short movie "Two Dosas", he has
worked for the BBC and he is currently writing as a columnist for
"Observer Magazine". Nikesh's writing has earned him recognition
and a Best Novella at the Sabotage Awards. Nikesh has made his first
attempt at writing for teenagers with this new novel "Run, Riot".
Maria Burford
Greta Zargo and the amoeba monsters from the middle of the Earth by A. F. Harrold
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408881774
(Age: 8-12) Greta Zargo, an independent young girl who lives alone
in her inherited house, returns in this second book to save from the
world from further disaster. This time she has to contend with giant
amoeba she has unwittingly released from her own garden. They are
making their way around the village, Upper Lowerbridge, consuming a
variety of its inhabitants.
Meanwhile Greta has to discover the whereabouts of her missing Aunt
Tabitha, a great inventor, who is hosting TAFoNS, the Thirteenth
Annual Festival of new Stuff.
Visiting inventors to TAFoNS have some unusual innovations such as
cows who poo hamburgers (cow patties not cow pats), a new way of
detecting the colour orange and miniature ostriches.
An interesting inclusion in this book are the many notes written on
the side margins of the pages. These add extra quirky information to
the story.
A. F. Harrod is a poet and wordsmith and loves to play around with
names, my favourite being the "Hester Sometimes Conference Centre
and Immobile Library".
Maps at the beginning of the book show Greta's village of Upper
Lowerbridge, not to be confused with Lower Upperbridge.
Joe Todd-Stanton's illustrations are scattered throughout the novel
and add to the appeal of the book.
The first Greta Zargo book is entitled "Greta Zargo and the Death
Robots from Outer Space" and A. F. Harrold has also written the
"Fizzlestump" series.
This novel will appeal to children aged 8-12 who love quirky, silly
humour and a good laugh.
Jane Moore
Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
The Illuminae Files book 3. Allen and Unwin, 2018. ISBN
9781925266726
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Themes: Science Fiction; Warfare and
conflict; Sabotage and Resistance; Technology; Artificial
Intelligence; Space Travel. In this epic conclusion to the "Iluminae
Files" series, we are again launched at warp speed into the
phenomenal world of space conflict, where big business and humanity
grapple for survival in the most extreme of environments. The
fight-to-the-death battle rages between the forces to protect the
interests of the corporation that has most to gain and opposed to
them are the insurgents, the workers, teenagers and human faces that
are just keen to survive. Linked within this conflict is the
Artificial Intelligence voice and coding of AIDAN, whose
'personality' waxes and wanes between heroism, villainy and
friendship. Is there a moral aspect to his AI actions, or is he
programmed to act when no human could, and all in a world of complex
code . . . with more than a hint of personality?
This book is told through the files, reports and documents gleaned
from surveillance footage, text, messages, illustrations and
computer logs and files that were made at the time of the conflict -
all kept and compiled for posterity and for evidence of the 'good
and the bad' events leading up to the final moments. The variety of
text type formats to tell the story makes this a non-traditional
narrative, and consequently this is not for the faint-hearted. This
can be hard work at times, but the epic storyline and the incredible
efforts and intelligence of the teenage heroes will make this a
worthy escape for Sci-fi lovers. Even though I read the "Illuminae
Files" book 2 some time ago, it did take me some time to reconnect
all the intricacies of plot and characterisation that continue in
three books. This series might be best read as a 'binge-read' in
order to keep the complex threads in some order. YA readers will
love this series, and will probably want to devour all three books
in the series. The romantic interests of characters also make this
appealing for female readers too, as it is not just an action-war
story, set in space. The authors of this book have done an amazing
job at writing a compelling series in a very different style of
multi-format text communication.
[Note: An interesting technique of 'blacking out' all swearing in
the book gives at least some credence to those who do not want this
in YA fiction . . . but it is still patently clear what lies beneath
the 'black blanket'! But I must credit publishers or authors with at
least minimising the blatant impact of coarse and offensive
language. ]
Recommended for Sci-fi lovers aged 15+
Carolyn Hull
I got a chicken for my birthday by Laura Gehl
Carolrhoda Books, 2018. ISBN 9781512431308
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. How would you like a chicken for your
birthday? It could be good - fresh eggs and a friend to talk to.
Maybe? Well not this chicken! Our young lady wanted tickets to the
amusement park but she was sent a chicken by her grandmother. She
tries to be excited and responsible. She feeds the chicken but the
chicken wants cotton candy. She gets excited about fresh eggs but
the chicken is too busy. Before she knows it, the chicken has stolen
her dog and her cat and has written a huge list of wants - nails,
wood, a horse, helmets, a bucket, a lamb, geese and milk. What is
this chicken up to? Could this chicken turn out to be the worst gift
ever?
"I Got a Chicken For My Birthday" is a hilarious and well
illustrated picture book. The funny looking chicken is a great
discussion point - is it like a real chicken, what is different
about it, what is the same about it, are all chickens the same . . .
. . Excellent for practising observation skills. Children can also
make predictions about what the chicken is up to and create their
own stories. The text is simple and easy to read, matching well with
the illustrations. It is highly recommended for readers (and their
carers) aged 5+ as well as independent readers aged 7+. You are
never too old for a funny picture book.
Kylie Kempster
Good night stories for rebel girls 2 by Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo
Timbuktu, 2018. ISBN 9780997895827
(Age: 5 - Adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Women. Read aloud. Like
Good
night stories for rebel girls 1, this volume has 100 stories
about women, some well known (Beyonce, Madonna) and many less well
known (Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, Beatrice Vio). Each woman has a
double page spread, one side with information about how the woman
managed, some times overcoming great odds, to achieve their dreams.
60 different female artists have illustrated the book, and each
fabulous portrait of the woman described adds to the reader's
understanding of their personality.
The book is set out beautifully, each entry a joy to read, making it
a book that is sure to be a keeper in any family's library. It was
immediately grabbed when spotted in the bookshop by my 9 year old
granddaughter, who already had and loved the first book. It is a
book that responds to being read aloud as a bedtime story as the one
page entries are just right for a short bedtime story with the
story, the dates of birth and death, and the illustration providing
great entry points for discussion. The book equally responds to
having the reader pick out different inspiring women to read about
silently.
The book will inspire all readers with its tales of real women from
the past and the present, who have changed the world. It is sure to
appeal equally to boys as well as girls as the information is not
only informative but also written in a clear, interesting and easily
accessible manner. Adults will find it equally fascinating as they
read about women known and unknown to them (Agatha Christie, Sophia
Loren).
Pat Pledger
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman
Arc of a Scythe book 2. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406379532
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Themes: Science fiction, Death,
Assassination, Artificial intelligence. In the sequel to the award
winning Scythe,
Rowan has gone rogue, turning himself into the assassin Scythe
Lucifer, taking down corrupt scythes, while Citra working with
Scythe Curie, wants to stop the corruption from inside. Meanwhile
the Thunderhead looks on, seemingly unwilling to halt the decline of
the Scythedom although working with Greyson Tolliver to protect
Citra from attacks. There is an increasing division among the new
and old order of scythes and all of humanity is threatened.
The story of Citra and Rowan unfolds in alternate chapters, with a
section at the beginning of each told in the words of the
Thunderhead, leaving the reader wondering in suspense whether this
all mighty intelligence will intervene to stop the problems that the
world is facing. The action moves along at a cracking pace, the
reader left breathless hoping that the main characters will survive
assassination attempts, imprisonment and isolation. At the same time
there is great character development, Citra begins to show her
intelligence, compassion and integrity as she prepares people for
gleaning, while Rowan continues as a merciless vigilante, still
believing in the Scythedom. The addition of Greyson Tolliver as a
conduit to the Thunderhead also adds to the plot line, which is
complex and thought provoking.
Big questions are examined in "Thunderhead": the perils of
immortality, the ethics of gleaning, and the power of artificial
intelligence, all wrapped up in stunning action. A mind blowing
cliff-hanger of a conclusion that is totally unexpected, will have
fans eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. Fans of Martha
Wells' "Murderbot" series and Jay Kristoff's "Lifel1k3"
will enjoy this book.
Pat Pledger
Kid Normal and the Rogue Heroes by Greg James and Chris Smith
Ill. by Erica Salcedo. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408884553
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Theme: Adventure, Humour. A fast-paced
humorous adventure with likeable heroes and outrageous capers, this
is another cracking adventure for Murph and the Super Zeroes
battling a truly evil supervillain and one not so evil sidekick. I
am impressed with this sequel. It jumps straight into the action, as
the Super Zeroes thwart a jewel thief with ease. It keeps up the
pace with an exciting premise and twists and turns every few
chapters, moving the story forward. The Super Zeroes think they're
in for a quiet second year at the School, but the most dangerous
supervillain (or Rogue Hero) of them all has other ideas. No-one has
been able to go near Magpie in 30 years for fear of having their
power stolen, so when Magpie summons Kid Normal to his top-security
prison cell, The Alliance seizes the opportunity to glean new
information on his crimes. The visit seems unfruitful, and frankly,
a massive let-down, but Murph is convinced there must be more to
know. A nonsense poem and a bit of digging lead the gang on their
most important mission yet.
The book strikes a great balance between plot and Greg and James's
(authors) wonderful brand of humour. The jokes fit in very well and
add much needed lightness and fun. They have managed to continue to
narrate in their unique style.
A great story to read aloud to children. Character development is
another appealing element of "Kid Normal". Murphy and his friends
all mature significantly. They learn actions can have serious
consequences and build on their friendships formed in the debut
book. We also learn much more about the adults of the Kid Normal
Universe and their pasts as well. Even grumpy, shouty Mr. Flash gets
the chance to show he's not a totally unreasonable buffoon. This
makes the book rich and well rounded.
Overall, a fabulously fun story.
Donna Isgar
Wish you were here by Michelle Blackbird
Vanguard Press, 2018. ISBN 9781784654320
(Age: 14 +) Highly recommended. Genre: Historical fiction, WW 2.
This is the story of two girls in the Netherlands caught up in World
War 2 and the German occupation. Michaela's story starts at the end
of the war. She begins her new life after being in hiding and faces
the challenges of freedom, school, and friendships. She struggles in
trying to understand about what really happened during the holocaust
as she begins her new life in freedom.
Hannie and her family were captured during the war and sent to a
concentration camp. Her story is touched on briefly as she faces the
horrors of the time. This is very challenging to the reader, and we
can feel the despair of Hannie and her family.
Two girls, two different pathways during the same war. This
compelling story not only gives you an understanding of the time but
shows us the strength the girls needed in facing the challenges
ahead of them.
I enjoyed this very moving story and readers who have loved the
"Diary of
Anne Frank" will find this a must read.
Links with "Diary of Anne Frank"
Rating 9/10
Debra Pepper
Losing the Girl by Marinaomi
Life on Earth Book 1. Graphic Universe, 2018. ISBN
9781512449105
(Age: older teens) Themes: Graphic novel, Relationships, pregnancy, friendship. Part one introduces us to Nigel
Jones, a likeable skateboarding boy living with his mum, dealing
with his parents' separation while trying to find a girlfriend. The
graphic style is simple and expressive, particularly
Nigel's hair. Small details like action indicators, unusual
perspectives and individual text types add depth and interest. Nigel
asks Emily for a date and she asks him if there is a serious side to
his joking around. They quickly get closer and he asks her if she is
a virgin. They discover they are both virgins and kiss. Part two is
from Emily's perspective. She confesses to her friend Paula that she
wants to lose her virginity to someone more memorable, like older
boy Brett Hathaway. The strong black and white graphic style comes
into its own at a party where Emily's increasing emotional
instability under the influence of alcohol and Brett Hathaway is
effectively expressed in how she is drawn. She does lose her
virginity and becomes pregnant. Older sisters and friends help
clarify her options but the emotional roller coaster is vividly
expressed. As the abortion approached Emily retreats more and more
into herself until she is a brief outline. Friendships are tested
and some harsh lessons are learnt. Part three is from Brett
Hathaway's point of view. Secretly in love with Joanna who wants to
be just friends he learns about Emily's abortion and goes to see
her. The softer grey washes are expressive, but not as engaging as
the previous styles. The Fourth section is from Paula Navarro's
perspective. Emily's not so attractive friend, draws her own
narrative in her own sketchy style. Scarred by her own abusive
relationship with Darren, she is unable to support Emily as she too
is attracted to Brett and her story is infused with guilt and
jealousy. The end is complex, incorporating colour for the first
time and returning to a thread about a missing student who may have
been abducted by aliens! "Losing the Girl" is a complex interweaving
of perspectives on the lives of ordinary suburban teens told through
their own relatable voices. We are led to feel their awkward moments
and mundane concerns interleaved with life changing decisions in a
sophisticated graphic presentation. Teens will find this appealing
though the sex and one incident of smoking drugs might preclude
younger readers. It will have wider appeal than graphic novel fans,
especially readers from non-English speaking backgrounds and less
literate students.
Sue Speck
Being a princess is very hard work by Sarah KilBride
Ill. by Ada Grey. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. ISBN 9781408881941
(Age: All ages) Highly
recommended. Themes: Self Esteem, Rhyming book. If you ever thought being a REAL Princess was loads of
fun, and even easy, then this funny rhyming picture book will set
you straight. Imagine sitting on a throne for hours, to practising
handshakes and waving at your subjects when all you feel like doing
is having a nap. Think of having no time to play, keeping all those
body noises inside and most definitely no nose picking. Tables
manners must be immaculate and no fussy eating allowed. Worse still
the dragons you might have to contend with, and the frogs just
waiting to be bestowed with a kiss. Having to look neat and
spotlessly clean always, which pretty much makes anything remotely
fun out of the question. Just being yourself, a REAL little girl,
moody, energetic, noisy and yes messy, of course, but also generous
and kind is so much better.
That's the opinion (anyway) of one would-be young princess's Mum and
Dad, who want their child to know that they love her for who and
what she is. The rhyming text is complimented with fabulous
illustrations with double spread pictures full of wonderful details,
many of them taken from traditional fairy tales, adding another
dimension for the reader to enjoy.
Perfect for young would-be princesses and parents that want to get
the message to their child to appreciate their "inner beauty" and
develop themselves in spite of any "quirky" traits they think they
may have.
Donna Isgar
Save the date by Mary Kay Andrews
St Martin's Press, 2018. ISBN 9781250190291
(Age: Older adolescents - Adult) Plunging us into the frenetic life
of the young woman who has chosen to be a wedding florist, whose
work begins with flowers and catapults into the full thing - the
flowers in the church (and often for the reception too), the flowers
carried by the bridal party, the decoration of the reception venue,
flowers for the bride and often advice for the bride, or sometimes
for the mother-of-the-bride, or even the groom, Mary Kay Andrews
sets up a protagonist who keeps up a pace that seems impossible to
imagine. This novel would be suitable for older adolescents and
indeed for adults intrigued by this particular world in the southern
states of the USA.
Cara Kryzik is on the rebound from an unsuccessful relationship, and
has started up her own shop to supply the luxurious floral
decorations expected for weddings, both commonly at the church and
in the wedding venue as decreed by the mores of society in the
southern US states. Her brief goes beyond the flowers that might be
carried by the bridal party, as she begins to create the
decorations, responding to the brides, for the whole ceremony and
reception, also advising on many other aspects of the wedding. The
costs are high, and not just in monetary terms, as so much is
expected by the brides, the mothers of the brides, the attendants
and indeed the family, and Kara is under enormous pressure for
almost every wedding, pre-wedding and post-wedding celebrations for
which she caters. However, the complexity of her life is extended
further as she deals with a broken marriage, a new lover, unhelpful
workers and a father who wants to run her life.
Fast-paced, like Kara's life, this novel takes us on a journey to
the southern United States, exploring the pressures exerted by the
families on the brides as well as the weight of the expectation of
perfection in every single aspect of the whole ceremony and
celebrations on that very special day. However, the underlying story
of Kara dominates, and we are drawn deeply into her family troubles,
her attempts to leave her old life behind to forge her way into a
new life, the dominating father and the element of trust that
concerns her deeply in her relationships.
Captivating and fast-paced, this delightful novel depicts southern
life so vibrantly, exploring both its expectations of family members
in their daily lives, and especially on such occasions as a wedding,
Andrews constructs a world, moreover, into which she draws us
deeply, exploring this world's complex pressures on young people to
meet and marry the right person, to display the family's success in
suitable fashion, and to impress the world around them with their
events. Its richly evocative atmosphere is the heart of this novel,
and is the core of its strength.
This novel would be suitable for adolescent readers, but would also
be a captivating story for all ages, particularly those who are
interested in the world of the southern United States, or those who
have not experienced the particular way of life that is depicted so
richly in this novel.
Elizabeth Bondar
Melowy and the song of the moon by Danielle Star
Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781338151763
(Age: 6-10) The Melowies are a select group of winged horses who are
born with a hidden symbol on their wings and a magical power. The 4
ancient islands of Aura are the homes of the Melowies. The Melowies
must leave their island homes and attend school at the Castle of
Destiny.
In this second book of the series, the 5 Melowies will be part of a
musical performance at the school.
This book has themes of friendship, self-confidence and jealousy.
Selene has to overcome her fear of failure and is supported by her
friends to audition for the role of Moon, explaining the title
"Melowy and the song of the moon".
These small novels are about 80 pages long and are packed with
intensely coloured illustrations. Maps at the beginning of the novel
show all the island realms of Aura and each part of the Castle of
Destiny. There is also a fact sheet on the 5 Melowies, which helped
me distinguish each Melowy when I was reading the story.
The Melowies have the same friendship issues as middle primary aged
students and these books have instant appeal with their bright
colours and fantasy Pegasus characters.
The Melowies will appeal to students aged 6-10 years old.
Jane Moore
Melowy: Dreams come true by Danielle Star
Scholastic, 2018. ISBN 9781338151749
(Ages 6-8) Theme: Fantasy. Short and quick to read. Magical Pegasi
go to a school for magical horses.
Aura, a 'magical land' that's 'in a distant galaxy' has four Island
realms (Winter, Spring, Day and Night) that are populated by Pegasi.
Some Pegasi are Melowies, marked with a hidden symbol on their wings
that indicate magical abilities. Melowies are summoned to school at
the 'Castle of Destiny' in the clouds. Frontmatter details these
realms, provides a map of the castle, and provides short profiles on
the five main characters.
The story opens on the day the new Melowies arrive - which also
happens to be the anniversary of Cleo's arrival day (the day she was
found mysteriously at the castle, origins unknown and no melowy
mark). The story centres on Cleo and Maya, a shy Pegasus from
Spring. During the entrance test, Cleo enters mistakenly, and Maya
asks her to stay and help, and she unsurprisingly ends up assisting
all the main characters.
The brightly coloured Pegasi have unicorn horns, highly decorative
wings, heavy eye make-up, and long flowing manes. There is not a
hint of subtlety about them. The epilogue's twist foreshadows a
threat to Aura.
Donna Isgar
Cicada by Shaun Tan
Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9780734418630
(Age: all) Highly recommended. Themes: Cicadas, Employment,
Workplace, Bullying, Difference. Unappreciated, Cicada works in a
bleak office in a very tall building. He has worked there for
seventeen years without a break. He never makes mistakes, yet his co
workers taunt and bully him because he is different. His request for
a promotion is turned down, because he is not human. He is not
allowed in the staff rest rooms. He stays late to finish his work,
yet no one thanks him. When he retires he is told to clean his desk.
He has no home, no money and no place to be. He climbs to the top of
the building, desolate and ready to say goodbye. But here something
wonderful happens and Cicada is able to show all humans that he is
made of better stuff and does not have to spend his life in the
office building, but can fly off to greener pastures.
This scintillating story, full of hope and promise that will appeal
to all those who read it. It is multi-layered, at once ruminating on
the drudgery of modern work, of bullying in the workplace, of
prejudice against those who look different, with hints about
homelessness and hopelessness but also of looking forward and of
optimism, as Cicada breaks out, paralleling the fact that cicadas
can live underground for up to seventeen years before emerging.
Tan's rich oil paintings reflect the muted colours of the dreary
work space, with Cicada's bright green just poking above his
partition.
Hints of Escher and Edward Hopper amongst others, can be spotted
within the pages, while the poem quoted on the publications page
adds another layer of meaning and interest to the story.
"Calm and serene
the sound of a cicada permeates the rock"
and Tan's clipped words reflect a minimalism which is deafening in
what it leaves out, each small stanza ending with "Tok Tok Tok"!
Each offering from Shaun Tan is breathtaking in its originality.
Fran Knight
The Storm Keeper's Island by Catherine Doyle
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408896884
(Age: 9+) Recommended. "When Fionn Boyle sets foot on Arranmore
Island, it begins to stir beneath his feet . . . Once in a
generation, Arranmore Island chooses a new Storm Keeper to wield its
power and keep its magic safe from enemies. The time has come for
Fionn's grandfather, a secretive and eccentric old man, to step
down. Soon, a new Keeper will rise. But, deep underground, someone
has been waiting for Fionn. As the battle to become the island's
next champion rages, a more sinister magic is waking up, intent on
rekindling an ancient war." (Publisher)
This will certainly be one that does not gather dust on the shelf.
It is a gorgeous read full of adventure with magic interwoven
throughout the story-line. It is also packed with a range of
emotions allowing you to go on a true roller coaster ride. The
relationship between Fionn, his grandfather and father supports
this. Fionn is a powerful character who immediately connects with
the reader and Arranmore Island is a place we all yearn to visit. It
is certainly a clever author that can write a book that will appeal
to the younger reader and also an adult audience. I would recommend
the book for readers 9 and up and for both girls and boys. It fits
into fantasy, adventure, family and a touch of mystery. I believe
this is part of a trilogy and I am sure many children will be left
hanging and waiting for the release of the second book. A must have
for the collection.
Kathryn Schumacher
