Reviews

The Queen's rising by Rebecca Ross

HarperCollins, 2018. ISBN 9780008245986
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Brienna is a student at Magnalia House, where she is studying the passion of knowledge. She desperately wants to be chosen by a patron at the solstice but her worst fears occur - while all her friends leave happily off their patrons, she remains at the school. Her headmistress consoles her, finally coming up with an unusual choice and it is with this patron that Brienna meets her destiny when a dangerous plot to overthrow the evil king of Maevana is planned.
The Queen's rising was an easy to read fantasy and could be recommended as a fairly straight forward introduction to the genre as it has all the familiar tropes, an orphan heroine, an evil king who must be overthrown, brave resistance fighters and romance, to make it very readable. In addition Brienna is a most likeable heroine and even though brought up initially in an orphanage, she knows what is important in family life and is loyal and steadfast to those she loves. She has to make difficult choices about who is the rightful queen of Maevana and how to act when she arrives there.
What makes this different from other fantasy stories is the school where Brienna is placed by her grandfather. When she arrives at Magnalia House she has to choose one of five passions - art, music, dramatics, wit, and knowledge - to study. She quickly makes friends there but tries all areas of study until Cartier, the Master of Knowledge, takes her as a pupil and tries to teach her all she needs to know to become a passion of knowledge in three years instead of seven. From the other girls studying there the reader finds out about the different passions and how they feel and act about them, giving an in-depth understanding of what people passionate about the arts and knowledge experience. This could encourage readers to consider what their own passions could be and what is needed for them to develop.
Although advertised as the first in a trilogy, The queen's rising can be read as a standalone as it comes to a very satisfying conclusion. There is no cliff-hanger to entice the reader, although I for one will find it difficult not to pursue what may come next in Brienna and Cartier's lives.
Pat Pledger

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Gollancz, 2018. ISBN 9781473223967
(Age: YA) Recommended. The Belles looks like a typical fantasy princess story from the outside, but the inside reveals the ugliness that lies under the characters beauty. There are some definite strong points to the novel but also some parts that almost ruin it. The writing style is definitely one of the strong points as it fits the world of Orleans perfectly; the lavish, vivid, and beautifully detailed descriptions of the world enhanced the experience of the story (though it could still be a bit much at some points).
The characters were mostly (I'll talk about the exceptions in a minute) enjoyable to experience. Camellia' sisters (the other Belles) had their own personalities and flaws which will be really interesting to see being explored in the next books in the series (especially excited about Edelweiss and Remy!). The antagonist was really well written as well, creating conflicts and difficult decisions throughout the story in a way that keeps the reader reading. Camellia's character wasn't incredible; I didn't hate her, but I didn't always like her either. She had moments where I cheered for her and thought her decisions were the correct ones, but at other points, she made rash decisions and fell in love with a guy who really seemed to have no redeemable qualities, which made me like her less.
The pacing was also a bit slow at the start, but it sped up once the world was set, and important plot points were laid out.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel! I would recommend it to YA girls and would give it 3.5/5 stars!
Similar books: The Selection Series by Kiera Cass.
Emily Douglass (Student)

Unplugged by Steve Antony

Hachette, 2018. ISBN 9781444934168
(Age: 4+) Highly recommended. Themes: Indoors, Outdoors, Electronic devices. Blip loves her computer. Plugged in she can play games, learn new things, dance to some music and visit exotic places, all day long. But one day, the power is turned off and Blip is so surprised that she trips over the cord and falls all the way downstairs to the outside. She topples down a grassy slope, down beside a bubbling stream and into a forest. Here she learns new things, plays games, visits new places and listens to music. At the end of her day she returns home where the power has returned, and when Blip plugs back into her computer, all she can think about is the wonderful day she had outside and the new friends she made.
The black and white illustrations are perfect for the images of Blip and her computer, contrasting with the welcome colour of outside, contrasting the times spent in each place, one shut off in a darkened room, all by herself, the other surrounded by fresh air and the outside and colour.
This is a great story for kids to read, they will appreciate the humour of the difference presented between outside and inside, and perhaps talk about the properties of each place, limiting their inside fun and expanding their outside fun.
Fran Knight

Gangsta rap by Benjamin Zephaniah

Bloomsbury, 2018 (2004). ISBN 9781408895009
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Themes: Violence. Gangs. London. Schools. Music. Rap. Ray is always in trouble both at home and at school. But after the latest escapade, Ray and his friends Prem and Tyrone are suspended. When their headmaster decides to give them a second chance, that of forming a rap group, they see this as a dream come true. Through a special program, they are taught the business of the music industry, how to record an album, and how to lay down a track. Taking the name Positive Negatives, after all their training at the program, it is not long before they have signed a record deal and gain gigs. But readers know this will not last, and their dream soon becomes a nightmare as violence gathers around them. Without warning, their new careers seem lost and their perceived futures as well as their lives are on the line. But they are determined to show that crime and rapping do not necessarily have to be paired and so fight against the influences set to overpower them.
Reading other reviews on Good Reading shows a wide variety of responses to this book, first published in Australia in 2004. Some thought it poorly written and violent, while several questioned their teachers having given it to them to read. But most admired the theme of the book, giving an insight from someone who has been there. Zepahiah, a highly esteemed rapper, poet and writer in England, has a wide following, and with the re-release of several of his books, the current readers can make up their own minds.
He writes from personal experience which makes his books seem real, and his international success as a performance poet makes him well known to kids who will pick up this book. And the wonderful new cover is sure to attract readers.
Fran Knight

Rebellion of thieves: A Robyn Hoodlum adventure by Kekla Magoon

Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781681195346
"Robyn Loxley can't rest now that she's the #1 Most Wanted Fugitive, Robyn Hoodlum. The harsh Nott City governor, Ignomus Crown, may have increased the reward for her capture, but this won't stop Robyn from masterminding her biggest mission yet: infiltrating the governor's mansion to rescue her parents. The perfect opportunity arises when the Iron Teen contest comes to Sherwood. If Robyn scores high enough, she'll be invited to a dinner at the mansion. But performing well also puts her directly in Crown's sights. Can she and her crew of misfit friends pull off such a grand scheme?" Publisher.
This is certainly an interesting second book in the series following Shadows of Sherwood. Magoon has very cleverly placed an African American girl in a story set in the future or even possibly another planet altogether. You do need to read the books in order. I like the concept of a modern day Robin Hood and it will certainly appeal to students who are interested in Science Fiction. There were some interesting parts to the plot and the characters we met in Shadows of Sherwood continued to develop.
Magoon has converted the legend into a futuristic version where Robyn meets technology that I dare say has not even been invented yet.
Kathryn Schumacher

The war I finally won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Text, 2017. ISBN 9781925498851
Highly recommended. Sequel to the award winning The war that saved my life. "When Ada's clubfoot is surgically fixed at last, she knows for certain that she's not what her mother said she was - damaged, deranged, crippled mentally as well as physically. She's not a daughter anymore, either. What is she? World War II continues, and Ada and her brother, Jamie, are living with their loving legal guardian, Susan, in a borrowed cottage on the estate of the formidable Lady Thorton - along with Lady Thorton herself and her daughter, Maggie. Life in the crowded cottage is tense enough, and then, quite suddenly, Ruth, a Jewish girl from Germany, moves in. A German? The occupants of the house are horrified. But other impacts of the war become far more frightening. As death creeps closer to their door, life and morality during wartime grow more complex. Who is Ada now? How can she keep fighting? And who will she struggle to save?" Publisher
I absolutely loved this book. I found myself wanting to read it any spare moment I had. Although I had not read the other books about Ada I did not have any trouble following the storyline - although I will be seeking out the first book! The characters are so lifelike and it is extremely easy to make emotional connections with each and every one of them. The story touches on persistence, love, friendship and ignorance.
It would make a fantastic read aloud although it would need to be for upper primary students as there are references to the abuse and neglect Ada faced prior to being evacuated from London. It provides a fantastic insight into the hardships that affected all during the war - from the very poor to the wealthy. A must have for the library collection. Teacher's notes are available.
Kathryn Schumacher

Monsters of men by Patrick Ness

Chaos walking, book 3. Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406379181
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Winner Carnegie Medal 2011. Themes: Dystopian fiction. Survival. Warfare. Stereotypes. "Three armies march on New Prentisstown, each one intent on destroying the others. Todd and Viola are caught in the middle, with no chance of escape. As the battles commence, how can they hope to stop the fighting? How can there ever be peace when they're so hopelessly outnumbered? And if war makes monsters of men, what terrible choices await?" (Publisher)
Monsters of men brings to a close the stunning Chaos walking series. Amid the warfare, violence and despair, Todd and Viola's love for each other stands out as a beacon, and keeps the reader hopeful of some type of resolution. There is also the glimmer of hope for redemption and that not even monsters are wholly evil, even the mayor Prentiss.
This is a tense, electrifying book that requires much resilience from its reader and the conclusion is stunning. There is a book trailer for the book on Patrick Ness' website, where he also reads from Monsters of men and has a conversation.
Pat Pledger

The ask and the answer by Patrick Ness

Chaos walking, book 2. Walker Books, 2009. ISBN 9781406379174
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. After the relentless suspense and an incredible cliff hanger ending in The knife of letting go, I wasn't sure if the sequel could live up to that Guardian Children's Fiction Prize winning book. However I was not disappointed! Ness has written another wonderful book full of action and issues that made me think long after I finished the book. Todd has taken the dying Viola into Haven but it has been made into the stronghold of his enemy Mayor Prentiss. Imprisoned, Todd is forced to fit into the new order and carries out Prentiss' awful orders. Not knowing what has happened to Viola, he follows directions, putting bands on the Spackle who are herded into a labour camp. He also bands the women. There are secrets, resistance movements and dire times for Todd and Viola, who are separated but still care for each other.
I can't reveal too much except to say that the action is non-stop, the dialogue is as fabulous as the first book and the theme of what people will do in times of war and how they act under duress will stay with me. The manipulation over people's minds by Mayor Prentiss is described so vividly that I finished the book with a clearer understanding of how a powerful personality can sway all before him.
Chaos walking is an engrossing series and I can't wait for the next instalment, after another cliffhanger ending.
Pat Pledger

The knife of never letting go by Patrick Ness

Chaos walking, Book 1. Walker, 2008. Reprint. ISBN 9781406379167
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. This is a stunning, unforgettable book with a totally original plot that completely captures the imagination of the reader. Todd Hewitt lives in Prentisstown, where he is constantly battling against the jabber of The Noise. As a result of a virus, everyone in Prentisstown can hear not only each other's thoughts but those of animals. All the women and girls have died so it is a male dominated society. When Todd finds a pool of silence, he discovers to his amazement that it is a girl and he cannot hear her thoughts. Pursued by Aaron, a religious zealot, and the men of Prentisstown, Todd and Viola try to escape and the resulting chase is fraught with danger and adventure.
The Noise is a wonderful ploy that pushes the action packed plot along and brings alive the main characters. One of the most engaging is Manchee, Todd's dog. Ness has managed to give an animal a really credible voice. When Todd and Viola are being pursued, the thrill of the chase is magnified by not only by being able to hear the noise that the men make but their thoughts as well.
The story is much more than an exciting chase. Ness explores a society where women are banned and a fundamentalist religion dominates. Todd faces the moral dilemma of whether or not he can kill a man and the ethics of murdering the Spackle, an indigenous race, are examined.
Pat Pledger

Mummy Fairy and me by Sophie Kinsella

Begone the raggedy witches by Celine Kiernan

The wild magic Trilogy: Book 1 Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406366020
(Age: 10-14) Highly recommended. Themes: Fantasy. Witches. Good and evil. Strong female character. On their way home from the hospital, where Mup's great aunt lies dying, Mup sees the raggedy witches flying along, leaping from tree to tree and following their car. When they fail to persuade Mup's Mam to go with them, they kidnap her father and the family is forced to try and rescue him. On the other side of the border the land is strange and Mam is powerful and strong. Mup realises that she too has witch's powers and is caught up in the struggle of the land between the evil Queen and those who oppose her.
Lyrical prose and wonderful characters made this a story that is hard to put down. The world of the witches is described in detail, and the magic that happens there is unique, frightening and fascinating. There are people who can turn into birds, Mup's little brother is turned into a dog who speaks so that he can keep up on their swift journey and Crow the boy that Mup befriends is a raven who must talk in rhyme.
Mup is an outstanding character, thoughtful, caring and brave, and her courage and moral conviction about good and evil, shines out in the book. As well as many exciting adventures that drag the reader along at break-neck speed, there are dilemmas too that must be considered by the reader. Did Aunty make the right decision in keeping her niece away from the land where she had magical skills and could have been a good leader? Should Crow's mother been more loving and caring? Should people stand up against a tyrannical leader?
This is an exciting and compelling read that will appeal to all lovers of fantasy. It was so original and interesting that I finished it in one sitting and look forward to the next in the series.
Pat Pledger

Rose Raventhorpe investigates: Hounds and hauntings by Janine Beacham

Little Brown Books for Children, 2018. ISBN 9781510201323
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Themes: Detectives. Criminal investigation. Secret societies. A huge ghost dog wanders the streets of Yorke frightening the superstitious townsfolk. Is Barghest the sharp-toothed, red-eyed hound responsible for the death of young Moll a pickpocket in Mad Meg Lane? It's time for young Rose Raventhorpe, her friend Orpheus, and Heddsworth, Rose's butler, to investigate a new crime and find the culprit.
After an early morning fencing practice on top of the city wall, the trio head towards a new chocolate emporium. On the way they discover the crime scene and Rose quietly starts to look at the surroundings for clues the police have missed. Authoress Miss Wildcliffe and her large dog Wolf also happen upon the scene and become falsely accused of the crime. Rose, Orpheus and the secret society of Silvercrest Butlers begin their own investigation as the police try to convince everyone Miss Wildcliffe's dog is to blame. As the action moves through the city there are confrontations, consequences for actions and plenty of drama throughout. The children take on the Lord Mayor's Wakemen who patrol the town bullying and threatening those who stand in their way. With Rose's parents away, she is able to explore the Victorian city, the alleyways, visit Miss Wildcliffe's home on the moors and gather the vital information needed to solve the mystery.
Janine Beacham's third novel in the Rose Raventhorpe investigates series is filled with the colourful characters, atmospheric settings and action-filled scenes that keep the reader wanting more. Hounds and hauntings is a great novel to add to the popular genre of historical mysteries.
Rhyllis Bignell

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780141388663
(Age: 16+) Recommended. Themes: European Fairytales, Supernatural, Fantasy, Young Adult. The Hazel Wood is a terrifying look at Fairy tales that turns the happy ever after notion that is often presented to readers on its head. With this book you are encouraged to fear the fairy tale world and in the immortal words of Frank L. Baum "you are not in Kansas anymore".
We follow 17-year-old Alice and her Mother through what appears to be a relatively normal existence (well for them anyway) where they are always on the move - it leaves the reader intrigued as to what they are running from. Alice is the main protagonist and you feel for her a few pages in. There is also a mysterious Grandmother who has been writing a series of books regarding Hazel Wood which have reached cult status.
It is beautifully written but haunting to the core. It left me both wanting to put it away in the dark place it came from to wanting to keep reading it - not a book I recommend reading on a dark windy night that is for sure. It is truly mesmerising and so dark that it won't be for everyone. Melissa Albert has perfectly written a story for teenagers that will truly speak their language.
Alice's mother is stolen by a character from Hazel Wood and even though she is warned not to come to Hazel Wood if Alice wants to see her Mother again she must. I must admit that pace to start with is slow and you are left wanting more to happen. But as you progress in the story and encounter the characters that are not always to my liking that the true genius of the writing comes to the fore. Melissa Albert's world is twisted, and frightening and very, very unnerving. It reminds me of Stephen King and Dean Koontz where what makes their stories truly terrifying is the element of truth that is present. I am a great lover of horror stories but this one left its indelible mark on me and it one for older readers.
If you like books from Holly Black (Doll Bones) or Maggie Stiefvater (Shiver series) then this is the book for you. The conclusion was great and it could have finished the story there but I am glad to say that there are more planned. I am hoping that they are as dark and disturbing as this one. It certainly stays with you for quite some time after the book is finished and put down.
Elaine Grottick

Planet Middle School by Nikki Grimes

Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781619630123
(Age: 11-14) Highly recommended. Themes: Coming of Age; Identity; Growing up; Puberty. Jeans and sports shoes are the attire of choice for Joylin. She is the girl who would prefer to play basketball rather than do anything that her female friends are interested in. Playing basketball with her friend Jake and the other guys is much more fun than anything else. Her attitude towards the girls at school is full of disdain as they swoon in front of the boys, or primp and preen in front of the mirror, until . . . Santiago comes into her field of view. We then see that Joylin is in fact a normal young person about to undergo the transformations that all teens experience in varying ways. But will she lose herself in the process?
This is a lovely story of growing up and the relentless changes that creep up on a young person as puberty impacts life. Joylin's honesty and the journey through the beginnings of desire are delightful in their revelation for a younger reader. (This would make a good Growth and Development read-aloud for a year 6/7 class). There are other characters in the story who are also dealing with identity (Joylin's younger brother Caden, the artistic, non-sporty type, and her friend KeeLee, the Pastor's daughter; and Glory, the 'dressed-up' basketball star, and maybe even, Jake, the reliable friend.)
Written in a Prose Poetry style, this book would be excellent for a reader who struggles with longer text, but who is on the cusp of Middle School life. But it will be equally enjoyed by capable readers because they will recognise the changes that are flowing through the story.
Highly recommended for age 11-14 years
Carolyn Hull

Eric makes a splash by Emily MacKenzie

Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408882962
(Age: 4+) Themes: Fear, Overcoming fear, Swimming. Eric is a worrier. He worries about the smallest of things: getting lost in the park, making his boots dirty, splashing in a puddle, what Mum has given him for lunch. So much so that he halts at trying different things or even doing everyday things. His friend, Flora is fearless, and buoys him up when he is worried. She often offers an alternative perspective of whatever they are doing, making him imagine that he is somewhere else or perhaps something else.
So when he pulls back at splashing in the puddles, she asks him to imagine that he is a piglet or a hippo rolling about int he mud. When he is troubled by climbing the frame she suggests that he imagines that he is a spider with legs that attach themselves using their sticky web. But when an invitation comes along for a pool party he is dismayed. Flora must make an extra effort to get him into bathers and to the pool's edge and finally into the water. But when he realises that he can swim he finds that he has another problem to solve: Flora.
This is an easily digested story of overcoming fears, of how friends can help, and will be read eagerly by younger readers, ready to offer their own examples of fears and how to get over them.
Fran Knight