Reviews

Refugee boy by Benjamin Zephaniah

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408894996
(Age: 13+) On the disputed border of the African countries Eritrea and Ethiopia, armed militants from both sides terrorise villagers for being from the other nation. Teenager Alem has an Ethiopian father and an Eritrean mother and his family literally has nowhere to go because of the hatred and intolerance soldiers from each nation show for the citizens of the other.
Naively thinking that he is going on holiday, Alem accompanies his father to England where he enjoys the marvels of London for a couple of days before he wakens in their hotel room to find his father gone. In a desperate bid to ensure his son's safety, Alem's father had abandoned him and returned to his border village, in the hope that Alem might be granted refugee status.
Whilst Alem experiences an understandable sense of bewilderment and loneliness, he is remarkably resilient and mature for his years and stoically endures the trials of his predicament, trusting in his father and British civil service.
Placed into a refuge for teenagers, Alem finds himself alone amongst boys who appear to be a mixture of young offenders and orphans, inevitably becoming a target for moronic bullies who derive pleasure from domination through violence.
Alem endures this hardship and struggles to understand mindless behaviour and careless attitudes to education and self-improvement at the school he attends. Coming from an austere background in a dysfunctional country, Alem has high expectations of British society and experiences disappointment when he realises that some citizens have no awareness of their good fortune.
Eventually Alem's personal circumstances improve when he is placed with a loving foster family whose only desire is to ensure his happiness and safety. Sadly, letters from his father confirm a rapidly deteriorating situation at home and he lives in constant fear for his parents.
This revealing story explains the difficulties faced by both refugees and those public servants and legal adjudicators whose task it is to determine who deserves asylum and who must be repatriated. As with other stories dealing with similar situations, I could not help feeling a sense of despair that so much trauma is caused by religious, political and territorial disputes. So many people are currently displaced in the world that it seems unlikely they will be granted asylum anywhere safe. This novel considers the role of advocates, protesters, lawyers and the judiciary in dealing with a situation which is often presented too simplistically by both sides of the debate.
Rob Welsh

A cold case in Amsterdam Central by Anja de Jager

Constable, 2017. ISBN 9781472120649
(Age: Secondary to adult) Recommended. Themes: Crime. Amsterdam. Cold case. World War Two. Sympathisers. This is a wonderful concoction of a crime thriller set in a totally different environment, Amsterdam, with its canals, polders and tulips. Detective Lotte Meermon is back after four months off police work after being shot. Some do not want her back, and actively encourage her to go, while others are giving her the benefit of the doubt. But here again, she rubs people up the wrong way, insisting that the death of a painter at a building site was not an accident. When his wife of six months finds a locker ticket Lotte is called to help but finds the bag in the locker contains bones. Lotte is sure there is more to the death that appears, even though her partner, Thomas is unconvinced.
With a single-mindedeness seen in Saga Noren from 'The bridge', Lotte ploughs on, following leads that seem to come from fresh air. Forensic examination of the bones reveal them to be from the war, and the DNA matches them to a public prosecutor, brought up on stories of her heroic grandfather, killed by the Nazis for his work with the resistance, but the forensic examiner has also found a spare arm, the DNA linking him to a crime boss not seen for some years. Thomas follows the leads in this part of the investigation, eager to excel with such a big case, leaving Lotte to follow the painter's death, but the two coincide, bringing in a range of people from Lotte's youth when she helped find the killer of her friend Anges, when she was ten. Now that her mother has broken her wrist and is staying with her, the antipathy between them adds another level of comment into the story, comparing it with the fate of several other older parents involved in the case.
Lotte is a fascinating character through this book, revealing snippets of herself, and her past, but certainly saying what she thinks, to the sometimes astonishment of those around her.
This is an involving sequel to A cold death in Amsterdam (2015) and a third book is about to be published. I love reading crime novels set in new places, and with a character as complex as Lotte, the series will please.
Fran Knight

Ultimate Lego Star Wars

DK, 2017. ISBN 9780241288443
(Ages: 8+) In 1999 the first LEGO Star Wars sets were released and since then the collaboration has continued to grow. This is a definitive, unrivalled encyclopaedic guide to every LEGO Star Wars minifigure or set ever produced. Each of the three main sections (characters and creatures; locations and vehicles and equipment) are comprehensive visual galleries. It shows their evolution from the very first creations to what technology allows the LEGO designers to create today. Even non-fanatics will be interested in seeing the progression from the old yellow mini-figures with minimal detail to the intricate figures with personalised facial details available today. While there is only one version of many of the figures and models, some have up to a dozen variants. The text accompanying the photographs of each model includes a little information about the Star Wars character itself, but is mostly committed to the actual design and differences between the variants. There are even some quotes from a LEGO designer scattered throughout the book for some added insight. All the important information is included for both serious LEGO fans (year, set number) and serious Star Wars fans (mini-figure homeworld and affiliation, vehicle and equipment type and model, location sector and system, etc.). There is a lot of information here, but large visuals, easy to read text and labelled pictures make it accessible even for a young audience. This is really for the most serious LEGO Star Wars fans and collectors but is fascinating even for those who aren't.
Nicole Nelson

The birthday invitation by Lucy Rowland and Laura Hughes

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408862995
(Age: Junior primary) Recommended. Who would believe that losing just one birthday invitation could lead to such surprising results? Who will catch the invitation that Ella dropped? A wizard, a princess, even a pilot flying high above.
Planning a birthday party is always so much fun, but never did Ella anticipate such a colourful bunch of new friends turning up to help her celebrate her special day, even a pirate's parrot.
This brilliantly illustrated book is a rollicking rhyme, skilfully crafted and a delight to read.
I would recommend it for Junior Primary children who all enjoy a fun and imaginative tale.
J Kerr-Smith

Pick a pine tree by Patricia Toht

Ill. by Jarvis. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406360608
"Pick a pine tree from the lot -
Slim and tall or short and squat.
Long, straight limbs
Or branches bent . . . .
Mmm! Just smell that piney scent!" Publisher
I absolutely loved this picture book. It bought back many wonderful memories of my own childhood - my sister perched up the tree with Mum directing her as to which branch to cut and then the difficult task of trying to make the said branch stand somewhat nicely. This book takes us all on a familiar journey that we all venture on at this time of year. It starts with choosing the perfect tree and strapping it to the roof to ensure it arrives home safely. On arrival home, the arduous task of rearranging the furniture to allow the tree to have pride of place. The beautiful rhyming in the book will provide ample opportunities for prediction as it is read aloud. Excitement is built as each stage is reached and then the spreading of Christmas cheer reinforces the true meaning of this special time of year. This will be a welcome addition to the Christmas collection and it will be sure to catch the eye of the reader with the sparkly writing on the cover. Many children will be able to connect to the story with this yearly ritual being performed every year right around the world.
Kathryn Schumacher

A Christmas wish by Beatrix Potter

Puffin, 2017. ISBN 9780241291757
Board book. It's Christmas Eve and Peter Rabbit and his sisters are excited, but Peter is worried too. They have all wished for a special present but Peter can't sleep, and he knows Father Christmas won't visit if he's still awake. As the hours drag by anxious Peter hears a little creak here, and a little bump there, so now he's even less likely to fall asleep, especially as he is convinced each noise must be Santa and he gets up to investigate. Then he decides to sit and gaze at the lights on the Christmas tree  .  .  .  will Santa come while he's there?
The charm and delight of Beatrix Potter's tales about Peter Rabbit have endured over decades and this adaptation is no exception. Perfect for that final sleep on the BIG night, little ones will empathise with Peter as they share his excitement and find it just as tricky to get to sleep it will become a classic part of the annual Christmas Countdown.
Barbara Braxton

The Dollmaker of Krakow by R M Romero

Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406375633
(Age: 10+) "In the land of dolls, there is magic.
In the land of humans, there is war.
Everywhere there is pain.
But together there is hope."
Karolina is a living doll whose king and queen have been overthrown. But when a strange wind spirits her away from the Land of the Dolls, she finds herself in Krakow, Poland, in the company of the Dollmaker, a man with an unusual power and a marked past. The Dollmaker has learned to keep to himself, but Karolina's courageous and compassionate manner lead him to smile and to even befriend a violin-playing father and his daughter - that is, once the Dollmaker gets over the shock of realizing a doll is speaking to him. But their newfound happiness is dashed when Nazi soldiers descend upon Poland. Karolina and the Dollmaker quickly realize that their Jewish friends are in grave danger, and they are determined to help save them, no matter what the risks.
This book is beautifully written in quite an unusual way. There are two worlds in the story - the stark reality of Krakow, Poland in the 1940s and the fantasy world of The Land of Dolls where Karolina hails from. The reader is certainly drawn to the similarities between them. It is heart-warming to see the friendship develop between the dollmaker and Karolina and how a little wooden doll begins to warm the heart of an old lonely man. Faith in humanity is restored with the bond developing between the two main characters and a Jewish girl and her father.
I believe this book would appeal to children 10 and over and as the worlds of fantasy and historical fiction collide, lovers of both genres would certainly enjoy this book. I believe this book would make a great read aloud and I can see interesting discussions with children as they discuss good and evil, develop their awareness of empathy and see that good can prevail over evil.
Kathryn Schumacher

I hate everyone but you by Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin

Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760631482
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. A modern coming-of-age novel written through a series of emails and text messages, I hate everyone but you tells the story of best friends Ava and Gen, who are starting their first year of college on opposite sides of the country. Humorous, relatable and quirky, this book, authored by best friends Gaby Dunn and Allison Raskin, previous writers at Buzzfeed Video and currently featuring on their largely popular Youtube channel Just Between Us, delivers an important glimpse into the modern teenager, raising diverse themes from first loves, long-distance friendships and family relationships to mental illness, sexual orientation and discovering who you are. This novel is innovative and insightful in its inclusion of diverse themes, including some which are still quite controversial, ensuring that any reader is able to relate to Ava, Gen or their experiences. Although this novel is riddled with hilarious quips, a fantastic storyline and relatable characters, there are some sexually explicit elements that are inappropriate for younger readers. Further, due to the fragmented structure of this book, expressed through text messages and emails, readers may have a hard time keeping up with the simultaneous experiences and milestones of Ava and Gen. Nevertheless, this novel provides a wonderful exploration of the bonds of friendship and family, and an insight into the unpredictable nature of life. Through Ava and Gen, the reader is brought on a whirlwind of a journey, and is given the opportunity to perceive the world through two vastly different perspectives. These contrasting yet complementary protagonists provide every reader with something to relate to, and a vital message to take away; change isn't always a bad thing.
Daniella Chiarolli (university student)

The start of me and you by Emery Lord

Bloomsbury 2017. ISBN 9781408888377
(Age: 12+) Recommended. A new year, a new plan, a new start. Grief is hard, no matter what, but it can be more complex when you're grieving for someone you hardly knew. Paige's first boyfriend died in a swimming accident leaving her to deal with her newfound reputation as 'the girl whose boyfriend drowned'. With a new school year Paige is determined to pull herself free of her grief and embrace teenage life. She decides that this year she will date her long-time crush, apply for a screenwriting course in New York, join a club, and overcome her fear of swimming. It can't be that difficult, right? With the support of her three best friends, Paige leaps back into high school life, underestimating all the challenges she will face throughout the year as new friendships form and old ones evolve. Nothing could be worse than losing Aaron again. Nothing. Not now that her parents are being civil again after the tumultuous divorce. Paige will discover that her goals are more of a challenge than she first thought, particularly with her growing friendship with Ryan Chase's nerdy cousin.
Moving, funny, and intelligent, I would highly recommend The Start of Me and You for girls twelve and up. This coming of age story deals with ideas surrounding grief and relationships as well as presenting messages about being true to yourself and open to trying new things, despite the stigma (Paige joining Quizbowl). Paige faces her fears throughout the novel, learning that what is right and what is wrong is not always as simple as we would sometimes like to think.
Kayla Gaskell, 21

Ali-A adventures. Game on by Alastair Aiken and Cavan Scott

Lead artist: Aleksandar Sotinovski. Puffin Books, 2017. ISBN 9780141388168
(Age: Primary - Lower secondary) Recommended. Themes; computer games, aliens, superheroes. Ali-A is attending a gaming convention with his dog, Eevie and partner Clare, reporting to his online fan base of gamers. It is the launch of the new game "Alien Liberator II" and as he is about to do an interview everyone starts to morph into Thralls, vulnerable aliens from the game. Things go from bad to worse as the models of the Giant Tyrantors come to life too and imprison the Thralls and Clare. It is up to Ali-A to become the Liberator with his knowledge of playing the game to help him overcome the evil ones. We progress through the levels of the game, Ali and Eevie picking up super powers on the way but Ali also loses some of his allocated five lives on the way and it is touch and go at the end. Fast paced and engaging, the story blends the excitement of a computer game of alien forces and special powers with a traditional story of teamwork and belief in oneself triumphing over bullies. Beautifully crafted graphics maintain the excitement and add depth and dimension to what is a simple adventure story. Readers will probably be familiar with Ali-A's online presence; according to Wikipedia his YouTube subscriber count is 4.6 million so this book can be a useful bridge for young online fans who might be reluctant readers. Recommended for primary and lower secondary students.
Exclusive Video! Ali-A Introduces Ali-A Adventures Game On! - YouTube
Sue Speck

Father Christmas's Fake Beard by Terry Pratchett

This mortal coil by Emily Suvada

Penguin 2017. ISBN 9780141379272
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. When the plague breaks out and all hell breaks loose Cat thinks she is safe enough living with her father, a genius gene-hacker, and his assistant, Dex. But everything changes when Cartaxus, the organisation responsible for messing up her father's Influenza X cure, comes to take them both away. Cat knows that it is important she remains hidden, otherwise Cartaxus might use her against them. Little does she know, that is not the only reason. When Lachlan dies, he sends a blackout agent to Cat to protect her along with the message that she holds the cure for the dreaded virus, Hydra, which has been turning people into mindless zombies and forcing the Wrath down on those who have continued to live above-ground. With the arrival of Cole, Cat is soon to learn she is much more important then simply being Lachlan Agatta's daughter or the Skies best hacker. She is the cure and the only hope for the survival of the human race. But can she stay out of Cartaxus' hands long enough to spread the cure and redeem her father's legacy?
Emily Suvada's This mortal coil is a thrilling young action fiction which will glue you to your seat. Having completely exceeded my expectations I would highly recommend this for people aged twelve and up. A dazzling novel about gene hacking, this apocalyptic techno-dystopia hits all of the tropes, while keeping the love interests understated, allowing Cat's strong female character to shine.
Kayla Gaskell, 21

Learning to swear in America by Katie Kennedy

Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2016. ISBN 9781619639119
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Minor sexual references. Katie Kennedy's gripping first novel brings the reader a suspenseful, compelling yet touching story. Learning to Swear in America follows the trials of Yuri Strelnikov, a 17-year-old Russian physicist prodigy who must put his skills to the test to save the world from a potentially planet-destroying asteroid. Despite being respected as an expert in his theory of antimatter back in Russia, Yuri finds himself fighting to be heard in NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab, often undermined due to his age. Just as the pressure Yuri is carrying on his shoulders begins to take its toll, he meets Dovie Collum, his perfect antithesis. Artistic, caring and poetic, Dovie provides the scientific and systematic Yuri with a different way of seeing the world, and acts as his motivation to save it. Yuri's arrogance and intellect, which may be difficult for some readers to connect with, is well-balanced by Dovie's humour and compassion, allowing a wide range of readers to find a relatable element in either of their personalities. Touching on sci-fi, action, adventure and romance, Kennedy's debut novel finds the reader holding their breath as they devour page after page of nail-biting action. The reader will be unable to peel their eyes away from the book, determined to discover how and if Yuri will be able to save the world, accompanied by expertly crafted characters that draw the reader further into the world of the novel. This is a novel that will not only touch your heart, but will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
Daniella Chiarolli (university student)

Provenance by Ann Leckie

Orbit Books, 2017. ISBN 9780356506968
(Age: Adult) Highly recommended. Themes: Science fiction, Coming of age, Power, Sibling rivalry, Theft, Alien culture. Ingray, in a desperate bid to outwit her brother and impress her mother the Netano, frees a thief from Compassionate Removal, a prison planet from which nobody has ever returned. She returns home to her planet where she finds things are unsettled and when she is the first on the scene of a murder in a public park, danger escalates.
This is a stand-alone novel set in the Imperial Radch universe, where her award winning Ancillary Justice was based, but it is not necessary to have read any of the other novels that the author has written. The background of the space station, the alien Geck, the strange customs of collecting artefacts and the family dynamics are all vividly described, but it is the character and action of Ingray that grabs the reader's attention and keeps it focused on the story. At first glance Ingray seems to be rather an ineffectual young woman, a bit prone to losing her hair pins and crying, but as Captain Tic comments, give her 10 minutes to fall apart and then she will come up with an outlandish but workable solution to any problem that is facing her. The problems include getting a thief off an inaccessible planet, solving a murder, being diplomatic with an important Geck ambassador and rescuing her mother and orphan children when they are held captive by an invading army.
The family dynamics are fully fleshed out, with Ingray desperate to gain her foster mother's attention, while putting her brother Danach in his place. As the story progresses so does Ingray's growth in understanding of what she wants for herself and what is the best position for her in the family. A fascinating side plot is the reverence that artefacts hold for members of the planet, and the fact that they could be fraudulent but still important in the eyes of the populace.
Provenance introduced me to the author, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, Arthur C. Clarke and Locus Awards, and I will definitely be picking up her first three books,
Pat Pledger

Saving Marty by Paul Griffin

Text Publishing, 2017. ISBN 9781925498868
(Age: 10-12) Themes: Friendship, Family Life, Pets, Music. Saving Marty is an honest story of family life, love, friendship and sacrifice. Eleven year old Lorenzo Ventura has a difficult life, physically he's over six feet tall and 250 pounds and his life with his mother and grandfather on a failing peach orchard is a constant struggle to survive. Renzo's soldier father is deceased, all that is left are his letters to his son, his guitar and his Bronze Star. Music is an important part of Renzo's life; he enjoys playing the guitar with his best friend songwriter and singer Paloma Lee.
When Renzo returns home after school to find his mother has sold Reggie and her piglets to the butcher, he is saddened but that's just part of life. In the barn he discovers their dog Bella has had her puppies in the pigpen and hidden in the straw is a fuzzy piglet, the runt of the litter. Marty (named for his dad) becomes Renzo's special project, saving him from Mum's desire to sell him off, feeding him up and stopping the rapidly growing pig from destroying property.
For a school project on their personal heroes, Renzo delves into his father's life and death, discovering conflicting and confronting details. Paloma's songs and poignant lyrics provide a contrast to the vicissitudes of Renzo's life. As the months pass, and Paloma leaves for music camp, Marty becomes the one constant friend in Renzo's life.
Paul Griffin's Saving Marty champions the underdog, the boy who doesn't fit in, and friends, family and music bring the light and shade to this story. His characters are realistically portrayed, even Marty the pig who grows to 350 pounds is a loveable friend with his dog-like antics. This is a realistic portrayal of the effects of war and to the struggles of everyday life.
Rhyllis Bignell