A Vera Stanhope Novel 9. Pan Macmillan, 2020. ISBN: 9781509889525. (Age:Senior secondary - Adult) Highly recommended.
A fan of the TV series, I was delighted to pick up a Vera Stanhope novel, not having read one for several years. When driving home on a dark winter’s night, Vera takes a wrong turn and seeing a car abandoned on the side of the road stops to help and discovers a toddler strapped inside. Knowing how dangerous the weather is, she decides to take him to the nearest house, which turns out to be Brockburn, the manor house where Hector her father had been brought up. There, amidst the gaiety of a party, a young woman’s body is found in the snow, and Vera is plunged into a murder investigation.
This has all the hallmarks of a good mystery. There is a country house that is starting to decay and well fleshed out characters from the wealthy landowners, tenant farmers and village people all provide suspects. Lorna, the young woman who had been murdered had suffered anorexia in her youth and had not disclosed the name of the father of her baby to anyone, so Vera and her offsiders, Joe and Holly are faced with multiple suspects and red herrings to follow up.
It was particularly interesting to find out that Vera was related to the people in the big house and to see the divide between the rich and middle class. The book revolves around family and all the problems and rumours that can ripple even the smoothest surface of a relationship. The Stanhope family needs money and Juliet has been unable to have a baby, no one knows the identity of the father of Lorna’s baby and why she is estranged from her father, and even Vera feels a tug towards the little toddler left motherless.
This was an entertaining and engrossing mystery, easy to read, with an exciting conclusion which I did not expect. I found the book gave insights and background to Vera that added to the picture of her I had built up from the TV series. A most satisfying read.
If you have ever seen Dorothea Lange’s photographs of the Great Depression of the 1930s, particularly ‘Migrant mother’, you will know what this book is about. It was a time of drought, dust-bowl conditions, hardship, and unemployment; families uprooted and constantly on the move, starving, and searching for work.
Hannah’s novel begins with the story of Elsa as a young woman, plain and unloved; then a moment of rebelliousness sees her scorned by her family and married off, pregnant, to Rafe, a young Italian man; joining with his parents in the hard toil of working the land.
In the 1930’s, Oklahoma suffered year after year of drought and stifling dust storms that induced dust pneumonia; people with eyes turning red, short of breath and coughing up mud. Elsa, deserted by her husband, has to face the decision of staying on the land, the only true home she has known, or venturing out with two children to seek a better future elsewhere, amidst hordes of homeless people also hungry for some kind of work.
Hannah’s novel vividly describes the suffering and misery of that era, with desperate itinerant workers abused and vilified by their own countrymen. It is a story of epic proportions, and recounts the battle between cotton magnates and the disposable workers, communism, and the workers’ rights movement. But at the heart of the novel, is the relationship between Elsa and her daughter Loreda, changing from resentment and bitter antagonism, to the girl’s gradual appreciation of the strength and commitment of her mother.
It is in the end a heart-warming story of women, of finding inner strength and standing up for beliefs, with the addition of a pleasing thread of romance.
Themes Women, Courage, Great Depression, Drought, Dust, Workers' rights, Exploitation.
Helen Eddy
Dino love by Michette Worthington
New Frontier, 2020. ISBN: 9781922326119. (Age:2-5)
Bright illustrations and simple text capture all the loving moments that happen for a young child within a single day. From sibling love, to parent love, to friendship love and self love. On the way to school/childcare/kindergarten a little dino plays joyfully with a sibling, says goodbye to mum, learns, eats and plays with friends and reunites with family at the end of the day. These adorable and brightly coloured dinosaurs will engage little eyes and simple and repetitive text with hold their attention. 'Love is...goodbye hugs...feeling grown-up...doing your best'. Simple things are conquered, like writing letters and going down big slides and you can see the little dinos chest swell with pride at how he is loved, encouraged and supported.
This is a great book to read to young preschoolers or even those beginning school, especially those who tend to get a bit anxious about being separated from their family. It is a beautiful reminder that love is all around them in many forms, and that their family will be right there at the end of their busy day.
Themes Love.
Nicole Nelson
Three dancing frogs by Leigh Hardingham
New Frontier, 2020. ISBN: 9781921928819. (Age:3-6) Recommended.
Soft watercolour illustrations accompany this poetic and magical tale of a bushland ballet performance. As the day grows old the Aussie bush animals are all preparing for the show: 'possums and geckos are filling the spaces; Bilbies and beetles are taking their places'. The rest of the cast include cicadas, fruit bats, emus and spiders. Some of the animals make up the audience, while others are providing musical accompaniment; there are flutes and harps, cellos and violas. But it's the three little frogs who take centre stage. Their movements are rhythmically described: 'through ribbons and reeds, with lightness and ease'. Little ballet dancers will love the inclusion of ballet language such as arabesque and plie. It starts to rain but 'the audience is silent, lost in romance' and as the lightning strikes and the thunder rolls the three little frogs reach the crescendo of their performance.
Patrick Shirvington's (Can you Find Me?, Can You Find 12 Busy Bees?) illustrations are stunning and dreamy with soft edges that work to immerse you into the page. Along with these superb visuals, vivid imagery and rich description of the music and the dance lead the audience right into the performance, creating a dramatic feast. The way it describes the visual and musical elements of performance is reminiscent of A Guinea Pig Nutcracker. This will be adored by young ballet dancers and those with a love of performing! Teacher's notes are available.
Sixteen-year-old Deka cannot wait for the Ritual of Purity. On that day she will finally be able to prove to her family, friends and community that she belongs. When she is cut by the priest, she is sure that her blood will run red. She cannot bear to imagine what will happen if she bleeds gold . . .
When Deka's village is attacked during the ceremony by the violent and fearsome deathshrieks, Deka saves her loved ones but is revealed as a gold-veined 'demon'. Subjected to torment and torture and forced to die over and over again by those she once considered family and friends, Deka is finally rescued by the enigmatic White Hands, a woman who promises absolution if Deka will join the Emperor's newly formed army of girls as impure as herself. Whisked away to the capital to train as a warrior, Deka discovers troubling secrets about her growing abilities, her past and the empire she has sworn to protect, that may change everything she is working towards.
The Gilded Ones is an excellent debut from Sierra Leonian-American author Namina Forna. Weaving together elements of fantasy and traditional West African society, Forna has created a compelling and unique world for readers. Young adult fantasy by African authors is gradually gaining more traction in a genre heavily dominated by European and North American fiction. The Gilded Ones is a worthy contribution to this growing group. It must be mentioned however that Forna does not hold back on her portrayals of the abuse and trauma suffered by women living in patriarchal societies. Readers should be aware and keep this in mind when determining whether to read this book.
Simon & Schuster, 2020. ISBN: 9781760854478. (Age:Adult - 17+)
This riveting new book opens to a sense of tension as Mim, the mother of two young children, is washing her hands while trying to calm her mind as she considers the inherent problems that she has been made aware of: that her husband is missing. He has been working in a mine in Indonesia – a cooperative venture between China and Australia. Questioned as to what she knows, which we know is really not much, she sits drinking tea in her home with the offer of help from the visitor from The Department, visiting her with an offer of support, but actually there to discover if she knows anything about her husband, which is nothing. As they leave they decide to take all three passports, hers and those of the children. The era is one of great oppression, The Department ruling with an iron hand and enforcing rules that are obeyed or the consequences are dire.
We are immediately plunged into anxiety, drawn in by her fear, her awareness of being a geologist in this new era, a time of great oppression and regulation overseen by powerful, manipulative governments. A decision is vital, she believes, and she sets off almost immediately, telling nobody of her plans. She travels up through the Northern Territory, and thence, she hopes to find a way to go to Indonesia by seeking a fairly innocuous fishing vessel to take her and the children. Her second dangerous decision, to cut out the micro-chip from each of their palms, is one that she considers terribly risky but she believes that it offers the only possibility of their not being able to be traced as they journey from Australia.
It is a terrifying narrative in many ways, full of fear and exploring how difficult it is to live with her deep anxiety about both her husband’s future and saving the lives of her children and her own life. A deep and terrifying tension underlies the narrative, and we are caught up in her fear, sometimes unsure of her decisions, and choices made, but understand clearly her terror and driving need to alert her husband to the questions that he is likely to face.
This book would only be suitable for adults and older adolescents as neither its topic nor the level of tension, are appropriate for younger readers.
Andrew Joyner is a master at saying a lot with few words. His playful illustrations (in black and white with pops of green), combined with carefully chosen words call children to action and instil them with agency. This is a call to arms, letting children know that they do have the ability to change their world, as well as reminding adults to support them (and join them). It is poignant that it is the adults listening to and following the lead of the children, as this is what we have seen happening around the world (Greta Thunberg being just one example). Some of these young people are profiled in the back of the book, highlighting what they are speaking out about and how they have got people to listen.
The text itself is made up entirely of two word sentences, the second word of which is 'up'. From 'wake up' to 'meet up' to 'think up' to 'listen up' it chronicles a short period of time in a young girl's life. After attending a climate change demonstration she watches the environmental degradation shown on the evening news. A sleepless night leads to her taking action: thinking, writing, sharing with others and initiating change. Not only does the book champion speaking out but it shows practical actions that can make a big difference: recycling, cleaning up our beaches, walking rather than driving, growing our own vegetables and swapping clothing. The illustrations also depict a wonderfully diverse community.
This is a hopeful and important book that can and should be used to initiate rich discussions about sustainable practices. Fans of Joyner's similar title The Pink Hat (about marching for women's equality) will be particularly happy.
This adventure, with a hint of magic, is set in Scotland in 1647. It is told by Art Flynt and begins when she has to hide in the ceiling from English soldiers. Her mother and other women are being arrested for witchcraft and sent for trial in England. Suspects usually have no chance of surviving and most of the women really just have extensive knowledge of the healing powers of plants. Art sets off on her extraordinary horse, Lady, with the aim of finding and freeing her mother. On her long journey she must ride through forests and be on her guard. However, she is also helped by a mysterious woman. After Art saves a teenage girl called Mercy from death, the two become friends and plan to free Art’s mother from a castle.
This has many pleasant illustrations and is written in present tense with short sentences. It is easy to read and has a lot of action, but you aren’t emotionally bound to the characters. It is based on a real person, the WitchFinder General, and it is interesting to learn about the travesty of his witch trials. However, the reader needs to suspend their disbelief when it comes to many of the events in the story, omens, thought transference with animals and the implausible skills of the girls. For example, how could Art make such a long journey (600km) in such a short time? Historical endnotes would help young readers have more context regarding the truth, since these aren’t the witches of modern fantasy. Nevertheless, Amy Raphael has made teenage girls the heroes in this medieval world, which is unusual in books for this age group and may appeal to readers of fantasy.
Themes Strong female characters, Medieval history.
Jo Marshall
Be not far from me by Mindy McGinnis
Katherine Tegen Books, 2021. ISBN: 9780062561633. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
A Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults 2021 suggests that this is an outstanding read and I certainly could not put it down. It has all the ingredients for an enthralling story, engrossing plot, terrible odds and wild forest and a great heroine in Ashley. After a fight with her boyfriend and drinking too much at a party in the woods of the great Smokey Mountains, she flees through the trees and becomes lost. She pushes herself to her absolute limit, trying to find her way home, determined to survive against the odds even though her foot is badly injured, and she has little food or water.
The book is divided into three sections by an atmospheric illustration of the trees and Smokey Mountains, and little illustrations appear at the top of each chapter as well. Told in the voice of Ashley, the reader is carried along on her harrowing journey (some incidents are not for the faint-hearted), while at the same time learning much about Ashley, her ability to run, the poverty that she endures and the friendships that she realises mean so much to her. Davey Beet, who taught her how to survive in the wilderness when she was at summer camp, is another character who adds tension to the story. After disappearing somewhere on the mountains because his girlfriend had broken up with him, the reader is left wondering whether he is still alive.
Readers who enjoyed Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter and Nowhere on Earth by Nick Lake will be happy to move onto Be not far from me, and I am looking forward to reading more books by Mindy McGinnis.
Lady Venessa Blake returns to her holiday home on Mustique to organise the birthday celebrations for her goddaughter Lily. She has received a phone call from her which unsettles her, Lily is not her usual self. The island which has always been tranquil and private is giving a different vibe. Perhaps it is because many of the villas are empty, their owners having returned to their other lives, or perhaps it is the threat of the looming Tropical Storm Cristabal.
The island's only police officer DS Solomon Nile’s usual quiet life is jolted by the disappearance of the Heiress Amanda Fortini. The islanders can offer no helpful insights, but Lady Vee as she is known by her intimates on the island soon offers her help and local knowledge to solve the mystery.
The peace of the island is certainly shattered when the Fontini luxury residence is torched and is destroyed. Then the body of the main suspect is washed ashore. He has most definitely been murdered. Pieces of dead coral are being left with strange symbols carved into them. Lily’s work on regenerating the coral reef seems to be a major factor. But who could be trying to sabotage such a beneficial scheme?
DS Nile is suspicious of a large yacht anchored off shore, but oddly he has been warned off boarding or searching it by his superiors. Things come to a head as Cristobal nears the coast and Lady Vee, Lily and Nile count themselves lucky to have survived.
Anne Glenconner is old school: an aristocrat who loves to name drop, and of course Mustique gives many opportunities for Princess Margaret’s name to be slotted into the narrative. Of all her characters, DS Solomon Nile, is the one who resonates most with this reader. Lady Vee has the utmost confidence in her own abilities and in her position as “lady of the manor”.
A good read when lying on the beach or killing time in the airport lounge.
Based on the Bluey episode of the same name, this is a humorous look at how the boring things in life are often important for ensuring a fun time. It's a hot summer's day at the Heeler household and the kids don't want to brush their teeth. 'Boring things are important too', says Mum. As Bluey fans will know, Dad can be a bit of a big kid sometimes. He bursts in with the pool noodles and the water guns and declares a trip to Uncle Stripe's pool. 'Don't forget the swim stuff', calls Mum. But everyone is already out the door. A comedic sequence follows, wherein Dad, Bluey and Bingo realise they are missing all the boring but important things that make a pool outing enjoyable: thongs, sunscreen, rashies, hats, floaties...and snacks. Luckily Mum arrives just in time, with all the stuff they left behind. A fun family outing ensues. 'So boring things are important sometimes then?' asks Mum. 'Yes!' agrees Bluey.
This accompanying title will be much loved by children already familiar with the accompanying episode. Parent knowledge of the episode will also aid in making it a successful read-aloud, allowing them to use the intonation and distinctive vocal style of the characters. There is a beautiful message here about families working together and of appreciating the different qualities that each person brings to the group. It's also a handy line of reasoning for parents to use too: boring things are important too! - remember when Bluey and Bingo went to the pool without all the things?!
Sunny Dae (and yes, that is his name!) is the ultimate bullied nerd. He impresses no one, is Asian-American in a wealthy Californian suburb and is comfortable only with the two other game-play nerds that similarly are tagged as losers within their school environment. Sunny’s older brother, Gray Dae (!) has left home to pursue his rock star career in nearby Hollywood; his parents are 24/7 work and screen focused and Sunny is…. just average and ordinary. When a female family friend, Cirrus, enters Sunny’s arena he fakes his identity by borrowing his brother’s clothes and career interests to impress her and attempts to become the cool ‘Rock-star’ kid that he thinks she might like. The lie grows and his faithful friends are pulled into the whirlpool he has created and must form a Rock band and perform. Lies are seldom easy to maintain forever, but Sunny really wants to continue being Cirrus’ boyfriend… but will she forgive the lie?
This joyful journey into teen romance is written with a refreshing voice and with insights into the world of teens engaged in Cos-play and gaming and their attempts to find their people. The crossover to the world of music and life in an American highschool adds some quirky elements. But David Yoon’s writing is not cliched or lame, rather it is clever and insightful while still being joyously cynical. This is a young person’s story, but it is clever and invigorating and quirkily fun. All readers will love Sunny and his friends.
Themes Coming-of-age, Romance, Nerds and Bullies, Truth and lies.
This novel is a sequel to Preservation, over 32 years on, Sydney born Eliza Grayling, a mature spinster, looks after her blind, alcoholic, grieving and reclusive father, the former Lieutenant Joshua Grayling. She knows that his behaviour is influenced by an old enemy from the past.
Through the influence of the former lascar, Srinivas, Joshua is offered the chance for a reckoning with his nemesis. Unable to dissuade her father Eliza is forced to join him as his carer and eyes, on their chartered boat the Moonbird. A voyage ensues into Bass Strait and the Furneaux Islands in search of a missing ship, its cargo, and the elusive Mr Figge.
A saga of incidents unveils as the additional party consisting of a pair of convict brothers, a doctor studying marine life, and the cross-dressing master, sails from one island to the next in search of the missing ship. On the way they meet strangers who are sealers and their 'tyereelore' wives and George Robinson’s men who are attempting to round up the indigenous people.
The dangers of venturing into the islands give an atmosphere of foreboding, mixed with wonderful descriptions of the dangerous marine environment, birds and rugged islands. Jock Serong’s writing evokes the landscape in vivid detail and his characters are well drawn, especially Eliza who narrates the story in the first person. As historical fiction the reader perceives the period depicted in the book as an accurate reflection of the lives of the island inhabitants. I felt the plot was a little too contrived at times but readers who stay the course will be rewarded with the outcome.
Clouds by Angie and Alli Simpson. Illus. by Lucy Fleming
Aladdin, 2021. ISBN: 9781534439535. (Age:6+)
Clouds is a thoughtfully written rhyming story about the treasured memories of growing up and the bond between a mother and daughter over a period of time. Making shapes and dreams out of clouds has long been a past-time for children and adults all over the world. This book expands on that and tells of a mother remembering and sharing her daughter’s journey as she walks along a beach.
The illustrations by Lucy Fleming are quite striking in their own right and complement the text beautifully.
Clouds was inspired by Australian singer Cody Simpson’s lullaby. He is the son and brother of the authors, Angie and Ali Simpson. At the end of the book is personal information of how the story evolved.
Themes Clouds, Imagination, Mother/Daughter Relationships, Life Journey, Dreams.
Kathryn Beilby
Hugo's Runaway Legs by Alys Jackson and Leigh Brown
With rhyming language that just begs to be read aloud, this amusing picture book is sure to be a hit with young children.
Hugo Holt woke up one day to find his legs had run away. Without the slightest sigh or fuss they hopped aboard a local bus.
Hugo is determined to recover his runaway legs and tries out different legs to see if they are fast enough to catch up with the bus. He tried a toad’s legs and children will laugh out loud at the pictures of him hopping and leaping. Then he tries out a deer’s legs, hippo’s legs, penguin’s feet, brown bear’s legs, cheetah’s legs and giraffe’s legs none of which can catch the bus. Each set of feet is accompanied by hilarious illustrations by Leigh Brown that complement the text and very small children will have lots of fun guessing what animal owns the legs before the verse is read out to them.
The refrain is sure to be one that children will want to sing out as well.
' This,' he wailed, ' is pure disaster. These legs are fast but the ... bus ... is ... faster! ’
They will be relieved when Hugo finally uses a horse’s legs to catch the bus and discover that Hugo’s legs have run away because they were not used enough. The final stanza will have children in fits of giggles, while they learn about appropriate amounts of exercise and sitting:
And so his legs agreed to stay and Hugo plays and plays ... all day! In fact he never thinks of sitting and that is why his ... bum is quitting!
The humour, easy flow of language and illustration on the front cover will ensure that this is a favourite with young children.
