Salvation Sequence Book 2. Pan Macmillan, 2019. ISBN:
9781447281368. 896pp.
This is a book only for extreme devotees of Science Fiction who
enjoy considering where the world and humanity might be heading in
the 23rd Century. Combining astro-physics, space travel through
portals, recreated earth-like geodomes, aliens, robotic-human
hybrids as well as technology that defies description, there is a
complication on every page that the author has managed to describe
using a vocabulary that is technical, futuristic and extremely
complex. With war looming with the Olyix, strategies and alliances
must be created to save humanity and keep everything on a path to
survival. Along the way there are strange relationships, medical
advances that are extreme (including augmentations for sexual
prowess), longevity that requires considerable enhancements and
forces and powers that are entangled and complex.
This is not a book for the faint-hearted! Nor can I comfortably
recommend it to anyone other than the Physics-engrossed Sci-fi fan
who desires a book that crosses warfare with Space solutions into
the future, and can grapple with explanations that would test their
University Science knowledge. Despite that, it seems that there are
people in the world who are clamouring for this kind of fiction, and
Peter F. Hamilton is the master. Themes: Science Fiction;
Speculative and futuristic fiction; Space travel; Robotics; Aliens;
Alien Invasion.
Carolyn Hull
We love you, Mr Panda by Steve Antony
Hodder, 2020. ISBN: 9781444927924.
(Age: 3) Recommended. Themes: Pandas, Love, Relationships,
Friendship, Hugs, Mental health. Mr Panda is giving out free hugs
and would love some in return but everyone seems to be too busy
hugging someone else. Skunk says he wants a hug but he is talking to
Croc. Elephant says he wants a hug but he is talking to Mouse. Mr
Panda offers a hug to Sloth but he rejects the offer, saying that he
can hug himself. Even a flock of sheep bypass him for the Ostrich.
Slowly he walks away, realising that no one wants his hugs, but as
he nears the edge of the page voices call out, asking if he would
like a hug. Now he says he would love a hug, and immediately all of
his friends come along and hug him to pieces.
A charming tale of friendship, of telling people what you feel, of
sharing your feelings with friends, this will encourage younger
readers to articulate their thoughts, especially when they are
feeling low.
Mr Panda offers himself to all of his friends, but it is only when
he says the he would love a hug that they respond.
The funny illustrations parallel the text in showing a dejected Mr
Panda come alive when his friends respond. Children will be sad
along with Mr Panda when in the middle of the book, his face takes
up the whole double page as he realises that no one wants his hugs.
And then be happy with Mr Panda when the friends see how low he is
and come running. Readers will love spotting the lemur and penguin
who accompany Mr Panda on every page except the middle page, and
laugh with Mr Panda as he hugs a variety of animals, contemplating
perhaps what it would be like to hug a crocodile or an elephant or
penguin.
This is the fifth in this series of books, and children will love
finding these on the shelves to spot the similarities between them.
Look out for Please,
Mr Panda (2016), Thank you Mr Panda (2019), Goodnight, Mr
Panda (2018) and I'll
wait, Mr Panda (2016).
Fran Knight
Are you watching? by Vincent Ralph
Penguin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241367421. 371 pp.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Fans of mystery thrillers will grab
this riveting book, and like me, will probably read it in one
sitting. Jess is a 17 year old young woman whose mother was murdered
ten years before by the Magpie Man, a serial killer. Determined to
find him, she goes on a reality YouTube series in an effort to
uncover more clues about his identity and see if she can lure him
out of hiding. Once a week she is filmed for a whole day and she
uses this to reach a huge audience.
Ralph's use of short chapters with a new twist at the end of most of
them is perfect to keep the reader involved and determined to read
on as Jess's use of social media brings out many followers and not a
few crazies. Red herrings are scattered throughout and the reader is
left wondering just who the Magpie Man is, until the exciting
conclusion of the book. The police appear to be totally bamboozled
by what is going on, and disinclined to listen to Jess, even when it
appears she is being threatened by the Magpie Man.
Jess is an engaging character, one who does not want to be a victim.
She makes mistakes, and she doesn't know who to trust, but she is
very determined to find the killer. With the popularity of reality
shows like Big Brother, readers will easily grasp the notion of Jess
reaching millions and see the consequences of the social media
event, both good and bad.
Fans of Small
Spaces by Sarah Epstein, A
Good Girl's Guide to Murder and One
of Us Is Lying will be delighted to have another great
thriller to read.
Pat Pledger
Ali Cross by James Patterson
Penguin Random House 2019. ISBN: 9781529119725. 309 pp., paperback.
(Age: young teens - young adults) Recommended. Ali Cross knows that
when his friend Gabe Qualls goes missing that he must jump right
into action to find him. But with each day that passes his odds seem
to dwindle. Determination, intelligence, logic and persistence are
all things he has inherited from his father Alex Cross, a brilliant
DC detective who is facing his own troubles at the same time as his
son. Following along both father and son and their investigations,
we see if they can help each other solve the mystery of what
happened to Gabe Qualls.
As a short novel this was a very intriguing story about crime,
families and friendship. It also branches off from Patterson's adult
fiction Alex Cross series, but Patterson does well to
include the father in this without mention of any events that happen
in his respective series. Instead the focus is mainly on his son and
portrays more of his actions and personality as a father instead of
a detective. Ali himself is also written in a way that portrays him
as the spitting image of his father, the only thing he lacks though
is his patience which gets him in a few spots of trouble throughout
the story, but also helps him out a few as well.
I would recommend this to young teens/young adults interested in
crime and suspense, as well as anyone looking to get into James
Patterson's works also.
Kayla Raphael
Warrior of the wild by Tricia Levenseller
Palgrave USA, 2020. ISBN: 9781250233653.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Fans of fantasy and survival stories are in
for a treat with this easy to read, engaging story. Rasmira is the
daughter of the village chief and when she fails her coming of age
trial, she is banished to the Wild and given an impossible task:
kill the god who demands a tribute each year from the surrounding
villages, making it difficult for them to survive. No one else who
has been banished has ever succeeded and she is expected to die.
Rasmira has been trained as a warrior and is strong and determined.
When she meets two other boys, Soren and Iric, who have been
banished, her grit and intelligence and emerging leadership skills
come to the fore. Together they decide that they will complete their
virtually impossible tasks and show the villagers their skills and
the injustice of their exile. Initially Rasmira is depicted as a
self-centred young woman who is very confident about her ability as
a fighter but has little knowledge of the skills needed to lead. Her
father's favouritism has led to her mother feeling left out and the
village boys are not happy with the attention given to her as well.
It is in the Wild that she comes to realise what skills are needed
as a leader and begins to discover that valuing the abilities of
Soren and Iric and their resulting teamwork is necessary if they are
to succeed.
The story is written is a very easy to read style with the dialogue
sounding almost modern. With its tones of a Viking type lifestyle,
the emerging relationship between Rasmira and Soren and Iric's love
for a village boy, it will appeal to a wide readership, and the fact
that it is a stand-alone will make it an easy choice for readers who
don't want to commit to a series. It was one of a 2020
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers.
Pat Pledger
Knock Three Times by Cressida Cowell
The Wizards of Once book 3. Hodder Children's Books, 2019.
ISBN: 9781444941470.
(Age: 10-13) Recommended.This is the third book in the Once
series and continues the adventures of Xar and Wish who are from
opposing kingdoms. Xar is a boy wizard who has struggled with magic
and Wish is a warrior girl with magical gifts that are not
appreciated by her people, especially her mother, the indominable
Queen Sychorax. In previous novels, Xar and Wish became friends,
much to the horror of their parents.
In the exciting opening to book 3 the children, Xar, Wish, her not
so fearsome bodyguard Bodkin and an assortment of magnificent and
magical creatures are escaping from Xar and Wish's parents, King
Encanzo the Enchanted and the warrior queen, Sychorax. Unbeknown to
them, they are also being pursued by the witches they accidentally
released in book 1.
Xar and Wish's mission is to try to find all the ingredients to make
a potion that will rid their kingdoms from the evil of witches
forever.
I feel this series improves with each sequel. I found the characters
endearing and humorous and enjoyed the close escapes and high action
in this book. More of the background story of their parents is
revealed and many previously unconnected events are brought
together.
This book is a chance for Bodkin the fainting bodyguard to shine and
prove his worth to himself and the group.
I loved all the magical characters, although my heart belongs to the
adorable, tiny "Squeezjoos" a hairy fairy, with his comical antics
and comments and the beautiful and loyal snowcats.
Cressida Cowell's artwork is a constant throughout the novel and
adds a wonderful layer to the whole story.
The story is unfinished and a fourth sequel will be forthcoming.
Lovers of fantasy books will enjoy this story and I recommend this
book to children aged 10 to 13 years old.
Small trailer here.
Jane Moore
Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Peirce
Macmillan Children's Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781529029260.
(Ages 9-12). Highly recommended. Max and the Midknights is a funny,
exciting adventure story set in the Middle Ages and told with a
mixture of text, speech bubbles and comic panels by the author of
the Big Nate series.
The main character Max is a troubadour apprentice to Uncle Budrick
but dearly wants to become a Knight. But there is a problem, Max is
a girl, something that is not revealed until nearly 60 pages into
the story. She travels with her Uncle to his childhood home Byjovias
only to find that the kingdom has been taken over by a nasty
treacherous King Gastley who has bewitched the population to make
them compliant.
King Gastley makes her uncle his castle fool and Max sets out to
rescue him with her new friends Kevyn, Millie and Simon (who form
the Midknights) and a retired magician called Mumblin who often
messes up his magic spells. Mumblin reveals to Max that she is
mentioned in a book of Prophesies which says she is to undertake a
journey to save the Kingdom. Max shows how brave and determined she
is as she leads her group on the quest which includes encounters
with zombies in the haunted woods, friendly flying dragons, a real
knight and a sorceress. This story has everything from magic rings
to enchanted swords and a lost king hidden in a high tower. Told
using quite modern language but including some excellent information
about life in the Middle Ages, this book will be popular with both
boys and girls in middle primary. Themes: Knights and knighthood,
Middle Ages, Troubadours, Sex role.
Gabrielle Anderson
Charlie morphs into a mammoth by Sam Copeland
Illus. by Sarah Horne. Penguin Books, 2020. ISBN: 9780241346235.
320pp.
(Ages 8-12). Highly recommended. Charlie McGuffin has a unique
ability to change into animals and he uses this ability to help his
friends and solve problems, just like a real super-hero. In this
third very funny book of the series he is beginning to be able to
control which animal he changes into. Charlie can metamorphize just
by thinking of something sad or upsetting and he uses the fact that
his mum and dad seem to be on the verge of separating as the tool to
change in this book.
Having faced a very sick brother, a schoolyard bully and nearly
losing the family home in the previous books Charlie is faced with
his parent's constant arguments and some mysterious animal
disappearances around him in this story. His friends are also are
finding it increasingly difficult to keep his special ability a
secret and when it starts to appear as if he himself is behind the
petnappings he and his friends band together to find out what is
really going on.
Sam Copeland engages the reader with a great story but also with
some disruptions at various points in the book, such as letters from
readers of his previous books at the beginning, disagreements with
his illustrator halfway through and conflicts with the publisher
about some content. The fact that the titles of his books have
little to do with the story is a source of funny exchanges with the
publisher at various times throughout the story. Small footnotes
about the animals Charlie changes into are also a great addition to
the book and could be used by teachers to explore the use of them as
a tool in writing.
Children will love the fact that sometimes Charlie becomes a
creature that puts him into some very yucky places especially when
he turns into a Nematode worm and is eaten by his enemy Dylan. His
journey through Dylan's body is an entertaining couple of chapters
indeed! An entertaining read. Themes: Family relationships,
Shapeshifters/Metamorphosis, Friendship.
Gabrielle Anderson
Orphans of the Tide by Struan Murray
Puffin, 2020. ISBN: 9780241384435.
(Age: 13+) Recommended. Ellie is an orphan, who is a tinkerer and is
continuing her Mother's trade as fixer and creator of strange items
in her workshop near the Orphanage where she used to live. Her
brother's recent death has left her alone and she has had to learn
to be resilient and self-reliant. In a world where the sea has
claimed most of the city, a whale is beached on the top of one of
the submerged buildings. Ellie releases a boy, Seth, from within the
dead carcass and with that act of rescue also unleashes the fear of
her home community about the dark power known as the Enemy - the
evil cause of the devastation in her City. This enemy is known to
take over and possess the body of an individual (the Vessel) and
seems to parasitise and wreak power over their life and create havoc
in the island city. The local people of the City want to get rid of
the evil and are in fear of its presence and so make every effort to
get rid of the Vessel. Ellie wants to save the innocent boy from the
local fearmongers, the Inquisitors and their attempts to destroy
him. He may not be the Enemy, but he is very unusual! Ellie retains
a friendship with fellow Orphan, Anna, who helps Ellie and Seth as
they set out to set things right. But overshadowing shame that Ellie
feels and the secret she carries may cause all of her friends to
know great distress.
This is a fantasy novel with a dark and foreboding quality - the
possession of an individual by an evil 'power' is quite sinister.
The world of the sunken City is also very unusual and with ruins and
strange remnant architecture as the foundation of existence the
author has created a very different environment for the action of
the fantasy story. There is action and supernatural unusual
influences through the course of the story and it is a dark fantasy
tale for young teen readers. I would not recommend this for
too-young readers, even though the central characters seem to be
young, because of the chilling nature of possession by an evil
power. Teen readers may be able to recognise the hints of the power
of fear, shame and guilt that are threaded through the unusual
story. It is well written and compelling with a strong female lead
character and will appeal to devotees of the dark and gothic genre
because it has such an unreal and ethereal quality and will also
appeal to enthusiasts of fantasy and dystopian fiction.
Recommended for readers aged 13+ (with care to avoid recommending to
those who might be prone to nightmares!) Themes: Fantasy; Grief and
loss; Supernatural; Fear; Shame and guilt.
Carolyn Hull
Alice-Miranda at school by Jacqueline Harvey
10th Anniversary Edition. Penguin Random House, 2020. ISBN:
9781760896034. hbk.
(Ages: 6-10). Recommended. Alice-Miranda
Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones has decided to go to boarding school
and phoned to ask if she can start early at 7 and a quarter, much to
the concern of her extremely wealthy parents. She strides into
Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies with
all the confidence of an adult, knowing that her mother and
grandmother had attended the same school before her. She sets about
solving all the problems she encounters with the staff and students
including taking on the fearsome Head Mistress, Miss Grimm, who has
not been seen for many years by anyone but her secretary.
The character of Alice-Miranda was created by the author to
illustrate that kindness and courage are the most important things
to strive for and Alice-Miranda certainly has both of those
attributes along with skills and an attitude you would normally
expect in a much older person. To all the adults in the story she is
quite confronting, but she certainly appeals to her young readers as
this series has been extremely popular. This reprint of the first
book in the long series that launched Alice-Miranda is the tenth
Anniversary edition and includes a letter from the author outlining
her gratitude to all who helped bring the character to life with
her.
I liked this book, but I had some issues with Alice-Miranda being so
perfect and so right all the time. Her parents allow her to solve
most of the problems she encounters by paying enormous amounts of
money for anything she asks for - such as a holiday for the school
cook to America by private helicopter and landscaping services for
the gardener to replace the flowers in the grounds. Perhaps this is
part of the charm of the story, but it does not reflect real life
for most of the general population.
It is not a difficult book to read and is written using lots of
dialogue, making the story move quickly. It would be a great novel
for younger readers who are reading at a higher level. Themes:
Boarding school, Family relationships, Friendship.
Gabrielle Anderson
The Conference of the Birds by Ransom Riggs
Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children series book 5. Penguin, 2020.
ISBN: 9780241320907. pbk., 228 pp.
(Age: Young Adult Readers) From the first page I was hooked. The
action starts immediately and I felt like I was in one of those
action films from the 80s in Chinatown hiding from a gang chasing
me. Right from the start I was on adventure and thinking . . . what
has happened? Why are the main characters running? This, I think is
a brilliant way to start a book and to hook any Young Adult reader. The Conference of the Birds is Ransom Riggs fifth instatement
of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children. I have watched the
first film but this is the first of Riggs' books that I've read. I
did find the characters' peculiar and the monsters scary but hey
that's what the series is all about.
Ransom has a great imagination and awesome story telling skills. His
characters are so peculiar and the way he writes about them you
think the person sitting next to you could be one of them. I'll be
watching from now on if they have special powers.
I enjoyed reading about Jacob and discovering who Noor is and her
background and what she stands for, for Peculiars. The friendship
they formed was cool. I really felt for Noor living as an orphan and
not knowing her past and learning more about it as the story went.
Young Adults would love reading this book because it's the children
that run the story and not the adults. I love the way Ransom
incorporates unusual antique photographs into his story telling. The
photos are scattered throughout the book and helps the reader
visualize characters as they are introduced. I am definitely going
to use these photographs in future writing lessons with my students.
I think getting a student to read Ransom's books and seeing how he
uses the photos students will be writing in no time. I think the
cover is awesome and like the antique feel of it. It makes this
series special. Miss Peregrine's Peculiar children series has a new fan in me
and I'm ready to start the series from the start. Also hope more
films are made from the series.
Maria Komninos
The best kind of beautiful by Frances Whiting
Macmillan, 2019. ISBN: 9781743535134. 336pp.
(Age: Adults - Adolescents) This is an intense, loving, evocative
and powerful novel that draws us into a story of a family whose love
for each other is palpable. An unusual family, their lives are
dominated by the father, who runs the family as a much-beloved
musical group. Their talent in playing instruments and singing to
adoring audiences is something that brings them together and is at
the centre of their lives for many years. In a tight-knit family
that bursts with talent, we see their world in the spotlight, as
much respected, indeed adored, for their singing, playing and the
deep love that they share.
Yet, like all families, over time things happen that disturb the
dynamics of this family's glorious career, and it is in her capacity
to show how each character must find a way to deal with changes, and
work to make these happen without loss of loyalty and musical
prowess, that Whiting creates her beautiful narrative. The father is
at the centre of their little universe, and it is under his loving
and demanding care that they perform. When things change, each
character has to find a way to cope, and this is the story of their
adjustments, their changing lives and their individual pursuit of
happiness.
This novel sparkles with the joy of music, singing, friendship and
that special love of a family. Yet it is a narrative that focuses on
the complexity of love, ambition, loyalty and the demands of family.
It would be suitable for adolescent readers and adults alike.
Elizabeth Bondar
Monster Nanny by Tuutikki Tolonen
Allen and Unwin, 2020. ISBN: 9781760525590. pbk., 298 pp.
(Age: 7-11) Monster Nanny the title says it all. If you're a
Roald Dahl fan you will enjoy reading Monster Nanny by
Finnish author Tuutikki Tolonen. I found it was a refreshing change
of pace from the majority of books out there and a nice return to
timeless adventure. As soon as I saw the cover I thought of Where
The Wild Things Are and yes the monsters did remind me of the
book.
Halley, Koby and Mimi's mum has won a spa trip to Lapland and due to
Invisible Voice (the dad) always being away for work and not being
able to be there to watch the kids, a nanny has been promised to
watch the kids. This nanny is no ordinary nanny but a huge, half
human, hairy, dirty, dust covered monster. Mum has been convinced
that the monster is ok and is part of a "secret special experiment .
. . researching new options for child care work" so off she goes and
the children are left in the care of Monster Nanny. Monster Nanny is a delightful read that any middle school
student will enjoy. The children in the story were easy to relate to
and take us on an adventure to discover who the monster is and where
it came from. Along the way we meet other monsters, a talking robe
and little monster mosquitos.
This is one book I would add to my shelf in the classroom for all
kids to enjoy. Before I forget, the black and white illustrations in
the book were a great addition. Looking forward to reading more
books from Tolonen.
Maria Komninos
Scorch Dragons by Amie Kaufman
Elementals book 2. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2019.
ISBN: 9781460755280. 448pp. pbk.
(Age: Middle Years 9+) Recommended. Dragons, wolves, adventure and
magic. What else does a middle grade reader want in a book? Just
imagine being able to transform into a dragon or a wolf, something
any middle grader would love to do. Scorched Dragons is, Amie Kaufman's second book from Elementals
series. I can see why she is a New York Bestseller author.
Right from the start I knew it will be a book I could not put down.
I loved the detailed map of the land of Vallen I was about to visit.
I have not read book one, Ice
Wolves and I gathered that Scorched Dragons
leads on from after the war that reunited Anders and Rayna who are
twins that are totally opposites. Together with Lisabet they go on a
hunt for a weather changing artefact called the Snowstone. They must
find the Snowstone or the dragons will be in trouble.
I loved reading about the history of the conflict between dragons
and the wolves and why each other hated the other. It was great to
see wolves and dragons working together to save everyone and
learning that the things they were taught over the years about each
other were untrue. Anders and Rayna also discover who their parents
are. Scorched Dragons is a great fantasy book all about adventure,
magic, transformation magic, friendships and friendships between
enemies.
The characters were good and you could picture them transforming
into dragons and wolves. They did stay in their human form most of
the time which made it easier for me to relate to what was happening
and finding the story more real.
I must say, Kess is my favourite character. Their lost cat that
reappears during the story. Hehe can you tell I'm a cat person.
Maria Komninos
Willy Wonka's everlasting book of fun by Roald Dahl
Penguin Random House, 2020. ISBN: 9780241428139.
(Ages: 7-12). Highly recommended. An activity book filled with games,
activities, recipes and information all centred around the
characters and story of Charlie and the chocolate factory by
Roald Dahl. Willy Wonka introduces the book with a chapter about the
chocolate factory and presents games and quizzes that tell you about
the chocolate factory, different sweets to read about and make plus
quiz questions to test your knowledge of the story.
The book then takes a chapter for each character - Charlie Bucket,
Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde, Veruca Salt and Mike Teavee.
Ending the book is a chapter about the Oomp-Loompas and then lastly
included at the end is a chapter of the original book which was
never included in the published version. Scattered throughout the
book are those fantastic, whimsical illustrations by Quentin Blake.
The activities in the chapters revolve around the things the
characters encountered in the story and each chapter is about 15
pages long and is a mixture of recipes, word finds, quiz questions,
drawing activities, experiments and games. The advertising for this
book says there are over 365 activities in total, enough to keep a
child busy for months, especially on rainy days. Classroom teachers
using Charlie and the chocolate factory as a read aloud story could
include the quiz questions and other activities in this book
alongside the reading to really involve children in the Roald Dahl
experience. Themes: Amusements, Puzzles, Roald Dahl characters.
Gabrielle Anderson
