Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780241428214.
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Themes: LGBTQI people, Dating,
Prejudices. The prom is an emotional rollercoaster set
within the constraints of a religious and largely intolerant small
town. It follows Emma who is in her senior year at high school and
the only out lesbian at her school. Her girlfriend and student
president, Alyssa is struggling with coming out to her mother ahead
of prom, the biggest event on their school calendar. Having
accidentally outed herself at fourteen on her YouTube channel, Emma
knows what it's like to have intolerant parents and while patient
has every faith in her girlfriend. However, their plans get out of
hand when Alyssa's mother and PTA president gets wind of Emma's
plans to attend prom with a girl. An emergency meeting is called and
tensions rise as new rules are instated. With the principal having
no power over the PTA it's time for Emma to choose whether this is
something she wants to fight. With the support of her Nan, Alyssa,
and two down and out Broadway stars, Emma's life is about to change
forever.
Adapted from the Broadway performance by Bob Martin, Chad Beguelin,
and Matthew Sklar, Saundra Mitchell has brought an inclusive
LGBTQIA+ story to a potentially wider audience. LGBTQIA+ inclusive
stories and representations are highly important for young people
who might otherwise be feeling quite alone and confused about their
gender/sexuality throughout school and puberty. The novel deals with
bullying and discrimination without lingering too much over the
heartbreak of having an entire community questioning your
personhood.
I would highly recommend for young people twelve and up,
particularly those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kayla Gaskell
A home for Luna by Stef Gemmill and Mel Armstrong
New Frontier, 2019. ISBN: 9781925594843. 32pp., hbk.
On a cold, moonlit night a dark crate washes up on a lonely shore,
and out crawls a bedraggled, lonely cat, wary of her surroundings so
different from the home she remembers, but glad to be out of the
ceaseless motion of the sea. As daylight creeps up, she woke
and looked around only to find herself among creatures that didn't
look like anything she had seen, certainly not cats, but the
familiar fishy smell drew her forward.
Too tired to move, she lay on the rocks watching the penguins swim
and return with fish, making her tummy rumbled. And then one
of them approached her . . . is this a friendly move or one
fraught with fear?
Mel Armstrong, an experienced illustrator making her children's book
debut, has created bold illustrations which suggest that Luna is no
weak, wimpy cat and so the reader expects that this story is going
to go well beyond that initial meeting and that conflict or
camaraderie. there is some meat to it.
On the surface, this is a simple story about two creatures forming
an unlikely friendship, one that reaches a climax when humans arrive
at the colony and decide that it is no place for a cat. But
looking beneath the surface, could it be the story of a refugee
arriving in a strange land amongst strange people, and being
accepted just for who they are, rather than anything else? And
a government making a determination about their suitability to
stay? Or am I viewing it through the lens of so many news
stories about worthy people facing deportation, so much so my views
of a children's story have been tainted and I see allegory each time
I read a story like this? Whichever, it is refreshing to read
one that is about resilience and hope and which has the sort of
ending we would all wish for, whether it's a cat washed ashore or a
person.
Read more about the story behind the story here. Teacher's
notes are available.
Barbara Braxton
Children who changed the world: Incredible true stories about children's rights! by Marcia Williams
Walker Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781406384109. 40pp., hbk.
Have you heard of Malala Yousafzai? What about Baruani
Ndume? Or Ryan Hreljac?
Forty years ago the UN declared that 1979 was to be the
International Year of the Child and as part of that. in 1989,
the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was
proclaimed, setting out 54 equally important articles that 196
countries have agreed to follow so that each child, no matter where
they live, has the support and protection they deserve.
Using her iconic graphic format, Marcia Williams has explored the
lives of 13 children, all born since the Declaration and all of whom
have made a significant difference to the lives of the children in
their home countries and beyond. Each double spread is devoted
to the pivotal work of the child under the banner of one of those UN
rights.
Deliberately designed to inform children of their rights, Williams
speaks directly to the reader in the introduction and encourages
them to not only be aware of those rights but to take action when
they see injustice or something that needs changing. With our
students being so aware of the global picture these days, and being
involved in actions like School Strike 4 Climate this is an
important and timely release to help our students know that they can
make a difference and will. Perhaps one of them will become
the new Greta Thunberg, who has risen to prominence since the book
was prepared but who not only deserves a place in it but also
demonstrates that kids can be heard and supported and change can
happen.
This is a book that needs to be promoted to kids everywhere, to give
them inspiration and hope that their voices will be heard.
Barbara Braxton
A curious menagerie: Of herds, flocks, leaps, gaggles, scurries, and more! by Carin Berger
Greenwillow Books, 2019, ISBN: 9780062644572. 40pp., hbk.
We've all heard of a herd of cows and a flock of sheep, but what is
a group of giraffes called? A murder of crows is a common trivia
answer, but what about a mischief of mice? Exploring collective
nouns is always fun and in this book the ringmaster and the monkey
investigate 64 of them opening up a menagerie of creatures for
little ones to learn and perhaps wonder about and perhaps research
their validity. A parliament of owls? Really? That could either be
flattering to some parliaments or insulting to some owls!
Berger has used her skills of making cut-paper collages to create
fascinating illustrations and tying the collection together with the
ringmaster and the monkey makes it a bit more engaging than the
usual word book, especially the final pages! One that will encourage
small groups to share and delight in, and perhaps try to make up
their own. Would a group of koalas be called a cuddle? Or a group of
cockatoos a squawk?
Barbara Braxton
Explanatorium of science by Robert Winston
Dorling Kindersley, 2019. ISBN: 9780241359488.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Science, Physical science,
Biological science, Chemical science, Earth Science. In the
inimitable way that DK publishing has to present complex information
in a readily accessible way, this book that covers the breadth of
science understanding is a wonderful example of publishing. Robert
Winston has distilled some very difficult concepts into easily
digested morsels of detail that a young reader will be able to
grasp. The illustrations are also incredibly clear and photographs
are big, bright and colourful. Complex experiments to reveal what is
happening in science are photographed and annotated with clarity.
The final sections in the book also explain basic science
measurement, procedures, classification and some charts and general
explanations.
This book was a joy to read. It clarified much detail that I had
forgotten from my own science education and teaching, but would make
a wonderful book for those beginning the journey of discovery in
science. It could certainly by recommended for a Library collection
or to be given to a science enthusiast. Nothing in the book is too
complex to leave out, because the author has made the complex into a
bite-size chunk of detail that is easily consumed.
Highly recommended for science interested readers aged 10+.
Carolyn Hull
Elmer's birthday by David McKee
Andersen Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781783447947. 32pp., hbk.
To celebrate Elmer's 30th birthday, there is a new story called,
appropriately, Elmer's birthday. Hoping to get their own
back on him, the elephants decide to play a joke on Elmer on his
birthday and spend the day getting all the other animals on
board. But who has the last laugh?
Great for teaching children about elephants, the animals of the
jungle, colour and patterns, as well as the themes of each story, I
believe little ones have not had a real education if they don't meet
Elmer. These two are going straight to my version of the pool room!
Barbara Braxton
Elmer: A classic collection by David McKee
Andersen Press, 2019. ISBN: 9781783448678. 152pp., hbk.
Thirty years ago I discovered a lovable character that has been an
integral part of the lives of the very young students I've taught
and my grandchildren - a patchwork elephant called Elmer. Every time
his creator David McKee offered a new story, it was in my hands and
in the ears of the nearest children. So now, to have a
collection of the five earliest stories in one volume is heaven on a
stick for such a fan.
Featuring Elmer, Elmer and the rainbow, Elmer
and the lost teddy, Elmer in the snow, and Elmer's
special day, just five of the 27 stories in the series, the
little patchwork elephant who likes to play jokes on his friends but
is always compassionate and helpful, is set to make a whole new
generation of fans, as parents discover this childhood favourite all
over again.
Barbara Braxton
Missing, presumed dead by Emma Berquist
Greenwillow Books, 2019. ISBN: 9780062642813. 369p., hbk.
(Age: 15+) Themes: Mystery, Ghosts, Psychic ability, LGBTQ+,
Loneliness. When she touches someone, Lexi can see when they are
going to die and she can also see the ghosts of people around her.
This means that she has to isolate herself and the only person she
is close to is her grandfather, who also has this psychic ability.
When she touches Jane, a young person full of life, outside the club
one night, and sees her terrible death, a dire chain of events is
put into place. Jane reappears as a ghost, her throat cut, full of
revenge and insists that Lexi helps her find her murderer.
I picked up Missing, presumed dead, after really enjoying Devils
unto dust, and for much of the story I was fully
engaged. Lexi is a complex character, lonely and almost friendless,
afraid to touch anyone as she will see how they will die. She works
in a nightclub, Elysium, for Urie, who gathers together people who
have psychic ability, but because of her ability she is unable to go
to school or improve her poverty stricken life.
I had expected a mystery story with ghosts thrown in and this was
true for most of the book, but the relationship between Lexi and
Jane overshadowed the mystery and the ghost story so for readers who
are expecting either a ghost or mystery as the focus, they may be
slightly disappointed. However those who enjoy a story with
relationships as the main theme will be happy with this combination
of an unusual friendship, horror and mystery.
Pat Pledger
Unicorn Academy series by Julie Sykes
Illus. by Lucy Truman. Nosy Crow, 2019 Ariana and Whisper. ISBN: 9781788004565. 112pp., pbk.
Imagine a school where you meet your own unicorn and have amazing
adventures together! That's what happens for the girls at Unicorn
Academy on beautiful Unicorn Island. There are 12 books in the
series (some still to be released), the latest being Ariana and
Whisper.
Written for younger independent readers, the series appeals to those
for whom unicorns remain a fascination and who dream of having their
own one day, a fascination that shows no signs of abating. Such
series are very popular with younger readers just starting their
reading journey through novels as they associate with and invest
themselves in the characters, putting themselves in their shoes and
truly immersing themselves in the experiences. They form
relationships with them that mean they are eager to read and re-read
each one in the series, honing their skills and understandings of
reading as they do so. So this is a series that will have a strong
following because it features all those characteristics that hook
these emerging readers in. Worth the investment, not just for
themselves but the reading pathways that keen readers will then
follow.
Barbara Braxton
Collins children's picture atlas by Collins Maps
Illus. by Steve Evans. Collins/Times, 2019. 3rd ed. ISBN:
9780008320324. 48pp., hbk.
In all my years of teaching (nearly half a century!) either as a
classroom-based teacher or a teacher librarian, it has never ceased
to amaze me how little ones are fascinated by maps and atlases and
they pore over them for hours, dreaming dreams and making plans for
the future. I remember as a youngster spending endless hours with an
atlas mapping out a route around the world that would take me to
every capital city, and surprisingly (not) that atlas is now among
my treasured possessions inherited from my wanderlust mum, along
with an amazing dictionary that got just as much attention!
So there is no doubt that this new atlas for young children will
have the same sort of fascination for your young readers.
Designed to take children on a journey of discovery around the
countries of the world, it begins with intriguing endpapers of the
world's wildlife and then plots a contents journey around the
continents that is perfect for its target audience. Funky, colourful
illustrations depict a range of themes of the iconic features of
countries, building up a hankering to see these in real life when
they are older. Minimal text provides basic information and there
are the usual non fiction features like an index to help them
navigate their way through the book as well as around the world.
Guaranteed to provide hours of engagement and entertainment!
Barbara Braxton
You made me a Dad by Laurenne Sala
Illus. by Mike Malbrough. Harper Collins US, 2019. ISBN:
9780062396945. 32pp., hbk.
From the time a man first discovers his partner is pregnant, the
bond between father and child begins to grow and this relationship
is celebrated in this charming book. From the time of the first baby
bump through to camping out beneath the stars, the father shares his
joy and his wonder and his gratitude at being able to guide and
share the life of his little one, the big occasions and the not-so.
Perfect for a dad to give to his child on a special occasion, this
is a companion to You Made Me A Mother and turns the tables
on the usual format of the story being told by the child about the
dad.
Barbara Braxton
Frankly in love by David Yoon
Penguin, 2019. ISBN: 9780241373439
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. This is David Yoon's first book and it
marks him as an author to follow. The story of Frank Li explores
racism, friendship, families and love in a sensitive and engaging
page turner.
Frank belongs to the Limbos. Limbos are second-generation
Korean-American young people walking the line between their
involvement in American culture in school and their Korean culture
at home.
David's writing is nuanced and witty as he describes Frank's journey
in negotiating the perils of young love with the backdrop of high
expectations. Frank's parents expect their children to marry Koreans
and have already disowned Frank's older sister for dating an
American. An elaborate scheme to 'fake date' leads to Frank growing
in awareness as he becomes a conflicted and insightful observer of
his parents and friends. Frank is able to see his parents as complex
characters with unique experiences.
How easy it is to take it for granted that children will speak the
same language as their parents. This story highlights the language
and cultural barriers immigrant families negotiate on a daily basis.
Frank wants to understand his father and mother - and is pressed to
action by circumstances arising from a chance encounter.
The themes of racism and love are intelligently and sensitively
explored in a way that has the reader laughing out loud, or aching
with compassion, in response to the well-drawn authentic characters.
David's clever writing invites the reader to consider that the
adults can be just as compelled to 'fit in' as any teenager.
So frankly this book was a joy to read.
Linda Guthrie
100 ways to make the world better by Lisa M. Gerry
National Geographic Kids, 2019. ISBN: 9781426329975. 256pp, pbk.
From something as manageable as forgiving someone or leaving a
complimentary note in their locker to more complex ideas such as
taking a First Aid class or letting your trash be someone else's
treasures, this is a small book full of big ideas about how to make
the world a better place both physically and emotionally.
With philosophy such as being the kind of friend you'd like to have
and being inclusive, it covers personal issues that can help the
individual be more calm, more mindful and more responsive to their
world while also taking actions that can help shape the world into
what they want it to be. Ideas are presented as simple concepts with
engaging graphics and photographs, and many are followed by detailed
supporting information, including advice from Nat Geo explorers,
interviews with experts and weird but true facts. Readers can get a
sense of their own power to make a difference and an understanding
of what actions contribute to positive outcomes and how they can
change things by themselves.
While journalling and personal challenges are becoming a popular way
to have students focus on the positives and support their mental
health, sometimes knowing where to start can be overwhelming so this
could be used to guide that journey by having students set
themselves the 100 tasks over the school year, and help them
structure their progress that way as they work their way through
them. They might also have spaces for another 20 ways they discover
that are not mentioned in the book and these could be added to a
class wall chart to inspire others to look more widely.
While these sorts of books always inspire when you first pick them
up, without accountability life can go back to routine quickly so
offering ways to keep the ideas in focus and support the reader over
time will not only help them, but also the adult offering that
support. We can all make our world better.
Barbara Braxton
The curse of the school rabbit by Judith Kerr
HarperCollins, 2019. ISBN: 9780008351847. 80pp, hbk.
Ever since it peed on him in Miss Bennett's Year 2 class, Tommy has
hated Snowflake the school rabbit. And now it has come to stay
because his sister Angie is in Miss Bennett's class and Snowflake
needs a home while Miss Bennett goes to look after her mother. But
because Angie is so little, Tommy has the task of looking after
Snowflake and while the extra pocket money will be handy because he
thinks if he wants a new bike he will have to buy it, this is not a
task he is savouring. And so the trouble starts . . . dangerous dogs
bale him up in the park when he is walking the rabbit; his
out-of-work-actor father misses out on a job because Snowflake pees
on someone important, Angie gets really sick, Snowflake goes missing
. . . There really is a curse!
Written and illustrated during the final year of her life - Kerr
died in May 2019 aged 95 - this is an engaging story for the
newly-independent reader from the author of classics such as the Mog
the forgetful cat series and When Hitler stole Pink Rabbit.
It shows she still had all the imagination and wit that she had when
she first wrote The tiger who came to tea in 1968 and will
probably gain her a whole new legion of fans.
You can read more about her work in this obituary.
Barbara Braxton
What Momma left me by Renee Watson
Bloomsbury, 2010, 2019. ISBN: Bloomsbury, 2010, 2019. ISBN: 9781681199498.
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Themes: Family; Friendship; Abuse;
Overcoming difficulty; Resilience; Christian Faith. Renee Watson is
an Afro-American writer drawing on her own community experience to
create a story that weaves the dreadful circumstances of a murder
with the Afro-American experience of Christian life and practice
within a Baptist church family. The central character is a young
Eighth Grade student, Serenity, and with her younger brother Danny,
they have experienced the worst family tragedy. The story reveals
their need to recover after the significant family trauma, which
destroys their family and challenges their own identity and
security. Their grandparents are involved in a Pastoral role in a
Baptist church, and Serenity and Danny become reconnected with them
and make new friends, when they move to restart their lives.
Attending Christian events, volunteering their time and challenging
poor choices, and attending counselling become part of the journey
to recovery. They carry with them baggage from their past, with
attendant tears, and they must also learn how to redefine
themselves. Their new friends have the potential to lead them
astray, but the influence of their grandparents shines through.
The traumatic events and difficult circumstances that are addressed
are quite confronting for a young reader, but there are moments of
lightness scattered through the book, along with delightful pieces
of poetry and other explorations of literary devices. These are
school-based English tasks, that headline the chapters and reveal
Serenity's internal dialogue. The cultural experience of an
Afro-American experience of Christian faith in a church community
will be foreign to most Australian readers, but there are some
delightful and perhaps quirky features of the service-oriented
family life within this context. Those without any Christian
heritage will perhaps find some of this faith-based expression to be
unusual. The author has included risky behaviours for some of the
young characters that include some illegal behaviour, and in
combination with discussion about incestual abuse as well as family
violence, and the keeping of unhelpful secrets, there are some very
complex and mature issues that are dealt with within the lives of
the main characters. Resilience and character formation are woven
through these difficult issues, but sometimes the author seems to
have aged them beyond their stated age.
Recommended, with some reservations, for readers aged 14+.
Carolyn Hull.
