Julius Zebra: Entangled with the Egyptians by Gary Northfield
Walker, 2018. ISBN 9781406371802
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: Animal Stories, Ancient Egypt. Julius
Zebra: Entangled with the Egyptians is the third graphic novel
written and illustrated by Gary Northfield. This is another laugh
out loud story, filled with puns, jokes, sarcastic one-liners and
plenty of slapstick comedy.
Shipwrecked on a foreign shore, the friends fall headfirst into a
new adventure. Captured by an Egyptian Commander and his troops,
they are marched off to be imprisoned. At this time, Egypt is
experiencing a drought, however when Julius raises his hands to
protest his capture, a fortuitous shower of rain occurs. Suddenly
their luck changes and he becomes revered as Heter the horse god -
bringer of good fortune.
They move quickly through the Egypt, visiting familiar landmarks,
living in the palace, visiting and nearly wrecking the ancient
library, generally causing drama wherever they go. Felix the
antelope's exploration of an underground tomb and greediness in
stealing a precious stone, intensifies the action. Factual
information is included, writing Roman numerals, hieroglyphics and
the art of mummification.
Northfield's hilarious cartoons highlight the perks of the zebra's
reign as pharaoh and his special treatment as an Egyptian god.
Palace life is luxurious, the food, the bath in donkey's milk and
the special clothes, wigs and Cleopatra's beard to wear. Even the
chapter headings add to the humour: "I want my Mummy", "Don't rain
on my Parade" and "Wheel of Fortune". Julius Zebra: Entangled
with the Egyptians delivers all the familiar characters,
historical touches and humour, just right for a springboard into
studies of ancient civilisations.
Rhyllis Bignell
Release by Patrick Ness
Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406331172
(Age: 17+) Themes: Homosexuality; Family; Friendships; Sexual
Identity; Ghosts; Freedom from the past. Patrick Ness is a patron
for a group that promotes diversity in schools, and this book
introduces sexually diverse representations. The central character,
Adam, is exploring his identity through a series of homosexual
relationships. This exploration is at odds with his family
background - his father is a pastor in an Evangelical American
church, and the basis of Adam's experience of family love and
acceptance is derailing as he explores his sexual relationships and
his view of love. A close connection to a female friend gives him a
sense of connection even when things go wrong - 'she has his back',
despite his 'first love' turning his back on him. The young, high
school-aged Adam is sexually active with his new boyfriend, and
their sexual encounters are described in detail (although some
facets of the coupling are left to the imagination, mostly the
descriptions are fairly overt for a YA book). This coming-of-age
tale, involves deserting the expectations and influence of family,
not an uncommon motif in YA fiction; Adam's parents are painted as
the 'evil' spectre in the background as they grapple with their own
worldview and struggle with Adam's choices. But this is also a story
where sexual diversity is assumed and the opinions of the parents
are maligned. Adam also becomes the target of workplace sexual
harassment, that is not dealt with well.
In contra point to this story of breaking away from conventions and
the critique of those norms, is the spectral appearance of the
Spirit Queen who inhabits the tortured spirit soul of a recently
murdered young woman as she wanders the lake shore where her body
was dumped. There is struggle as she works out how to be released
from the torture, and will the Spirit Queen be trapped in this
metaphysical half-light? Ironically this location is where Adam will
be attending a farewell party for his former 'love interest', whose
influence he cannot shake. This metaphysical appearance is about
being released from the holds of a past life and the story thread
weaves amid Adam's story of release.
Ness has demonstrated his usual capacity to write with great
finesse, but I won't be recommending this in my school context. It
is far too graphic and the fact that Ness needs to state that his
own father was nothing like the father in the book, is evidence that
he recognises the cruelty in the representation of Adam's father.
Free expression of sexuality and desire may be common in today's
culture, but it may not be helpful for all young readers to have
this presented so boldly.
Carolyn Hull
My brigadista year by Katherine Paterson
Candlewick, 2018. ISBN 9780763695088
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. "When thirteen-year-old Lora tells
her parents that she wants to join Premier Castro's army of young
literacy teachers, her mother screeches to high heaven, and her
father roars like a lion. Lora has barely been outside of Havana -
why would she throw away her life in a remote shack with no
electricity, sleeping on a hammock in somebody's kitchen? But Lora
is stubborn: didn't her parents teach her to share what she has with
someone in need? Surprisingly, Lora's abuela takes her side, even as
she makes Lora promise to come home if things get too hard. But how
will Lora know for sure when that time has come?" (Publisher)
I absolutely loved this book by award winning author, Katherine
Paterson. It gave me a wonderful insight into a time in Cuba's
history that I had no idea about. Many countries could take a leaf
out of this plan in current times. Many teenagers during this time
volunteered to teach fellow Cubans of all ages to read and write,
while participating in their daily lives. There was the
ever-constant threat and dangers from the counterrevolutionaries
hiding in nearby hills. The author's notes and timeline at the back
of the book, outlining this period in history is a great source of
information. This book was an easy read, with quite large text.
Themes such as hardship, bravery, friendship and perseverance are
evident throughout the book. It would make a fantastic read aloud
and provide great learning activities about perspective and
responsibility. A must have for the library.
Kathryn Schumacher
Three cheers for women by Marcia Williams
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406374865
(Age: 8-80) Highly recommended. Subjects: Women - History, Women -
Biography. Popular British author and illustrator Marcia Williams
(Dot) celebrates the astonishing achievements of women from all over
the globe, from ancient to modern times. Her unique comic-strip
style creatively showcases more than seventy brave and noteworthy
role models from writers to social activists, scientists to artists.
Cartoon animal and bird characters float with Dot with her friend
Abe around the frames of the cartoon strips, providing fun comments
and additional facts.
Brave Boudicca, Warrior Queen of Iceni led over 100000 untrained men
into battle against an army of 10,000 Roman soldiers. Williams draws
her charging into battle, sword raised, fiery long red hair flowing
as she exhorts her soldiers to fight. Cleopatra, Joan of Arc and
Queen Elizabeth 1 are included as historical figures. Each figure's
childhood, formative years and adult life are told through speech
bubbles, easy to read statements and sketches. Williams includes
their key achievements, messages and their role in the society of
their times. Eleanor Roosevelt was a Human Rights activist who
refused to follow the Alabama segregated seating policy in 1936,
sitting midway between the white and coloured sections.
Williams has drawn inspirational stories of girls, teenagers and
women from many countries, cultures and backgrounds who have made an
impact. There's Pakistani bomb survivor and human rights advocate
young Malala Yousafzai, Olympian Cathy Freeman, artist Frieda Kahlo,
Indian President Indira Ghandi each illustrated with engaging
biographies. Three Cheers for Women is an exciting resource for schools to
use across the curriculum, teaching positive gender roles,
celebrating diversity, inclusivity and the important contributions
of women both today and historically.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Book of Dust: La belle sauvage by Philip Pullman
Book of dust, vol. 1. David Fickling Books, 2017. ISBN 9780857561084
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Many years have passed since the
completion of His dark materials and now Pullman fans have
been graced by the first in a prequel series following baby Lyra and
her protector, Malcom. Diving back into this world was a magical
experience - for this reviewer it was like coming home. A knowledge
of the world of His dark materials is unnecessary for the
enjoyment of La Belle Sauvage, but like the original series the
book thrusts you into a world of daemons and children thirsty for
knowledge.
The novel follows the unusually bright innkeeper's son, Malcom, and
his need to protect baby Lyra, who was left with the Nuns at the
priory for safe keeping. Working in the pub, Malcom meets all sorts
of people - even strange men with three-legged hyena daemons whose
presence unnerves everyone. But this strange man isn't the only to
visit the Trout since Lyra's arrival - Lord Asriel, a famous
explorer calls, employing Malcom to take him to the priory to visit
his daughter and swearing the boy to secrecy. Befriending a
librarian and a gyptian, Malcom's days are soon filled with the need
to protect little Lyra - even if that means braving the Thames in
flood and outsmarting the man with the three-legged hyena.
I would highly recommend La belle sauvage for boys or girls
twelve years and up who love fantasy. In particular those who have
already fallen in love with Lyra in His dark materials or in
the 2007 film The golden compass.
Kayla Gaskell, 22
Dino Diggers: Crane calamity by Rose Impey
Ill. by Chris Chatterton Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408872468
The Dino Diggers have a new project - this time they are building a
new house for Mr and Mrs Triceratops and all the little ceratops.
But not not all of them are working hard - Ricky Raptor the
apprentice is day-dreaming about being a proper Dino Digger driver
and he very nearly lands in all sorts of trouble because he is not
concentrating. Is he going to end up in the barrel of the cement
mixer???
With its bright pictures and a cardboard model crane and
brachiosaurus to build, this will appeal to young readers who like
big machines and dinosaurs. Each dinosaur has its own personality so
this series is great for encouraging young readers to recall what
they already know and ponder on how the new story will evolve.
Barbara Braxton
The School of Good and Evil: Quests for Glory by Soman Chainani
HarperCollins, 2017. ISBN 9780008224479
We all know that life isn't just a fairy-tale and there aren't
handsome princes and beautiful princesses waiting around every
corner. But that's real life, not the Woods where the School for
Good and Evil holds more sway than almost anything else. Agatha and
Tedros might have gotten their Ever After but for how long? With the
Woods under threat and Tedros' position as successor to King Arthur
in question, the fourth-year Questers must band together to overcome
an enemy even greater than the evil School Master.
After everything goes wrong at Tedros' coronation he does all he can
to secure the trust of his kingdom, persisting with his efforts for
Excalibur, the most powerful sword in the woods which is now lodged
in stone and trying to put Camelot's problems above his neighbouring
kingdoms. But is this a mistake in the making? Before long it
becomes apparent that something very wrong is happening in the Woods
and it might be time that the fourth-year quests find a new
direction. Chaddick is missing and while Tedros cannot afford to
leave the castle, his bride-to-be can. Agatha sets off on a new
quest - a quest to secure Tedros' kingdom and recover his lost
night. But is it too late? With witches, pirates, and robbers to
contend with, can the Evers and Nevers save themselves and Tedros?
Or will they be out-smarted by a children's story? And what role
does Sophie have to play this time?
Reminiscent of Pratchett and Carroll, Chainani presents a story
seeped in wonder which draws together a variety of fairy-tales and
folk law to present a world where not only are these fairy-tales
real, they are continuing to be written by the Storian. Like
Cornelia Funke's Inkheart, Quests for Glory blurs
the lines between story and reality. The fourth in the series, I
came to the novel with no prior knowledge and quickly became
immersed in Sophie and Agatha's world.
Kayla Gaskell, 22
The hunting of the princes by Peter F Hamilton
The Queen of Dreams series, book 2. Macmillan Children's
Books, 2016. ISBN 9781447291145
(Age: 10 - 16) Highly recommended. Fantasy. The Hunting of the
Princes is the second book in The Queen of Dreams by
the famous science fiction author Peter F Hamilton. This is his
first ever children's fantasy trilogy. The first book of the series
title is The Secret Throne.
In the first book of the series Taggie Paganuzzi learns that she is
the Queen-To-Be of the magical first realm as her father is an
otherworldly prince in exile. He had been overthrown by the King of
Night. Taggie has to learn very quickly how to use magic to succeed
in defeating the King of Night. The Hunting of the Princes continues the adventures of Taggie
and her younger sister, Jemima. Someone tries to assassinate Taggie
as she is cycling home from the local swimming pool in Samford,
England. Taggie, with the aid of Jemima and other friends, sets to
solving the mystery of who is trying to kill her. She learns that
someone has been killing royal heirs throughout the magical
kingdoms.
Peter F Hamilton grabs and holds the attention of the reader
throughout the happenings and adventures of Taggie and friends as
they use all their skills and reasoning to solve the puzzle of who
is behind the assassinations of the royal heirs and to avoid being
killed themselves. The reader will not want to put the book down.
This book is reminiscent of books written by Enid Blyton such as The
Famous Five series.
This series is an excellent introduction to fantasy novels for all
young readers.
Glen Avery
Dolls of war by Shirley Parenteau
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9780763690694
(Age: Year 5+) Recommended. "In 1941, eleven-year-old Macy James
lives near the Oregon coast with her father, the director of a small
museum. Miss Tokyo, one of fifty-eight exquisite friendship dolls
given to America by Japan in 1926, is part of the museum's
collection - and one of Macy's most treasured connections to her
mother, who recently passed away. When the Japanese bomb Pearl
Harbor, many of Macy's neighbours demand that Miss Tokyo be
destroyed. When her brother joins the Navy and devastating news from
the war begins to pour in, Macy starts having doubts - does
remaining loyal to Miss Tokyo mean being disloyal to America? "
(Publisher)
Author Shirley Parenteau has done a magnificent job of bringing to
life this real life little known story. She provides an interesting
insight into the hatred to the enemy held by many Americans. It is a
well written historical fiction book where the young girl, Macy, is
torn between the loyalty to her mum and the beautiful Miss Tokyo and
the patriotism for her country. The doll is a constant reminder of
her recently lost mother. The local people in the town see her as a
Japanese symbol that should be destroyed. We see a good friend of
Macy's sent to an interment camp - something which Macy struggles to
deal with.
This is a well written book that is descriptive and would make an
excellent read aloud for Years 5 and up. For fans of historical
fiction this is a must read and will no doubt spark an interest in
the reader to investigate the facts more.
Kathryn Schumacher
Lucky button by Michael Morpurgo
Walker, 2018. ISBN 9781406371680
(Age: 9+) Recommended. Jonah has always struggled to fit in at
school. He's too busy caring for his mother to make friends. But
when he finds a lucky button, it connects his world with
Nathaniel's, a foundling boy from the eighteenth century. Can
Nathaniel's story help Jonah? And can the lucky button work its
magic again? A moving story about friendship, fortune and music.
The mastermind of story writing, Michael Morpurgo has done it again.
It certainly piqued my interest in investigating the Foundling
Museum further after reading the brief summary at the end of the
book. The descriptive language is enticing and allows the reader to
gain a clear vision of the world Morpurgo creates. The clever
intertwining of the two boys' lives is evidence of true friendship.
Themes such as hardship, loneliness and compassion are throughout
the book. The beautiful illustrations by award winning Michael
Foreman are absolutely stunning. Children aged nine and up who are
lovers of historical fiction will love this book.
Kathryn Schumacher
The truth and lies of Ella Black by Emily Barr
Penguin Books, 2018, ISBN 9780141367002
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Emily Barr presents a fast-paced,
adrenaline-filled novel that keeps the reader on their toes right
until the end. The novel follows Ella Black, a teenager who believes
battling her inner darkness - which she has named 'Bella' - is her
biggest challenge. That is until her parents take her out of school
and whisk her away to Rio. Frustrated with her parents' refusal to
provide her any explanation for their spontaneous trip, Ella's
curiosity culminates in her finally discovering out for herself the
purpose of their trip. The information proves to be devastating and
Ella finds herself unable to cope with the result of her prying. She
chooses to run away, and in doing so, uncovers even more deep, dark
secrets about her life. Consequently, Ella must learn to cope with
these revelations, whilst simultaneously exploring and coming to
terms with who she really is.
An important tale about being comfortable with you are and where you
come from, this novel is appropriate for ages 15 and up due to its
references to violence and mature themes.
Ella is a fantastic protagonist, as her internal conflict and
adventures keep the reader engaged, and unwilling to put the book
down. The characters that she meets on her journey are realistic,
wonderful, whole people that you will take with you even after you
close the last page. If you're a fan of adventure, mystery and
romance, you will not regret picking up this book!
Daniella Chiarolli
The rules of magic by Alice Hoffman
Simon and Schuster, 2017. ISBN 9781471168987
(Age: 14 - adult) Recommended. This novel takes the reader into a
world of magical possibility! Magic 'works' in this story of family,
love, loyalty, jealousy, war and peace. Deeply embedded in the New
York of the past, its settings are rich in detail, its stories and
characters resonating with anyone who loves a good plot set in an
interesting and vibrant city.
Plunged into a world of different possibilities we are told that,
through magic, things can be changed - and sometimes revenge can be
exacted on those who have hurt others. Grounding her story firmly in
the idea of witchcraft as a gift to be used carefully and
intelligently, Hoffman describes the witches as understanding the
extraordinary aspects of human behaviour - and who know how to use
the aspects and matter of the world to bring about change.
Hoffman's characters are deftly drawn, and so comfortably human that
it would be impossible to not be convinced of their authenticity. We
are drawn deeply into the world of the novel, reading about the
violence, hatred and fear that some characters endure, in America
and in Europe during the terrible conflict of the Second World War.
The comfort and healing that is offered by witchcraft is evident in
the narrative - whether by medical intervention, nursing, magic or
love, or a combination of these gifts. Through her superb
characterisation, her deft handling of situation, and her
description of how magic works, Hoffmann imbues this world with
credibility.
Accepting the magic or suspending disbelief, in this captivating and
enjoyable novel we discover a fine tribute to human endeavour. At
its heart it is about people and families in good and bad times, and
about how we find ways to cope during such times. This narrative
glimmers with the possibility of forgiveness, love and loyalty in a
world where kindness is often scarce. I would recommend it as a
well-constructed narrative that addresses important human issues -
suitable for high school students and adults.
Liz Bondar
A wrinkle in time by Madeleine L'Engle
Time quintet book 1. Penguin, 2018. ISBN 9780241331163
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Themes: Science fiction.
Individuality. Time. STEM. This movie tie-in edition of the classic
novel first published in 1962, will bring L'Engle's wonderful book
to the attention of many more readers. This was the first time that
I had read the book and found that its timeless themes of being true
to yourself and fighting evil would still resonate for today's
readers.
Accompanied by her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin, Meg
Murry goes on a quest to find her missing father, who had been
experimenting with time travel. Helped along the way by Mrs Whatsit,
Mrs Who and Mrs Which, they travel through time to another dimension
where they encounter the evil It, who wants everyone to conform to
its idea of perfection.
L'Engle has high expectations of her young readers and their ability
to follow difficult concepts, but at the same time has written an
exciting adventure story that has great appeal. The book is
sprinkled with quotes from philosophers and scientists and she
explores scientific and mathematical concepts along the way. Readers
undoubtedly will be pursuing the meaning of the word 'tesseract' as
they follow Meg and her companions' dangerous journey through time
and space.
Meg's character stands out. She is often in trouble at school and
doesn't fit the expected mould but when she is faced with danger,
she is able to come up with solutions with courage and
determination. Her relationship with her brother and Calvin are
realistic and the actions of Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who and Mrs Which will
keep readers enthralled as they try to work out just who and what
they are.
I believe another generation of readers will be inspired by A
wrinkle in time, whether it is read aloud to them or they
discover its adventure and challenge for themselves. Readers will
also find the section at the back with information about the author
to be very informative as well.
Pat Pledger
Maisy goes to the bookshop by Lucy Cousins
Walker Books, 2018. ISBN 9781406377071
(Age: 2-5) Recommended. Popular author and illustrator Lucy Cousins
first created her Maisy Mouse character in 1990 and her picture
books continue to be much loved family favourites. Her bright
colours, familiar characters and everyday settings are just right to
share with toddlers and pre-schoolers. Maisy goes to the bookshop is the latest adventure in this
popular series. The young mouse enters the shop to discover her
friends busy choosing books from the colourful displays and shelves.
She enjoys reading a bear book, a noisy truck book, a long fish
book, even a book about drawing and painting. Her friends are there
to share in the fun; Charley the crocodile imagines he's a pirate,
while Eddie the elephant looks at a first aid book; will he be a
doctor or a firefighter? After story time with Ostrich the
shopkeeper, Maisie and her friends enjoy cupcakes from the cafe.
After a bus ride home, Maisie is happy to share her new bird book
with her pals.
Lucy Cousins' stories with their recognisable formats, simple
settings, easy to read text and familiar characters are great
resources for teaching narrative to early years students.
Rhyllis Bignell
Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Arc of a Scythe, book 1.Walker Books, 2018. ISBN
9781406379242
(Age: 14+) Recommended. Teens Top Ten. 2018
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers, Goodreads
Choice Award Nominee for Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction
(2017), Michael L. Printz Honor (2017). Themes: Dystopian fiction,
Death, Good and evil, Violence. Citra and Rowan are two teens who
have been chosen to be the apprentices of Scythe Faraday, one of the
Scythes who ends life in a society where hunger, poverty and even
death itself has disappeared. This is the only way to control the
population size and the pair have to learn how to choose and glean a
life. However Scythe Goddard, who really enjoys killing, begins to
change the rules about taking a life and Rowan and Citra find that
they are in danger of being killed in the political fallout.
Shusterman has written a riveting but also challenging book that
looks at what would happen in a world that has conquered disease and
death itself. He has described a world where creativity seems to
have disappeared and little innovation is necessary as the
Thunderhead, an impartial cloud computer, has oversight of
everything except the work of the Scythes. At the same time he keeps
the reader's interest with the action packed adventures that Citra
and Rowan are faced with as well as the ethical dilemmas with which
they have to come to terms.
Diary entries break up the narrative and provide readers with time
to pause and think about what it means to live in that society, the
feelings of the Scythes about killing and what death means to an
individual. Amid all the bloodshed and violence, there are glimpses
of humour, and readers are faced with the question that Citra and
Rowan must face as Scythes - could they kill another person?
A fabulous cover, fast paced action and a world that should be a
utopia but isn't, all make Scythe a most memorable tale and
enthralling beginning to the series.
Pat Pledger
