Reviews

Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

Bodley Head, 2015. ISBN: 9781782300533
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Anna and the Swallow Man tells of the heartbreaking search of a little girl for meaning after her father, a professor of linguistics, disappears in Poland nearing the end of 1939. The country is in turmoil and bears and wolves are everywhere, determined to maintain control of the nation while Germany's forces expand. The story centres on Anna, whose life is about to change forever. A little girl with nothing more to lose, and everything to gain.
Having been left in the care of a German shopkeeper, Anna expects her father to return at any moment. When he doesn't return, Herr Doktor Fuchsmann refuses to have her in his shop any longer. Ever the good girl, Anna respects his wishes, waiting outside of the shop. Instead of her father appearing, Anna is approached by a tall, slender man in fine clothes and a red neck tie. Curious about her, he begins asking her questions, switching from language to language, unaware that she can understand them all. United by their multi-lingual talents, Anna follows the man out of town; hence, her new life begins.
Life is hard. Days are spent walking, foraging and avoiding patrols. Like her father, the Swallow Man is incredibly knowledgeable. He teaches her about the birds in the wetlands and how to be deceptive. He shows her how to get what she wants, what she needs, from people without ever having to ask. He teaches her how to survive. He has become everything to her. A friend. A mentor. A father. But can he maintain such a relationship when even her real father could not? Like her Swallow Man, she must do all that she can to stay alive, never to give in.
Already, this novel has been said to sit together with The Book Thief and The Boy in the Stripped Pyjamas. I would highly recommend it to all readers above twelve. While being set among very real events, the story possesses qualities of magical realism and enough intrigue to keep a reader guessing.
Kayla Gaskell (age 19)

The words in my hand by Guinevere Glasfurd

Two Roads, 2016. ISBN 9781473617865
(Age: 14+) Recommended. The Words in my Hand is an interesting historical fiction about Dutch maid, Helena Jans, and her time with the philosopher, Descartes. At the time however, Descartes lived a life of danger, continuing to write and publish against the wishes of the church. Because of this, their affair had to be suppressed, least the church seize the sin and campaign against him.
The story follows Helena and her journey to her first placement as a maid, in the house of Mr. Sergeant. The only one willing to have a literate maid, Mr. Sergeant decides to test Helena's literacy by offering her a quill and ink and instructing her to write. Finding her severely lacking after their first session, Mr. Sergeant dismisses her and leaves her to the usual duties of a maid. Determined to better her writing, Helena hoards old quills and boils beetroot to make ink, for paper, she used her body, scrawling words by night, and covering them by day. Despite the hard work, she lived a comfortable life . . . until Descartes arrived. Their affair began innocently enough with conversation, but quickly progressed. She first became his student, leaning to write and perform arithmetic in secret. She learned of science, of French, and of love. But for Descartes, she was all alone in the world and her life would never be the same again.
This is the story of a scandal and of the imagined life of Helena Jans, pieced together through a variety of records. Glasford works hard to make her Helena a real and believable character who most women could relate to. Unfortunately some of the French in this novel goes untranslated, and so might challenge readers, however I would still recommend this novel for girls aged fourteen and up with an interest in philosophy and history.
Kayla Gaskell (University student)

From the mixed-up files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg

Faber Factory, 2015. ISBN 9781782690719
Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler wishes to change her will and is writing to her lawyer Saxenberg to explain her changes and the reasons for them. To make things perfectly clear, she then writes the story of Claudia and James Kincaid, two children from Greenwich who are never going to enjoy the sort of wealth she has but who cross her path after a series of intriguing adventures.
Claudia is tired of being the eldest of four and decides she will run away to make her parents take more notice of her and she chooses her middle brother Jamie to go with her, not only because she likes him the best but he is the one with the money - mostly gained from cheating at a card game with his school mates. They complemented each other perfectly. She was cautious about everything but money; he was adventurous about everything but money. Deciding that hiding in plain sight is probably the best option Claudia chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and armed with $28.61 they set off on their life changing adventure.
All goes well for them until Claudia is struck by the mystery surrounding a new statue that is drawing huge crowds to the Museum. Is it really by Michelangelo? Determined to solve the mystery while still maintaining their daily routines like putting on clean underwear, Claudia and Jamie have to use all their wits, intelligence and money-sense to remain undiscovered until Claudia decides to visit the statue's previous owner Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler, a somewhat eccentric old lady who seems to understand both children very well.
Originally published in 1967, it won the Newbery Medal the following year for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children and has become a modern classic for independent readers. Not only that, the Museum gets so many questions about the book that they have devoted a whole issue of the Museum Kids newsletter to it; there is a movie made of it and the Internet is sprinkled with lesson plans, reviews and other guides. Regardless of perhaps appearing to be a little old-fashioned for today's readers, nevertheless it is an engaging story that those who are ready for and wanting a solid read. I'm glad I left it till I had time to give it its due.
Barbara Braxton

Australia to Z by Armin Greder

Allen & Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760113186
(Age: Yr 5 +) Australia to Z is Armin Greder at his uncompromising, most confronting best. From the creator who brought us The Island which really turned a spotlight on our treatment of newcomers, comes this totally different alphabetical look at Australia which is just perfect for getting students to have a look at what it means to be Australian. While 'soft' investigations focus on icons, anthems, heroes and food, Australia to Z takes a much tougher look starting with the A for Aborigine looking out and seeing a First Fleet ship on the horizon to the deliberately juxtaposed B for Boat People showing more recent arrivals.
This is political commentary brought into the lives of children so they need to think and investigate. Why has Greder chosen 'calories' for C, 'Ikea' for I, and 'Rupert' for R? But there are flashes of humour to lighten it too, with K being for the kangaroo that springs from nowhere in the night to take out the front of your car, and the ominously raised finger of the umpire for O for Out! And finally, there is Z for Zoo but the illustration is not what you would expect - but is perhaps the most poignant of all. This really is Australia under the microscope as the title page image suggests.
The choices make us think about how others see us, and with Greder being a Swiss immigrant, his perception may be sharper than others. But the inclusion of Advance Australia Fair almost as an appendix is a masterstroke - how different are the words we sing to the life we live?
Often in an 'alphabet book' the illustrations are more important than the text itself, but in this one the two are interdependent. Yes the text is biting but it is the powerful illustrations that accompany it that add the extra punch. Why are Rupert's eyes blank? What does the picture of the Digger represent? With bold black strokes and a minimal palette, each image says all it needs to say and leaves a lasting impression long after the page has been turned.
Working in a highly multicultural school which has a significant population of children who come to learn English for the first time so they can work comfortably in their neighbourhood schools later, it never ceases to amaze me how these kids get along and understand each other so well without a common language let alone skin colour. There are many quotes and memes online that state "Children are not born racist - they learn to hate" and that is certainly my experience. Using Australia to Z in a focus on identity and belonging would be a most powerful way to raise issues, investigate and discuss them because knowledge leads to understanding, understanding leads to tolerance and tolerance leads to acceptance. Maybe this year's Year 5 and 6 students will be a turning point as they create their own with the theme "what could be" . . .
Barbara Braxton

This raging light by Estelle Laure

Orchard Books, 2015. ISBN 9781408340271
(Ages 14+) Recommended. Mild coarse language. "How is it that one day Digby was just my best friends twin brother and then the next he stole air, gave me jitters, and twisted my insides up?" (Publisher). Dad's gone, mum's missing, bills to pay and there is Wren to look after. Now in my senior year everything is happening.
There are mysterious Angels delivering gifts to the house, gifts Wren and I greatly need and I have no clue who is giving them to us. Digby has a girlfriend but I can't stop thinking about him or having feelings for him.
When I started this novel it was hard. The writing style was confusing and difficult to keep track of, but after a few chapters I realised that is exactly what it is like inside the mind of teenage girl's mind who is in love and in a hopeless situation and after that it was really amazing to read. Halfway through and towards the end it is just one big crazy roller coaster. I really wanted to know who the 'Angels' were and wanted to know why they were helping Lucille and Wren when Lucille hadn't told anyone other than her friends about what was happening. At the end I was emotional but a bit confused, but definitely a recommended book.
Cecilia Richards

The extraordinary adventures of Alfred Kropp by Rick Yancey

Talk under water by Kathryn Lomer

University of Queensland Press, 2015. ISBN 9780702253690
(Age: Teens) Recommended. Will and Summer meet online and strike up a friendship based on coincidence. Summer lives in Will's old hometown, Kettering, a small Tasmanian coastal community. Both Will and Summer are missing a parent and needing a friend.
Summer isn't telling the whole truth about herself, but figures it doesn't matter if they never see each other in person, right? When Will returns to Kettering, the two finally meet and Summer can no longer hide her secret. Can Summer and Will still find a way to be friends? (Publisher)
Witnessing Will and Summer meet for the first time in person was certainly not what I had anticipated at all, although it was very entertaining. The blossoming rollercoaster relationship between Will and Summer was incredibly beautiful and so sweetly unique; how much Will was doing for Summer by learning sign language and Summer being able to open herself up to someone about her father.
Both characters were beautifully created and continued to develop in a realistic manner whereas many books rush the character development. Will and Summer caused the readers to feel their emotions, but not exaggerated emotions; realistic emotions.
The storyline was one that I have not seen before but it was very interesting and adventurous as it was mostly based around the Tasmanian coast. The cover gives the reader almost a sense of wonder through Will and Summer being underwater but also the sea creatures added to create that feeling of being underwater.
I also adored how the author incorporated the explanations of some sign language words, it got me trying them out myself; plus the sign language alphabet at the back of the book has me very intrigued!
I would recommend this book to readers 16+ who love a book that will make you think and allow you to not only to discover a whole new language but also to witness what online meetings can turn into when you meet in person - the person isn't always as they seem.
Jemma Hadley (Student)

Monkey business by Leslie Margolis

Annabelle Unleashed series. Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN 9781619637993
(Age: 10 - 12) Recommended. Themes: Girls Fiction, Friendship, Fundraising, Music Festivals. Annabelle's life is undergoing some significant changes; her family's moved to a new home, her mother is about to have a new baby and one of her best friends Rachel is acting strangely.
During their first sleepover at Annabelle's house, the girls hear about the Panda Parade an upcoming music concert starring all their favourite singers and groups. Claire, Emma, Rachel, Yumi and Annabelle decide they all want to go, unfortunately, the concert is in a town two hours away and the tickets are expensive. The girls' parents decide they must all find $150 each to pay for their weekend away.
After several failed attempts - lemonade stands and car washes, creative friend Claire comes up with a brilliant plan involving sewing, socks, buttons and ribbons. Agreeing on a work plan is difficult when Rachel is always disagreeing and putting Annabelle down. Surprisingly, their sock-monkey enterprise takes off and keeps them busy both at school and home. When it's time for Annabelle's twelfth birthday party, not everything goes to plan and Rachel has a part to play in the disaster. Preteen life definitely has its ups and downs, but both friends and family are there for Annabelle.
Author Leslie Margolis realistically portrays the fun and dramas of Annabelle's life, her friendships, Oliver her first boyfriend, school life and family relationships. Teamwork, resilience, listening and supporting friends are important values explored here.
Rhyllis Bignell

Nellie Belle by Mem Fox

Ill. by Mike Austin. Scholastic, 2016. ISBN 9781760274108
(Age: 3+) Recommended. Rhyming song, Animals, Safety. With repetition on each quartet of pages, kids will have great fun answering the questions Nellie Belle is asked. At first she is asked if it is fun in the yard. She is illustrated looming large on the first page, her bear in her teeth, amongst the flowers and dirt which she digs. But there is a hole in the fence and she is shown looking through it.
The next pages take us out into the street, where a similar questions is asked. Is it fun in the street? as she meets and greets many she sees. But she spies a sign pointing her to the beach, so the readers will know that the next pages will involve the beach and sure enough, she is asked if it is fun at the beach.
Prediction and repetition are the order of the day as the dog, Nellie Belle fills her time in the yard, the street, the beach and in the sea. Readers will love following the animal through her adventures, and take joy in being able to predict what might happen next. And the next four pages are a surprise as the pages are becoming a little darker and she finds herself in the park with eyes staring at her. The readers will love being just a little concerned for Nellie Belle but really enjoy the warm snuggly feeling at the end of the book.
I loved reading this out loud, following the repetition and rhyme of the lines, watching the detail Austin gives to each page, adding to the storyline. The humourous touches, leaving teddy by the hole dug in the garden, the hole in the fence, the sign to the sea, the meeting with the seal, the eyes in the dark and then retracing her steps back to her house and bed, will not be lost on the audience as they read. They will take delight in recognising the sorts of things met in the garden, street, beach, sea and park, and adults will be able to lead later discussions into thoughts about being safe.
Fran Knight

Diary of a Tennis Prodigy by Shamini Flint

Ill. by Sally Heinrich. Allen and Unwin, 2016. ISBN 9781760290887
(Age 6+) Recommended. Themes: Tennis; Humour; Family. Marcus is in turmoil. His father, a writer of motivational books, has found him a new sport to in which to become a success. (Other books by Shamini Flint in this series demonstrate that this is sport #9). Marcus however is very aware that sport is not his strength, but he takes on tennis lessons because he really doesn't have a choice. (Fortunately Marcus mother is able to give advice, even though his father seems blind to Marcus' frustrations.) Marcus is successful at proving that he is not the next Roger Federer! He is able to use his Father's own motivational inspiration to sidestep the impossible route to Tennis stardom!
This series is much loved by younger readers for its humour, and they will enjoy this latest addition to the Diary series. They will also love Sally Heinrich's quirky illustrations of the hapless Marcus and his misadventures on the tennis court. 'Game, Set & Match' to Flint and Heinrich. Flint has targeted the young reader who is avoiding large blocks of text, but still enjoys the opportunity to read a humourous story. Much of the story is told within speech bubbles, so the young reader is learning to read the visual text of the cartoon genre.
Recommended for independent readers aged 6+.
Carolyn Hull

Mr. Mo by Roger Hargreaves

Mr. Men series. Penguin, 2015. ISBN 9781409389057
(Age: 3-6) Recommended. Mr. Mo is the nicest gentleman in all of Dillydale; he's helpful and kind to all the townsfolk. He always speaks truthfully: 'No Mr. Tickle your fish was not that long!' He reminds Mr. Greedy that 'a gentleman puts more into life - than he takes out.' On the first of November, Mr. Mo visits the barber just to have his moustache trimmed. Unfortunately, he's so relaxed he falls asleep and his whiskers are all gone and his manners have disappeared as well.
His friends are surprised by the change in his behaviour. He slams Mr Nosey's nose in the baker's door, he spreads mud on Mr. Perfect's clean floors and is rude about Little Miss Splendid's hat. Luckily, as his moustache grow back, his manners also reappear.
Mr. Mo friends surprise him at the end of Movember when they become the Mo Bros!
Twenty percent of every Mr. Mo book sold helps support men's health issues around the world. This easy to read story has an important message and opens up conversations about healthy bodies and healthy minds, both male and female.
Rhyllis Bignell

Excuse me by Lisa Kerr

(Age: 3-5) Five Mile Press IBN 9781760069780 Board book. Another in the Cheeky Monkey Manners series, sees Cheeky Monkey learning when to use 'Excuse me'. When he really wants to go to the park and he can't get his mother's attention, Mr Owl suggests that he just says 'Excuse me' and perhaps his mother will listen to him. And it works! While he was at the park, he keeps doing things like bumping into his friends on the slide or sneezing on their faces and his friends say 'Excuse you, Cheeky Monkey'. It takes his friends a few reminders before Cheeky Monkey finally remembers to say 'Excuse me' after a big burp.
The examples given in the story are a fun way for young children to learn how to say Excuse me and when it is appropriate to use the phrase. All the examples are ones that they would be familiar with: a trip to the park, sliding down the slippery dip, playing in the sandpit and sneezing at the sand, and listening to stories.
The five page spread is just long enough for the young child listening to the story to get the message and not be bored and the colourful illustrations add lots of humour to the narrative.
This series is an effective and fun way for parents and teachers to re-inforce good manners.
Pat Pledger

Studio showdown by Samantha-Ellen Bound

Silver Shoes series, bk 8. Random House Australia, 2016. ISBN 9780857989093
(Age: 9+) Recommended for young female readers. Themes: Dance; Friendship; Conflict resolution. The young girls in this book love to dance - they are passionate about it. Their lives revolve around dance classes, learning new dance styles and learning how to get along with their dance school friends. Paige is the focus in this book, as she prepares for a Ballroom competition with her dance partner, Benji. At the same time the Dance studio begins to prepare for a major Dance Performance, and Paige and her best friend are asked to choreograph a routine for younger students. Unfortunately they don't communicate well and the friendship shows signs of fracture in a 'Studio showdown'.
This book will be enjoyed by girls aged 9+. Book 1 in the series has the girls as 10 year olds, but by this book (#8) we are beginning to see them express romantic interests. The resolution of issues amongst friends is gentle and unsophisticated.
A brief explanation at the end of the book describes the Dance style - Jive.
Carolyn Hull

Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

Penguin, Random House; 2015. ISBN 9780141342429
(Age: YA) Recommended. Themes: Norse Mythology; Adventure; Overcoming obstacles; Bravery. Rick Riordan takes the reader on an adventure into Norse mythology with the character Magnus Chase. Magnus is a young teen who is living a miserable existence - homeless and orphaned in horrifying circumstances, when he becomes caught up in an adventure into the world of mythology. His life of adversity and endurance on the streets prepares him for the journey into the world of the dead, with dwarfs, giants, Valkyries and other mythological figures. He becomes a key to prevent significant disaster from overtaking all in the alternative worlds of Norse afterlife.
This is an amazing and magical adventure/quest story. Rick Riordan has mastered the genre of mythological adventure. Young readers who began the journey of discovery of Mythology with Percy Jackson will be delighted that there is another area of mythology to explore in this latest mystery exploration. Riordan writes with humorous moments scattered through the text, and even weaves current cultural references (eg a Powerpoint presentation by a Norse god) into the alternate worlds. Essentially though this is an engaging and exciting quest adventure, requiring the central character to display great bravery as he faces extreme opposition with the help of a few faithful side-kicks, all of whom are unlikely heroes, but display their worth as they support Magnus, the reluctant hero.
This book is quite a lengthy tome, and is well crafted. It is worth recommending to YA readers who like this style of magically-influenced fantasy. It is exciting and entertaining even for an adult reader, but will be most enjoyed by fantasy lovers, who also enjoy discovering aspects of mythology from other cultures. There is another book in the series due in 2016.
Carolyn Hull

The adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat

Hachette, 2016. ISBN 9780734416834
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Inclusivity, Imaginary friends, Friendship, Patience, Courage. On the island where imaginary friends are created, one such friend is waiting. Others are taken up by their new friends and go away to be with them, but not so this fellow.
He decides that he should do something about his predicament, something totally unexpected, something unimaginable. He goes to hunt out a friend himself.
He wanders through the city streets noticing something about the city which he does not like. People do not talk to each other, people pass others on the street not noticing them at all. He spies another imaginary friend and follows it to a place where children and their imaginary friends are playing. He waits for his friends but no one comes. He sits in a tree and eventually something wonderful does happen.
This lovely story of finding a friend, of finding someone just like you, someone who shares your interests, games and passions, will have wide appeal to everyone in the class. It not only speaks to those with an imaginary friend, but those with friends of all sorts. Some may not be like themselves, others may be just like them, but all are friends who share interests. It is only when this imaginary friend finds his partner that he also finds his name, Beekle.
The digital illustrations by award winning artist, Dan Santat, are most entertaining. Children will find lots to keep them interested and alert to nuances of meaning. I enjoyed the pictures of the children and their imaginary friends doing things together and I particularly liked the layered meaning of the word 'imaginary' which will lead onto discussions about words.
The author won the Caldecott Medal, 2015 for this book.
Fran Knight