Walker Books, 2015. ISBN 9781406362992
(Age: Upper middle school) Highly recommended. Themes: Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Mental illness, Depression, Heroes,
Adolescence, Love, friendship, lies, loyalty, family breakdown.Adam
Walker has the same concerns as most 14 year old boys; will he find
a girlfriend? Is he going to grow? Should he try out for the school
track and field team? All complicated by his obsessive compulsive
disorder (OCD). At a support group for OCD teens Adam falls
instantly in love with new girl, Robyn and vows to pay more
attention in the group, get better and to grow so that she might
like him. In the group they are asked to choose an alter ego as part
of their therapy and almost all choose superhero identities, Robyn
chooses to be Robin and Adam becomes Batman, resolving to be her
hero and fix all her problems. Their romance blossoms and the group
help one another out with their issues as only other sufferers
could. Together they investigate whether the rituals and candle
lighting at the local Catholic Church have anything positive to
offer them. However Adam, who has become central to the wellbeing of
others, is increasingly unable to cope with his own issues which
manifest themselves in escalating compulsions. Loyalty is important
to Adam but he hates lies and it is difficult when he shares his
time between his separated parents. His mother makes him promise to
keep her hoarding and drinking a secret and when she starts to get
threatening letters, which she also wants kept secret, his disorder
ramps up. A crisis point is reached which ultimately brings with it
hope for the future.
In the same way as the funny and self-deprecating main character of
When Mr Dog Bites demystified Tourettes and a range of other
mental illnesses, this book gives us some insight on what it must be
like to live with OCD. Teresa Toten's believable characters are
heroic in the way they strive for normality whilst living with this
debilitating condition yet essentially their struggles will resonate
with all teens finding their place in the world. Highly recommended
for upper middle school boys and girls. A very useful study guide is freely
available on the author's website.
Sue Speck
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson<br>
Pan Macmillan, 2015. ISBN 9781447266150
Highly recommended. Joel wants nothing more than to be a Rithmatist.
He wants to be someone with the unique ability to bring chalk
drawings to life; better known as Chalklings. He wants the right to
defend his world from the Wild Chalklings that plague it. Joel has
spent his whole life following his deceased father's passion, and
learning and studying as much about the Rithmatists as he possibly
can. But only one in one thousand children are chosen, and Joel is
not one of them. However, Joel can draw near-perfect circles; better
than anyone that Professor Finch has seen at Armedius Academy in
years. When students start mysteriously disappearing from the
academy, it is Joel who puts these skills to use and helps Professor
Finch in his investigation. Joel, with the help of his friend
Melody, must join forces to solve the crimes at the academy. But
during their search, they discover more about themselves and their
world than they ever thought possible.
Sanderson's imaginatively written novel draws the reader into his
exceptional world of Armedius Academy. The chalk drawing
illustrations at the beginning of each chapter also helps the reader
put together an image of what the Rithmatists work looks like. His
characters are likeable, and Joel is especially endearing, whilst
Melody is charmingly awkward. The fast-paced action teamed with the
suspense of the slowly unfolding mystery will keep the reader on
their toes, needing to know what happens next.
This gripping and at times quite funny novel is suitable for
children and teens of all ages, but will especially strike a chord
with those who favour mysteries and fantasy.
Emma Gay
Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar<br>
Bloomsbury, 2015. ISBN: 9781408864746
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended for a younger audience (aged 9+) for
its dramatic impact in a well-crafted exciting story. Themes:
Bullying; Friendship; Environmental issues. A book about bullying
and an environmental disaster! An unlikely combination in a book,
and yet it works brilliantly. The central character in this story is
in year 5 in an Academy school in America; she is quiet and a
'goody-goody two shoes'. The older boy she walks to school with has
become a target of the newly arrived bully to the school. A simple
decision to walk home via a different route to escape the bully's
threats leads them into 'Fuzzy Mud' and its life-altering and
potentially world-altering consequences. What started as a solution
to future energy needs, has mutated into a deadly organism capable
of world-wide destruction. The young pair's timidity is also
challenged, and they discover strength and friendship they didn't
think was possible.
Sachar, author of Holes, cleverly intertwines this
child-centred tale with its school-focussed issues with the record
of Interview in a Senate Inquiry following the incident and the
record of the mathematical explosion of a binary fission organism.
Carolyn Hull
A Single Stone by Meg McKinlay<br>
Walker Books, 2015. ISBN: 9781925081701
Highly recommended for age 11+. (Note for younger readers: Information
about birthing is veiled; significant deaths occur, but only basic
detail is given). Themes: Bravery; Society Rules; Matriarchal rule;
Fantasy; Defying authority. Jena is a very successful harvester of
the valuable wealth that is locked deep within the mountain
crevices, a mountain that also locks them into their valley and
community. A significant earthquake from the past has kept the
community from any attempt at escaping their circumstances, and so
they must learn to survive. Collectively, they control their society
rules to cope with their restricted freedoms. They particularly
manipulate their young girls by binding them or readjusting their
bone growth so that they remain slender and lithe and flexible
enough to creep inside the mountain cracks in order to seek out the
mica that becomes their winter fuel. This claustrophobic searching
creates a tension for the reader as we too travel with the very
young girls as they twist through the fissures within the mountain
in the search for potential warmth for their community.
The complication for the story comes when Jena discovers that the
older Matriarchs in the community have been giving pregnant mothers
'tonics' that effectively create early births, and then potentially
smaller daughters. Her journey of discovery to reveal the myths of
her community and to unearth the dangers of their practices is
almost like a journey through a labyrinth of societal secrets.
I can highly recommend this book. It is a fantasy tale, but is
really an exploration of what can happen when the struggle for
survival, combined with isolation from outside influences, causes
guidelines to be created that can eventually undermine the fabric of
the society. It takes a brave soul to question the status quo. This
book contains predominantly female characters, with few male
characters.
Carolyn Hull
The race to the beach! by Anna Shuttlewood<br>
The Five Mile Press, 2015.
(Ages: 3-7) The watercolour illustrations of this book are stunning
and the accompanying story of the zoo animals and their day at the
beach is great fun! Although they find lots to do (munching on
watermelon, building sandcastles, dozing in the summer sun) it isn't
long before long the animals are getting a tad bored of the beach.
Seal's idea, a swimming race, is met with great enthusiasm. Except
for Giraffe that is . . . he didn't seem that interested in the sea
at all. But when Crocodile, who is leading the race, needs help, it
is Giraffe and his long legs to the rescue. The zoo animals still
aren't sure whether giraffes can swim, but he is declared the winner
of the race anyway.
This is a good story to kick start a discussion about what qualities
really are important. Is it more important to be the best at
something or to be a great friend? Giraffe is a bit of a quiet
achiever, who doesn't brag about his abilities, but when there is a
friend in need, he shows great bravery.
Nicole Nelson
I don't like koala by Sean Ferrell
Ill. by Charles Santoso. Koala Books, 2015. ISBN 9781742761497
(Age: 5-8) Adam smiles widely, his arms opened wide, ready to
receive a beautifully wrapped box. Blue and white striped box now in
his hands, he eagerly sits down and unties the long red ribbon. With
bated breath he quickly lifts the lid to reveal . . .
Adam does NOT like what he sees. He thinks Koala is the most
'terrible terrible' with terrible eyes that follow him everywhere he
goes. He tries to explain to his parents his aversion - the scary
eyes, the big ears, the scratchy claws. But they don't understand.
Wherever Adam goes, Koala is there. Adam simply cannot get rid of
him. He tries everything but no matter what he does Koala will not
leave him alone. It isn't until something worse than Koala comes
along that Adam realises Koala isn't so terrible after all.
The dark humour of this title makes it suitable for a slightly older
picture-book audience who will understand Adam's attempts to rid
himself of Koala, and his eventual love for Koala. While not exactly
scary, Koala is a little disconcerting and the dark, dreary and
muted colours add to the gloominess of this quirky text. The
illustrations themselves are done in pencil and are wonderful in
their crispness, leaving lots of white space and adding a fitting
shadowiness.
It may take a couple of reads but just as Koala grows on Adam, this
picture book will grow on you. Overall, this is a quirky, humourous
tale about the comforting friendship of a stuffed toy. While it may
be too obscure for some children, it is a wonderful example of the
dark comedy genre and contains fantastic illustrations.
Nicole Nelson
The Girl at Midnight by Melissa Grey
Atom Books 2015. ISBN: 9780349002132 The Girl at Midnight is a rich fantasy which incorporates
both dragon and phoenix mythologies in order to set the parameters
of a new world within the world we know.
Echo is a destitute orphan and a thief. It looks like her life will
be nothing but trouble until she is discovered in her library home
by an Avicen woman who calls herself The Ala. The Ala finds Echo a
place between the worlds and teaches her the values of her people,
in particular; to fear the Drakharin. While thieving a present for
The Ala's birthday, Echo stumbles upon a dangerous secret, a secret
that could bring peace to the warring Drakharin and Avicen. But can
she live long enough to find it? It will be the most dangerous
adventure of her life and Echo is prepared to fight the Drakharin
Dragon Prince himself if need be, and she may have to.
While the concept behind this book is undoubtedly engaging for
fantasy lovers, it draws too much on the paranormal romance genre.
It limits itself to an audience of boy-crazy teenage girls. One of
the major issues with this book is that it seems to be more about
Echo's hormones than the conflict between the two magical races,
which is clearly more interesting. While this would be the perfect
fantasy, these aspects compromise the book and I wouldn't recommend
it unless you're a boy-crazy teenage girl who loves fantasy novels.
Kayla Gaskell (Age nineteen)
Teddy took the train by Nicki Greenberg
Allen & Unwin, 2015. ISBN 9781760112134
(Age: Junior primary) Recommended. Resilience. Imagination. Courage.
Loss. Melbourne. When Mum and Dot go to the market they have a great
time. Mum blows the steam from her coffee while Dot picks out a bun
and Teddy chooses the cabbages. But unexpected rain means a rush for
the earlier train, and squeezing into a window seat, Dot shows Teddy
all there is to see, the sights and sounds of a bustling city. When
they get off at their station, Dot realises that the train has taken
Teddy. She speaks to the railway guard, and he explains that perhaps
Teddy took the train, after planning his escape for a while. He has
joined his friends at Bear Bend and gone there to have a picnic.
When Dot goes home she explains this to her other toys, and during
the day she imagines him trying to get back home to her, overcoming
the many obstacles that may lie in his path. After tea and her bath
and about to get into bed, someone is at the door and a surprise
awaits.
In imaginative stanzas, Greenberg outlines her story about Teddy. Is
he lost on the train, left by Dot when she scampers off with her
mum, or has he planned this getaway? In delightful rhyming lines,
the story unfolds of Teddy's adventure but with a tinge of sadness
as Dot imagines what may have become of him. Teddy's resilience at
finding his way home underlines Dot's as she waits all day for him
to return.
Children will love this story, deciding if Teddy has run away or
been left by Dot in the train, wondering what will become of a lost
teddy, working out their own concerns at being lost, marveling at
the kindness of the train guard.
Greenberg's distinctive illustrative technique makes this a book to
read over again, looking for small things in each picture, looking at
the different way things are represented, spotting images of
Melbourne in the background. I loved Dot's hair replicated in the
wallpaper, and the images of people on the train, as well as Mum in
a wheelchair, and the bustling market scene.
Fran Knight
The dogs by Allan Stratton
Penguin, 2015. ISBN 978014357296
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Child abuse. Domestic violence.
Bullying. Crime. When Cameron hears the stories at his new school
about the person in his house torn apart by a pack of dogs, he
begins to hear them, but investigating his new surrounds further, he
finds children's drawings in the cellar and he begins to hear the
voice of missing child, Jacky. Cameron and his mother have moved
again. She has seen his father's car parked near their house, and
felt the fear creep back in. This small town is a new start, her job
one where she has not had to give employment history or reasons for
her moves, and the rent on the small farmhouse is cheap.
But Cameron must deal with the school bullies, intent on
intimidating him, using the history of his house as a control. While
Mum is becoming warmer towards the real estate agent for whom she
works, Cameron mistrusts him and despite all his attempts, repels
the advances he makes to smooth the water between them. The farmer
next door drops hints about the boy, Jacky, once his best friend,
and his presence causes Cameron a great deal of concern. But Cameron
keeps on investigating, led on by the voice of Jacky showing him
places where the truth may lie. A school project on the history of
the farm proves an ideal subterfuge to his delving, and when he is
suspended from school, he researches the history in the local
newspaper and the real estate agent is able to provide other
information about the farm and who owns it.
All comes together in a very neatly plotted ending, where the father
eventually catches up with his family, using Facebook as a tracking
device, with the stories of abuse in the past colliding with Cameron
and his family, using the bullies from school as the link. This
story of domestic violence, at once shocking and violent is easily
read and will appeal to many lower secondary readers. The setting is
a part of the furniture of the novel and Stratton uses it to mould
the characters, none of whom is one dimensional. I particularly
enjoyed the build up of tension about those people around Cameron.
Who do we trust? And I was pleased that the relationship his mother
forms with her boss is born out of their past unhappiness and
Cameron is included in the decisions. Not all people who pursue
single mothers are suspicious.
Fran Knight
Defy by Sara B. Larson
Defy bk 1. Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9780545695466
(Age: 13+) Fantasy. Romance. After her parents have been brutally
killed, Alexa Hollen is forced to disguise herself as a boy so that
she will not be taken by the King's army. She is an excellent
fighter and soon earns a spot on the prince's elite guard, but even
her skills are not enough to prevent a sorcerer from abducting her,
Prince Damian and Rylan, her companion guard. Forced together as
captives it soon becomes apparent that she is not the only one
hiding a secret.
This fantasy is sure to appeal to young girls who enjoy the idea of
a heroine who has the ability to fight for the welfare of the
country that she loves while having to subdue the feminine side of
herself to avoid the king's wrath. Of course there is a love
triangle and that too will have immediate appeal to the target
audience. What young girl wouldn't want a prince to fall in love
with her? Defy, the first in the series, (followed by Ignite
(2014) and Endure (2016)) is an easy to read book that could
be offered to readers who want something similar to The Hunger
Games or the Divergent series.
Pat Pledger
Jackaby by William Ritter <br>
Algonquin, 2014. ISBN 9781616203535
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. Mystery. Paranormal. Historical.
YALSA 2015 Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults. Abigail Rook
arrives in New Fiddleham, New England in 1892; and answers a strange
help-wanted ad that warns 'Do not stare at the frog.' She begins to
work as assistant to R.F. Jackaby, who has the ability 'to see truth
where others see the illusion - and there are many illusions.' He
investigates the unexplained and the unusual and Abigail finds
herself in the middle of chasing down a serial killer. The police
don't believe Jackaby when he is convinced that a non-human is the
murderer and it is up to the pair with the help of a handsome young
detective named Charlie Cane to find out what is going on.
This book has lots going for it. Written in the first person by
Abigail the prose is descriptive, intelligent and often brimming
with humour and wit, which makes it a delight to read. The setting
of the late 1800's is fascinating and Ritter seamlessly takes the
reader on a journey through the streets, police stations and old
homes of the time.
All the characters are complex and multi-layered. Abigail is clever
and determined to have the grand adventure that has been denied to
her by her parents back in England. Her open minded approach to the
strange occupants (including a ghost) of Jackaby's house and her
observant nature of the commonplace make her an ideal companion for
the strange but charismatic Jackaby. The investigations of the chief
police detective Marlowe and the obnoxious Commission Swift, as well
as Charlie Cane, are a perfect foil for the way that Jackaby hunts
down clues.
The humour in this mystery makes it a worthwhile read, while those
who loved the City of Orphans series by Catherine Jinks and
Lockwood & Co. books by Jonathan Stroud, as well as the Sherlock
Holmes TV series, will be in for a real treat.
Pat Pledger
If you find this by Matthew Baker
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404528
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. Bring together 3 misfit boys and 2
grandfathers (who have escaped from the retirement home) and you
have yourself an unusual bunch searching for treasure. Nicholas's
dad lost his job and this means they have to sell their house. In
the backyard is a tree. This tree was planted when his brother died
and Nicholas is determined to save his home from being sold. When
his grandfather is released from jail and starts muttering about
lost heirlooms worth a lot of money, Nicholas's plans are set in
place. With the help of Jordan and Zeke (2 very unlikely
classmates), Nicholas searches for the tattoo clues and the map that
will lead him to the treasure of all treasures and a way for all of
them to save something in their lives.
This novel is highly recommended for boys aged 11+ . The first pages
set up the mystery and the events will have readers engaged as the
boys face bullies, are rejected in their school life and fight for
things that mean something more than themselves. The text is easy to
read and moves quickly. Children will relate to being different, be
exposed to music terms (Nicholas loves Maths, music and the language
of music) and hopefully see that being different is special.
Kylie Kempster
All aboard the Dinosaur Express by Timothy Knapman
Bloomsbury Publishing, 2015. ISBN 9781408849361
Highly recommended for young readers. All Aboard the Dinosaur Express is aimed at young readers - especially boys - who love trains and dinosaurs. It is full of bright images and descriptive language.
As the train enters the station, the young dinosaurs feel excited as they see the Tyrannosaurus steam engine and wing shaped doors. They sit in huge, comfy seats and eat a crazy selection of treats. One dinosaur will be chosen to move to the steam engine and see the train in action. Who will it be?
Parents will enjoy reading the story to their children and talking about all the action and items included in the pictures.
Kylie Kempster
Crystal Force by Joe Ducie
The Rig bk 2. Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404559
(Age: 13+) Recommended. After his daring escape from the most secure prison facility in the world The Rig (2014), Will Drake is on the run with Irene and Tristan the two prisoners who escaped with him. When he escaped he blew up the Rig with devastating results for himself - he has been exposed to Crystal - X - and his arm has begun to mutate into black crystal. Even though Crystal - X has given him supernatural powers and great strength, it could make him go mad. On the run from his enemies he meets a group who have been exposed to Crystal - X and want him to use his powers for good, but he doesn't know who he can trust.
While The Rig (2014) was a thrilling escape story, Crystal Force is an exciting action packed adventure that has Will turning from a clever teen Houdini like character into a super power, and the story will certainly appeal to readers who also enjoy the heroes in Marvel comics. As Will and his companions try to hide from their enemies Will gradually realises that the black crystal is moving up his arm. He also has to contend with a voice that speaks in his head. He and Tristan are both interested in Irene, but the love interest is minor in comparison to the action.
The introduction of Noemi and her team who have been trained to use their superpowers adds an extra dimension to the story. Will is uncertain whether he can trust them and is initially unwilling to go to the place called Haven in Japan because he is most concerned about getting help for his mother who has cancer. Will really holds the reader's focus. He is such a clever character and his actions and what he is able to achieve constantly surprise. There are twists and turns, treachery, and big corporation interest all set against the background of the wonderful city of New York.
This was a page turner of a book and the series is sure to interest all lovers of adventure and may attract the reluctant reader with its Hollywood type action and adventure. The emotional ending is sure to attract the reader to the next book in the series.
Pat Pledger
The Yelling Stones by Oskar Jensen
Hot Key Books, 2015. ISBN 9781471404115
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. The Yelling Stones are said to the bodies of 3 witches who were turned to stone many, many years ago. These stones vibrate with power and draw weird creatures, witches and power seekers to them. Astrid and her family rule the land of the Yelling Stones. Winter is nearly over in the north and young Astrid is ready for an adventure. When a wolf attack leads Leif into her family and her life, Astrid's wish is granted. Leif is a story teller and someone is speaking though him. Are they future predictions or warnings? When the trolls are attacked and witches start to appear, it is up to Astrid and Leif to solve the problem. What is this winged creature in the predictions? Who is this strange man insisting Astrid's family turn to his people's God.
The Yelling Stones is aimed at independent readers aged 10+ and highly recommended for anyone who likes fantasy and mystery. The Danish setting and ways of this old Viking lifestyle will engage readers as our main characters are attacked and encounter strange creatures. The text is easy to read and the events move quickly. The idea of new people entering another country and expecting them to change their ways is a common theme in History and would be a good novel to discuss in the class.
Kylie Kempster
