Down in the Westerfield Dump amongst all the rubbish discarded by the local community live Nana the dried up banana, Ms Kettle the teapot and Moreland, the crusty blob of goo. And they are the best of friends. Not for them the familiar meaning of being 'down in the dumps' - they are very happy to be who they are, where they are, doing what they do.
This is a new series for young readers who are just beginning to transition from structured basal readers to the world of novels. Almost like a graphic novel, they are specifically written for this cohort with minimal narration (clearly set in text boxes) and the action is carried in the illustrations and speech-bubble conversations. Chapters are short and fast-paced and at the end of each, readers are given direct encouragement to keep reading.
Despite a landfill area being an unlikely setting and the characters being somewhat different to what we expect, nevertheless they are very relatable with the common themes of friendship, acceptance, loyalty and fighting for what's right (even if you're trash) as they face issues that will spark consideration and conversation with suggestions for thinking, feeling and acting offered in the 'super Stinky Games' section.
Years ago, writers like Paul Jennings, Christopher Milne, Morris Gleitzman and Andy Griffiths tapped into the young readers' love for characters and plots that would make adults blush or cringe, and this does a similar thing. There's something appealing about that which doesn't appeal to grownups, and with four in this series planned, at least, this is one for even the most reluctant reader.
Barbara Braxton
A marriage of fortune by Anne O'Brien
Hachette, 2023. ISBN: 9781398711150. (Age:Adult - Young adult)
The Paston family of Norwich live in difficult times. It is 1467 and the family, Margaret Mautby Paston, and her sons, Sir John and Jonty are struggling to hold on to nearby Caister Castle, a disputed inheritance from Margaret’s cousin Sir John Falstoff which cements their rather shaky position as landed gentry. Eldest daughter Margery, 20, is under pressure to marry into wealth and influence as her older brothers seem disinclined, more interested in court life, free of their mother’s marriage machinations. Margery however is more interested in the family’s bailiff, Richard Calle, ‘tall and fair, lithe and graceful' p. 9 a loyal and intelligent man she has known since childhood but a man of the merchant class without land. When it seems Margery is to be sent away to be boarded out in London to a respectable family where she might encounter a suitable husband the couple secretly make marriage vows 'per verba de praesenti' and consummate the marriage in bed. Her mother Margaret is incensed and when the couple refuse to deny their marriage Richard is dismissed and Margery turned out of the house. All this at a time in British history of instability and lawlessness as the houses of Lancaster and York battle a series of civil wars for control of the British throne. The story follows the women’s lives against this backdrop as they strive to hang on to what they have and to protect their positions and families in troubled times from the point of view of some of the main players; Margaret, her sister Elizabeth, whose Yorkist husband died on the battlefield against Lancaster (another disputed inheritance for the Pastons), Margery and Sir John’s betrothed, Mistress Anne Haute, the Queen’s cousin, a match approved by his mother but which he seems disinclined to formalise. There is a family tree at the beginning to help the reader keep abreast of the relationships and there is a family tree of the Royal Houses of Lancaster and York. Disappointingly there are no dates on either chart. The story follows these women’s lives from 1467 to 1484 through times of turbulence and change.
Lovers of women’s historical fiction will enjoy this addition to this much written about period of British history. The dialogue aims at an archaic expression and there is some reference to the clothing and fashions popular at the time. I really struggled to finish this book; at nearly 500 pages it might have been better to limit the scope either with fewer characters or a shorter timeframe. I have not read O’Brien’s previous book featuring the Pastons The Royal Game which might have made me more invested in the characters. Not quite a bodice ripper ‘my heart leapt in joy and fear beneath the confines of my gown’ p.28 but an interesting insight into the machinations of women in a male dominated society.
Themes British history, Wars of the Roses, Social standing, Family, Marriage.
In a ripping fantasy tale Jayben finds himself in an alternative world, but all his memories have disappeared. A magical torch, some bizarre crystals in his hand and a compass engraved with his name are all hints at something significant. When Jayben meets the local fantasy elfin individuals in their fantasy world, unrecognisable to those of us in Earth-time and place, they are convinced that he is there to save them from the evil forces deliberately trying to block the connection between Earth and the Elf world. Many strange things are happening and there seems to be an urgent need for Jayben to rediscover some memory. Careless adults are being morphed into Null-heads, and with no cognisance of their former lives, are becoming fantasy ‘zombies’. Jayben’s friends and the odd elf-world creatures, support him in an amazing quest. Can he discover his place in the fantasy world and save them all from evil agents by discovering his own powers and his memory before it is too late?
This has elements of the great fantasy tale – the unlikely hero, the quest, and the other-worldly magical creatures, in combination with the human dilemmas of finding one’s place in the world. Jayben (Ben) is both a ‘lost boy’ and someone wanting to find security in a strange world. The likely combination of ‘lost periods’ in his fantasy life, and the possibility of epilepsy as a cause of memory-loss are a parallel to this author’s own journey with a brain injury and epilepsy. The fantasy world Thomas Leeds has created is unique and unfamiliar, and the characters that Jayben meets and the friendships that are forged have their own intrigues. There is humour, tension, and some strange pathways through the journey to the last page, with the occasional ‘missing moments’. This is not a Harry Potter story, but it will appeal to some fantasy devotees, aged 10+, if they can cope with the occasional confusions or absences due to memory loss. I enjoyed this story, but I found that I had to read it in larger chunks in order not to lose track of the plot progress. This can certainly be recommended to readers of fantasy, and it seems that a second book involving Jayben may be coming in the future.
Themes Memories, Fantasy, Friendship, Good vs evil, Courage, Disability, Epilepsy.
A disturbing and ruthless portrayal of the darkness of suburbia, Good Neighbours chronicles the events leading up to the fictitious 2027 Maple Street Murders. The plot is foreshadowed through the inclusion of fictitious media and scholarly reports teasing the tragedies soon to befall the characters.
Good Neighbours is set in Maple Street, a picture-perfect slice of suburban Long Island. This illusion is shattered when, devastated by an unforgiving heatwave, suburban Queen Bee Rhea organises a neighbourhood fourth of July barbecue to lift morale. All of the families in the neighbourhood are invited, except for the Wilde family. When they decide to show up anyway, assuming that their exclusion was an accidental oversight, tensions mount. Then, the earth opens up – an enormous sinkhole emerges in the park bordering the neighbourhood crescent. 6 days later, Rhea’s daughter Shelly falls inside, frantically running with Julia Wilde towards a better future after finally unloading a dark secret. Good Neighbours follows the Orwellian, futuristic neighbourhood as poisonous accusations are thrown around, testing loyalties, and putting the Wilde family in danger, until the climactic end of the novel in which blood is finally spilled.
Told through multiple perspectives that encourage the reader to treat the entire Maple Street neighbourhood as complicit in the tragedies that befall them, Good Neighbours is a thrilling dystopian story, exploring the notions of community, conspiracy, secrets, and betrayal. Langan asks the reader to consider whether history can ever really be truthful, and reminds us the importance of critically analysing information presented by seemingly trustful sources; fitting in the era of “fake news” and a world in which it is increasingly difficult to trust your instincts and far easier to follow the trend of those around you.
This novel is a stunning example of the importance of literature in asking hard questions through the lens of fictional narratives, and of understanding the things that make us human. As Gertie reflects towards the end of the novel, we must never fear showing others our “mess”. That is the true meaning of togetherness.
Recommended for students 17+ due to the distressing descriptions of death, abuse, betrayal, and violence within the novel. Also features descriptions of distressing acts of violence, including gun use, and includes brief sexual references.
As a child, Harper lives a dull life in a city that doesn't celebrate creativity, so when three figures arrive at her window in a flying canoe, informing her that she is due to start her apprenticeship, Harper discovers she is a Spectacular - a magical performer, gifted special powers from the stars. Harper is thrilled to be part of the Spectaculars' travelling theatre and boarding school, until everything is plunged into great danger. With her new friends Trick and Thief, Harper sets out to save her school... But while dreams come true at the Wondria, nightmares might just be lurking in the wings...
Touted as "The Greatest Showman meets Nevermoor", this is the first in a new series for older, independent readers who can cope with a longer book with characters and events that take them beyond their immediate world. Fantasy and magic are very popular right now and I know this is one that Miss 11, who has aspirations of being a performer one day, will really enjoy.
Prometheus High: The books of the dead by Stuart Wilson
Penguin, 2022. ISBN: 9781761042263.
Athena and her bunk mate, Marceline are on a mission to uncover Marceline's past - though their plans seem to be risky and teeter on getting them expelled - or killed. As if starting their new semester on a zeppelin wasn't dangerous enough, they start the term with robbing the library. Back on the ground. Nothing serious, just taking 'The Book of Creators'. A slightly contentious text. Making it back to the floating airship with seconds to spare, the pair go about attempting to uncover the secrets of the book. With the occasional help of their friend Godfrey, they learn more about the book(s), themselves and Ancient Egypt, through the course content and Professors lectures.
The second in the Prometheus High series, The Books of the Dead is told from different perspectives, more so than the first book, which really gives a nice variety and roundness to the story. With a wide variety of characters - from fellow students to teachers, or 'creators', there are many characters to keep readers interested. Evenly paced, the novel reads quickly as it is well written. After learning a secret about Athena's bunk mate at the end of book one, Athena, and readers, are intrigued and want to learn more. Plenty of humourous questionable moral actions occur, plenty of action and adventure fill the book. A new kind of Frankenstein mixed with magic akin to the Skulduggery Pleasant series, this series may appeal to fans of these or for those interested in a quirky story. A must read for those who started the journey with the first book.
When 12-year old Josh Primm and his family move to New York City, they are surprised to discover a crocodile living in their attic - a crocodile that is fun, playful, and can sing! Josh and Lyle become best friends but then Lyle's former owner turns up to claim him for a new musical act and despite the issues Lyle has caused with a neighbour, the Primms realise how much Lyle means to them and that they need to keep him as part of the family.
Based on the original story by Bernard Waber, this is the novelisation of the film currently so popular with young children, making it an ideal addition to any family or school collection as we encourage them to read and revisit the fun they have shared. Knowing the scenario will support those who are consolidating their skills while others may seek out the original as well as others in the series and others by the same author, expanding reading horizons beyond the screen.
The prologue to Laura Shepperson’s version of the mythical Phaedra story sets the scene with the bard adapting his storytelling to the tastes of his audience, so the foreign princess becomes a seductress; Hippolytus, the macho son of Theseus is cheered; and the whole story is embellished to the cheers of the audience. The story is not the truth, the bard himself has no idea what the truth is, and he does not give a second thought to the hooded figures on the edge of crowd, the women, for their opinion is worthless.
At the heart of Shepperson’s story of Phaedra is a trial, the first of its kind in Athens, where the Cretan princess Phaedra accuses her step-son Hippolytus of rape. It is the word of one miserable woman against the word of the prince, in a world where women are used and abused. There is a whole chorus of women who have suffered at the hands of men. Phaedra hears their cries at night: It happened to me. And me. And me. Me too. Phaedra increasingly finds the strength within herself to stand up against the mistreatment of women. But she could not find herself in a more hostile situation.
In this intriguing version of the Greek myths, Shepperson suggests that perhaps the stories of women visited by gods are the excuse that desperate women in Phaedra’s situation revert to. How can she face the return of her husband to find her pregnant to another man? So perhaps she could say she was sitting by the shore awaiting his return and was visited by the god Poseidon instead. Then her child would be half god, and must be revered.
Stories of the gods may have been invented to account for all sorts of strange events. Perhaps there is a similar explanation behind the story of her mother’s birthing of the Minotaur. Indeed, was the Minotaur even a strange beast? Phaedra knows him only as a gentle kind brother hidden away from the view of outsiders.
Stories can be twisted and turned, innocent people can find themselves reviled by the crowd, just as can occur in our present times of social media, cyberbullying and trolls. This story drawing on Greek mythology has just as much relevance today in the times of court cases and ‘me too’ protests. Shepperson’s historical fantasy novel shines a light on the world of women in ancient Greece, but can also be seen as having parallels with the situation for modern day rape victims and casualties of social media.
This is another feminist retelling of ancient stories which would definitely be a winner with readers who enjoyed Jennifer Saint’s books, Ariadne and Elektra.
It's 2002 and Leo is 13. His mother has died, and his father has remarried, so Leo is not only dealing with grief but also with a new stepfamily, new home, new friends and new school. Life seems unfair and tough, and he wishes everything could go back to the way it was when his mum was still alive.
It's 1933 and Ivan is 7. He lives in Prague with his parents and life is good. He has a big house with servants and lovely clothes and toys. But, as a Jewish family back then, it's only a matter of time before everything changes forever.
While trying to carve out some quiet space for himself, Leo finds a way to step between his own time and Ivan's. These 'visits' open his eyes to the reality of life during the leadup and outbreak of World War II, while putting his own troubles into perspective.
Leo and Ivan form a firm friendship, each learning from and helping the other. They both love to run and running becomes not just a physical challenge and bonding experience for them, but also a way to quiet their thoughts and temporarily escape their problems.
This is historical fiction at its very best. The timeslip formula works so well, with the storyline progressing rapidly in each timeline and keeping the reader interested and invested in the lives of both boys. The inclusion of a wise mentor in Leo's time, and a love interest in Ivan's time, are both handled with gentleness and honesty. The historical accuracy provides a real sense of dread and urgency in Ivan's timeline, while the varied relationships explored in Leo's timeline add a layer of complexity which ensure he is always seen as an equal protagonist rather than a supporting character.
This would be an excellent choice for a class novel or book club with its many rich themes to explore.
Themes Friendship, Bereavement, Bravery, Resilience, Blended families, Holocaust, European history, World War II.
Kylie Grant
Song in the city by Daniel Bernstrom. Illus. by Jenin Mohammed
HarperCollins, 2023. ISBN: 9780063011120.
Sunday morning in the city, and Emmelene is accompanying her Grandma Jean to church where there is a choir singing and trumpets blowing and hand-clapping to hear and join in with. But Grandma Jean is getting cross because Emmelene is lagging behind because she is listening to the music of the city - the tap-tappa-tap, the yip-yippa-yip, the pitter-patter-drip and all the other sounds that her ears hear but her eyes can't see.
And in church, when Grandma Jean's music makes little impression on Emmalene , Grandma gets even crankier and just doesn't understand what Emmelene can hear - although she does try. And then Emmalene shows her...
A long time ago, I read a poem about the sounds of night falling and it made such an impression on me, that now, mosquitoes willing, one of my favourite wind-down activities is to listen to the dark creep across our bushland home. I have to admit that I'm a bit like Grandma Jean and haven't heard the music of the city so maybe I should sit in the park in town and close my eyes... Certainly, it is something we can do with our kids on a nice day - take them outside, let them lie on the grass in the sun and just listen to the music of the outdoors. And if someone falls asleep, that's fine - either they needed the rest or the activity had the desired effect of putting them in the zone for a while.
But, while this is a great book to inspire an awareness of our surroundings and be mindful in the moment, on a more practical level it is also one for exploring the concept of onomatopoeia as the sounds of the vehicles and other things that Emmelene hears are illustrated in a way that makes you see them as well as hear them. Another opportunity to explore and experience our language.
In lyrical writing, Costa Award winning author Frances Hardinge takes us into a unique world where 'The Little Brothers', sentient spider like creatures, give people the ability to curse those they hate or who have caused them harm. Kellen is a teenager who can unravel those curses, and had helped Nettle and her brother who had been cursed into birds by their stepmother. However his ability is beginning to come apart as fabric around him unravels and he realises that he too has been cursed. When he and Nettle are approached by Gall the owner of a vicious Marsh Horse to investigate Salvation a group that is spiriting away cursers, they embark on a dangerous quest. It takes them into the mysterious Wild here terrifying creatures haunt the waters and the Moonlit Market.
Although lengthy, some 481 pages, it was easy to become totally immersed in the world that Hardinge describes in detail. She also explores layers of complexity in her themes. Are some actions bad enough to justify cursing? are the cursers evil? What happens to those whose curses are unravelled and how do they cope? What is the difference between feeling anger toward someone and hating them? Both Kellen and Nettle, in amongst their exciting adventures, must come to grips with the ways that cursing and unravelling have affected them.
With wonderful world building, unique characters, an unexpected villain and cruel creatures, Unraveller is sure to appeal to readers who enjoy complex fantasy. They may enjoy Monster Blood Tattoo trilogy by D.M. Cornish.
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761068720. (Age:6+) Highly recommended.
This is paws down one of the best Anh Do books ever!
JJ and the Giant Panther written and illustrated by mega talented Anh Do is the second book in the Smarty Pup series. Be entertained again by the humour and adventure throughout; this time delving into what is takes to be brave.
JJ is a super talking, genius dog, after purple goop fell on him a while back. Now, even NASA has him on speed dial! He has super sensitive senses in sniffing and hearing; making him a great detective when playing hide and seek!
He lives with a young girl, Lily and her family, and he is her best companion. So, when Mr Hasting, the sports teacher, announces there is a going to be a school camp, Lily insists that JJ attend too. While on camp, all the children are grouped in threes to tackle each task aimed to develop and assess their bravery. Each group will be allocated points for completing the tasks successfully.
Lily and JJ are paired with Timmy, but both Lily and Timmy don’t feel they have good bravery skills that will assist them. How will they even complete each task, let alone get bonus points for finishing first?
JJ, with his genius skills, takes the lead in the group but becomes a petrified and hiccupping mess when he thinks he sees a giant panther. Can Lily, Timmy and JJ’s team complete each activity and survive the school camp, or will the giant panther prove too much for all of them?
This fabulous short fiction novel is extremely fast paced with a highly energetic and engaging storyline. Filled with quick wit, humour and adventure, this story will keep its audience captivated until the very end. The vibrant and amazing full colour paged illustrations throughout will grab the reader’s attention, along with the interspersed jokes scattered amongst the storyline.
Cheerful, colourful and creative, this series definitely won’t disappoint!
Themes Bravery, Humour, Adventure, Problem solving, Friendship.
Michelle O'Connell
You need to chill by Juno Dawson and Laura Hughes
Farshore, 2023. ISBN: 9780008488284.
When Bill can't be found at school one day, the imaginations of the other children run wild. Is he on holiday? Is he lost in the park? Has he been eaten by a shark?! It's up to Bill's sister to explain.
This is a fun-filled celebration of family diversity that is filled with love, acceptance and humour as the suggestions of Bill's whereabouts are contemplated and the only response is, 'Hun, you need to chill'. But finally the answer is disclosed and it's not what a lot of readers will expect, but knowing little kids, one they will accept. It opens up the opportunity for discussions about not only Bill's new circumstances but also family diversity in general and the children will soon realise that no two families are the same. Such growth in tolerance in the years I've been teaching, led by books like this which expose our young readers to new situations so they are ready for them when they encounter them.
Themes Brothers and sisters, LGBTQI people, Transgender, Personal identity.
Barbara Braxton
Wolfsong by T.J. Klune
Pan Macmillan, 2022. ISBN: 9781035002146. (Age:Adult)
Green Creek in the Cascade Mountains is a small, out of the way sort of place and Ox (Oxnard) Matheson lives there with his mum, Maggie, who works in the local diner. His Dad, a violent drunk left when he was 12. Ox is big, says little and does not lie; his father called him “dumb as an Ox” and before he left, told him “You know you are not the smartest boy” and “You’re gonna get shit, for most of your life” p2. Local mechanic, Gordo gives Ox a job and helps the family out. Down a lane towards some woods is an empty house, sometimes there is a car outside briefly but one day a man comes to the diner and introduces himself as Mark, from the family who own the house. Ox likes him and asks if they can be friends, Mark says “It’s always the ones who are the quietest who have the most to say. And yes, I think we’ll be friends.”p18. It was not until Ox is sixteen that Mark and his family move into the house in the woods. Ox is met in the road by ten year old Joe, a whirlwind of a boy who instantly takes to Ox, climbing up to cling to him chattering constantly as they go to meet the family. There is Carter, about Ox’s age, and Kelly, a bit younger and their parents Elizabeth and Thomas Bennett. Mark is Thomas’ brother and the Bennetts become more and more a part of Ox and his mum’s lives as they absorb them into their pack. “It should have been obvious what they were, but then I wasn’t looking for the incredible buried in the ordinary” p64. The family are werewolves, part of a wider community of werewolves constantly alert to the dangers of those who hunt them and to power struggles within the community. Not only does Ox find an extended, loyal, caring family he falls in love with Joe in spite of the six year age difference. As the story develops over ten years, Ox gains in confidence and supported by the family and Gordo, who turns out to be a witch, (an important “tether”) he becomes a leader, fighting against the villain Richard. This is a brick of a book, well over 500 pages, difficult to sustain, given that it is character, rather than plot driven, and while the development of the relationships of most of the secondary characters was beautifully realised I didn’t find the love story very convincing. There is an animal attraction between Joe and Ox from the beginning and it never seems to develop past Joe’s sexual possessiveness and need to mate. What we get are explicit sex scenes which narrow the readership regardless of the gender of the participants. This is a shame because there is much to love in this paranormal fantasy; I liked the emphasis on loyalty, support, friendship and how Ox’s perceived deficits become strengths. The werewolf relationships are more attractive than vampires, quite sensual with their touching, smelling wrestling and pack bonds, a shame about the sex scenes.
When Grandma tells Lee she will soon be 'going home,' Lee is confused. Isn't Grandma already home But as Grandma's health gets worse and her death approaches, Lee learns what it means to 'walk Grandma home' to heaven, while also reflecting on his good memories and dealing with his grief alongside his extended family.
Written by a child psychologist and counsellor this is a touching and relatable story about a young boy's grief to help young children understand what it means to lose a loved one and how to process their own emotions of fear, grief, and joyful remembrance. It includes a page that explains the child's perspective to help parents and caregivers to process the child's emotions in a healthy and loving way and personalise the story to the child's own experience.
Sadly, this is a situation that many of our young ones face - just this week there was a request for suggestions for titles for a child who was angry that her grandfather was in a wheelchair and succumbing to dementia when her friends' grandparents weren't - and thus any books like this that can be added to our collections to help ease and explain the situation have to be welcome. And while each incidence is unique and can be overwhelming for the child involved, perhaps being able to read such stories and have their experience and emotions validated will help a little.
