Rock the Boat, 2021. ISBN: 9780861540907. (Age:14+) Very highly recommended.
When a reader continues to think about the themes in a book and returns to it repeatedly as I did in Firekeeper’s daughter, then it is easy to state that it is outstanding. The awards that Firekeeper’s daughter has won (Michael L. Printz Award (2022), American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book (Honor Book) (2022), Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction and Nominee for Debut Novel (2021), Walter Dean Myers Award, Teen category) also reinforce its excellence.
Told in the first person by Daunis Fontaine, the reader learns about this 18-year-old, a member of the wealthy Fontaine family and an unenrolled tribal member of the Ojibwe tribe. Fitting in has always been a problem for her, never quite accepted by either Ojibwe people or the white people. She is very intelligent and dreams of leaving town to study medicine but has put her life on hold to look after her mother, while her grandmother is in care. When she meets Jamie, an attractive hockey player on her brother Levi's team, she finds herself in the centre of a criminal investigation led by the FBI, working as an undercover agent and looking into murder and drug trafficking.
Confronting themes in this book include racism, drug taking, murder and rape and the meaning of love but what stood out for me was the author’s ability to blend all of these around the character and actions of Daunis. She is a strong young woman who faces difficult dilemmas around her love for her family and her identity as a bi-racial young woman. I was left knowing much more about First Nations People and their justice system and the inequities that women faced when violence or rape occurred. I was particularly taken with the idea of a Blanket Party to help sexual assault victims and the strength and resilience of First Nations women stood out for me. Daunis really loves Jamie but knows that it is important for him to be healthy and strong without leaning on her. Meanwhile the mystery, action and suspense surrounding the murders and running the drug traffickers kept me enthralled and keen to find out who was perpetrating these crimes.
In the Author’s note she writes ”I sought to write about identity, loss, and injustice . . . and also of love, joy, connection, friendship, hope, laughter, and the beauty and strength in my Ojibwe community.” She certainly succeeds. Readers will find the Book Club kit useful particularly as it contains a list of books to read next, and the teachers notes are detailed. This would make an ideal literature circle or class novel.
Themes Love, Mystery, Friendship, Drugs, Sexual assault, Ojibwe tribe.
John Grisham has made a name as a writer of renown, with a number of his legal-world drama stories made into movies. This book takes another of his interests – sport, and specifically basketball, and weaves it around a young talented player from South Sudan. Samuel Sooleyman (Sooley) has made his way on to a youth team representing South Sudan, and able to play in the USA in a competition that might give the team a chance to be noticed by USA scouts that could rescue them from the difficult circumstances of their lives in villages and towns in their own country. While he is in the USA his family are attacked by rebels and eventually become refugees as they escape their own country. Sooley’s life is also turned upside down and the hopes for his future now also include hopes to rescue his family. Amidst the incredible world of the College basketball system and with the wealth of the USA in full view there is an unbelievable trajectory for Sooley as he goes from being an ordinary player from a background of poverty, but blessed with height and a poor shooting record, to become a spectacular game-changer with dreams of an NBA contract.
This book is both uplifting and sad as it paints the incredible disparity between the worlds of Sooley’s homeland and his new adopted country. It also reads like a biography with detail of all the games played and the minutiae of the Basketball world for the young central character and his close friends and team mates. The complications of the draft system for the talented player and the wealth that floods in his direction are also mystifying and confronting. This could easily be a fairytale journey, but Grisham has cleverly made us wonder all the way to the end.
Recommended, for lovers of basketball, aged 15+.
Themes Basketball, South Sudan, Refugees, Professional sport.
The Rock from the Sky is a charming picture book with quite subtle humour divided into 5 stories. They feature a turtle, an armadillo/mole creature, a snake and an alien and explore friendships, emotions, the future and stepping outside your comfort zone.
In the first story the turtle sits in a favourite spot and invites the Armadillo to join him. The Armadillo feels uncomfortable in that spot and finds his own a little further away, where the snake joins him. A little jealous, the turtle tries to get them to come over to his spot without success. All the while the readers see a rock on its way down from the sky, but don’t know where it is going to land. When it does land one of the characters is glad that he followed his instincts.
Each story stands alone so the book would be perfect to read in sections at bedtime or to a young class over a week at school. It also lends itself for readers to try different voices for the characters as the text is written in different tones to show which character is speaking. The illustrations are very muted tones in black, browns, greys and a smattering of red/orange. The characters eyes cleverly convey their emotions when things happen in the story. The animals all wear a hat (of course) as this is Klasson’s first book since his acclaimed Hat trilogy - I want my hat back, This is not my Hat and We found a hat, which will tie this book to that series for young readers.
Joe is playing pirates on the playground equipment and a loud voice calls, ‘You’ve only got one leg!’ Joe and the girl go on to examine the possible reasons for Joe having one leg, and others join in. Perhaps it was bitten off by a shark, perhaps it fell off, or was burgled, or a lion took it. Each time the expression on Joe’s face tells the reader how exasperating these questions can be, especially when they have been heard so many times before. The girl begins to understand.
Using his own experience, Catchpole captures the reality of questions in the playground and a child’s reponses to them.
The next day Joe is playing on the equipment again and this time the girl comes along and joins him in his game. They introduce themselves and she wants to know what he is playing. 'Pirates' he replies, and that is so cool, that Simone joins in, as do the others. This time, no one asks about his leg, and Simone has developed an understanding that perhaps he gets quite bored with people asking about his leg, and decides not to.
This is a very concise, apt and funny look at a problem some disabled people have: that of curiosity. Some people cannot separate the person from the disability, blurting out the obvious, without quietly reflecting that there might be a better way of talking to that person.
Simone develops empathy towards Joe, understanding that he is still Joe, no matter what has happened to him, and deciding it makes no difference anyway.
A very neat solution to a perennial problem: Catchpole reiterates some ways of tackling the issue in the endpaper, where he gives advice to an adult of how to deal with a curious child.
A wonderfully funny take on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy story, The emperor’s new clothes, this verse story will delight new readers as they follow the efforts of a canny pair of tailors aiming to bring the haughty king down a peg or two.
The king with the beautiful name, Albert-Horatio-Otto the Third has an enormous range of clothes. He changes his outfits readily, taking every opportunity to show off. Even going to the loo offers the chance to wear something different.
With his birthday imminent he asks for the very best new suit, rejecting all that he is shown but he is impressed when a pair of tailors arrive, promising the very best he could desire. The cloth they weave is so fine that it can only be seen by the wise and the clever.
They are hired and set about their business. The court, not wanting to be seen as stupid, praise the cloth they see being made. It is indescribable, nothing has ever been seen like it, it is unbelievable. The king likewise says similar things, no-one wanting to appear stupid in the eye of those around them.
The reader of course knows exactly what is going on and cannot wait for the denouement where the king appears naked in front of his whole court.
This rollicking tale beautifully told in rhyming couplets will cause the readers to laugh out loud. They will predict the rhyming word, offering others as suggestions, laugh at the many references to behind and red cheeked, loo and bum. But most of all laugh at the silly king, so wrapped up in himself and his appearance that he is unable to see through the duplicitous tailors and his fawning court.
The hilarious illustrations will entertain the audience as they pick out the huge amount of detail, wonder at the number of clothes he has and the range of people who fawn over him in his court.
I love the different courtiers in their array of costume, and touches of the indolent life led by them all. The endpapers with the headline news and their wonderful examples of puns will give another level of humour to enjoy.
Themes Clothing, Verse, Humour.
Fran Knight
My first book of sea creatures by Zoe Ingram illus.
This book has been beautifully crafted with a simple, colourful and modern design that would easily entice a young reader into the world of marine animals. Starting with a rich mix of creatures on the front cover the book presents double-page spreads of information about each of 20 animals.
The information is parcelled in simple easy to understand and interesting segments arranged around a rich and stunning illustration. Everything is provided for a young reader who might need to know about an animal’s individual features eg. size, habitat, weight, diet and lifespan.
From clown fish and hermit crabs to the deep diving narwhal and the blue moon fish, this book will provide much new and interesting information. The size of each animal is presented in an interesting comparison with known objects such as a football, bike or a bus. Also, each animal has a ‘Did you know?’ section with an interesting fact.
The author illustrator provides a rich, modern, simple and bright enticement for the young marine scientist.
Themes Marine animals.
Paul Pledger
Nick by Michael Farris Smith
No Exit Press, 2021. ISBN: 9780857304544. (Age:17+ - Adult) Recommended.
It has been many years since I read The Great Gatsby but the character Nick Carraway remains etched as the watcher, the one who is part of the essence of the story as the one who sees and narrates the excesses and social decline of the American dream amongst Gatsby’s social circle, while remaining firmly fixed on the edge of this life. In this book, Michael Farris Smith has created the prequel to this confronting story as he reveals the backstory of Nick Carraway’s life – a life that is scarred and hurt. Nick is portrayed as having survived the distressing childhood of living with a severely depressed mother and then trying to find his place in the world as an adult as the war breaks out. His war service, in combination with his passive personality, leaves him with psychological scars. A brief romantic interlude in France during the war adds to his wounds and there is more pain post-war as he struggles to find a place to anchor his life. A random choice takes him far from his parents in Minnesota to Frenchtown in New Orleans, into bars and brothels, and into the tortured life of another severely damaged war veteran. All along the journey to the shores of the lake that looks towards Gatsby’s mansion, we become familiar with the way that Nick’s life is moulded by powerful circumstances to create the man who watches in the margins and narrates The Great Gatsby.
This is an evocative journey and a powerful tale that is powerfully-written and reflective of the character of Nick Carraway – the man who watches the world. The journey into his pains and psychological suffering is compelling and insightful as he battles his inner passivity. There is immense power in giving Nick a backstory, and this book will be appreciated by those who have read The Great Gatsby. (This is better read after having read F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, and not before, as this would change understanding of the original Gatsby story.) Farris Smith has created a story that could stand on its own but the insight into Nick’s life adds extra pathos and power.
Themes World War II, PTSD, USA Culture - Post-war, The Great Gatsby.
Carolyn Hull
Malice by Heather Walter
Del Ray, 2021. ISBN: 9781529101287. (Age:13+) Recommended.
Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss. Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. Burdened by the curse. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though a power like mine was responsible for her curse.
The setting and plot of this novel felt like a crossover of Maleficent, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. There was the wicked fairy, the war between humans and mystical beings, the romance, the wicked “step-family”; everything was there in perfect balance of hope and despair. Alyce was such a strong character, a woman burdened with an evil gift, determined to not become the monster that the people of Briar think she is. The connection between her and Aurora was so gentle and pure. Both finding solace in each other’s pain. The strong feminist trope shone through, women sticking together to take down the cruel men trying to take over the country. Who needs a handsome prince to save the day when you can have two powerful women? That is, until Alyce discovers her true power. The book ended on a big cliff hanger which will leave you desperately wanting to read the sequel. The biggest question is, can Alyce hold onto her humanity long enough to save, and keep, the love of her life?
It has been three long years for Victoria Aveyard fans. After publishing the last full-length novel in her bestselling Red Queen series in 2018, Aveyard is back with the first in a brand new young adult fantasy series. At over 550 pages, Realm Breaker is a fantasy adventure epic, fundamentally concerned with the classic trope of good versus evil.
The book opens with a vicious and bloody battle that will change the fate of kingdoms. Taristan, the forgotten second son of a long lost royal bloodline, is on a mission to unleash a great and ancient evil on the land. Though they do not know it yet, a group of unlikely strangers are the world’s only hope. Andry is a humble squire who believes that he is powerless in a world of powerful men and women. Erida is a queen whose position is much more precarious than would be believed. Dom is an immortal who knows only too well the unstoppable power unleashed by Taristan. Sorasa is an assassin, accustomed to only taking care of herself. Corayne, a pirate’s daughter, has a secret that could be the key to saving everyone.
Realm Breaker is a more mature story than the Red Queen novels and reflects Aveyard’s growing skill and confidence as a writer. There is a large cast of characters, diverse perspectives and detailed worldbuilding. At its core, Realm Breaker is an adventure story and will be particularly popular with fantasy readers who appreciate an epic and arduous quest. The Realm Breaker series promises to be as enjoyable and popular as Aveyard’s previous work.
Themes Fantasy, Adventure, Romance, War, Good vs Evil, Quests, Family, Friendship.
Rose Tabeni
The man with the silver Saab by Alexander McCall Smith
Detective Ulf Varg has returned for his third novel-length escapade. The creation of prolific British author Alexander McCall Smith (The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street), Detective Varg is back for another perplexing and perhaps trifling crime investigation.
Detective Varg is a very likeable character. Unlike so many of the angry, broken and functioning alcoholics that people contemporary crime fiction, Detective Varg is a calm, ordered and cultured intellectual. He enjoys modern Nordic art, teaching his deaf poodle Marten to lipread and driving his ancient silver Saab. As a member of the Department of Sensitive Crimes in the Swedish city of Malmo, Detective Varg is responsible for solving some of the police’s most baffling offences. In The Man with the Silver Saab, Detective Varg and his trusty team are approached by an art historian who reports that he is the victim of a series of trivial and bemusing crimes. Before he knows it, Detective Varg is drawn into a serious investigation where he may just lose his career, his dog and his heart.
There is a reason that McCall Smith has spent decades as a popular and successful author; his writing style is straight forward and always humorous. There is nothing Scandinavian noir about the Detective Varg series; the plots are light, witty and easy to read. McCall Smith’s characters do have a tendency to ramble on unnecessarily and avid readers of the crime genre may find the plot structure of this novel a little unusual. Nevertheless, The Man with the Silver Saab is an undemanding and entertaining read.
Once Upon Our Planet is an interesting and engaging book showcasing twelve original stories related to many amazing wilderness areas on Planet Earth. Nearly every story has Once Upon as its beginning title and is then finished with an aspect of the natural world - reef, tundra, mountain, forest, paradise, savannah, riverbank, salt-lake, wind, sun, island and top of the world. The stories are written in the style of a myth and use various animals and plants throughout. The first story, 'Once Upon Two Suns', tells of the animals who perform together and are left bereft when crocodile refuses to take part anymore as the suns are too hot and drying him out. The other animals devise a plan to get rid of one sun and night is born. 'Once Upon A Forest' shares with the reader the story of Captain Whitehead, an enterprising monkey, who was able to solve problems and had a special way with plants. To the forest creatures great dismay their habitat is being destroyed by a metal machine and it is up to the Captain to find a solution. He cleverly does this and becomes a legend in the forest.
Each story has a message about caring for the planet as well as friendship, cooperation and problem-solving. This book would make an excellent class read-aloud especially around World Environment Day or when discussing themes of sustainability. The book has a striking cover with embossed gold imprinted in the images and a sub-title: Rewild bedtime with 12 stories. The beautiful illustrations throughout the book will keep the reader connected to each story. A perfect gift for those children who love stories about nature and a welcome addition to a home, school or public library.
Themes Planet Earth, Wilderness, Short Stories, Mythology, Animals, Plants, Harmony.
The chance discovery of a tender note in one of her mother’s books leads Izzy and her friends to connect the dots, and amazingly Izzy discovers her unknown father is actually the Crown Prince of Japan, which of course makes Izzy herself a princess! It sounds cliche, and the opening pages with their descriptions of Izzy’s Asian Girl Gang are particularly brash and upbeat, but the story develops well and the reader is drawn in, especially as Izzy is such a warm and likeable character, a person who 'leads with her heart'.
Izzy goes from being the out-of-place Japanese American teenager growing up with her single mum in California, to being the out-of-place American Princess Izumi trying to adjust to royal life in Japan, when she travels to Tokyo to meet her father. Emiko Jean provides descriptions of Japanese life, food and culture that enrich the story and add another level to what would otherwise be a light read.
It’s a lot of fun; there’s a bad boy cousin who befriends her, horrible enemy Shining Twins, and a scowling but enormously attractive body-guard who has romantic potential. And maybe, her father, the Crown Prince of Japan, still holds a candle in his heart for her mother.
Readers who enjoy this book will be pleased to know that there is the promise of a sequel in 2022.
Themes Japan, Identity, Conflict of cultures, Romance.
Helen Eddy
Ribbit Rabbit by Candice Ryan. Illus. by Mike Lowery
Board book. Frog and Bunny are best friends. They do everything together. They go swimming, eat peanut butter sandwiches and even fight monsters. But sometimes they don't get along and they have to work out how to stay friends.
In an original and unusual picture book, Ryan has written a rhyming story that will appeal to children who like mechanical toys and robots. The repetition of the words 'Ribbit, rabbit' with variations following it like 'Zip it, zap it' and 'Trip it, trap it' make it a fun book to read aloud. It is a story that will make the young listener and reader become aware of the intricate patterns of words and want to try out new rhymes for themselves.
The ups and downs of friendship are effortlessly included in the story as they fight over little and big things but realise what they have to do to make up. Ryan manages to convey in very few words how lonely it can be when you have had a fight with your best friend and also how difficult it is to make up.
The quirky drawings by Mike Lowery are cartoon like, and Frog and Bunny are endearing characters, their facial expressions bringing the meaning of the text to life. The young reader is challenged to follow the illustrations as they show what is happening to the two main characters and are an integral part of the story.
This is an intriguing picture book that I will keep for my young grandson.
Fans of The Crown? Then you will definitely be a fan of Pamela Hart’s new book The Charleston Scandal. I love historical fiction especially when the author makes you think you're actually there in the era they write about. Being a fan of Pamela Hart and a massive fan of jazz in the roaring 20s, I was looking forward to reading this and it did not disappoint.
The Great World War has ended and we are taken into the Roaring 20s Jazz era.
The Charleston Scandal is a story about a girl from Australia, Kit Scott and a lad from Canada, Zeke Gardiner, who travel to London to follow their dreams of being actors and dancers on stage in the West End. They both get cast in a show alongside each other as partners. We follow their stories of their past and present and the adventures they have and survive in an era so different from ours. Kit and Zeke have a great chemistry between each other but they both have said they will remain as friends because they working together.
Kit Scott whose real name is Katherine Scot, has left her family and home in Sydney to follow her dream to be on stage. She is the daughter of Agatha Scott (from a well-known prominent family) who left England to marry and The Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney. Her parents did not want her to become an actress, it is something high society does not do.
Zeke Gardiner moved to London from Canadian province of British Columbia. He was leaving behind his mother who was in hiding from her abusive husband. Zeke travelled to another land to find work and support his mother by sending her money to pay her rent with the vision that she will follow him to London as soon as he could afford it.
Once in London, Kit and Zeke are thrust into a world of poverty while also trying to find steady work. We read about them mixing with high society and the world of the stage while at the same time mixing with the greats of that time. They meet and befriend Noel Coward, Fred Astaire and his famous sister Adele, as well as Royalty.
The Charleston Scandal is a great easy read which any historical fiction lover will enjoy learning more about the Jazz Era and the way different people lived in the past. We learn about the diverse group of people and the way the world looks upon them.
Now I feel like dancing, where are my jazz albums . . .
Themes Jazz, Dance, Royalty.
Maria Komninos
The Great Barrier Reef by Helen Scales. Illus. by Lisk Feng
The Great Barrier Reef is a magnificent information book written about this stunning World Heritage Site right on Australia’s doorstep. As a Natural Wonder of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is closely monitored by scientists, ecologists and concerned individuals for changes and damage to its environment. This book provides the reader with detailed facts about its discovery, history, size, wide variety of sea creatures and their place in reef life, complex ecosystems as well as threats and possible solutions. The contents page clearly sets out the topics discussed and a glossary at the end helps with unfamiliar words and explanations.
There is an important section sharing information about the human inhabitants beginning with the Aboriginal peoples who lived harmoniously with the reef and respected what it provided for them. This then leads into white settlement and the lack of care initially taken by these new inhabitants. Fortunately this misuse is slowly changing through the knowledge and passion of people concerned about protecting the Great Barrier Reef. The author also provides valuable ideas on how we can begin to protect the reef in everyday life. The colourful illustrations are muted in tones but are both detailed and striking. The information is easy to digest and well explained.
A wonderful addition to a home, class, school or public library.
Themes Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Ecosystems, Sea Creatures, Natural Wonder of the World, Aboriginal Culture & Story, Conservation.
