Pan Macmillan, 2021. ISBN: 9781529033724. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
In present day London we find Phoebe Davis - opinionated, out spoken and not too fond of people. She is 15 and preparing for the GCSEs. GCSE is the qualification taken by 15 and 16 year olds in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Phoebe's best friend Polly is enthralled in first love and their friendship has altered. Phoebe has some very definite ideas about love and can't imagine any circumstances where she would be as cliche, stupid and foolhardy as those around her. Told in diary format, Phoebe's observations and reflections on life have the reader laughing out loud or crying in solidarity. When Phoebe can't understand something, she googles it. The book is peppered with facts, and the knowledge that Phoebe is struggling with being socially awkward, and being caustic with her judgements.
Phoebe's Mum is a doctor working for a humanitarian agency. She regularly leaves Phoebe with her best friend, Kate, while away for months at a time in war torn countries. Phoebe's Dad died before she was born. While he has never been a presence in her life, she is now discovering more about him and has questions.
Kate, having previously worked with Phoebe's Mum, now manages a thrift shop. Phoebe agrees to volunteer in the shop following a designer kitten debacle. This close knit group (crotchety Pat, considerate Alex and perfect Emma) is richly drawn, endearing and, despite her best efforts, wind their way into Phoebe's life.
The relationship between Kate and Phoebe is nurturing and life affirming. Kate's character is well grounded and their relationship developed positively throughout the book. Kate's down to earth approach subtly delivered guidance, empathy and hope for all (including Phoebe) when the storyline explored some difficult themes. The diary format worked well for this story and enabled the reader a front seat in the confessions of a flawed individual who learns from her mistakes.
Sarah J. Maas is back with another sexy, action-packed instalment of her hugely popular A Court of Thorns and Roses series. For the first time, we do not see the story from the viewpoint of Feyre and her High Lord of the Fae husband, Rhysand. A Court of Silver Flames breaks from the previous books in the series to focus on Feyre’s older sister, Nesta.
Nesta is damaged. She lashes out at those she cares about in cruel and unforgivable ways. Yet, like Feyre, Nesta is beautiful, powerful and immortal. She has devoted sisters, a safe home and a budding romance with an alluring Fae warrior. For fans of Maas, this all might sound familiar and welcoming. It should be easy to slip into this story and enjoy the romances, friendships and battles. However, there is one major issue.
Nesta is, and always has been, a thoroughly unlikeable and unsympathetic character. And she does not do much in this book to negate that image. It is difficult to empathise with a protagonist who has been deeply and cruelly unpleasant towards almost every other character in four previous novels. There is little to connect most readers to Nesta. Her personal growth and the progression of her story is at the core of A Court of Silver Flames, but this 700+ page interlude only serves as a distraction from other, more beloved characters.
Maas has clearly intended this to be a redemption story, with Nesta presumably joining the cadre of heroes we already know, in future books. But for many readers, it will be too little, too late. A Court of Silver Flames reads as the sexy romance Maas wanted to write, rather than a novel that advances the world of Feyre and Rhysand in any meaningful way. A Court of Silver Flames could function easily as a standalone romance novel rather than the middle book of an expansive fantasy series. Fans of Maas will always read and enjoy another offering of her hugely popular writing. Just don't expect much in the way of plot or story progression.
In this beautiful book, Dragon World written by Tamara Macfarlane, readers are taken on a journey to meet the fire breathing beasts of mythology. The stunning illustrations by Alessandra Fusi capture the reader's interest immediately and provide visually appealing images to complement the text. The book begins with a contents page where the information is divided into four headings: Asian Dragons, European Dragons, Dragons of the World and Dragon Discoveries. A short description of the world of dragons piques the reader's interest and is a perfect introduction. There are maps to show where the dragons being discussed originated from, stories about the dragons, and each dragon is described under the headings of appearance, dwelling, powers and traits. There is even a dragon from Australia mentioned. It is known as the Marsupial dragon and had a body similar to a kangaroo, dwelled in rocky areas, breathed fire or blue smoke and used strong legs to strike enemies. In the section titled Living Dragons the Australian Leafy Sea Dragon is mentioned alongside other well-known dragon named species of plants and animals alive today. The book also has pages on how to draw a dragon and design a dragon as well as a detailed glossary and index.
Dragon World would be a wonderful gift for any child who is fascinated by these creatures or as an introduction to dragons and mythology. A very welcome addition to a home, school or public library.
Skywake invasion by BBC film critic, screenwriter and gamer Jamie Russell is the first book of a trilogy, kicking off what is sure to be an action packed scifi series for readers aged 9+. This is not the usual story of a portal out of the real world to somewhere else; this is a frightening conflation of real life world and the arrival of an alien world which, it was thought, had previously only existed in the artificial world of gaming.
Casey is the leader of a high ranking gaming team, the Ghost Reapers. She and her team meet for the first time in real life (IRL) at a live SkyWake tournament at a large shopping mall. Simultaneously around the world in other major cities, other top level gamers are meeting to compete at this international level. However Casey sees a sinister shimmer above the mall and there are sinister 'cosplayers' who seem to be overplaying their roles with what looks to be real weaponry. By chapter three the stage is set. Casey, her family and her gaming team have been introduced. Developing the plot rapidly, Russell builds an atmosphere of foreboding with flashes and shimmers of possible illusions that are inexplicable. Interwoven is the team's relationship which has to be built on trust IRL before they can possibly effectively work together to prevail against the massive power of the evil alien forces which is suddenly unleashed upon not only the gamers but on all the human beings at the shopping malls around the world.
The action is savage and lethal. Abductions of the smartest of the gamers are happening and the police forces with all their strongest equipment are rendered powerless against the aliens. Casey and her team have to use their gaming skills and trust each other to stop the aliens. But in book one, after riveting, page- turning, heart in the mouth action and adventure, they haven't succeeded. In fact . . . where is the next book? We need it NOW!
Shu Lin arrives at her new school and she looks different, does not speak English very well and eats different food at lunchtime. This story is told from the point of view of one of the children in the class and clearly shows how not knowing about someone's culture can make it difficult for some children to accept a new arrival who is vastly different from them.
One day the teacher arranges for Shu Lin's Grandpa to come into her class to show them his traditional Chinese paintings. He doesn't speak but just shows his wonderful paintings. This event becomes the key to unlock the empathy and understanding in the other children as Shu Lin eagerly helps them to master this special artform.
Inside the book is a double gatefold spread revealing a magnificent Chinese painting which creates the opportunity for exploration of this wonderful style of art. This highly acclaimed Chinese-British illustrator, who studied under Quentin Blake, has used a mixture of pencil, paper cut and coloured pencil to bring the story to us. She shows us the wide variety of cultures across this school through her illustrations which could provide a discussion starter in classes who read it.
Themes Friendship, Painting-Chinese, Cultural awareness, Empathy.
When Maeve finds a pack of old tarot cards whilst cleaning out a closet during school detention, she quickly discovers her talent for reading people. Soon, she becomes the most sought-after diviner in her school, everyone wants to know what the cards will say about them. But when Maeve's ex-best friend Lily is forced into a reading, an unsettling card named The Housekeeper appears, one that Maeve has never seen before. When Lily does not come to school the next Monday, they soon discover she has disappeared without a trace. Shunned by her schoolmates and struggling to fully comprehend her newfound romance with Lily's non-binary sibling, Roe, Maeve must dig deeper into her connection with the tarot cards to help find clues as to where Lily may be.
This book has everything you need. A gripping mystery, supernatural elements, romance etc. And as far as inclusivity goes, this story covers it beautifully. Lily is hearing impaired and wears a hearing aid, Maeve's sister is gay, and we explore her relationship and the discrimination shown towards her, Roe is exploring their gender identity, Fiona is mixed race and often calls out and educates Maeve on her behaviour. The supernatural, witchcraft elements of this book are well thought out and bring a unique and different twist to the disappearance of Lily. It is so nice to see Maeve find her feet and discover her talents as at the beginning of the novel we hear a lot about how she is not gifted, smart or talented and will never live up to the expectations of her family. When she finds her niche, you really start to see her grow as a character.
There are so many layers to this story and would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good mystery with a magical twist whilst also covering modern day social justice issues such a race, gender and LGBTQI+ discrimination.
An enchanting and thought-provoking story that challenges you to reflect and ponder the importance of the relationships that we create and foster. First written in 1992 by Swedish author Ulf Stark, this story was later translated into English. Can you whistle, Johanna? is a story about a young boy, Berra and his friend Ulf. Berra seeks to find a grandfather of his own, after hearing how exciting they are to have from Ulf's own experience. He questions why he doesn't have one already, as they sound really cool. The next day they come up with a plan to find a grandfather and what a better place to start, than the retirement home. On arrival at the home, Berra and Ulf find Ned and it seems that both Ned and Berra are made for each other. Both are unknowingly seeking a human connection and are happy to have someone special to share their life with. Touching moments throughout the story make the reader question the importance and significance of relationships. Both Ned, Berra and Ulf build a respectful and loving relationship as they listen, share and forge a caring and thoughtful connection.
Delightful illustrations throughout the book by Anna Hoglund compliment the storyline and bring further enjoyment to the story. As Berra, Ulf and Grandpa Ned spend time together, there is a sense of warmth and kind-heartedness in their generational bonding. Ned shares elements of his past including his whistling skills with the song, 'Can you whistle Johanna?'. Berra fervently attempts to master the whistling skills that Ned shows him, however, can't quite master them yet. A poignant conclusion leaves the reader with a sense of how sharing special moments, can bring pleasure to people's lives that they will never forget.
If there is one word that children of today know as well as their name it is "virus". So much of their lives have been affected by this tiny, invisible thing that has had such huge impact. But what is a virus? Using the successful Lift-the-Flap Q&A format of others in this series, readers can investigate just what a virus is, discovering that there are many more than just COVID 19! They also learn the importance of the rules like social distancing, washing their hands and other personal hygiene issues, important because if they understand the why about the what they are more likely to comply. It also alleviates some of the fear that their imaginations can conjure up. In the past we have been teaching our littlies about why they need to eat well, sleep long and play hard to have a healthy body and preventing illness has been a peripheral, but things have changed and this is an important addition to the collection so they can better understand this thing that is going to shadow their lives for a long time to come.
Poison War book 1. Random House, 2019. ISBN: 9780552176293. (Age:15+) Highly recommended.
Winner of the Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel (2018) and Ditmar Award for Best Novel (2019) City of lies is a slow burning epic fantasy that is sure to grab the attention of any fantasy reader. Right from the first sentence "I was seven years old the first time my uncle poisoned me . . . " the reader is taken into the world of Jovan, an expert in poisons, trained as a proofer or taster, to protect Tain, the Chancellor's Heir and his life-long friend. His sister Kalinda, her frail physique unable to manage the poisons, has been trained as a spy; quiet and unassuming, she manages to hear and see things that might threaten her city-state. When the Chancellor is poisoned and their uncle also succumbs, the pair find themselves trying to find out who the murderer is, while protecting Tain, now the head of their city. To make things even more difficult, an army has laid siege to their city and it looks as if the assassinations and rebellion are linked.
Written in the voices of Jovan and Kalinda in alternate chapters, the reader gets to know the feelings of both main characters. Jovan is very anxious and manages to calm himself by pacing and counting repetitively, while Kalinda must work very hard to overcome her physical disabilities. However, they are both intelligent and determined and very loyal to Tain and to their city and use their intelligence and resilience for the good of the state.
Hawke has described a very believable world that will resonate with readers as they catch glimpses of similarities to our world today. Silasta is rich and cultured, but the siege of the city reveals the flaws in the way the countryside has been ruled. The Council members have become greedy and the pacts to look after and educate workers, while respecting their religion have been forgotten. Spirituality is not respected and believers in the strength of the land are disregarded.
Readers who enjoy a mystery, sieges and escapes, and compelling main characters with flaws, are in for a treat and will want to move onto book 2, Hollow empire. Other books with poisons and assassination are Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder and His fair assassin series by Robin Lefevers.
Tree Beings by Raymond Huber and Sandra Severgnini
EK Books, 2020. ISBN: 9781925820539. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
With the tag line 'Books with heart on issues that matter, readers picking up this weighty book will be in no doubt about the expertise being presented to them. An introduction and opening chapter by celebrated environmentalist, Dr Jane Goodall will cement the idea that this book is worth the read.
Divided into four main chapters (Big Ideas), Life in the trees, Trees can save us, Trees are like beings and Trees need our help, each chapter is then segmented into shorter chapters which tell of the anatomy of the tree and its purpose on earth and what it does for us, with smaller sections offering real stories about how some people have worked to save trees. So we read of Tony Rinaurdo who noticed that the stumps of the tees in the desolate land around the village in Niger, Africa where he was trying to grow trees, were still alive. So he set about nurturing these stumps and from these the villagers grew back a forest which helps the soil, reduces carbon in the atmosphere and provides shelter.
Another tale is of Wangari who stood up to her government in Kenya where forests were being cut down. Eventually the Green Belt Movement took hold, planting over 50 million trees, while a young girl sat in a Redwood Tree in California for two years to stop its destruction, so each chapter gives information that is fascinating and enthralling, while paralleling that information with a human story of someone making a difference.
Within the chapters too are full page information sheets about one aspect of the forest: Brazil nuts and Fig trees, for example, while web addresses are given to encourage children to find out more, and specifically, how they can help. A Glossary, Reference list, Index and page of puzzles round off an absorbing book, one the I can imagine will be picked up by kids eager to learn more and help save the trees.
Detailed illustrations greet readers on every page, highlighting the themes of the chapters, adding to the environmental message of the text, and adding eye appeal to the ideas presented. I particularly enjoyed the images of what lies beneath the surface, seeing how the roots travel and make a difference.
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781398507142. (Age:Young adult, adult) Recommended.
Talia is being held in detention facility for girl offenders after lashing out at a man who had casually killed a cat by pouring boiling liquid on it. She instigates a dramatic escape from the facility as there is a plane ticket awaiting her from Bogota to the U.S. to join her mother and siblings. The fifteen year old's country, Columbia, is a violent place where a "nameless and tentacled war" (pp. 15) has been waged for years, where fear and danger are never far away and families like Tahlia's struggle to make a living. That is why her mother and sister Karina have made the journey across the border to find safety, better paid work and opportunity in the U.S. She sends home money to help support Talia and her grandmother's laundry business. Even without proper papers, what they earn in a week in the U.S. is more than they made in a month back home. Mauro, Tahlia's father had also gone to the U.S. and a son, Nando, was born there. But Mauro was arrested for a minor traffic infringement and was deported back to Columbia as "undocumented", having overstayed his visa. While life in Bogota is difficult, it is Tahlia's home and she loves her father and grandmother and the traditional stories and the spiritual dimension to their lives. As she makes her way home, she experiences the dangers of travelling in such a corrupt and violent place but also she is touched by the little people she encounters just trying to live their lives meaningfully.
Tahlia's story will speak to immigrants worldwide, living in countries happy to have undocumented immigrants do menial tasks for little pay with no support, treated as enemy foreigners by their host countries. What they gain in financial security is balanced by the loss of their own spiritual home and families left behind. The author's own story is rooted in this one. She is part of the "United States of Diasporica" (pp. 129) and tells her story in the second part of the book. The third person narrative style is infused with beautiful descriptive language and the personal narrative in the second part is particularly insightful. Senior students will gain some perspective on the push and pull that drives "illegal" migration from poor countries to rich ones and the cost to families who make the journey.
Princesa Anita lives in her palace on the island of the Dominican Republic. She can see dragons over the rooftops of nearby houses. She knows that one day one of them will take her away, but until then she jumps from one cement roof to the next, going to the market and talking to people on her island. But the day comes when she and her family must leave, going to the airport to board the dragon. Her mother tells her of the good things about their new home: electricity to read at night without interruption, restaurants and a dryer. She bids farewell to the people who matter, particularly Abuela but she promises to send many photos.
This story of moving, relocating, of shifting houses will recall incidents in many students' lives, when they too were hesitant about the move their family must make. Anita's fears are reflected in her fear of the dragons she sees in the sky, dragons she knows take people to other places, away from their island. Despite Mum telling her of the good things they can expect after their move, Anita is still scared, and it is only when she realises that the whole family feels as she does, that they board the plane, ready to face a new adventure.
This is a disarming story of overcoming fears and facing up to change, as Anita leaves her beloved island where she has lived all her life to an unknown place far away.
The delightful illustrations give a flood of information about the Dominican Republic, causing me to check it out on a search engine, as I am sure others will too. The warmth of the family centred illustrations underscores the family's going away together, of the family supporting each other in this time when all are feeling wretched about leaving their island and those they love.
Several Spanish words are used in the story, (Abuela, arroz con leche, princesa for example) prompting readers to work out who they mean from the text, say them out loud and learn them.
This fantasy novel follows on from Wicked Fox and is best understood after reading the first book. This novel engrosses the reader in Korean mythology (focussing on Dokkaebi, Gumiho and JeoSeung Saja) having folktales interspersed between chapters. The reading pleasure is supported by a glossary and cultural notes.
Set in the present day, in Seoul, the novel explores the relationships between the four main characters (Somin, Junu, Miyoung and Jihoon). The story continues on from Wicked Fox with the main characters, Jihoon and Miyoung, grieving the loss of loved ones. In this sequel the characters of Somin and Junu are richly drawn as we discover the complex backstory that has formed Junu’s need to protect Somin, Miyoung and Jihoon.
This novel illustrates the ongoing effects of differing parenting styles as Kat Cho expertly integrates the mythology with the present day. These parental relationships are resolved and satisfy the reader who cannot help but be touched by the characters and their struggles. The threats of the supernatural to life, for individuals and the community, creates suspense throughout the story. The writing also contains violence. While most sits well within the realm of fantasy, one scene is graphically depicted and caution is advised for the inclusion of this book in school libraries.
The nature of love (romantic, maternal, paternal, platonic and unconditional) is linked to kindness and forgiveness. It offers the reader the opportunity to experience the various stages relationships as an opportunity to reflect on the attitudes taken between characters throughout the writing.
Trigger alerts: grief, death, violence.
Themes Grief, Supernatural, Korean Mythology, Romance, Betrayal.
Lovers of fantasy are in for a treat with the latest offering from Lynette Noni, author of the wonderful Whisper series. Kiva Meridan is 17-year-old and has been imprisoned in Zalindov, a terrible prison, for the last 10 years. After the death of her father, she has worked as the prison healer while waiting for her family to come and rescue her. When the Rebel Queen is captured, she is instructed to keep her alive and the only way she can do this is by facing the Trial by Ordeal in her place. If she can master the deadly challenges of air, fire, water, and earth, then she and the Queen can go free. Helped by another prisoner, the charismatic Jaren, Naari an enigmatic prison guard and an ever-optimistic young boy Tipp, her courage and intelligence will be sorely tested.
I found it very difficult to put The prison healer down. The world building is intricate and the prison, its forbidding walls, the fate of the prisoners and the cruelty of the guards, is all vividly described and memorable. The tension leading up the Trial by Ordeal was breath-taking. It was impossible to imagine how Kiva would survive the trials as well as the cruelty of the prison. While trying to keep the Rebel Queen alive she must attempt to solve the mystery of the plague that is sweeping the prison, desperately formulating theories about what is causing it and how she can save the prisoners.
Kiva is a strong, determined young woman who keeps to herself. Tipp's positive outlook brings a light into the grimness of the prison and he manages to get under her skin, even though she is determined not to let herself care for anyone. Jaren and Naari prove themselves worthy sidekicks, while the head of the prison is suitably detached and wicked.
The prison healer is sure to be popular with its easy-to-read style and interesting characters. And that cliff-hanger ending will ensure that the next in the series is picked up. An interview with the author can be found here. Fans may like to go onto the more complex historical fantasy Courting darkness by Robin LaFevers.
Themes Prisons, Trials, Survival, Dissent.
Pat Pledger
Rowley Jefferson's awesome friendly spooky stories by Jeff Kinney
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories joins the ranks of Jeff Kinney's Awesome Friendly series which follows the phenomenally successful Diary of a wimpy kid series.
As with all of Jeff Kinney's books, this book will walk off the shelves to be enjoyed by primary aged children, particularly boys. Characters include Rowan, Gabe, Jasper, Anders, Gunther, Rafe and Robbie (mostly boys) and the situations are typical childhood scenarios and feature daredevilry. This time the action occurs in the intersection of daily school and homelife and the spooky realm of ghosts, vampires and zombies.
The narrator is removed - a storyteller. The stories follow the comfortable story formula . . . "There was once . . . and usually there is a twist to think about at the end. These stories deliver life messages in a humorous manner. Messages include being true to oneself, not taking pranks too far, making mistakes, making the right choices, not asking too many questions, accepting difference and being happy within one's own skin. The messages are only arrived at after the hilarious consequences of wrong choices are experienced; certainly though, Kinney is not "preachy." The reader receives the message naturally.
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories is in large print with fun cartoon images - at least one/page, simple vocabulary presented on lined paper with the font suggesting that a young boy is writing in his journal. Although there is naughtiness, there is a sense of right and wrong, making these books acceptable to adults; the fun is harmless.
Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories is particulary accessible to reluctant readers as it features short stories. A child can read any story in any sequence. The stories are comically spooky and often end with a twist.
A perfect read for hooking in reluctant readers from aged 7 through the primary years.
