Pan Macmillan, 2024. ISBN: 9781035014224. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
After thoroughly enjoying My mechanical romance by Follmuth, who is also the author of the adult series The Atlas Six under the penname Olivie Blake, I couldn’t wait to read Twelfth Knight, another YA romantic comedy. I was not disappointed. Twelfth Knight is witty and the budding romance between two disparate characters is delightful.
Viola Reyes is frustrated with her group of friends when they reject her game and to make things worse school running back star Jack Orsino is the most annoying and lazy Student Body President who makes her job as Vice President difficult. The only outlet she has is the Massively Multiplayer Online Game Twelfth Knight where she plays under the male name of Cesario, after finding that competent girls are not exactly welcomed. When Jack Orsino is injured and his football career put on hold for a year his friend recommends that he plays Twelfth Knight and a whole new world is opened to him. Vi finds that Duke Orsino and Cesario get along in the online world, even though Jack does not know that Vi is masquerading as Cesario. In the real world of school politics, Jack and Vi gradually get to know each other as school activities need to be planned.
With many laugh-out-loud moments the sparkling dialogue will entertain as the grumpy Vi and easy-going Jack learn to work together, Jack's likeable nature smoothing the way for Vi to get things done. Vi is often frustrated by the overt sexism that prevails and has no hesitation in calling it out. Meanwhile Jack learns that there is more to life than football and he really enjoys the online world. As the pair grow to know each other in the real world, Vi is faced with a dilemma. She has not told Jack that she is Cesario. How will he take it?
Twelfth Knight is an engrossing feel good rom/com with Shakespearean overtones, a lively coming of age story and amusing repartee.
Themes Romance, Sexism, Online game playing, Football, Coming of age, Humour.
Written by an Agatha Christie devotee, this is a murder mystery woven together with many red herrings and classic mis-directions. The central character is a ghostwriter who has won the best commission – to write the memoir of Senator Dorothy Gibson, who has just lost Presidential selection. This impressive role lands her amidst Secret Service agents and the grief-like state of loss and withdrawal from a defeated campaign within days of the loss. This just places her in the same isolated place as a neighbourhood murder and gives her the opportunity to shadow the most recognisable woman in the United States as she exercises power and curiosity in attempting to solve a murder right on their doorstep. The writer is instantly a witness to the complexities of solving a murder (and sidestepping some incompetent police investigations) while watching a woman of power use her incredible intellect and influence to unravel truth and bring justice to the fore.
Kemper Donavan hides neatly behind the unidentified ghostwriter and inhabits the female writer with her own insecurities and life problems. (I wish I had not read his biography before reading the book, only because the gender identity of the ghostwriter was not instantly clear. This may be a strength for those who do not want gender to complicate the story, but initially there may be some insecurity for some readers.) The characterisation of Senator Dorothy Gibson seemed to take inspiration from Hilary Clinton, and as readers we instantly feel her power and presence. The ghostwriter seems to have found a different path into crime writing rather than memoir writing through the course of the story, but this is obviously an opportunity for a series. This book is told in the first-person reflections of the ghostwriter and her personal story, emotions, confusions and thoughts (and also sexual desires) provide insights into her role as crime solver and sidekick. This conversational style is quite endearing and revealing. The uncovering of motives as well as the revelation of the modus operandi of the murder is also worthy of an Agatha Christie-esque story.
This is a solid board book with a beautiful lullaby to help children wind down at the end of the day; 'Marringa' means sleeping in the Anindilyakwa language spoken by the people of Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory.
The book shimmers with vast visions of the landscape, with various animals and birds headed to their place to sleep for the night. Yaraja the name for goanna is looking for somewhere to sleep, Yirrenda the turtle is headed of the shore, while the Duwedirra (white cockatoo) finds a place with others for the night. Children are reminded that the night is for sleeping and the day is for playing, as they all nestle down to sleep. Through the book is an undercurrent of why we are here, to be aware of the birds and animals of Australia, there to be marvelled at while being protected. Lullabies such as this have an assumption that children will care for the land they live on, and songs like this pass on information about their environment as well as encouraging a sense of belonging and custodianship.
Original artwork by Dylan Mooney fits well with the song written by Emily Wurramarra and Sylvia Wurramarrba Tkac.
The strong board book will have calls to be sung again, and like all good lullabies, is heard in your head for some time after. A Youtube clipperforms the song against the background of the book. Children will love learning the song and singing along with the video.
Picture an obesely overweight black girl and her skinny white mother walking beside a busy highway in the heat, and you have Diamond and her mother Anna. When Diamond’s fat legs won’t carry her any further, her mother commandeers a broken shopping trolley to load up the 16 year-old and push her along to the legal appointment she hopes will change their lives.
Diamond is the only black girl in the town of Swift River. Her father Rob has disappeared, his shoes and wallet found beside the river. Seven years after his disappearance her mother hopes to finally have him officially declared dead for the purposes of claiming his life insurance, despite both of them longing for his return.
The central character Diamond is an engaging one. Although she is an isolated, solitary figure she has gumption and drive. She determines to save up for driving lessons and then she is going to leave that town. Gradually through correspondence with a never-met relative she learns the history of her family and the town, and much of it is not good. Readers learn of the 'sundown towns', towns in America that excluded black people, often with road signs warning that people of colour had to leave by sundown or face harassment, threats, and violence including lynching.
Chambers’s story of Diamond shifts between current 1987 and her childhood in 1980, but letters from cousin Lena, and saved letters from her grandmother Clara from 1915, fill in the history. It is a technique that allows the reader to gradually piece together a picture of racial discrimination in America, and understand the ramifications that continue on to present day.
This is a very powerful novel that helps readers to understand inter-generational trauma and the long enduring barriers that persist across generations. It is a history that needs to be recognised and acknowledged. At the same time, we are offered the story of a strong-willed survivor who doesn’t magically become thin and socially acceptable at the end of the story, but is appreciated for her own self. An amazing debut novel, highly recommended.
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761067365. (Age:9-14) Recommended for advanced readers.
Australian children's author Lian Tanner's books are set in fantastical magical realms which are inhabited by charmingly sweet and quirky magical characters who have to combat wickedness. Loyalty, trust and bravery are qualities that are tested in the main characters as they battle to overcome evil. Tanner has a wild imagination which is in evidence in the characters and situations that she develops. Tanner is the author of the fantasy The Keepers trilogy, The Hidden series and The Rogues trilogy.
Fledgewitch is the second in Tanner's new series- Dragons of Hallow, following Book 1 Spellhound. Spellhound was shortlisted for the Australian Young Readers Book Award and won the 2024 Aurealis Award for Best Australian Children's fiction (fantasy and sf).
A delightful, warm narrative voice (much like a feisty, bossy and informative grandmother reading to a child from a comfortable armchair), invites active attention from the reader. Like a teacher, similarly, might prod the child for a reaction, the text is interlaced with direct narrator communication with the reader eg. 'Yes, you would,' and 'Don't argue.' This style, when used in a classroom read-aloud, motivates children to become more active participants in the reading process. However it is difficult for the reader of Fledgewitch to immediately understand to whom the narrative voice belongs. If Spellhound has not been read previously, the reader has no knowledge of who Uncle Edwin (also the regent) (also a green jellybean loving dragon) is and therefore the narrative voice is confusing.The action of the story is two years after Spellhound. Unless the reader is satisfied to live with gaps, Spellhound should be read first. Despite that, the narrative style and the lively active plots are surely the reason for Tanner's award winning status.
The good characters are very likeable. Brim seems a normal ten-year-old girl except for the fact that a few soft feathers are growing from her elbows and that she has been forcibly taken to the Quillian School for Prevention of Witches. Her family seem normal and nice. Likewise twelve -year-old Rose, Queen of Hallow, seems like a relatively normal girl. Snort, the Horned Globe, is not normal but a sweet fantasy creature. The children in the School for the Prevention of Witches are not normal but zombie-like and Countess Xantha and Count Zaccar are definitely evil. In fact, nothing is as it seems and here, along with keeping pace with the fast-paced action, the reader must keep pace with a cast of characters, almost all being shapeshifters and having at least two different forms. This concept of shapeshifting is an old concept found in mythology and folklore and in speculative fiction where characters transform themselves through unnatural means. In Fledgewitch there is transformation from animate to inanimate objects and human to magical, fantasy creatures and vice versa.
There is SO much shapeshifting in Fledgewitch that the reader could easily lose track of who and what is happening. There are perhaps too many characters in the cast. In any case, the book has to be read closely and steadily as, if it is left too long between reading sessions or if the reader is even a little bit inattentive, threads will be lost. Therefore Fledgewitch is recommended for more advanced readers or for a class reading with notes being kept so that the reader can keep track of the characters and their alter egos. There are gaps that the reader can't fill in in Fledgewitch as it is a sequel novel that can not fully stand alone.
Fledgewitch is an intriguing fantasy adventure story. Recommended for advanced readers and to be read as part of the Dragons of Hallow series.
Themes Magic, Fantasy, Good and evil, Bravery, Loyalty.
Wendy Jeffrey
The sea in me by Cody Simpson with Jess Black. Illus. by Amandine Thomas
Those that have spent a summer’s day at the beach when the crowds are huge will identify with the feelings of the boy in the story. With everyone on top of each other, towels touching, loud noises, crying children, squawking seagulls and exuberant teenagers, spending time on the hot sand under the burning sun is not for all.
But swimming in the ocean provides a tranquil place to leave the stress of the busy beach behind. Diving into the waves, treading water, ducking below, kicking down deeper and being mindful with the ocean and the sea creatures will provide a deep sense of calm.
Written by Australian swimmer, musician and writer, Cody Simpson, this beautifully illustrated picture book will be a joy to share with younger readers. The descriptive language used to describe swimming beneath the waves such as …'My body feels weightless. I zip and spin…' combined with the use of onomatopoeia and word repetition such as.. 'Ebb. Flow. Ebb. Flow…' add to the engagement for the reader. Complemented by delightful full-page illustrations in a myriad of sea colours, this book will be a wonderful addition to a school or public library’s picture book collection.
Themes Noise, Ocean, Swimming.
Kathryn Beilby
I want to die but I still want to eat tteokbokki by Baek Sehee
Bloomsbury, 2024. ISBN: 9781526667908. (Age:16+)
Baek Sehee’s first book I want to die but I also want to eat tteokbokki was a bestseller in Korea. It’s a non-fiction transcription of conversations between Sehee and her psychiatrist, breaking new ground in the self-help genre. Translated by Anton Hur it has also become accessible to English language readers with mixed reception varying from those who identify strongly with the content, to others critical of the psychiatric response.
I want to die but I still want to eat tteokbokki is the follow-up to that first book, and continues the conversations. The format consists of transcriptions of the sessions, sometimes with later comments inserted, interleaved with memoir-like updates of what has happened between times. The transcripts are confessional, detailing Sehee’s struggle with self-loathing, weight issues, depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. For some young people it may be a kind of reassurance to see inner anxieties shared in print in this way, to know that they are not alone, and perhaps also gain some insight into how to handle these issues.
It does seem that the same issues of depression and self-loathing recur many times, and while Sehee may reach some better understanding of herself during the conversations, it continues to take time to put those insights into action. Perhaps this may also be reassuring to some readers to know that they are not failing if they also do not make immediate improvements in outlook. Baek’s books show that it is a slow process, but progress is made. In fact, it is encouraging to see that over time Sehee makes more decisions for herself, sometimes even contrary to the psychiatrist’s advice, evidence of her increasing self-confidence.
Not having any psychiatric expertise, I do not feel qualified to make a recommendation about this book. For those who might like to get a better idea of the content, there is quite a lengthy interview with Baek Sehee on The Korea Society site.
Themes Psychology, Anxiety, Depression, Suicide ideation, Body image.
Helen Eddy
Shadows of truth by Astrid Scholte
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761068898. (Age:15+) Recommended.
League of liars left the reader breathless on a cliffhanger, so it was great to read the sequel Shadows of truth to find out what happened to the friends, Cayder, Narena, Leta, Jey, and Princess Elenora when they landed behind the veil of shadows. This is a strange and mysterious world and they need all their ingenuity and courage to navigate their way through danger and secrets. Cayder and Elenora are separated from the rest of the group and Cayder must work at forgiving Elenora for her betrayal. Meanwhile Leta and Jey, who is badly wounded, are taken to an underground headquarters of people who have been transported from Telene. Narena, left at home and not knowing what has happened to her friends, continues to investigate with the help of another intern at the newspaper where she works. Will the group be united and stop the devastation of Telene and the shadow world? Will they be able to work with their old enemy, Dr Bueter?
While League of Liars was primarily a story about a prison heist, Shadows of truth moves firmly into the realm of fantasy. The shadow world is unique and there are surprises and secrets for the group to uncover. Danger abounds and all will need to be alert. Told in multiple voices, those of Cayder, his sister Leta, Jey, Princess Elenora and Narena, the reader is drawn into the plot, as Scholte gradually unfolds, with many twists and turns, the fate of the two worlds. The introduction of the Shadow Queen adds another dimension to the story. It is through their determination and courage, overcoming betrayal and misunderstandings, that the group begins to unravel the mysteries of the shadow world.
With unique worldbuilding, brave protagonists and thrilling suspense, Shadows of truth satisfactorily concludes this engrossing duology.
Unlike most school stories, the main protagonist in this novel is the bad girl, the one who has no girlfriends and just hangs out with the boys. And she has a certain reputation. She is failing at school and she doesn’t care. Things are going really wrong for Jo but nobody seems to care or even notice.
When Jo’s former friend Maddie comes to her, upset and seeking help, Jo feels that at last she is liked and needed. But then Maddie disappears. This sets the scene for a ‘missing person’ mystery, similar to Where sleeping girls lie by Faridah Abike-Iyimide (2024). However while we may eagerly follow the clues to Maddie’s disappearance, this plot line is actually less engaging than the mystery of what happened to Jo to lead her to the situation she is in.
Adamo has written a thoroughly absorbing story about issues of consent and sexual assault. What if the girl doesn’t say No, does that mean she consented? If a girl continues in a relationship she has no control over, does that mean she is a willing participant? If she doesn’t recognise and name a situation as assault, does that mean it’s ok? Adamo provides a realistic portrayal of a victim who is struggling with understanding what has happened to her and doesn’t know how to get help. Added to that are issues of cyberbullying and harassment, in an environment rife with cheating, rivalry and deceit. Overall, it’s a moving story that many young people may identify with, and offers scope for thoughtful discussion of issues of consent and healthy sexual relationships.
Some fans of detective mystery stories may enjoy the twists and turns of this novel, but I felt that the missing girl plotline became more convoluted than needed, and stretched credibility. For me, the saving grace of this novel is the very realistic and honest account of friendship breakups and sexual assault. In her Author’s Note, Adamo acknowledges that the book changed track as she wrote it and gradually became an exploration of issues that she hadn’t resolved. It is this aspect that has made the book a really worthwhile read for mature young adults.
Themes Missing person, Cyberbullying, Consent, Sexual assault, Deceit.
Always Anthony is the eighth book in the New York Times bestselling Emmie and Friends series by Terri Libenson. An eighth book suggests correctly that this series is extremely popular with readers aged 10+. These books just walk out under the arms of boys and girls alike, from libraries and shops, and requests for the next book is a most persistent everyday occurrence for the school librarian. Multiple copies need to be bought to supply the demand. Graphic novels turn reluctant readers into readers as they are popular and provide a pathway for those who have struggled with retrieving information from traditional novels. Instead of comprehending text only, a graphic book offers images, captions, dialogue bubbles as well as text for the reader to gain information about character and plot development.
Always Anthony is a warm and funny story about an unlikely Middle school friendship between Anthony (TPFW - too popular for words) and Leah the shy nerd. Anthony has to hide his academic struggles to keep up appearances and his status within the cool group and Leah struggles to be cool as she has always been seen as the super nerd. Hats off to Libenson who seems to really understand the dynamics of Middle School. The shrewd manoeuvring of Middle School teachers to facilitate and precipitate both new friendships and learning is astutely depicted. Mrs Winn, the class teacher, organises for a peer tutor for Anthony - none other than Leah! Awkward for both of them! Libenson portrays with warmth and humour the adults (both teachers and parents) in tween and teen's lives and their family relationships. The role of schools and parents in the guidance of vulnerable, gormless and difficult teenagers is wonderfully wrought. There are underlying issues and themes that are dealt with in a naturally fluid and accepting manner - not rammed down the reader's throat. Leah is a Jew; Anthony is a person of colour. There are a myriad of teenager anxieties and concerns that our two main protagonists and their friends experience. These might be visible as in blushing and in their thoughts or brief exclamations. Overall identification with these very common teenage problems through reading about characters like Anthony and Leah is very comforting for the teenage reader who commonly feels that everybody else except themselves has everything under control.
Structurally, Always Anthony is a very attractive, engaging graphic book. Muted, softer colours are used and there is considerable variety, excitement and freshness with the design of each new page. The font is large. Alternating chapters are narrated in first person by Anthony and Leah.
Important lessons about not judging people before you know them, standing up for others, being brave in the every day world and helpfulness are learnt along with many other lessons for life in this book.
Always Anthony is both moving and laugh out loud and on point with teen thinking and expression. Along with the other books in the Emmie and Friends series, it is highly recommended for the pleasure of the format, the cool accessibilty and the importance of the themes that are covered to help young people navigate the anxieties and delights of their 21st century lives.
Sadly Maddy’s family do not understand her one bit. She wonders if she was switched at birth as she manages to upset someone almost every morning. Her sister and brother are excellent athletes, competing for trophies in their fields of tennis and athletics. Her mother and father always seem to be buzzing around fitting life into their hectic schedules. But Maddy loves nothing more than to play with her pug Gusto and wander slowly to school, saying hello to all the neighbourhood dogs on her way. But then Gusto goes missing and without the help of her busy family, Maddy goes searching for him. As she begins her search she is bitten by a stray Wolfhound, and she discovers that she can communicate with the dogs around her. This makes her the go-to problem solver for the dog community. It doesn’t take her long to realise that lots of dogs are being stolen and sold on to new owners by the local pound.
Friendship and relationships form a large part of this entertaining debut novel with Maddy struggling to be part of the group at school and being constantly embarrassed about being called 'dog girl'. But her steely persistence and dogged determination are a highlight as she tries so very hard to solve the mystery of the dognappings and re-unite owners with their missing dogs.
David Nicholl's You are here has arrived on the shelves accompanied by well-deserved rapturous reviews. Sometimes a novel that follows a critically acclaimed one such as One Day (2009) can suffer by comparison but in this case David Nicholls does not disappoint. One wonders just how Nicholls can be such an accurate and authentic observer and chronicler of human relationships. In a way that is not easily accomplished by many authors, Nicholls writes equally effectively whether he is reflecting the female or the male perspective. This is extremely difficult for an author to achieve as authenticity lies in the detail. Nicholls nails the inner thoughts and feelings and speech and behaviour of the main protagonists, both Marnie and Michael, so effectively that one has to say that he is a very, very astute observer of human behaviour and must be the beneficiary of a lifetime's experience of being very closely immersed with people.
Readers could not help but like the characters of Marnie and Michael, two divorcees in the forty year old zone. They are very relatable characters; Marnie being a copy editor and Michael a Geography teacher. A mutual friend has not given up on trying to matchmake for both Marnie and Michael with various people. She organises a group to hike together on the coast to coast walk which stretches across Cumbria and Yorkshire from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. Marnie and Michael find themselves alone on this walk...
The engrossed reader, absorbed in the story, could well miss the cleverness of the structure of You are here. The plot journey plays out along the coast to coast trail with maps of each trail section providing geographic structure for the reader. Nicholls acknowledges the advice of cartographers from Barking Dog Art and Dolly Alderton a journalist, solo traveller and another clear- eyed chronicler of relationships on working with the maps. Nicholls ...'has always wanted to write a book with maps.' The book is divided into parts - Home, The Lakes, The Dales, The Moors and Autumn. Each part is further divided into the days of the journey. Each part is prefaced by an apt quote from poets including Edna St Vincent Millay, Keats and E.M Forster. Chapters alternate the narrative voices of Marnie and Michael.
The novel explores the idea of getting older; choosing to live alone or taking the risk of the chance of new love. It is both moving and frequently funny and very familiar territory for many readers. There is a circularity - a satisfactory tying up of the story line - the cleverness of the observations, the reflections, the different remembrances and interpretations of the same situation abound throughout the novel with gorgeous understated visual vignettes such as ...'She knew he would be watching so she put her hands deep into her pockets, swishing the coat just a little, as if it were propelling her, seeking out piles of dry leaves for the full effect.' The dialogue is witty.The situations are frequently hilariously awkward. Our protagonists are self deprecating and constantly replay their experiences: kicking themselves, trying too hard, getting it wrong and criticising themselves in retrospect. All in all Marnie and Michael are warmly human and we feel for them and laugh and writhe in sympathy with the messiness of the human situation (the awkwardness of dating and daring to try for a new future) so shrewdly depicted. Nicholls excels at portraying the minutiae of human communication and relationships. It is comforting to read about characters bumbling into and extricating themselves, sometimes clumsily, from the very familiar dilemmas and situations that arise particularly for older people as they re-enter the dating scene.
Oh - one extra and recommended thing for the reader to try... On day 5, Marnie and Michael listen to a random shuffle of music on their phones. Try playing the music as they play it. It really adds an extra dimension as it provides a musical accompaniment that parallels their conversations as they hike the trail. Music includes Black Magic by Little Mix (2015), El Condor Pasa by Simon and Garfunkel (1970), Don't Speak by No Doubt (1996)Pull it up to the Bumper by Grace Jones (1981), No Limit by 2 Unlimited (1993) and Here comes the Sun by the Beatles(1969).
A raw but hopeful and comforting love story. Highly recommended.
Themes Love and loneliness, Hiking the coast to coast walk England.
Transcendent by Patrick Gallagher is an enthralling novel that will captivate readers with its dynamic characters, riveting plot and vivid descriptions. The story revolves around 14-year-old Ugandan twins, Jacob and Kira, whose extraordinary intelligence and inventive expertise set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Raised by their mother, Eunata, a passionate environmentalist, the twins are deeply rooted in a world where scientific curiosity and a passion for nature intertwine.
Main protagonist, Jacob, is more conservative and cautious than his twin, Kira, who has more of a reckless, action-oriented approach. However, their complementary traits make them an excellent team, navigating challenges with a blend of caution and courage. They always put their differences aside and forge together as a united front, however this bond is put to the test when they encounter RanaTech and receive an invitation to join this powerful and dominating organisation.
RanaTech is promising to combat global warming and save the planet, a fight that the twins and their mother have been working towards for many years. Seeing the destruction of habitats and the changing environment, RanaTech's ideas seem to be the answer, but are Jacob’s suspicions about 'The Others,' supposed extra-terrestrials poised to annihilate Earth, correct and should they be more cautious of this powerful company and their endeavours?
Gallagher's use of descriptive language and abundant adjectives crafts a vividly detailed narrative, immersing readers in the vibrant Ugandan landscapes, the bleak London life and then the sleek, futuristic settings of RanaTech. The author's ability to paint clear, dynamic pictures with words, enhances the action-packed sequences, making the story both thrilling and enthralling.
Transcendent is a perfect fit for readers who enjoy high-action, science fiction and futuristic tales that blend adventure with significant themes. Be warned, however, the ending leaves the audience at a pivotal point and yearning for the next book in the series!
Themes Environmental changes, Science Fiction, Inventions, Relationships, Teamwork, Extra-terrestrials, Connections, Differences, Conspiracy theories, Space travel, Problem solving.
A rather surprised and vexed looking cat sits on the front cover and reading the first few pages, the reader will see that the cat has a good reason to be irritated. The family has brought home a new addition, a puppy and that puppy sees the cat as a friend and playmate. The pup scares the cat from the couch where he was comfortably snoozing, then it jumps, bounces, tugs and chews, the cat realising that he must show this intruder just who is the boss. First he watches the pup continually fetching the ball, and surreptitiously puts out his foot to trip the animal. And that night after tea, the family has a movie night, complete with popcorn. The cat goes to his usual place but is distraught to hear the pup asked up onto the knees. This time the cat hisses at the dog, popcorn going everywhere and the family stunned. When Aunt Jo-Jo comes to stay, the cat is pleased as she always gives him treats. But not this time - this time she only has eyes for the puppy. This time the cat’s claws come out as he attacks the dog, and he is put outside. Later as the family is playing in the garden, the cat nudges the tap covering them all with water, but the tap has its revenge on the cat.
This delightful tale showcases the end result of bad behaviour. The cat is determined to undermine the dog and show it just who is boss. But he fails and has to sneak off the last page, very wet and dispirited.
A wonderful story with a warm loving family whose decision to take on a pup upsets one member, the cat. His schemes to undermine the dog only add to his discomfort, and achieves his ostracism from the family.
Jellett’s illustrations show this stupendously well, presenting a family working together, doing things families do, but not realising that the cat’s nose has been put out of joint when they bring home a pup. The images, often taking up the full double page, reveal a caring, supportive family, taken aback at the cat’s behaviour, forced to put him outside for a rethink.
I love the different looks on the cat’s face. Each is full of unspoken words, what he thinks is very clearly drawn with a small change in the way his eyes look, or the mouth curls, or changes in his body. The family members too are all different, with movement and colour used so effectively, as they must cope with the aftermath of the cat’s mischief. Readers will laugh out loud at the last pages as the cat gets a comeuppance and everyone is very wet. Full of laughs and wit, young readers will easily identify with the cat as it struggles to accept the pup into the family and perhaps reassess their own behaviour when a new member of their family arrives.
This edition of Father of the lost boys: The Mecak Ajang Alaak story by Yuot A. Alaak has been adapted for younger readers from the original text, Father of the lost boys (2020). It is a very important read on so many levels for young people living in a privileged country such as Australia. Despite the fact that currently Australia is now home to around 16,000 diasporic Sudanese people, many Australians know nothing of the horrific nature of what happened to the South Sudanese. This true story documents the lived experience of the four year journey(1989-) of thousands of displaced and orphaned boys (the Lost Boys) from Ethiopia to Kenya under the leadership of Mecak Ajang Alaak, undertaken in order to protect the boys from becoming child soldiers. It is told by Mecak's son who was beside his father the whole way. Australians need to know about where the Sudanese people living in our cities have come from, what they have been though and why they had to leave their beloved country. Understanding this would go a long way to build relationships between the Sudanese refugees and the Australian populace. Yuot Alaak's family eventually arrived in Henley Beach Adelaide after the horrific journey so this book is an especially powerful read for Adelaide schools as it is globally significant local material for the school curriculum.
Father of the lost boys: The Mecak Ajang Alaak story is movingly dedicated to Yuot's parents and to the lost boys. The accompanying photos are of Mecak and Yuot in 1991. The horrors of their experience seem to be present in their eyes. (A later photo at the end of the book in 2020 is a much happier one). During their escape, the boys, beside walking, travelled at various times in military trucks, tractors and canoes. They suffered attacks from wildlife including lions, hyenas and snakes, aerial bombardment of the Sudanese army and rebel forces, landmines, harsh desert conditions, dense jungle and crocodile infested river crossings. We could not imagine this kind of horror being forced upon our young boys of the same age.
There is a map of the area that the boys had to traverse in the front of the book showing the towns, countries and rivers that featured in their story. On the inset map we see the relative location of Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Kenya on the continent of Africa. What would have been useful would have been a map showing the path taken by the boys. As a classroom teacher it would be helpful to provide an outline map for students to trace the path that the boys travelled. In the prologue Yuot begins: 'Once, there was a man who rescued 20,000 boys from becoming child soldiers and facing almost certain death. That man was... my father. One of those boys was me. This is our story.' Yuot concludes...'Every time I turn on the television and see images of suffering children, I see myself...I am one of the South Sudanese diaspora and I still dream of home.'
Written in the first person narrative, the reader gains the intimate perspective of the young Yuot Alaak. Despite the horror of the story, Yuot does not play the victim card or wallow in self pity or anger. Rather this is a clear eyed account of events revealing love, loyalty, perseverence and belief in the pen being mightier than the gun. It moves and humbles the reader in the vein of A.B Facey's A fortunate life. Additional reading could be They poured fire on us from the sky; The true story of three Lost Boys from Sudan by Deng. B., Deng, A. and Ajak, B.(2005). Books like these speak for the millions of African children who have witnessed and been victims of genocide. Like The diary of Anne Frank, it is important that books that tell the true story of genocide are made available and studied by students everywhere so that they understand the fragility of our world, their current relative safety as opposed to many children elsewhere in the world and the need to be informed and educated so that it does not happen again.
Highly recommended: moving and accessible account of the journey of the Lost Boys of Sudan. Teacher's notes are available.
Themes Refugees, The Sudanese civil war, Child soldiers, The Lost Boys of Sudan, Genocide.
