Candlewick Press, 2017. ISBN: 9780763690694.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: World War Two, Japan, Dolls,
Prejudice, Museums. In 1941, eleven-year-old Macy James lives near
the Oregon coast with her father, the director of a small museum.
Miss Tokyo, one of fifty-eight exquisite friendship dolls given to
America by Japan in 1926 (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_friendship_dolls)
is part of the museum's collection. This doll represents more than
the place of her mother's birth; it links Macy to her mother who has
recently died. It is a doll they spoke of together often, Mrs James
wanting to take Macy to Japan to meet the people she grew up with
and it was her dearest wish that she meet the maker of the doll,
Miss Tokyo. When the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, many of Macy's
neighbours demand that Miss Tokyo be destroyed. From Macy's friend,
Lily who thinks it should be put away to those who want it
destroyed, Macy has to stand firm.
She decides to hide this doll which reminds her of her mother, and
keep it hidden until people's discomfort with the doll dies down.
But as the war progresses, Macy begins to have persistent doubts
about her actions, and begins to think that perhaps her neighbours
were right in their push to destroy the doll.
An engrossing story of conflicting loyalties, of prejudice and
judging people, this is one of a trilogy called Friendship Dolls,
the first two being Ship of Dolls (2018) and Dolls
of Hope (2016). The story of these dolls can be found in
the Wikipedia site above, which details what happened to the 58
dolls sent to the USA. The background of the story is riveting,
bringing up small details of life lived during the war for many
people, and of the prejudice shown to people who have been friends
and neighbours for years.
Fran Knight
Shadow of the centaurs: an Ancient Greek mystery by Saviour Pirotta
Ill. by Freya Hartas. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN: 9781472940254.
(Age: 8-12) Recommended. Themes: Ancient Greece, Mystery. Saviour
Pirotta's fourth book in the Ancient Greek Mysteries series is a
lively tale of mystery and celebration. In Shadow of the
Centaurs the citizens of Athens are preparing for the festival
of Anthesteria to honour Dionysus the god of wine and to celebrate
the beginning of spring. Pirotta's attention to detail from
clothing, architecture, food, daily life, even conversations about
politics, class structure and religion bring the Ancient Greek world
alive.
Told through young Nico's eyes, a free man who scribes for Master
Ariston the travelling poet, he and his friend Thrax who is the
poet's personal slave quickly become involved in a small mystery.
Thrax's deductive powers and his careful observations have assisted
in solving of other mysteries and he's asked by Master Zeno the gym
master to unravel the problem of his stolen dog. When the boys visit
his house, Thrax comments on the gruesome floor mosaic depicting a
battle between soldiers and centaurs. When the boys return late at
night to investigate why the little dog who always barks at
strangers was stolen then returned, they discover a hidden secret
under the mosaic floor. Soon they come upon a plot to assassinate
Pericles the general of Athens and they become deeply embroiled in
searching for the evil people behind this. Thrax mysteriously
disappears, his cloak found supposedly torn by a lion and Nico even
succumbs to an extreme bout of food poisoning. With the help of
street urchins and other members of their secret Medusa League Thrax
and Nico sneak into the festival at the Acropolis and perform one of
their greatest feats. Shadow of the Centaur is a wonderful historical
representation of ancient Athens, filled with recognisable figures
like Socrates and Pericles. Pirotta addresses the role of women in
society, the structure of the classes and opens the reader's eyes to
a new world. Readers who love historical mysteries will enjoy these
junior novels and can quickly refer to the glossary and learn about
everything from agoras - meeting places to tympanums - tambourines.
What a valuable resource for teaching Upper Primary History
researching the roles of key groups in Athenian society!
Rhyllis Bignell
The Boy by Tami Hoag
Broussard and Fourcade book 2. Trapeze, 2018. ISBN:
9781409169635.
(Age: Adult - senior secondary) Recommended. Themes: Mystery and
suspense, Detectives, Death, Domestic violence, Children at risk,
Bullying. As a fan of Tami Hoag, I grabbed The boy as soon
as it arrived on my desk and found myself totally involved in the
characters and even better for me, the murderer remained unknown
right until the gripping conclusion. Hoag returned to Louisiana and
her two detectives Broussard and Forcade in this story which can be
read as a stand-alone. It opens with a horrifying scene of a woman
covered in blood, fleeing for help for her son who has been
attacked. Detective Nick Fourcade is first on the scene and finds
Genevieve's 7 year old son, P.J., dead and no clues as to why he was
killed and why his mother was allowed to run for help. Meanwhile
Annie Broussard is with the grieving mother who cannot help her with
the crime.
As the two investigate, each using their particular skills, Annie's
understanding of the emotions of the people involved and Nick's
dogged determination to find the murderer regardless of the cost,
the question still remains - why was the only witness left alive?
Then the boy's babysitter, thirteen-year-old Nora Florette, is
discovered to be missing and the mystery deepens.
Hoag is a master at building up suspense and is also very clever in
her portrayal of the main characters. The marriage between Annie and
Nick survives through the problems of their work, Nick's temper
about injustice and a boss who is not helpful. The difficulties of
single mothers are highlighted, not only with Genevieve and her boy
but with the relationship between the police chief, his fiancee and
fiancee's teen son, and the problems with supervising her family
that Nora Florette's mother has while her husband works far away.
This is a tense, dark, emotional murder mystery, which will leave
many readers wanting to read more of Tami Hoag's stories.
Pat Pledger
The extraordinary life of Michelle Obama by Sheila Kanani
Ill. by Sarah Walsh. Penguin Random House, 2019. ISBN:
9780241372739.
(Age: 8+) Michelle La Vaughn Robinson, the descendant of a slave,
was raised in a small apartment in Chicago. At the age of forty-four
she became the First Lady of the United States. Sheila Kanani's
biography explains why being the President's wife was only one of
the reasons why Michelle Obama's life has been extraordinary.
The chronological narrative emphasises how Michelle has overcome
economic and social challenges with determination and education. She
used her position as First Lady to promote healthy eating, and
campaigned for improvements in education, housing, and conditions
for veterans. While the author emphasises Michelle's self-belief,
she also acknowledges her competitive nature, and the difficulties
she has faced. These difficulties have included racism, economic
inequality, her father's multiple sclerosis, and the demands of
balancing motherhood with her legal career and her husband's
political ambitions. Kanani has also noted Michelle's gratitude for
the encouragement she received from a caring family, and from
lecturers who recognised her potential. These insights into the
sources of Michelle's insecurities as well as her strength of
character increase the book's credibility as a short but
well-rounded biography. The author's writing style, choice of
vocabulary and provision of definitions in text boxes, demonstrate
that she is mindful of the needs of her young audience. A brief
overview of the United States system of government is helpful for
non-American readers, while monochrome drawings, a timeline and an
index facilitate an understanding of the text. A list of sources for
quotations helps to reveal the author's research process.
Michelle Obama's life demonstrates how a supposedly ordinary
upbringing can foster a desire to achieve extraordinary goals.
Readers can learn from Sheila Kanani's biography not only what the
former First Lady has achieved, but also how she has used her
education and influence to help others.
Elizabeth Bor
Dry by Neal and Jarrod Shusterman
Walker, 2018. ISBN 9781406386851.
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Themes: Droughts. Survival.
California. Climate change. What would happen if suddenly there was
no water in your house - nothing to drink, nothing to wash with or
cook with, let alone use on the garden? This is what the
collaboration between Neal and Jarrod Shusterman explores as the
people in California find that their taps have been turned off. When
Alyssa's parents go missing on a mission to get water for their
family, Alyssa and her little brother Garrett find themselves
teaming up with their neighbour Kelton, the son of people who have
prepared for Doomsday. They go on a dangerous quest to find water to
keep themselves alive. Along the way they pick up others in an
equally dire situation and discover just how people react when their
lives are on the line.
This a frightening scenario that readers who are familiar with
droughts and fights about water allocations will immediately
identify with as it seems like a very real possibility in our world
where water is a precious commodity and greed often overrides the
needs of everyone. The duo describe in detail what could happen in a
disaster when the taps are turned off. It is all too easy to imagine
the chaos that the Tap-Out would cause, the way that neighbours
would turn on each other, the slowness of officials to respond and
how some people would take advantage of what is happening in a time
of crisis as well as those who would help others.
The suspense is built up as the small group face danger as they
venture on the road to find water and each person's character,
strengths and weaknesses are brought to light as they face difficult
decisions and events.
Fans of Neal Shusterman will find this collaboration as riveting as
his other books as will people who enjoy the challenge of
speculative fiction. It would make for lively and uncomfortable
discussion as a class novel or literature circle book (A discussion
guide is available from the publisher).
Pat Pledger
The assassination of Brangwain Spurge by M.T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin
Candlewick Press, 2018. ISBN 9780763698225.
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Themes: Fantasy, Power, Politics,
War, Propaganda. What a treat to read a unique tale told by two
outstanding people, National Book award winner M.T.Anderson and
Newbery Honoree Eugene Yelchin. The historian elf Brangwain Spurge
is catapulted into the goblin territory on a quest to give their
lord a gift, while at the same time secretly spying on the kingdom.
His host, the archivist goblin Werfel is chosen to look after
Brangwain. While both should have a lot in common, they have no
understanding of each other's culture and soon they are thrown into
chaos that could cause a war between the goblin and elf kingdom.
Yelchin's witty illustrations bring to life the elf Brangwain. The
reader is introduced to him at the very beginning of the book, as he
is thrown into the goblin kingdom. He is shown as a fearful but
determined character, believing that he is on a peace mission. Then
a letter from Lord Ysoret Clivers, of The Order of the Clean Hand,
brings the reader a different interpretation of Brangwain and his
mission. Meanwhile when he arrives in the goblin kingdom, the
narrative of the goblin Werfel also shows a different view to the
illustrations and the reader is tossed back and forward between a
hilarious and critical social commentary and fabulous drawings that
highlight what is going on and how easily the truth can be
distorted.
Younger readers will be drawn to the wonderful illustrations and
follow the story eagerly to see what will happen to the pair as they
gradually become friends, realising that they are being manipulated
by more powerful beings and blunder through danger and adventure.
Older readers will be drawn to the satire and thought provoking
ideas about history, politics, power and the nature of war. A discussion
guide is available and will help highlight major ideas in the
book, while the humour and unreliable narration will leave a lasting
memory for anyone who picks up this handsome hardcover book.
Pat Pledger
Flat cat by Hiawyn Oram
Ill. by Gwen Millward. Walker Books, 2019. ISBN 9781406371543
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Cats, Friendship. Jimi-My-Jim lives
in an apartment in a big city with his owner, Sophie. She loves him
dearly and spoils him woefully with only the best of treats and
toys. He responds by doing exactly what she wants him to do. But she
leaves him home when she and her mother go out. Jimi can only look
out of the window and watch the cat across the road with some envy.
And after a while he loses his fullness and becomes flat. One day
Sophie and her mother leave in a hurry and forget to take the house
keys. Jimi collects the keys and lets himself out of the apartment,
heading straight across the road for the cat he sees from the
window. They have a wonderful time together: she takes him to meet
other cats, listen to music and roam the big city, things he has
never done or seen before. So excited is he with his new friends and
experiences that he takes them all home to the apartment and there
they have a wild time, making music, singing and dancing. But Sophie
and her parents return to the dismay of all, the new found friends
escaping by any means they can. Jumi is admonished but Sophie
realises why he did what he did. She knows that she has smothered
her cat and resolves to find a solution, as the apartment building
does not allow cat flaps. The situation is resolved to the happiness
of all.
Illustrator Millward draws a wonderful Jimi with a wistful look upon
his face, peering out longingly into the freedom offered by
'outside'. Her multiplicity of cats is a delight on every page and
children will adore the cats having a wonderful time in the
apartment before the adults return.
Fran Knight
Ellie Engineer - The next level by Jackson Pearce
Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN: 9781547601097
(Age: 7-9) Themes: Engineering, Friends. Ellie is an enthusiastic
engineer; she wears her tool belt all the time and loves to solve
problems and come up with creative solutions. She draws up the
plans, finds innovative resources to use and enjoys sharing her
ideas with her friends, Kit and Toby. Ellie's first attempt at
building an elevator with a pulley and ropes unfortunately ended in
disaster. With 24 bread and butter pickle jars balanced on a
tabletop, they tried to pull them up to the treehouse when the
tabletop slipped and pickles, juice and shattered glass fell on the
back lawn.
Ellie's parents decide she needs to help Mrs Curran, their elderly
neighbour, as a penalty for the pickle incident. Ellie proudly wears
her toolbelt expecting to do engineering jobs for Mrs Curran,
however on the first day she spends two hours putting invoices into
envelopes. As the week progresses Ellie uses her skills to mend some
broken cupboards, build a dolly to transport doll-making supplies
and create another elevator to take the supplies upstairs. Mrs
Curran has old-fashioned ideas assuming that only boys can be
engineers and only girls play with dolls. She gives Toby credit for
all the engineering projects and doesn't reward him with a doll like
Ellie and Kit are given for their work. Can Ellie help their elderly
neighbour when she needs it most and will Ellie's engineering skills
make a difference?
Jackson Pearce's Ellie Engineer - The Next Level is a
delightful, funny, illustrated junior novel filled with creative,
STEM-powered projects. There are sketches of Ellie's designs,
examples of pulleys, levers, wheels and axles and the forces needed
to build them. Without being didactic, the story looks at
stereotyping, not making assumptions and valuing each other's
abilities and interests.
This series is just right for a class novel for Years 2-3
introducing engineering concepts and encouraging young engineers to
design their own projects.
Rhyllis Bignell
A good night for shooting zombies by Jaco Jacobs
One World, 2018. ISBN 9781786074508
(Age: 11+) Recommended. Themes: Adventure. Martin aka 'Clucky', is a
quirky 13 year old mathematician and heir to his father's egg business.
Vusi owns a dog who likes to bite chickens. Confronting your
neighbour about his murderous dog is not a great start, but
friendship follows as Clucky sees that Vusi is recovering from
treatment for Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Clucky is persuaded to help Vusi
make a Zombie film, in which they will both star. When school chum
Chris, spots them filming one day, she quickly becomes the female
lead in Vusi's film.
But the prophetic 'The End of the World' film lands them in a bit of
strife - first with an overprotective nurse and concerned parents
but more worryingly with a gang of local thieves who store their
booty in the old shed, serving as their movie studio.
It's not a long read to find out whether the film gets finished and
the bad guys get caught. The first person narration is hard-hitting
and compelling. Events hurtle along in Vusi's desperation to finish
the film, punctuated by Martin's ongoing and sometimes hilarious
hardships both at school and at home.
Jaco Jacobs first published this title in 2015, in his native
Afrikaans. 2018 saw a movie version as well as this English
translation by Kobus Geldenhuys, which is illustrated by Jim
Tierney. With over 140 Afrikaans children's novels to his credit,
this edition and perhaps a second copy to read simultaneously with a
mate, will definitely not gather dust on our school
library shelves.
Deborah Robins
Ten terrible dinosaurs by Paul Stickland
Macmillan Children's Books, 2018. ISBN 9781509835522
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Themes: Dinosaurs. Prediction. Rhyme.
Counting. Humour. From ten down to one, the text of this wonderfully
inviting romp with a whole lot of dinosaurs will enthral readers as
they count the number of animals on each page, attempt to recognsie
which is which, predict the next number, and be highly amused at the
antics of these beautiful, bright creatures.
Along with the republication of Dinosaur roar! (1993) Ten
terrible dinosaurs (1997) makes a great companion piece and
both will be eagerly read and borrowed from the school library. Ten
terrible dinosaurs is a terrific offering to young readers,
the illustrations looming large on each page, the dinosaur's
characteristics easy to spot, movement splashing across the page
just the impetus needed to get the readers up and dancing. The ten
animals on the first page are standing neatly in a line but over the
page they begin to mess about, losing one of their number, dancing
causes another to leave and so on until only one is left on the
page. So tired is he after all the movement that he lies down and
sleeps, snoring until the rest reappear, waking him with their
roars.
Young children will adore this being read out loud to them, joining
in with the movement, prediction and fun of the tale, calling out
how many dinosaurs are left on the next page, roaring with the ten
at the end. What wonderful mayhem will occur when reading this book.
And paired with Dinosaurs roar!, the classroom will be
dinosaur heaven. Republished in conjunction with the Natural History
Museum, London.
Fran Knight
Treasure of the golden skull by Chris Priestley
Maudlin Towers Book 2. Bloomsbury, 2018. ISBN 9781408873106
(Age: 9-12) Themes: Boarding school. Pirates. Treasure. Monsters.
Chris Priestley's Treasure of the golden skull is a dark
tale, set in a very gloomy English boarding school, Maudlin Towers,
which is threatened with foreclosure. The author conjures up a
fast-paced story, adding a dash of magic, time travel, a treasure
hunt and a pirate invasion. There's a gothic air to Priestley's
black and white illustrations reminiscent of Ronald Searle's St.
Trinian's, with caricatures of boys in old-style uniforms and a
motley crew of pirates who invade the school.
Sponge and Mildew return for another drama-filled story, determined
to find the treasure supposedly stored away by Reverend Brimstone.
The finances are needed to pay for the repairs to the school
building. The two boys believe they'll be sent to different schools
if the governors shut Maudlin Towers, so they plan a rescue mission.
This involves a swarm of pirates calling themselves teachers and an
odd new boy, whose surname is Newboy and who has strange powers to
get everyone to do exactly what he says. There's also a strange
teacher with tattoos and a beard, a sad English teacher pining for
her long-lost love and clues hidden in some unusual places for the
boys to discover. Treasure of the golden skull is silly, a little irreverent,
quintessentially English and humorous with witty dialogue and filled
with funny new words. 'How are you ever going to detectivate? Finlay
Feathering wouldn't let a bit of biscuitlessness bother him,' Mildew
tells Sponge in the staff graveyard.
Readers from ages 9-12 will enjoy this spooky story and relate to
the slightly madcap antics of the two protagonists.
Rhyllis Bignell
What monster? by Liz Pichon
Tom Gates book 15. Scholastic, 2018. ISBN: 9781407179865
(Age: 8+) Recommended. Themes: School life, Families, Music
festivals. Tom and Derek stop in at the newsagents on the way to
school attracted by the headline 'Angry Squirrel Throws Nuts'.
Whilst trying to read the newspaper article, they stop to pat a
sausage dog, chat to the nice lady owner and inform her about the
secret way to sneak into school when they are late. Nothing is
happenstance, the sausage dog is involved in the mysterious
disappearance of classmate Marcus' lunches. There's also a rather
strict new supply teacher ready to take on Tom's class when Mr.
Fullerman's leaves for a special teacher conference. There's
excitement at school with the announcement of the school play 'Jack
and the Beanstalk.' Time to make props and audition for special
roles, and Tom's pleased with to play a monster.
At home, older sister Delia's going to the sold-out Music Festival
Oakchella, while poor Tom who'd love to attend, is foisted on his
cousins for the weekend because Mum and Dad are also busy. There are
chalk drawings in the playground, special traps to catch the food
thief, excitement over play rehearsals as Tom records all his
experiences, dramas and everyday life both in drawing and
observations.
Tom Gates's fifteenth instalment by award-winning author Liz Pichon
is another fun addition, with plenty of action at home and school.
Her illustrations sketches and cartoon doodles sprawl across the
pages, text and font styles change adding to the excitement of
reading the narrative. Tom's running commentary on his school and
home life is always humorous, his love for music and food shine
through. There's a Where's Wally (Tom) drawing at the
conclusion with lots of familiar characters enjoying the music
festival.
The Tom Gates series is perfect for reluctant readers who enjoy
stories told through visual representation.
Rhyllis Bignell
Learn with Ruby Red Shoes series by Kate Knapp
Harper Collins Publishers, 2018. ABC Alphabet Book. ISBN: 9781460756904 123 Counting Book. ISBN: 9781460756911
(Ages: 1-5) Recommended. Rhyming Books, Counting, Alphabet. 'Ruby
Red Shoes is a white hare who loves to learn. Hop along with Ruby
and her chickens as they learn . . . ' These small books pack a big
punch with their gorgeous and intricate illustrations. They have an
old- world feel which makes them warm and wholesome. Even if you are
not familiar with the other Ruby Red Shoes books you will probably
recognise the style of the illustrations from Kate Knapp's Twigseeds
range of cards and stationery. They are delicate with detailed
patterns that give each page an incredible depth and richness. They
are also beautifully written.
In ABC there is no theme to the words used for each letter
of the alphabet, ranging from angels to eggs to ice to stairs and
yellow. However, they are all about things that are warm or
comforting (a yummy breakfast to start us on our way, the home where
you feel blessed, ice- skating with friends on a winter's night,
comforting jam on toast and cosy pyjamas that keep you warm through
the night). The randomness makes it interesting to turn each page
and there is no set pattern to the text either; some pages are long,
some are short. The focus letter of each page is in a large capital.
In 123 each number from one to twelve has a double page
spread. One page has the number as a figure, as a number and
pictures of the thing being counted (e.g., one Ruby Red Shoes). The
opposite page has a short rhyme such as 'Two is for us. That's me
and you. One plus one is equal to two. Two of anything is also a
pair, like the shiny red shoes that I love to wear'. Again,
everything is warm and comforting: washing flapping on the line as
Ruby lies down for a nap on the lawn, warm, ripe peaches being
picked from the tree and buttons holding together a warm jacket to
keep out the chill. The last pages show all the number words and
digits and there is also a counting activity.
These are sweet and timeless little books that are sure to be
treasured and passed down.
Nicole Nelson
Hedgehog Howdedo by Lynley Dodd
Puffin Books, 2018. ISBN 9780143773023
(Ages: 1-4) Board book, Hedgehogs, Hibernation, Counting Book,
Rhyming book. This is a previously published title (2000) from the
creator of Hairy Maclary. It is winter and the garden is
full of hibernating hedgehogs. 'There's one beneath the Pizza plant,
two are on a ledge, I even saw three white ones in a hole behind the
hedge'. Our narrator, the young girl whose garden the hedgehogs are
all sleeping in, 'can't think WHAT will happen, in just a month or
two, to the horde of hibernators in this hedgehog howdedo'.
While we don't have hedgehogs or many hibernating animals in
Australia, young children will enjoy learning about hedgehogs and
what they get up to in the winter. The rhyme is simple and sweet,
and is a refreshing change from most counting books as it stops at
eight and does not have a predictable text pattern. The
illustrations are in Lynley Dodd's distinctive style and portray a
real sense of the quiet and still nature of winter.
Nicole Nelson
Lady Helen and the Dark Days Deceit by Alison Goodman
Lady Helen book 3. Angus and Robertson, 2018. ISBN
9780732296117.
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. After devouring the first two books
in the series (Lady
Helen and the Dark Days Club and Lady
Helen and the dark days pact) the final in the trilogy set in
beautiful Bath does not disappoint with its thrilling mysteries and
heart rending romance. Helen is in the midst of preparing for her
wedding to the Duke of Selburn, while at the same time struggling to
learn to control her powers with Lord Carlston as part of the Grand
Reclaimer, in order to overcome the Grand Deceiver. Lady Helen
believes that Carlston's wife is still alive and must supress her
illicit feelings for him, knowing that she could love the Duke of
Selburn who is devoted to her.
Anyone who likes the Regency period will be fascinated with the
gorgeous setting. Bath of 1812 is described in detail as is the
country mansion belonging to the Duke of Selburn and the manners of
the time. The slow burning romance between Helen and Carlston is
fraught with difficulties, not least the engagement of Helen to
Selburn, and Goodman kept the tension of this going right to the end
of the book - it was virtually impossible to predict if it could be
resolved or to predict just who the Great Deceiver was! And there is
action galore as Helen and Carlston join together as the Grand
Reclaimer in the final fight against the dark powers that have been
unleashed.
An inventive, highly addictive series, part historical and part dark
fantasy, this series will appeal to lovers of the Regency period, as
well as those who enjoy books by Georgette Heyer and the The
Glamourist histories by Mary Robinette Kowal.
I can't wait to see what Alison Goodman writes next!
Pat Pledger
