Six Tudor queens: Anne Boleyn, a King's obsession by Alison Weir
Hachette, 2017. ISBN 9781472227638
(Age: 14+) Recommended. British history, Tudor history, Kingship.
Anne Boleyn is certainly a name most people will recognise as the
one for whom King Henry VIII split with Rome. When all of Europe was
Catholic, owing allegiance to the head of the church, the Pope in
Rome, then political intrigue garnered power behind his headship and
those in favour could call the shots. Henry was desperate to father
a son, one to take up the rule of England after he died, to carry on
the Tudor lineage. His older wife, Katherine was past her child
bearing days and so Henry looked around for a new bride. He had read
Leviticus which forbad a man to marrying his brother's widow, and
using this Biblical reference as the reason for not having a son,
lobbied Rome for an annulment. But Rome was in the thrall of the
Holy Roman Emperor, Katherine's nephew, so no such annulment was
forthcoming. This forced Henry to break with the church and set up
the Church of England, a move which paralleled the Reformation in
Europe.
But what of Anne? Alison Weir develops a page turning story of
Anne's life both before and after her marriage and we see her as a
young woman sent to several countries in Europe where she learnt the
pattern of surviving in a court. Weir paints a rather
headstrong girl, used to getting her own way, wary of the obstacles,
but looking out for a likely marriage prospect. She knew her father,
Thomas Boleyn well. He was rising in Henry's court, making himself
useful to the great king, always on the lookout for how his children
could benefit from royal patronage. The machinations behind the
scenes make for fascinating reading, particularly when Anne's sister
Mary becomes the king's mistress and Anne can see how problematic it
is, especially when she has a child. All the court detail is given,
and conversations developed from the extensive research done by
Weir, making this a riveting read into the private lives of Anne and
her family. A long list of the cast of characters is given at the
end in the order in which they appear in Anne's life, and a useful
family tree is given at the start.
Fran Knight
Middle School mayhem Rachel Renee Russell
The Misadventures of Max Crumbly book 2. Simon and Schuster,
2017. ISBN 9781471164279
(Age: 9-12) 'I knew middle school was going to be challenging, but I
never expected to end up DEAD in the computer lab, wearing a
SUPERHERO COSTUME, with four slices of PIZZA stuck to my BUTT!' Max
Crumbly returns in Middle School Mayhem, and this sequel
starts immediately after the cliffhanger scene that ended the first
madcap adventures of this dorky teenager. Max is desperately trying
to find his dad's lost comic book and stop three thugs determined to
steal the school's computers.
In Russell's familiar notebook style, punctuated by her quirky comic
illustrations, Max reveals his crazy thoughts, mad antics and silly
humour. Dressed in his best friend Erin's ice princess costume, he
has to think quickly and creatively to stop the thieves from leaving
the building with the new computers. Why he doesn't ring the police
is a little hard to take, instead he sends Erin the school's
computer password to allow her remote control access to the PA
system, lights and security cameras. With his limited battery life
in his cell phone, every minute counts as they coordinate turning
off the lights and turning on the sprinkler system. The school
cafeteria scene is filled with slapstick comedy as one of the
thieves Moose accidentally butt-dials the stove burner, cools his
burning pants at the kitchen sink, then endures being slimed, his
head is stuck in the bucket and finally being plastic-wrapped.
Max's unique point of view is strong, he stops to contemplate his
super-hero life, invent crazy raps and totally, totally (his
favourite word) take the fans along on his crazy journey. Of course,
Russell ends with another cliffhanger ensuring her audience is
committed to the series.
Rhyllis Bignell
The Usborne Big book of animals by Hazel Maskell
Ill. by Fabiano Fiorin. Usborne, 2017. ISBN 9781474928953
From the icy polar regions, the steaming tropics to the depths of
the oceans, our planet is inhabited by some amazing creatures and
many of them are gathered here to tempt the budding David
Attenborough as they investigate the tallest, longest, fastest,
heaviest and most dangerous animals in the world, complete with
facts and measurements.
With easily accessible text, bite-sized facts, and fold-out pages
which introduce a myriad of creatures, little ones cannot only learn
about the creatures that share their environment but also that books
can educate as well as entertain. They are for information as well
as the imagination. And for those who want to know more, Usborne has
a page of Quicklinks that offers safe, vetted links to information
and activities. The Usborne Big Book of Animals is just one in this series of
early non fiction for young readers that help them find more about
the world they live in and which would be quality additions to any
school or home library.
Barbara Braxton
Dinosaur Munch! The Diplodocus by Jeanne Willis
The World of Dinosaur Roar series. Macmillan, 2017. ISBN
9781509835652
(Ages: 2-4) Recommended. Board Book, Dinosaurs, Rhyme. A tactile
front cover and a bright blue, cheeky-looking diplodocus will draw
young children to this small board book. It is just one in a series
of books (The World of Dinosaur Roar) based on the classic
picture book Dinosaur Roar, which have been developed in
association with the Natural History Museum in London. An initial
introduction page provides the reader with a helpful pronunciation
guide for those hard to pronounce dinosaur names, also giving them a
cute moniker (e.g. Dinosaur Chew, Dinosaur Whack, etc.). The text
length is age-appropriately short but manages to provide a basic
introduction to the diplodocus's physiology, diet and habitat. The
simple story is about Dinosaur Munch and his tummy that never felt
full after lunch. He eats and eats and eats but he is still hungry.
Facts are cleverly hidden within the main text (e.g. 'With a swish
of his neck and his rows of huge teeth') and the illustrations
(different types of dinosaur are shown side by side to highlight
size, shape, form etc.). It uses suitable analogies that will be
within young readers' realms of experience (e.g. 'long neck like a
giraffe', 'as long as three buses') and appropriate and familiar
vocabulary as well as some topic specific words such as 'herbivore'.
The humorous ending sees the still hungry Munch chewing on his own
tail. The fact page at the back reinforces all the visual
information provided about the dinosaur's appearance in short, clear
sentences (also represented visually). The dinosaurs are fun and
cheeky and the unique traits of different species of dinosaur are
emphasised both visually and textually. This book has obviously been
developed with the highest regard for the prior understandings and
needs of its young target audience. It is a high-quality
story/information book for very young children, especially dinosaur
lovers.
Nicole Nelson
The Eureka Key by Sarah L Thomson
Secrets of the Seven book 1. Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN
9781681190617
(Age: 11+) Highly recommended. When middle school puzzle master Sam
and history wiz Martina win a contest for a summer trip across the
US, they discover they've been drafted into something vastly more
extraordinary. Joining another kid on the trip, Theo, a descendant
of George Washington himself, they must follow clues to find seven
keys left behind by the Founding Fathers. Together the keys unlock
Benjamin Franklin's greatest invention - a secret weapon intended to
defend the country. Each key is hidden in a unique location around
the U.S., protected with puzzles, riddles, and traps. This has kept
the weapon safe . . . until now! Gideon Arnold, a dangerous
descendant of the infamous Benedict Arnold, is on the chase.
Competition heats up between Arnold and his thugs and Sam and
Martina to reach the artefacts first. Sam, Martina and Theo must use
their problem solving skills to solve tricky puzzles, escape death
and survive booby-traps. By the end of the series, they must be able
to save the USA , uncovering many deep, dark secrets.
Readers will love trying to solve the clues themselves using
deductive reasoning to escape and survive the high-stress situations
the characters find themselves in. Will they be able to stay one
step ahead of the baddies? The story is a fast paced, action
thriller that is highly entertaining. It will appeal to students
aged 11 and up who will eagerly await the release of each new book
in the series of which will need to be read in order. It would make
a great read aloud, particularly if studying American history as
many of the clues are linked to this.
Kathryn Schumacher
Court of Fives by Kate Elliott
Court of Fives book 1. Little, Brown Books for Young
Readers, 2016. ISBN 9780316364300
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Kate Elliott, an award
winning fantasy author for adults has turned her hand to a young
adult novel with exciting results. Court of Fives is a
winner for readers who love fantasy and will also appeal to readers
who enjoyed The hunger games, as the heroine in the story,
Jessamy, trains for The Fives, a complicated athletic competition.
Jessamy is one of four daughters, all with vividly described
characteristics, with the author giving subtle references to Louisa
May Alcott's Little Women.
Set in the land of Efea, similar to ancient Egypt, Jessamy lives in
a stratified society. Her father, Captain Esladas, is a Patron from
the conquering land of Saro, and an outstanding commander in the
army but has chosen to live with an Efean woman, known as a
Commoner. By law, he cannot marry her. The four daughters have to
tread a fine line in their behaviour in this society bound by class
and privilege. When her father's patron is killed he stands to lose
everything, and is forced to renounce his family and marry into
Patron royalty. Jes seizes the opportunity to train in The Fives and
together with Kalliarkos, a Patron Prince, learns about the scheming
politics of the royal family and they have to try and save her mother and
sisters from a horrific death.
Written in the first person by Jessamy, the reader is carried into a
whirlwind of dangerous sport and political intrigue. Jessamy is an
intrepid but impetuous heroine, who has great intelligence and the
ability to analyse not only the game plan of the Court of Fives, but
what is happening around her.
I devoured this exciting novel in almost one sitting and am sure
that it would appeal to both teens and adults alike.
Pat Pledger
Poisoned Blade by Kate Elliott
Court of Fives book 2. Little, Brown and Company, 2017. ISBN
9780316344388
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. 2017 Locus Awards nominee.
An exciting sequel to Court of fives by World Fantasy Award finalist
Kate sees Jes now moving up the ladder as she competes in the The
Fives, the difficult athletic contest that she loves. She goes to
the countryside with Lord Gargaron's entourage, competing against
others on the way and gaining good experience while earning enough
to help her family. At the same time, she gets caught up in the
political machinations that are happening in the country. An attack
on her party finds Jes caught up in a battle and meeting up with
Lord Kalliarkos once more.
In Poisoned Blade, Jes once more proves that not only is she
an outstanding athlete, she has the capacity to think things through
and to see the patterns in the events that surround her. She also
has to prove herself as a warrior, taking on the enemy that is
trying to slaughter the army her father leads.
This is a thrilling story with much to recommend it. Jes is a
wonderful main character, her personality and bravery shine
throughout the story. Her relationships with her family are complex
and the reader gets to know her sisters better as they begin to take
on important roles in the story. Her feelings for Kalliarkos remain
strong even though it appears that this romance should be doomed
because of her position as a Commoner.
Themes of class, race, belonging and power permeate the story and
make it a fabulous read. It is however ideal to have read the first
in the series, Court of Fives to gain the best understanding
of the setting and plot.
Pat Pledger
The tale of Angelino Brown by David Almond
Ill. by Alex T. Smith. Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406358070
(Age: 9+) Highly recommended. 'Bert Brown discovered the angel in his
top pocket when he was driving his bus. Bert and Betty's friends
think he's lovely. So do Nancy, Jack and Alice from Class 5K. But
Acting Head Teacher Mrs Mole is not so sure. Nor is Professor
Smellie. And the mysterious bloke who claims to be a school
inspector. He is downright suspicious.'
Then there's big, lumbering Basher Malone. He does not like Angelino
at all. In fact he just might be out to get him . . . (Publisher)
Strange things begin to happen to Bert and Betty, while at the same
time Angelino fills the huge void left when their own son died,
bringing happiness and love to the house once again.
This is a lighthearted book for those willing to believe in a
little bit of magic. Imaginations can run wild and strong
connections made to both the storyline and characters. I
particularly love the illustrations of Angelino as it is not your
stereotypical angel. Good and evil is questioned and you can not
help but feel sympathetic to certain characters. It would make a
beautiful read aloud for students aged 9 and up.
Kathryn Schumacher
Revolt against the Romans by Tony Bradman
Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781472929327
Author, Tony Bradman has created a short read (115 pages) about a
young Roman boy called Marcus. He has a complicated relationship
with his father a high-ranking official within the Roman Civil
Service. When Marcus is captured by Catuvellauni in Britannia, his
father suggests that Marcus makes the ultimate sacrifice for his
country. Despite the reputation the Britons have for being savages
who tattoo themselves and take the heads of their enemies in battle,
Marcus wins the trust and respect of the village and is adopted into
a Briton family where he experiences the love and warmth he so
craved.
But soon the Romans are on the march against the Britons and Marcus
must face his old enemy in his father. Will he be recognised by his
long-lost father? Who will Marcus support?
This is a fast-paced book, full of adventure, battle scenes and an
interesting ending. Being a lover of historical fiction, I found
this book left me wanting to google the period in history to learn
more. Bradman has done a fantastic job of mixing fact with fiction
to allow the characters to come alive throughout the book. It is
difficult not to feel sympathetic towards Marcus and will him to
victory. These will be a fantastic addition to read aloud if one is
learning about ancient civilisations and an exciting carrot to
dangle in front of reluctant readers.
I am hoping this will become a series.
Kathryn Schumacher
When Dimple met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Hodder and Stoughton 2017. ISBN 9781473667402
Recommended for middle to upper high school students.
Arranged marriage. Romance. Indian culture. Identity. High
achieving, second generation Indian Americans, Dimple Shah and Rishi
Patel have both won positions at their choice of university; Dimple
to study web design at Stanford and Rishi, engineering at MIT. Behind
the scenes their parents have been matchmaking so when Dimple asks
if she can go to an expensive summer school on web development they
unexpectedly say yes, secretly knowing that Rishi Patel will enrol,
allowing them to get to know each other. Dimple is certain of what
she wants and has resisted all her mother's efforts for her to use
traditional Indian makeup and dress fashionably to attract the Ideal
Indian Husband, IIH, so when she arrives at the summer school and a
stranger approaches her and says 'Hello future wife' she is
appalled. Dimple is furious with her parents for the deception and
she tells Rishi she wants a career not marriage, however they are
partners in a competition to create an app during the summer school
and Dimple agrees to work with Rishi to develop her idea. While
working together Dimple discovers Rishi's talent for cartooning and
can't understand how he can put it aside to follow his father's
choice of engineering rather than develop his passion. Rishi loves
tradition and stability and wants to do the right thing for his
family. Alternating chapters from the point of view of Dimple and
Rishi highlight the funny side of their situation and their
unfolding romance. Both main characters embrace their rich Indian
cultural backgrounds and readers can learn a lot about the
challenges and rewards of blending them with modern western
aspirations in a positive way. While the main characters are well
drawn the minor characters are disappointing, particularly the
stereotyped rich kids and the plot features web development and app
design yet we learn nothing about the process they are supposed to
be spending all their time on.
Overall it is funny and romantic with a rich cultural background and
about pursuing your passion. It gives an alternative view to the
stories about second generation immigrants desperately struggling to
overcome stifling cultural expectations like in Helen Thurloe's Promising Azra.
Sue Speck
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
The Witchlands book 1. Pan Macmillan, 2016. ISBN
9781509825028
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. 2017 Locus Awards nominee.
Safiya and Iseult are two young women with uncanny powers. Safi is a
Truthwitch, who can tell when something is true. This power is very
valuable and empires would do anything to have a Truthwitch as a
servant. She keeps her talent hidden and trains with Iseult, whose
true powers are unknown, even to herself. When they encounter a
Bloodwitch, who can follow on the scent of blood, they must flee
their home and go into hiding. At court, Safi meets Prince Merik, a
Windwitch and danger faces all three when the elderly King decides
that he will marry Safi. With the Bloodwitch, Aeduan following them
closely, Safi and Iseult go on the run.
This is a story to keep the reader completely engrossed with the
exploits of Safi and Iseult as they come into their powers and
realise that they have a part to play in the fate of their
countries. The friendship of these two Threadsisters sustains the
story, which is very original and compelling. They lean on each
other, using each other's skills to come up with solutions and face
danger together. Prince Merik's character is complex and the slight
romance between Safi and him will delight any romance lovers. The
Bloodwitch is quite sinister, but Iseult seems to be able to come to
grips with abilities, even as he hunts them relentlessly.
The first in the Witchlands series, Truthwitch will
delight fantasy lovers with the friendship between its two main
characters who can save themselves, the political machinations of
court, swordplay and piracy as well as romance. There is a book trailer
at the author's website, and a site for the series here.
Pat Pledger
Windwitch by Susan Dennard
The Witchlands book 2. Pan Macmillan, 2016. ISBN
9781447282310
(Age: 15+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. Windwitch continues
the story this time giving more detail about Prince Merik, who is a
Windwitch convinced that his sister is not looking after their
kingdom. After his ship is blown up and he just escapes with very
bad burns, he is ever more certain of her treason and travels to the
capital determined to fight for the weak. Meanwhile, Safi has just
managed to escape with her life with the Empress of Marstok when
they are shipwrecked and Iseult begins the long journey trying to
find her. She is able to broker a deal with the Bloodwitch Aeduan
and together they follow her trail.
There are many twists and turns in this story, which was not as easy
to read as Truthwitch, as it swings from one main character
to another in differing chapters. However the reader gets to know
the personalities, strengths and weaknesses of the four witches and
the geography of the world that they are fighting for. The complex
political and power struggles begin to make sense, although Dennard
gives a few tantalising glimpses of new characters who are sure to
be important.
There are many dangers to face and all four meet them bravely. The
reader gets caught up with needing to see Safi and Iseult reunited
and to learn how Prince Merik comes to term with the reality of his
relations with his sister.
This is engrossing and complex fantasy writing and I can't wait for
the next in the series.
There is a site for the
book.
Pat Pledger
Olga and the smelly thing from nowhere by Elise Gravel
Harper Collins, 2017. ISBN 9780062351265
(Age: 7-9) Themes: Pets, Science Research. Olga and the Smelly
Thing from Nowhere is a notebook novel combining easy-to-read
text with red, pink and black cartoon graphics. The protagonist Olga
is an unusual quirky character, who wants to be an animal scientist;
in fact, she prefers animals to humans. She takes her scientific
role seriously, using an inquiry-based learning style, documenting
her findings in her notebook. Many bathroom humour jokes,
descriptions of bodily functions and cartoons of peeing and pooping
add to the humour and silliness of this story.
When Olga discovers an unusual animal that looks a cross between an
inflated hamster and a three-year-old's drawing of a potato, which
smells really bad, she takes it home and hides it in her bedroom. In
her observation notebook she records the creature's features,
actions, noises 'meh' and 'dowdowdow' when panicked. Olga tries to
discover what kind of animal it is by trying to take it into the
library with the help of Ms. Swoop, the tattooed punk librarian.
After an interesting encounter at the dog park, where they meet
Chuck a small dog with a bladder problem, they visit Mr. Hoopah's
corner store. He sells a unique assortment of products including
nacho-scented toilet paper, cans of live flies and meatloaf nail
polish. After experimenting with some very bizarre foods, Meh the
Olgamus Ridiculus falls into a bowl of olives that is his favourite.
There are mean girls who transform Meh after kidnapping him, plenty
of scientific observations, olive recipes and a hunt for the missing
pet involving a small dog and many pee breaks.
Elise Gravel's junior novel Olga and the Smelly Thing from
Nowhere is a fun story, with many bathroom humour jokes,
descriptions of bodily functions and cartoons of peeing and pooping
that add to the humour and silliness of this story.
Rhyllis Bignell
The stars are fire by Anita Shreve
Little Brown, 2017. ISBN 9781408702994
(Age: 16+) Set in Maine, US, in 1947, the story begins with endless
rain but with a season change everything turns to summer drought -
the parched land and hot wind have people on tenderhooks anxious
about the threat of fire. Claire is a young mother of two, trying to
work out why the tenderness has gone from her marriage. When the
inevitable fires break out, her husband is among the men who leave
the town to fight the flames. Whilst he is gone, the fires turn and
head towards her home. She and her friend Rosie have to make quick
decisions in the crisis. It only Claire's clear thinking that saves
their lives and their children, but there is a terrible cost. Her
home destroyed, and her husband missing, Claire has to work out how
to make a new life for herself and her children. Though there were
problems in her marriage, the children miss their father, and Claire
is torn between wishing for his safe return and the possibility of a
different life where she is in control, can go to work, and find new
independence and happiness. For a while it looks like it might be
within her grasp. But then everything changes . . .
The characters in the novel have to fend against the challenges of
extreme weather - first the rain, then the fires, later cold and
snow confine them to one room trying to keep warm. The struggles
with the environment mirror the struggles within - the challenge of
relationships that turn harsh and unforgiving. A situation that
should invoke love and compassion becomes instead a source of
torment and misery. It seems like moments of happiness are transient
as life continually offers yet another battle.
There is romance in this story but also very real issues of domestic
violence, child protection, and finding inner strength. So while the
writing style is easy to read and the story soon draws you in, the
themes are suited to a more mature reader.
Helen Eddy
Falling by Anne Provoost
20th Anniversary edition. Allen and Unwin, 2017. ISBN 9781760293925
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Depicting racial tensions between migrants
and established citizens of an unspecified region in France or
Belgium, the prescience of the author is underlined in this 20th
Century anniversary edition by the current refugee crisis in Europe.
Lucas is a metropolitan teenage boy who reluctantly accompanies his
mother on a trip to a provincial town in order to deal with his late
Grandfather's house and property. The weather is oppressively hot
and Lucas is truculent and unenthusiastic until he discovers a
chainsaw, reunites with Caitlin (a girl he used to play with as a
child) and meets some locals Benoit and Alex.
The story starts slowly and dark details of Lucas' Grandfather's
past are gradually revealed. Lucas is an object of pity and slight
ridicule as he is the only one who doesn't have knowledge of these
events from the past and it causes him angst and embarrassment as he
deals with geographic and social displacement. Lucas' mother remains
silent due to her own discomfort and bears some responsibility for
later events because she fails to prepare and guide her son through
this difficult matter.
The title is apt on different levels. Lucas falls in love, he falls
in with the wrong crowd and falls into a great deal of trouble. The
reader feels a sense of anguish and frustration when he makes such
poor decisions which affect himself and others in profound ways but
this is because what is portrayed is entirely realistic. This is a
cautionary tale about the power of charismatic and unscrupulous
individuals and their capacity to manipulate people who have
vulnerabilities or who lack the worldly wisdom which would normally
help them to protect themselves. The events and terrible
consequences resulting from poor judgement are not limited to the
circumstances depicted in the novel. Crimes of violence and drug
involvement as well as deaths from misuse of motor vehicles are
examples where individuals sometimes surrender their own values and
better judgement in order to go along with others who somehow
disable a person's capacity for self-responsibility. This is a
powerful story with great relevance and is a worthy read in its own
right, however the prominent message concerning who young people
should trust and rely upon will not be lost upon adolescent readers
and I recommend it.
Rob Welsh
