Reviews

Traitor to the Throne by Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands bk 2. Faber and Faber, 2017. ISBN 9780571325412
(Age: 13+) Highly recommended. Fantasy. What a roller coaster of a ride this book turned out to be! Amani, the Blue-Eyed Bandit from Rebel of the Sands, has been captured by the Sultan and imprisoned in his palace. Stripped of her powers, and made to obey the Sultan's every order, Amani is determined to spy on everything that goes on and report back to the rebels. She is desperately plotting to get information out of the palace and to keep the momentum of the rebellion going.
Danger is everywhere, especially in the harem, where intrigue is the order of the day. Amani has to come to grips with people from her past, and begins to think about her actions and where they have led her. Her understanding of the powers of the Demdji is growing as is her confidence in her own abilities and beliefs.
While attending the Sultan's meetings she has the opportunity to observe how he operates and also has many conversations with him, where the nature of ruling and power are discussed. The plight of women in the harem is also highlighted - they are powerless unless they have a male heir, and many disappear. This contrasts with the power that the women who align with the Rebel Prince have - they are leaders, generals and valuable advisors.
The setting of the Sultan's palace forms an interesting background to the political intrigues and the friendships that Amani forms. There are some new characters introduced and some desperate losses as the group face the fact that a traitor has betrayed them. Amani's romance with Jin is low-key as maintaining the rebellion takes up most of the time.
There is a gut-wrenching conclusion that will leave readers longing for the next book in the series.
Pat Pledger

Triangle by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen

Walker Books, 2017. ISBN 9781406376678
(Age: 3-5) Warmly recommended. Board book, Shapes, Mathematics, Friendship. A hardcover book about triangles! Hmm. But the face made by the triangle on the front cover invites the reader to open up and look inside.
Triangle lives in his house, a triangle, and uses his door, a triangle. He walks to his friend's house, Square. To get there he walks past big triangles and little triangles, shapes that are not triangles at all, until he gets to Square's house. Here he plays a sneaky trick on his friend, and then is followed by Square all the way back home. Once back home, Square becomes stuck in Triangle's door, and so plays a sneaky trick on Triangle, blocking the light, knowing Triangle is afraid of the dark.
By the end of the story children will be laughing at the tricks the two shapes play on each other, they will know what makes a square and a triangle, and that one cannot fit into the other. They will also have realised that playing tricks on their friends is not quite the best way to treat friends.
The seemingly simple illustrations done in single bold colours will intrigue readers. Shapes are contained on each page, reinforcing the theme of the book, and the eyes peeing out from the shapes will entrance all readers, while the question on the last page will cause wonderment as the readers question what they have seen happen.
By the authors of Sam and Dave dig a hole, and Extra yarn, both Caldecott Honour Books.
Fran Knight

Witch glitch by Sibeal Pounder

A Witch Wars Adventure series. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408880340
(Age: 8+) Highly recommended. Witch Glitch is another story in the A Witch Wars Adventure series. Tiga has been reunited with her mum, Peggy is in charge of the witching world and Fran the fairy is still annoying. The good thing about this series is readers will know what is going on without reading other stories in the series. In Witch Glitch, Tiga has discovered a book about a group of witches called The Karens. At the same time, Tiga's mum has invented a new fairy and Fran the fairy is rather upset. When Fran receives a letter from The Karens, promising to grant her wishes, Fran disappears and becomes a new story in the book found by Tiga. Tiga and her other friends set out to find Fran and discover a jelly castle and a group of witches all called Karen. Their wishes have evil twists and Fran finds herself growing bigger and bigger and bigger! How will Tiga and her friends save Fran? How will they prevent other witches from seeking out The Karens.
Witch Glitch will have readers laughing at the antics of the witches and the funny world they live in. Australia is even mentioned in it! The story is easy to read and moves quickly and readers will be fascinated with the use of the word 'frog' when they speak, the sneakiness of The Karens and the weirdness of this witchy world. Throughout the story, the local newspaper makes reports on recent events including warnings to watch out for falling cake baskets and chats with witches who think their cat shaped jam jar is a real cat! It is highly recommended to readers aged 8+.
Kylie Kempster

Stormwalker by Mike Revell

Quercus Children's Books, 2016. ISBN 9781784290696
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. A year ago, Owen lost his mum. He has tried hard to get on with his life but his dad is still struggling. After an argument, Owen's dad agrees to go to counselling and starts to write again. All of a sudden, Owen's reflection is different and during a moment in class Owen sees a dead world around him. After a run in with a bike, Owen finds himself running from the Darkness and running for his life. The world is different, he looks different and everyone is calling him Jack. What is going on? Owen has Jack's memories but he also remembers his life as Owen. As Owen settles into this new life, he has a crazy idea. Is he part of his dad's story? How will he get back to his own world? Can he help save the lives of his new friends? Will Owen's dad realise what he has done?
Storm Walker tackles loss, recovery, adventure and change. The descriptive text is easy to read and follow as Owen skips between make believe and reality. The story moves quickly, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats and it is highly recommended for boys aged 10+. The topic of loss is discussed sensitively but also shows the strength a child can have despite such a great loss.
Kylie Kempster

I don't want curly hair by Laura Ellen Anderson

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408868409
(Age: 4+) Recommended, Hair. Satisfaction. Body image. With wild hair springing out on every page, and many many words for curls taking up the text, readers will laugh out loud at the antics taken by the protagonist as she tries to straighten her unruly hair. The methods are as wild as her hair, as she ties balloons to her hair in the hope of them going skyward taking her hair with them, or putting heavy books on her hair to iron out the wrinkles, or having her friends pull it out for her. She craves straight hair, and despises her mop of wild unruly hair which makes a birds' nest on her head. The uproarious illustrations will have readers following the girl's attempts with glee seeing her many attempts to tame her hair. But all to no avail, until she hears someone with straight hair trying to change her hair to curly. The exact opposite is happening with someone else. She is trying all sorts of strange methods to get her hair curly and the two have a wonderful time working out fun things they can do with their hair, satisfied that what they have cannot be changed to something it is not.
This book will encourage children to look at their positives and not to be dissatisfied with how they look.
Fran Knight

Strange the dreamer by Laini Taylor

Hodder and Stoughton 2017. ISBN 9781444788983
(Age: 12+) Highly recommended. The city of Weep has been cut off from the world and even those that remember the stories have forgotten the city's true name. It seems that everyone has forgotten Weep. Everyone but the city's inhabitants and an orphan boy, Lazlo Strange. It is Lazlo's obsession with the city which earns him a place on the expedition to save it when Eril-Fane (Godslayer) visits Zosma where Lazlo has worked as a junior librarian for the past seven years. Eril-Fane has spent two years away from Weep searching for people with a select set of skills which will enable him to save Weep. Being the only one who can speak fluently in the lost language and a potential translator makes Lazlo a valuable member of the party - even if he doesn't see it that way. When they arrive in Weep however, none of them are prepared for the challenge that awaits; not even golden-boy Theon Nero, famed alchemist and the only person to have succeeded in making gold. How can Lazlo, a librarian, ever hope to help these people?
A whirlwind adventure this fantasy is sure to captivate any fantasy lover and I would highly recommend it to people twelve and up. Strange the dreamer highlights the importance of the imagination and reiterates that sometimes the truth is stranger than you can imagine. Dealing with grief, peer pressure, and first love, it is a piece about finding your place in the world and accomplishing your goals. Just like Lazlo, everyone should have the opportunity to realise their dreams if they only try hard enough.
Kayla Gaskell, 21

Henry and the Yeti by Russell Ayto

Bloomsbury, 2017. ISBN 9781408876619
(Age: 4+) Recommended. Mythical creatures. Adventure. Exploration. Self belief. Russell really believes that yetis exist but some others do not share his strong belief, so he sets off to prove they really do exist.
So begins an adventure which sees him set off for the mountains far away to find one. He tells his headteacher who laughs but reminds him to bring back evidence. His Dad reminds him not to stay up too late. He packs his essential things: a telescope, waterproof hammock, compass, camera and rope. He goes through a dense forest and takes a ship over the sea, then finds the mountains, and climbs them in search of the yeti. Just as he begins to lose hope, he bumps into two tall legs. He has found the yeti, and he is much taller than he thought. He takes copious photos with his camera, for evidence, and after playing games with the creature, goes back home. Here he unpacks to give the laughing headteacher the evidence he wants, but Henry cannot find his camera. Without that he cannot prove that he saw the yeti.
The school students begin to laugh once again, but the yeti appears, giving Henry back his camera. Henry is vindicated.
This is a wonderful tale of believing in yourself, of questioning what others may say and of seeking something out for yourself. Henry is a most likeable character, with his large round eyes, huge backpack and unshakeable belief. The uncluttered illustrations will entice students to look more closely at each page, smiling at the path Henry takes in finding a yeti.
Fran Knight

The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom

Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn

Lord of the Darkwood by Lian Hearn

Books 3 and 4 in the Tale of Shikanoko series. Hachette, 2016. ISBN 9780733635151
(Age: 15+) Recommended. As the series title suggests, the story follows Shikanoko (Shika) throughout his quest to restore the rightful emperor (Yoshi) to the throne. After defeating the Prince Abbot in the first book, Shikanoko retreats to the Darkwood. His deer-mask has become fused to his face until someone who loves him removes it. Years pass and the reign of the imposter emperor continues. No one knows where Yoshi is, and the few that do keep silent. The river-people prove useful in harbouring not just the rightful emperor and Kiyoyori's daughter, Hina, but also, Akihime and Shikanoko's son, Take. But trouble starts when Kiku, one of Lady Tora's sons, grows restless. What can a young man with such a short life accomplish when he only knows the Darkwood? With five fathers his options are endless. While it seems that Yoshi will never be restored to the throne, they will all soon learn that they are simply pieces in a tengu's game - a game that has been paused for so long that it has almost been forgotten.
Picking up where its predecessor, Emperor of the Eight Islands, left off, Lord of the Darkwood serves to complete the prequel series to the highly-acclaimed Tales of the Otori. The prequels adds to the reader's understanding of the main series by giving a history of the prominent families and world of the Tales of the Otori series but does not necessarily need to be read in conjunction with the main series. Standing on its own, The Tale of Shikanoko, has a similar feel to a Japanese fairy-tale or myth. Recommended for lovers of fantasy and fans of the Tales of the Otori series.
Kayla Gaskell (umiversity student)

A girl called Owl by Amy Wilson

Macmillan, 2017. ISBN 9781509832460
(Age: 9 -14) Highly recommended. A wondrous winter read, A girl called Owl is magical, with relatable characters, adventure and beautiful prose. With a strange name and a father she has never met, Owl is finding things difficult. Her best friend is also having a bad time with her parents separating and there is a strange new boy at school who has noticed that she has weird frost patterns on her skin. Then using her new powers she enters the mysterious world of winter finding links to her father, who has only been described by her mother as if he belonged to a folk story.
The author has written an engrossing story that combines the everyday problems that Owl faces, of fitting in, wanting to know her father, and supporting a friend in need with a wonderful winter world peopled with Jack Frost and the fay. Her writing also reflects these two different worlds: the everyday one is written in a straight forward way while the descriptions of the winter world are lyrical and memorable. Delightful sketches of an owl in different poses are on the chapters about Owl icicles and leaves adorn the chapters peopled by mythical creatures.
Owl is a feisty and caring heroine, who faces danger and adventure in a winter world, and readers will be engrossed with the way she finally meets her powerful trickster father and how she manages her powers in a cold world.
The combination of mythology, magic and a haunting landscape make this a memorable debut that is sure to entrance its readers.
Pat Pledger

Here I stand: Stories that speak for freedom edited by Amnesty International UK

Walker Books, 2016. ISBN 9781406358384
(Age: 12+) Recommended. This hard cover collection of short stories and poems edited by Amnesty International is not what I first expected. The focus is not so much on political issues and human rights so much as the commonly encountered issues of bullying, abuse, self-identity, LGBT rights, exploitation, loneliness, and similar issues experienced by many young people. The authors are 25 leading writers and illustrators inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, writers such as Neil Gaiman, John Boyne, Tony Birch, Sita Brahmachasi, Kevin Brooks and others. They are simple stories that quickly draw you in and create a connection, leaving you afterwards with much food for further thought. As author Bali Rai writes, 'My story is designed to make you think about what makes us human. I hope that it does.' And all of the stories do make you reflect on humanity.
The last story in the book is different, and is more political. 'Speaking out for freedom' is an interview with Chelsea Manning, an intelligence analyst imprisoned for 35 years for revealing what she had learnt about 'the secret reality of the way the Iraq War was being fought'. To this day she believes what she did was the right thing to do, and although she was very afraid she felt she had to take a stand and speak out.
This is the message of the book as a whole - making a stand for our common humanity, whether it is regarding the bullied child in school, the victim of racism or the child being abused. We have to care about rights and freedoms and speak up for them when they are under attack. In his introduction to the collection, human rights lawyer Jules Carey urges us all to care, question, and act.
Teachers' notes Using fiction to explore human rights are available.
Helen Eddy

Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Pan Macmillan, 2016. ISBN 9781925479478
(Age: 13+) Recommended. A tale that is a must read for anyone who enjoyed Alice in Wonderland and fairy tale retellings, Meyer, the New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles, has given a unique backstory to the woman who was the Queen of Hearts. Catherine Pinkerton is a talented baker and even though she is desired by the unmarried King of Hearts, all she wants to do is to open a baker's shop with her best friend. However her mother is determined that she will be the next queen and having a daughter who owns a bakery is not what she wants. Then Cath meets Jest, the handsome court jester and the two begin to fall in love, but fate intervenes . . .
Readers will become engrossed in the setting of the strange fantasy world that Meyer has created, while identifying with the normality of Cath making delicious cakes and dreaming of opening her own shop. Catherine feels no attraction for the King of Hearts and doesn't want to be the Queen of Hearts, instead falling for Jest a most unsuitable man in the eyes of her mother. Readers will be swept away by the conflict that Cath faces, that of being a dutiful daughter and obeying her mother, while wanting completely different things for herself.
The idea behind the story is very clever, the writing is lyrical, Catherine's dreams and desires are very relatable and the ending will leave readers breathless. This is sure to appeal to people who enjoyed The lunar chronicles, and those who like books by Robin McKinley, Zoe Marriot and Frances Hardinge.
Pat Pledger

Marge and the pirate baby by Isla Fisher

Ill. by Eglantine Ceulemans. Piccadilly Press, 2017. ISBN 9781848125933
(Age: 6-8) Recommended. Swashbuckling pirates and a mischievous baby cousin add to the fun and excitement of Isla Fisher's second junior novel Marge and the pirate baby. Marvellous Marge is a babysitter extraordinaire, no taller than 'seven packets of biscuits', with rainbow-dyed hair and a multitude of magical stories about her past child minding adventures. With Mum taking Auntie Sally out for her birthday, Marge returns to look after Jemima and Jakey as well as little cousin Zara.
Marge has previously worked on board a pirate ship 'The Poison Curse' for Captain Not-So-Jolly-Roger. Marge informs the children that pirates love babies more than treasure. With cottonwool beards and pirate jewellery made from buttons, Marge and the children make costumes and enjoy turning Zara's pram into a pirate ship. Even though they leave a mess all over the house and backyard everyone enjoys the pirate activities with Marge. A little magic happens when the adults arrive home and everything is tidy.
In 'Marge and the stolen treasure' the second story, Marge arrives on a very hot day to take Jemima and Jakey off to the local pool. With her rainbow hair hidden under a bathing cap, a pink dressing gown and gold sandals, she is ready to take charge. Jake's red wagon is loaded up with a big vase of lemonade and toy dinosaurs. Marge informs him that sunscreen scares away tigers and lions, so he slathers it on. Her marvellous tales of animal antics and inventive songs accompany their walk. Many adventures await the explorers at the pool, as they conquer their fears and outsmart baby Zara.
'Marge and the wacky wedding' is another humourous tale, filled with ring bearers, chocolate fountains and contrary children. Of course, colourful Marge and her unique rules turn Uncle Desmond and Annie's wedding into a marvellous day.
Eglantine Ceulemans' line drawings bring Marge to life with her crazy hair, creative costumes and her unique style of childminding. They complement Isla Fisher's amusing tales with her outrageously imaginative and engaging protagonist whose witty dialogue and amazing stories of her menagerie of pets and pirate life are enchanting. This is a brilliant read aloud story for junior primary classes and to share at home; children will love Marge's distinctive style of caring for Jake, Jemima and Zara.
Rhyllis Bignell

What not to do if you turn Invisible by Ross Welford

HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9780008156350
(Age: 10+) Highly recommended. Genres: Fiction, Comedy, Magic. There are many reasons to love this funny, playful, yet emotional book. Some may know the author of this book through another of his creations; Time Travelling with a Hamster. This book undeniably conforms to its reputation. Its light and adventurous themes didn't fail to entertain me, as much as it would a middle grader, or for that matter - an adult. The reader follows a girl who has 'horrendous' zits, and who just wanted a way to cure them. With a sunbed and a mixture of untested medicines to cure her acne, she may have found the secret to invisibility (You'll have to read it to believe it). You cannot help but love the protagonist, Ethel, as she develops in many ways through the book.
Ethel has come from a rocky past and lives with her Grandmother in London. She is bullied for her excessive amounts of acne and deals with many matters in her search for identity. She makes close friends with a boy named Elliot, which is a testament to her personality. Only through this cautionary tale, does she uncover a mystery and discover her enlightened self.
I became consumed in the predicaments that you can imagine follow a girl who can become invisible. I was constantly torn between anxious suspense and guilty cries of laughter. The journey of the Ethel was very fast paced, but the author didn't fail to carry me through each scene and surround me with all of his heart-warming characters. The character development was definitely a dominating feature, and overall sold the story to me. The ending wrapped the story up perfectly, without being too heavy, or conversely unstated.
The character of Ethel has certainly earned a place in my heart. I would recommend this book to anyone from ages 10 to 100. You can only benefit from enjoying this tale.
Ethan Russell (Student)