The first chapter of this book tells of a group of Italians deposited in Hobart by a ghost train. There are no trains in Hobart. But the people are real, and present a puzzle for Wes the policeman and Geo his brother recently returned to Tasmania from Italy. Geo came by plane.
There are people who believe in the train: Sten, the ghost train hunter, Labuschagne, expert in the paranormal, and two young hippy backpackers, Camille and Paco. Geo is glad to invite them into his life, as a kind of protective barrier between him and his brother Wes, as Wes soon shows himself to have extreme anger issues.
Just as Sten is calmly pursuing his dream of boarding the ghost train, Geo has a dream of his own, to sell up the family home to fund his violist career abroad. Perhaps his dream is equally out of grasp, for his brother Wes is not going to agree to the sale, so submerged is he in grief over his father and his failed marriage.
It is a strange mix of ghost story and very real issues of sibling rivalry and bullying, told in a light and humorous way, with many of the conversational exchanges sure to draw a chuckle or even laugh out loud. The style is reminiscent of the dialogues in Joseph Heller’s Catch 22. The world is weird, and all that the characters can do, and the reader along with them, is to suspend disbelief and work with the events as they happen.
It’s such a strange, intriguing read, that as I drew closer to the end, I slowed down my reading, so enjoying the ride that I didn’t want it to be over. I loved the variety of unusual characters, the mix of logical reasoning within an unreal world, and the calm common sense approach to problem solving. It was a delight to read.
Natalie and Janet are united in their scorn of the ‘cult of romance’; they are going to be strong independent women, starting their own cake catering business after university and saving to travel together around the world. At least Natalie thought that was the plan until she discovers her friend has returned from a visit to Lebanon with an engagement ring on her finger. Natalie is horrified to discover that Janet is prepared to give it all up, and marry, young, to a man she can’t possibly know that well. On top of that Nat is expected to be maid of honour and organise the bridal events in a country she has never been to.
Ayoub’s novel moves quickly, carried along by the conversations between Natalie and her family and friends. Family for Natalie is her father and her very traditional grandmother, Tayta. There’s a bit of a mystery about her mother, who left them, whilst suffering from post-natal depression. That early rejection, plus the feeling of being caught between two cultures, Lebanese and Australian, makes Natalie determined to carve her own future, not defined by any man. So things become complicated when the groom’s best man turns out to be quite attractive, despite their initial animosity.
It’s a light and easy read, mainly because of the natural flow of conversation that Ayoub is particularly good at creating. But at the same time there are quite complex issues of identity and allegiance that are being explored. There is also a friend, Mark, who acts as a moral compass point. He is possibly gay or queer, but it is really not an issue, and not a focal point of the story; he is just a really good friend, who is always there for Natalie. I liked the way that it is his personality, not his gender, that defines him; he is a true friend.
For the most part, the novel rings with humour, with references to the romantic comedy ‘My best friend’s wedding’. Natalie is a strong and feisty character, the kind of person who lands herself in trouble in spite of herself. But the themes are serious and reveal the real dilemma of identity for migrants caught between two cultures.
Anderson Press, 2014. ISBN: 9781783440870. (Age:10+) Recommended.
This book was first published in 2010 before being reprinted in 2014 with a new cover illustration. It is the first of the Grimm trilogy which also includes In a glass Grimmly (2012) and The Grimm conclusion (2013). The series has returned to the limelight more recently due to the release of a Netflix series based on book one in October 2021, and so has the potential now to reach a whole new generation of young readers.
However this book is not for the faint hearted - it is dark and bloody and more closely follows the original tales of the brothers Grimm rather than the sanitised versions most children have heard by kindergarten. The language and vocabulary used are rich, descriptive and sophisticated yet even readers who do not understand particular words will be able to follow along.
The dark content could have been quite unpleasant if not for the narrator's 'voice' throughout the book which speaks directly to the reader. The narrator injects great humour, warnings and tension at vital break points in the story. The result is that readers who might otherwise lose interest are kept hooked, and those who choose to continue are desperate to know what happens next. They are ready for the violence, action, blood or hard choices that follow.
Broadly, the story is a much-expanded version of Hansel and Gretel, and has the children facing great adversity. From the people and situations they encounter throughout, they learn about making difficult decisions, about what loyalty and faithfulness mean, and about their own relationships with each other and with their parents.
And of course, at its heart this is still a fairy tale. So it also includes multiple instances of good vs evil - although sometimes the line between the two sides is not as clear-cut as you might expect. This could provoke some interesting discussions about how to decide what is ‘good’ when there are negatives on both sides.
An excellent teachers' guide contains lesson plans for each chapter, including vocabulary, comprehension, discussion points and a choice of final project activities.
Themes Fractured fairy tales, Bravery, Good vs evil, Siblings, Relationships.
Kylie Grant
Fantastically great women artists and their stories by Kate Pankhurst
The Fantastically Great series by Kate Pankhurst is further enhanced by this new addition about eight diverse women artists and their stories. This interesting and extremely readable book looks at the lives of Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun, Frida Kahlo, Amrita Sher-Gil, Kathe Kollwitz, Dame Laura Knight, Faith Ringgold, Peggy Guggenheim and Australian First Nations artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye.
Emily Kame Kngwarreye, the artist who never stopped Dreaming, was a proud Anmatyerre elder. Her early life was spent in service to white families in an area called Utopia by the white settlers but known to Emily and her clan as Alhalkere. Emily began painting later in her life and at the age of 80 her paintings became renowned both nationally and internationally. Her remarkable story is one of great belief in her clan country and her people. A truly amazing woman.
Each artist’s story is written in accessible language and includes bold and highlighted words, speech bubbles, humour, and graphic-designed images throughout. There is a contents page, an introductory chapter about Women in Art, a double page gallery of the artists, a detailed glossary and Further Reading pages. This book would be a wonderful addition to a school library, in particular for Years 6-9, who may research famous artists. As I was reading about each of the women artists, I was searching the internet for their work so I was able to understand their style. A very worthwhile activity for all readers.
Themes Women, Artists, Biography, History, Facts.
Kathryn Beilby
Sophia the show pony by Kate Waterhouse. Illus. by Sally Spratt
Kate Waterhouse from the famous horse racing family, has written a gorgeous rhyming book about a pony who follows her dream. Sophia is a show pony, beautifully adorned in all the finest fashion money can buy. There are hats and bags galore, designer dresses and coats, magnificent jewellery but Sophia secretly yearns for the freedom to race in the hills. She makes a bold decision to follow her dream and asks for guidance from her friends, Grace and Frederick. They gently advise that racing is not for her, and she reluctantly decides to give up on her longed-for dream and make the most of her life as a fashionista. At the premier racing event of the season, the Giddy Up Cup, Sophia is in contention to win the best dressed cup until the wind changes everything. Will Sophia have the chance to follow her dream and run her own race?
The detailed water colour illustrations by Sally Spratt are simply quite stunning. The inclusion of so many cleverly drawn animals and other items on each page will engage younger readers. This lovely book would make the perfect gift for children who love ponies or fashion. A great tie-in read when Australia’s major racing event takes place on the first Tuesday in November.
Themes Ponies, Fashion, Rhyming, Horse Racing, Following your dream, Animals.
Linus Baker is a quiet man, living a solitary existence with his cat Calliope. He is employed as a case worker by the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth (DICOMY), investigating government orphanages that house children with magical abilities. When Extremely Upper Management sends him to the island of Marsyas to undertake a probe on the children’s well-being and the suitability of the manager, Arthur Parnassus, he discovers that the children all have complex magical abilities, and that Arthur is hiding a secret. As he gets to know the children, he begins to appreciate their powers and recognise that love that can be found in this unusual family. The reader is left asking whether Linus will recommend to Extreme Upper Management that the children in this orphanage stay with Arthur where their magical powers will be nurtured.
Each of the characters is fully realised and very engaging. Linus is very uptight when he first arrives, but the caring atmosphere of the island brings out the best in him. He encourages the children in their dreams and even manages to discard his tie and dress up as an explorer and play a game with them. Arthur is a gentle father figure and the growing relationship between Linus and him is sensitively handled by Klune, a previous winner of the Lambda Literary Award. The children are wonderful. Talia is a gnome who loves gardening. Sal is an extremely shy boy who has been abused in previous placements but who can write wonderful stories; Theodore who is a wyvern, guards his hoard, especially Linus’ buttons; Phee is a forest sprite while Chauncey is an unknown who longs to be a bellhop. Lucy, short for Lucifer, is a six-year-old with dangerous powers and was described by Extremely Upper Management as the Antichrist.
There is sparkling conversation and subtle humour, leaving the reader feeling good and wanting to know more about each of the people on the island. However serious issues are threaded throughout the novel. Klune examines the fate of children who are considered dangerous and do not fit into what society considers the norm. He demonstrates how easy it is to allow bigotry and stereotypes to dominate a group but that there is always hope especially if just one person will stand up for justice.
The house in the Cerulean Sea won the Alex Award and the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award in 2020 and is sure to appeal to readers of fantasy.
Themes Islands, Orphans, Orphanages, Social workers, Family, Difference LGBTQI people.
Pat Pledger
Courtney Little Plots and potions by Aleesah Darlison
Little Steps, 2021. ISBN: 9781922488381. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
Plots and Potions is the third book in the Courtney Little series, written by Aleesah Darlison. Previously printed as the Little Witch series, these books have been republished with a more modern format. If you enjoy a bit of Hocus – Pocus magic, added with a little adventure and mystery, then this series will appeal to you!
Protagonist, Courtney is still developing her skills in casting spells and mixing potions. She loves learning more about the newly found magical abilities that were passed down to her by her late Grandmother, Delia. From the special magical spell book, that was gifted to her, she is kept very busy, trying to perfect her new witchcraft…. and she can’t go anywhere without her enchanted cat, Ink.
Unfortunately, though, Courtney is expected to attend her year 7 camp. She would much rather stay at home, read her spell book and be with Ink than hike up huge mountains, be outdoors and do sport! So, to make the experience a little more enjoyable, she works out a way to bring Ink along too……using a little magic of course! But camp turns out to be much worse than even Courtney had expected. On arrival she has a bad gut feeling about the site leader, Maude Mouseheart and as the new kid in town, she is still trying to navigate her way around making some friends. Camp life can be rough, but fortunately Courtney is resilient and strong. So, when she uncovers some sinister activities by Miss Mouseheart, Courtney takes action. But can her magic potions and spells fix all the problems that have arisen or will evil prevail?
Aleesah Darlison has written another charming sequel in the Courtney Little series for those lovers of magical witchery and adventure. Plots and Potions is filled with fast paced suspense and excitement and is an easy read for the young audience. This has a storyline filled with far-reaching fantasy, yet relatable characters. It is bursting with magic, mystery and friendship, and certainly a twist of the unusual.
Themes Magic, Adventure, Friendship, Animals.
Michelle O'Connell
Dreams from my father: Adapted for Young Adults by Barack Obama
Text Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922458445. (Age:13+) Recommended.
Barack Obama wrote his memoir soon after his study years at law school and when he was just married. He had not entered politics. Obviously a young man with a great sense of social justice at the time but also very keen to understand his past, he set about telling his story with a view to encouraging his readers to consider the same. At a time when a new school curriculum is being released for Australian schools, with more focus on international historical perspectives, this is a valuable addition to school and personal libraries. In his newly written introduction to this ‘young adult’ edition, Obama stresses how important our knowledge of history is to the formation of inquisitive, observant and analytical minds. The reader follows the life of this President-to-be, as he journeys through words, with his mother from Kansas to Hawaii, with his father and extended family to Kenya, with his stepfather and half sister to Indonesia, all the while examining his heritage to understand himself better. This edition features a concise family tree and coloured family photos. Obama writes with humility and generosity; also starkly aware of the injustices of the world around and his desire to do as much as he can to alleviate inequality. This memoir continues to inspire and the young adult reader will enjoy his story: it is easy to read and his thoughtfulness comes through so beautifully. He would like the young to feel inspired as he was to share their stories and ‘to value the stories of others’. Teaching notes are available from the publisher.
Themes Autobiography.
Julie Wells
Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781398508545. (Age:13+) Highly recommended.
Artemisia is a girl training to be a Gray Sister, one of an order that helps souls to pass on. She is troubled and lonely and must deal with whispers about her past and her scarred hands. When the convent is attacked by soldiers who are possessed by spirits, she is forced to defend it by awakening a revenant that had been imprisoned in a saint’s relic. As she faces danger and dark mysteries, she gradually gets closer to the revenant, while struggling to overcome another ancient and very powerful spirit who brings death to her world.
Artemisia’s actions in battle guided by the revenant Rathanael bring her recognition that she does not want. She begins to have a following of people who call her a saint and believe that she can save them. She also discovers that she has loyal friends in Marguerite, Charles, and Captain Enguerrand, all willing to put their lives at risk to help her in her task of finding out what the priest Leander was trying to do.
Told in the first person by Artemisia, readers will learn about the horrors of her childhood, the kindness of Mother Katherine at the convent and the growing understanding between her and the revenant. She must accept that she is a vespertine, one who can control a high relic if she is to save her world. It is easy to think of her as a Joan of Arc figure, a young woman who could lead armies and who is considered a saint.
Rogerson has been recognised for her novel Sorcery of thorns (Best fiction for young adults 2020) and Vespertine is equally as engrossing. Readers who enjoyed reading about nuns in Robin LaFevers' His fair assassin series, and Maresi by Maria Turtschaninoff, will want to pick up Vespertine, while those who liked Naomi Novik’s Scholomance series will enjoy reading about another young heroine.
Themes Nuns, Ghosts, Good and evil, Friendship, Saints.
This is one roller-coaster ride of madcap adventure. Five eccentric characters are thrown together on a road trip to fulfil the last wish of a crazy aged care escapee. Daisy may be old but she is as tough as they come, and Taylor, Chip, Jackson and Chloe find themselves all doing her bidding. Along the way there are a lot of mishaps, corny jokes and laughs galore, but at the same time Webster competently handles more serious issues of suicide, abuse, and difficult relationships.
Taylor is the lead character – the ‘thing that he did’ was a social media post that was possibly insensitive and hurtful. It leads to him losing his closet friend and being ostracised from his friendship group. But in his connection with young would-be pornography director Chip, and the mishaps that follow, he learns to appreciate the individual qualities of a range of supposed misfits, and in the end it is a story about acceptance and true friendship.
This story really is a mixed bag – comedy, adventure, romance, and teenage coming of age, it could appeal to a range of adolescent and more mature readers.
Themes Comedy, Road trip, Friendship, Coming of age.
Helen Eddy
The fast 800 keto: Eat well, burn fat, manage your weight long term by Dr Michael Mosley
The fast 800 keto builds on Mosley’s successful The fast 800 and is an easy to read and follow book explaining up to date science of weight loss. The book starts with an introduction of how we got fat, why we need to eat more protein and then goes into the science of keto which I found useful in understanding how the body reacts to eating the sugar found in many processed foods. It describes the effect of a keto diet when your body goes into ketosis and burns up fat instead of sugar leading to weight loss. Mosly goes into detail about the fast 800 Keto programme. It combines keto with intermittent fasting, which readers will be familiar with if they have read The fast 800 and stresses the advantages of a Mediterranean diet. Emphasis is given to the importance of preparation before beginning the diet by having the right food on hand. Advice is also given about how to maintain a good weight long term.
The recipes given by Dr Clare Bailey are easy to follow and meal planners are set out with 3 meals a day and 2 meals a day when doing intermittent fasting. I enjoyed the Rapid bircher with apple and cinnamon, and Wok-steamed white fish with pak choi. There is a chart to record Before and after measurements of weight, waist and blood pressure, and an extensive bibliography and good index are also included at the back of the book.
The cover states that it is possible to ‘lose up to 6 kg in 21 days’ and following the advice in this Australian and New Zealand edition would give people aiming to lose weight a scientific basis to do so. The fast 800 Keto is sure to prove popular and I will be using many of the recipes included in my regular meal planning.
Ekata is just days away from leaving her home. Days away from freedom and the life she has looked forward to for years. An unimportant and forgotten middle child in a dangerous and vicious family, Ekata just wants to survive long enough to flee south and spend her days surrounded by those who value knowledge and peace. However, someone or something has other plans. Suddenly, and very much against her will, Ekata becomes the Duke of Kylma Above, tasked with ruling the kingdom, preventing an invasion, curtailing treason and discovering a cure for the magical illness which has incapacitated the rest of her family. And then there is Inkar, the girl who should have been her brother’s bride…
The Winter Duke is a satisfactory young adult fantasy offering some unique ideas and plot points. Bartlett has created a distinctive and atmospheric world. While most of the book is spent in the ducal castle, the reader gains a real sense of the cold and harsh environment of Kylma Above. The inclusion of magical elements and creatures and a complex familial and societal structure is also interesting.
Where the novel fails however is in its characters. Main protagonists do not necessarily have to be likeable for readers to be able to enjoy a book. Bartlett has clearly tried to style Ekata as a character relatable to her audience, with flaws and insecurities like those suffered by most teenagers. However, she is almost comically unconfident, reckless, credulous and petulant. As the story progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to root for a character this exasperating. Moreover, secondary protagonists, including Ekata’s love interest and her most dangerous enemy, are more caricature than character. The book’s villain, for example, is brash, vulgar and innately ‘evil’, without much explanation or reasoning to explain why.
Overall, The Winter Duke is a solid young adult fantasy novel, which will no doubt please some readers of the genre, but it is not without its flaws.
The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-bottomed Boat by Charlie Archbold
Text Publishing, 2022. ISBN: 9781922458520. (Age:8+) Highly recommended.
South Australian author Charlie Archbold has written an exciting and entertaining novel perfect for middle grade readers. This new release, shortlisted for the Text Prize, is set in a small coastal town in far North Queensland surrounded by sugarcane fields and mangroves.
Andy and his best mate Eli are inseparable. They spend their days together, whether at school or home. Their friendship bond is strong and when Eli’s cousin Jacob is arrested for theft, the two boys decide to find out the truth before he is sentenced. They call on fraternal twins Bernie and Fletch to help them and together they develop a plan of action. However, after some clever sleuthing, they realise they will need the help of annoying classmate Harvey, who incidentally has not been a friend to Andy and Eli, and the five go on a dangerous boat journey to solve the mystery of the theft. At the red-bottomed boat half buried deep in the mangroves, they must deal with a monstrous crocodile to discover the truth and then face unpleasant adversaries on their return to the marina.
The fast action-packed pages of this engaging book will hold the reader’s interest until the end. The relationship between each of the very different young characters who come from diverse family backgrounds, consists of humour, gentle rivalry and friendship, as well as deep respect for Eli and his Indonesian family. The vivid descriptive language used to describe the surroundings in which the story is set will allow the reader to be transported to far North Queensland.
The Sugarcane Kids and the Red-Bottomed Boat would make a fabulous class novel. As well as being a great read there is so much to learn and discuss such as the behaviour of crocodiles, environmental issues, life in the tropics, friendships, bullying and importantly how to work collaboratively as a team. A delightful new book, hopefully a series, for those middle-grade readers who look for adventure, danger and overcoming challenging obstacles. Teacher's notes are available.
Stunning! Jennifer Saint really knows how to take the framework of a Greek myth and breathe life into all the characters, their emotions and motivations. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting, rapidly turning the chapters between the three characters, Clytemnestra, Cassandra and Elektra. The central storyline is the well known tale of the abduction of Helen of Sparta, by Paris, prince of Troy. But in this book, Helen is a rather vague and enigmatic creature and the focus is most definitely on the three women on the edge of the story: Clytemnestra, sister of Helen, and wife of Agamemnon, leader of the army that sailed to retrieve Helen; Cassandra, princess of Troy, doomed seer of the future; and Elektra, the stubborn young daughter of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon.
Saint’s writing provides insight into how a wife can come to detest her husband and seek his death, how a solitary woman can be disparaged and reviled, and how a naive daughter can cling to belief in her father despite clear evidence of his cruelty. Saint brings to life the inner world of her characters, and they become very believable. And in the process, she reveals how each of these women struggles within a world where women are treated as a commodity to be won, bartered, scorned or sacrificed.
There is no man who is completely trustworthy; the world of men and women is so structured as to prevent any sense of equality or power. However, Clytemnestra, Cassandra and Elektra, each are strong and determined women and they fight against men, and against gods, to take their place in the world. It is a fiery tale of anger and passion – riveting reading!
This latest novel is even better than Ariadne – highly recommended.
Themes Greek mythology, Women, Power, Revenge.
Helen Eddy
Great big softie by Kaye Baillie and Shane McG
New Frontier, 2022. ISBN: 9781922326485. (Age:4+) Recommended.
Elliot, a monster with a great big soft heart, is desperate to fit in with the other more mischievous monsters. Those monsters cause mayhem amongst the people in the neighbourhood, so Elliot decides to join them. He trashes a shop, eats all the churros from a fast-food van, causes the swimming pool to be closed for the day and frightens a little girl with a huge growl. Elliot’s monster friends award him Monster of the Week for his dastardly deeds, but Elliot does not feel at all comfortable with what he has done and decides to make amends. He goes to the little girl’s house and returns her missing turtle. It is not enough though, so he bravely apologises to the little girl and the other people he has upset - his most daring deed ever. Elliot realises that belonging to a group needs to feel right and he learns a valuable life lesson about respect.
The engaging illustrations in this book are bright and colourful with diverse characters.
