Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781398507258. (Age:16+) Highly recommended.
Do you save your family or a plane load of souls? Captain Bill Hoffman faces this impossible choice in this uncompromising thriller. Fast–paced and compelling, this book grabs the reader on the first page and the edge of your seat experience lasts to the last page. It is impossible to put down.
Bill arrives for his flight to New York. "I'm a good man, he reminded himself without wavering." A few minutes into the flight Bill learns that his family has been kidnapped. His wife and two children will only be released if Bill crashes the plane at a designated location. This is where the book really takes off. Written by a former flight attendant, the detailed knowledge of the behind the scenes workings of an ordinary flight brings another level of complexity and suspense to an already explosive plot. The action takes place in real time and the author skilfully enables the reader to feel they are there taking part themselves.
The characters are well drawn, savvy and courageous individuals. We come to know the backstory of Bill and Carrie (his wife) and the terrorists - as well as the flight attendants and FBI agents assigned that day. These people feel real, and the reader is right with them as they make excruciatingly difficult choices. The reader is forced to consider the shades of grey that colour our days, and the compassion that eases the way. The intricately crafted plot twists made this a powerful, heart stopping read and it is no surprise that the book will soon be bursting onto the screen as a movie.
So, what does Bill do? Save his family or a plane full of souls? You’ll need to read it to find out.
Additional resources available: The book trailer sets the scene for the book and is a great addition to a library website/blog. In her first interview, T.J. Newman explores the influences that framed her writing.
Themes Terrorism, Courage, Loyalty, Sacrifice, Relationships – friends and family.
Linda Guthrie
Walking in Gagudju country by Diane Lucas, Ben Tyler and Emma Long
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760525958. (Age:5+) Highly recommended.
There is so much of Australia's vast country that many of us may not get the opportunity to visit. However when books such as Walking in Gagudju Country: Exploring the Monsoon Forest are written and published, the traveller in each of us will be given an opportunity to explore and learn about these amazing places. This book is something very special. The story is set in the monsoon forests of Kakadu National Park and centres on the authors, Diane Lucas and Ben Tyler, taking a walk through this stunning environment. Along their journey they discover a myriad of land and water creatures, noises, micro-habitats and plants of all shapes and sizes.
This story is told through both words and pictures and the illustrations by Emma Long are really quite striking. The pages are full of vibrant colour in particular shades of rich greens with beautifully drawn creatures and plants. The story itself is very skilful in its presentation with the use of small images of the authors and the creatures who may be telling their story or asking a question. The use of the Kundjeyhmi language throughout gives importance of and recognition to the traditional owners of this special place. There is an excellent glossary with words in traditional language and English and small detailed images.
This is a beautiful book to share with both children and adults and would have a place in all library settings.
Themes Nature, Kakadu National Park, Plants, Animals, Kundjeyhmi Culture & Language, Non Fiction Picture book.
Henry is an orphan in Elizabethan era London, living in the slums, getting by day to day as a thief, hiding a secret gift. Having been taken in by friends years earlier, Henry uses his gift in the shop his guardian runs - translating books from any language into English. His rough life has daily struggles, which are increased due to his heritage. Experiencing racism on top of the threat of death if caught stealing, Henry longs for a simpler life. Then, a break-in goes wrong when the homeowner, the Duke, returns home early. Suddenly, Henry's life is incredibly different.
The Dark Lady is a YA historical fiction, full of magic and mystery, sonnets and cruelty. Historical London is depicted throughout the novel, with many of the senses being engaged - sight, smell and touch. While the author researched Elizabethan street slang, the use of it felt forced, and the sonnets composed by the lead character feel the same. The novel is written simply, and the characters are not entirely relatable. Particularly in their choices and reactions, especially the main character Henry. While the story moved along fairly well, there was only really one scene that had much life and action. The rest of the novel didn't really go anywhere, making it difficult to find it engaging. This was a difficult book to review, as it has not really lived up to the potential of the story.
Alfie Bradley is a relatively new resident in his small community where the weather has gone badly awry. A strange man and concerns over his sister’s recovery from severe bullying underlie the drama of the story. Alfie uncovers, releases and befriends a strange ‘electric’ force-to-be-reckoned-with that impacts the entire community and shakes his world and his friendship with his best friend, Sam. This unusual situation explodes with sparks, lightning and extremely bizarre weather conditions in a science-laced drama that is unlike any other. It is hard to describe the nature of the ‘electric’ friend, but the curious force is intriguing. For Alfie though, his friendship creates an array of problems.
This book is very different and young readers with a hint of science interest will find it appealing, but readers who just enjoy fantasy woven into a real-world tale will also be intrigued. The author has gently and compassionately commented on the impact of bullying and Alfie’s brief visit to a youth detention facility is handled sympathetically. This can be recommended to capable readers aged 10+.
This is the latest of Jack Heath’s ‘Minutes’ books and is a thrilling new addition to the series.
There are 10 short stories each timed to take around 20 minutes for the average reader to finish – it’s a clever approach to hooking reluctant readers or making the most of a limited reading time in class.
Each story is completely stand-alone, and each follows a different tween or teenager embroiled in a mysterious situation. The stories unfold in diverse parts of the world and involve both male and female protagonists, from ordinary kids through to spies, pirates and mountain climbers. A timer in the margin starts at 20 minutes with each new story and counts down relentlessly as the pages turn.
The reader can piece together clues to try to solve each bite-sized mystery before the timer hits 0. Some of the mysteries are relatively simple to solve (with a very satisfying ‘aha’ moment) but others have a surprise twist that makes the guessing game difficult. Happily, even if you don’t manage to figure it out yourself, each story wraps up very nicely leaving no mystery unsolved.
With multiple short stories in one volume there is sure to be something to appeal to everyone. My 11-year-old son read this book too and (predictably) he and I could not agree on which mystery was the ‘best’ – although all the stories were full of adventure we each found some more believable or intriguing than others. He ended up skipping through two of the stories that he found less engaging but pored over others seeking clues he might have missed the first time.
Overall this is a fast paced, well-written and heart pounding book for anyone who feels ready to embark on a succession of death-defying mysteries and adventure.
Scientists have dug up and uncovered many facts about dinosaurs - and in the process, they have come across many myths. This picture book digs deep into the Age of Dinosaurs, covering topics such as fossilization, plate tectonics, dinosaur diets, paleontology, extinction theories, dinosaur relatives, and more!
With its glossy pages, appealing layout, clear text, vibrantly coloured pages, engaging sidebars, and stunning full-colour illustrations and photographs it is one for the reader who knows a little about these fascinating creatures but wants to dig a little deeper. While still in simple, accessible language in small chunks, it offers more than a basic Q & A making it an excellent stepping stone to more complex texts. It includes a glossary, a timeline, and an index making it easy to navigate and supporting the locating aspect of the information literacy process.
Although there is a plethora of books about dinosaurs, both fiction and non fiction, there is always a demand for new resources by young readers who continue to remain fascinated and so this is something new, informative and worthwhile to add to the collection.
Themes Dinosaurs.
Barbara Braxton
Late essays by J.M. Coetzee
Text Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922330406. (Age:Adult, Teacher reference)
This is an interesting collection of Coetzee's commentary on 20 authors (one female) including Australian writers Patrick White (two essays), Gerald Murnane and Les Murray.
The insightful analyses delve into the life circumstances and social times of the writers and the effect of these on their writing. The result is to engender an interest in the reader to read the books analysed. Because of this, in my view it is not necessary to have read the works of the authors covered in the essays in order to appreciate Coetzee's essays.
There is no indication as to the criteria (if any) used for selection of authors. There are chapter notes and references at the end.
While the book may provide ideas for connected texts for year 12 students and be useful for older students undertaking study of any of the authors covered, in schools Late essays is probably most useful for teacher reference.
For Aboriginal children born in outback Australia life was about family, living with the land and maintaining traditions and story. However as now well-known and documented, life for many of these children was cruelly stolen from them. Kunyi June Anne McInerney is one of those children born in 1950 and at the age of four taken with some of her siblings to the Oodnadatta Children’s home. Kunyi is her story, told in words and stunning artwork. The introduction by Kunyi gives a poignant summary of a part of her life which is expanded on throughout the following pages. From the very beginning of her journey, Kunyi gives the reader an honest account of the conditions in the Home, the despair suffered, the separation from family and the complete lack of understanding why the children had to be there in the first place with their family living just across the track. The journey is told through snapshots of memories with words and pictures. Daily life was full of work and rules but the children did find time together to have laughter and fun. There were the usual mischief makers amongst the children especially the older ones trying scare the younger ones with taunts about Mamu (bad spirits) but these children all became a family and looked out for each other. The treatment of the children was not kind and the sense of loss for Kunyi’s mother is evident. The missionaries did provide Sunday art which is where Kunyi . . . “learned to draw and paint. I have been painting ever since.”
This very special book with a story that had to be told and shared, may at times both disturb and shame white Australian adult readers, but will fascinate younger readers who will have many thoughts and questions to ponder over. A wonderful addition to home, school and public libraries and a perfect resource for Reconciliation Week. An important historical record of a nation-wide injustice.
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526443. (Age:8-13) Highly Recommended.
Teachers and librarians, when "building the field" while teaching about Ancient Rome (year 7 HASS Australian curriculum) grab The boy who stepped through time by Melbourne author Anna Ciddor and read it to your students. It is an exciting middle grade time-slip adventure set in Roman Gaul, a southern part of the Ancient Roman Empire of the 4th century CE.
The setting moves from contemporary time to the time of Constantine; from a villa to a townhouse, both of which are modelled on real ruins that have been excavated in Southern France. All details of the lives of a southern Gaul of that time period have been thoroughly researched to provide an authenticity that teachers and students can trust. It is important to note that the author has combined with her sister Tamara Lewit who is a professional archaeologist and historian specialising in Ancient Rome. The Boy who stepped through time is rich in historical detail.
The central character is a thoroughly likeable boy of a similar age to the intended readership of the book. In a way it is a coming of age book because Perry (Peregrine-suitably Latin for traveller) AKA known later on as Peregrinus is transported from a crumbling Roman ruin in France which his Australian family are visiting while on holidays in France, back to that same building - a villa belonging to a wealthy 4th century CE Roman family. Perry is torn between fearing he can never return to his family back in the contemporary world, his worry about how much his family must be worried about his disappearance and his need to stay in ancient Roman times in order to save the life of Valentia, a Roman girl from the wealthy classes. He grows up, he learns about what matters and he learns to survive on his own wits and the friendship of others.
Unfortunately for Perry, when he bursts into the 4th century CE Roman world, the Romans think that he is a slave boy. He has to maintain this pretence and learn the ropes of a slave's life very quickly. It is the knowledge that he has gained about Valentia, learnt from a modern day museum tour, that has him try everything to avert the fate that he thinks that will befall her - to somehow intervene and change the course of history.
Like The Chicken Curse by Frances Watts, The Boy who stepped through time is a highly recommended read. Both books are set in Ancient Gaul with young slaves as protagonists and both are page-turners.
The boy who stepped through time is entertaining and educational. It will spark students' interest in finding out more about history, ancient cultures and archaeology. To consolidate and support that interest there is a glossary, and an author and researcher's note at the end along with a website that promises more exciting results of "detective work" in the field of archaeology.
A thoroughly enjoyable, refreshingly delightful, highly recommended book for middle graders.
Themes time-slip, ancient Rome.
Wendy Jeffrey
Freaky, funky fish by Debra Kempf Shumaker. Illus. Claire Powell
Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760526733. (Age:4+) Highly recommended.
Freaky, Funky Fish is a wonderful non-fiction picture book showcasing odd facts about fascinating fish that will entertain readers of all ages. Beginning with the interesting end papers which focus on the oceans of the world on one page and fish inventories on the remaining, to the explanations of the freaky fish, further learning and selected sources sections, the reader will marvel at the information and presentation. The author Debra Kempf Shumaker has cleverly combined rhyme and facts with stunning illustrations by Claire Powell to create a vibrant and highly enjoyable read. The fish on the pages have funkiness and freakiness ratings as well as brief hand written snapshots of information and images often with added humour. Some of the categories of fish mentioned include fish that zap: electric torpedoes, eels, catfish and stargazers, fish that sing: clownfish, oyster toadfish, croaking gourami and batfish, and fish that creep: sea robins, coral reef frogfish. The gorgeous cover with highlights of metallic paint will immediately capture the interest of readers.
There is so much to look for and learn on each page that readers will be drawn back to this book time and time again. A perfect addition to any home, school or public library.
Themes Fish, Facts, Non Fiction, Rhyme, Picture Book.
Kathryn Beilby
The ballad of Melodie Rose by Kate Gordon
University of Queensland Press, 2021. ISBN: 9780702263217. (Age:10+) Recommended.
The Ballad of Melodie Rose is a book about love. It is heartwarming throughout. The author, Kate Gordon, keeps the reader close to the central character, Melodie Rose. The reader is invited into close communion with Melodie's evolving thoughts and feelings. The Ballad of Melodie Rose is the companion tale to the award winning The Heartsong of Wonder Quinn containing some continuing characters and the same setting of Direleaf Hall but introducing Melodie Rose in the place of Wonder Quinn.
Direleaf Hall is a rather special boarding school which draws girls who need it because they have losses and sadnesses in their lives. Beloved as it is, it has fallen into disrepair and is being bought by 'the Lady in White' who is intent on its destruction. It is more than a home to Melodie Rose who has suffered terrible trauma and believes herself to be a ghost. It is more than a home to all of the girls and the owner Ms Gallow who is Melodie's grandma. Melodie, along with three other ghostly girls and a dejected raven of indeterminate age set out with elaborate plans to save the school. In the process, the reader sees Melodie's initiative, her courage and her gradual return to being seen.
The Ballad of Melodie Rose is a tale about fitting in and being yourself and what more challenging place to learn this than in a girls' boarding school especially after you have been suddenly effectively orphaned! It's a gentle, whimsical story about friendship, what it is to be loved, what it is to be seen, a way of looking at death, our place in time and across the ages. This story is literally wrapped in stardust.
Highly recommended for girls 10+. Recommended for students who may be experiencing grief and loss.
Themes Belonging, Being seen, Boarding school for girls, Ghosts, Trauma, PTSD.
Wendy Jeffrey
Enter the jungle by Anh Do
E-boy book 3. Allen & Unwin, 2021. ISBN: 9781760879020. (Age:10+)
Main character Ethan is once again on the move. His parents are in trouble and he is determined to find out what is going on. He travels to the city of Esconda incognito and reconnects with them at a local resort. They tell him they cannot stay there any longer as there is danger all around. While out at a family dinner, the danger becomes apparent to Ethan. A notorious criminal known as The Money Man has taken over the city and uses his powers to draw money and valuables away from any people rich or poor he comes into contact with. Ethan attempts to thwart him and in doing so suffers an injury which lessens his power. Following this dangerous interaction, Ethan sends his parents to the Swiss Alps. Meanwhile, Ethan’s only friend Penny is being held captive by Agent Ferris and even though Ethan has lost faith in Penny, he reaches out to her as he knows he is unwell and needs help. Penny makes her escape with monitored assistance from her captors and rushes to Esconda. Unbeknown to Penny she is being followed by the killer android Gemini whose mission is to destroy E-Boy. More confrontation occurs between E-Boy and The Money Man and Ethan’s body is continuing to shut down. To get help Ethan and Penny must travel further. Unfortunately Gemini is close behind them and the reader is left wondering what will happen next. . .
Anh Do provides yet another fast moving and entertaining story for those readers who enjoy action and drama.
Themes Robots, Androids, Good vs Evil, Fighting, Technology, Trust, Danger.
‘We want you to come with us on our journey, our journey of songspirals. Songspirals are the essence of people in this land, the essence of every clan. We belong to the land and it belongs to us. We sing to the land, sing about the land. We are that land. It sings to us.’
This book is authored by the Gay’wu Group of Women. The group members are Merrkiyawuy Ganambarr-Stubbs, Banapuy Ganambarr, Djawundil Maymuru, Laklak Burarrwanga, Ritjilili Ganambarr, Sarah Wright, Kate Lloyd and Sandie Suchet-Pearson. Joint winner of the Prime Minister’s Literary Award for Non-fiction 2020, this book was shortlisted for the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, the Chief Minister’s NT Book Award, the Stella Prize and the Australian Book Design Award.
Five songspirals (in language) are translated and some of the meanings shared. One of the songs can be heard here. The authors make a request of the reader: that ‘...you respect this knowledge, to be respectful and be aware of the limits of what we are sharing.’ Songspirals p 258. The Book Launch at the 2019 Garma Festival is an opportunity to hear the authors read from their work.
Reading this book was a humbling experience and rewarding in many ways. The authors, through the depth and complexity of the cultural of knowledge imparted, paint an all-encompassing understanding of Country. This is profoundly moving and prompts deep reflection on the ways the word Country has been interpreted and explained in the past. The significance of Country and Law is overwhelming and will influence the reading of such books as Maralinga: The struggle for return of the lands. The Glossary and detailed Notes section provide opportunities to further explore the concepts and language introduced in the book.
Songspirals is essential reading for teachers and young people. The opportunity to hear directly from the custodians of the songspirals is enriching and not to be missed. Comprehensive Chapter Notes can be found here. The user friendly Intercultural Communication Handbook is another valuable classroom resource.
Themes Country, Law, Racism, Reconciliation, First Nations History, Dreaming.
Common Wealth is a stunning slam poetry persuasive picture book written by well-known author and illustrator Gregg Dreise. Slam poetry for those new to the term is a form of performance poetry that combines the elements of performance, writing, competition, and audience participation. (Britannica Online). This new release provides a powerful plea for unity, acceptance and understanding of Australia’s long and complex history. From the beautiful green and yellow images on the endpapers to the careful use of dot painting interwoven with more detailed illustrations, the reader will be transfixed by the strong yet hopeful message in this book. The author has cleverly intertwined the Australian National Anthem with historical aspects of the last two hundred years of white settlement. “They say we are young and free, but it’s easy to see; from the oldest culture in the world - that line doesn’t include me.” Dreise writes and illustrates about the treatment of the Aboriginal people by the early soldiers and settlers, the damage to the land by farming and mining, the white history taught in schools. His peaceful plea is for all peoples in Australia to unite, become one community showing respect for each other’s culture. The striking front cover of feathers is explained further in the book:
A bird can’t fly with just one feather; they need to work together. When we do this too, our future will soar forever. Different colours and backgrounds- whatever; our harsh climates make us tough like leather. so together we can handle any stormy weather.
This truly inspiring book will be a valuable resource for Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week. A must for all school and public libraries. Teacher notes are available.
Themes Indigenous History, Australian History, National Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week, Australia Day, Australian National Anthem, Unity, Community, Indigenous Art.
This is the ninth book in the witty series of Funny Kid by Matt Stanton. Prank Aliens, is a funny and entertaining story that will be enjoyed by anyone who loves a laugh. It all begins with boring school holidays, which most children at some stage can relate to. Max and his friends, Hugo, Pip Tyson and Abby are sitting at an Un-fun Fair and Max wants to spice things up a bit.
The Un-fun Fair has been organised by Mayor Lopez, in an attempt to put their wonderful town of Redhill on the map. Max can’t understand why Redhill needs to be on the map, because he has seen it printed on plenty of maps before ….. but he decides that he can do a much better job than what is currently being done by Mayor Lopez’s silly fair.
Max is a lovable and relatable character who is endearing, egocentric and annoying; usually all at the same time. Max is the king of attention seeking and loves playing pranks; his friend Hugo loves aliens; Pip loves the environment and drags her twin Tyson in to help and Abby is attempting to find inner peace. Prank Aliens has crop circles, poop collecting, conspiracy theories and more, and Max and his friends are certainly in the thick of the mayhem. But can any good come from playing pranks . . . can a prank go too far . . . and who will have the last prank laugh?
Stanton cleverly engages the reader to keep them genuinely engrossed in the drama and pandemonium. His illustrations and dialogued cartoons make the story an easy and enjoyable read. With surprise twists and turns, you will be page turning and continually laughing out loud!
