Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761066863. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
What a thrill to read another book set in the world of the award winning A hunger of thorns. Deep is the Fen is a book dedicated ‘For every girl who refused to be a damsel in distress.’ This time our indomitable, although at times annoyingly stubborn heroine, is Merriwether Morgan. She is looking forward to enjoying the holidays at the end of school with her best friends Teddy and Sol, while avoiding snobbish Caraway Boswell, her arch enemy and joint dux of the school. She has vowed to avoid magic at any cost, because a witch killed her mother, and she is devastated to learn that Teddy, a very talented blacksmith, is determined to join the Toadmen, a strange secret society only for men. It is rumoured to use magic deep in its headquarters in Deeping Fen and Merry is determined to rescue him from its clutches. But the Toadmen have been hiding dangerous secrets and when she decides to travel to the Deeping Fen with Caraway to find Teddy, she faces incredible danger.
Wilkinson has created a unique frightening world of evil toadmen, witches and dark water and gradually builds up the suspense in the book leaving the reader wondering whether Merry will manage to overcome her fear of magic and use it for good or whether she will become the latest victim of the Toadmen. She gradually overcomes her dislike of Caraway and the slow simmering enemy to lovers trope will engage lovers of romance as she gets to know him. Although Merry refuses to listen to advice and blindly goes her own way she finally makes some spectacular decisions leading to a very satisfying outcome.
Corporate greed and monopoly are strong themes, with Wilkinson’s emphasis on young women taking control adding depth to the story. Readers who love fantasy set in a frightening world with an engaging romance are sure to enjoy Deep is the fen and will eagerly wait for more set in this world. Meanwhile they may like to read Mask of mirrors by M. A. Carrick.
Themes Magic, Feminism, Romance, Fantasy.
Pat Pledger
Hi from Outer Space by Fiona Katauskas
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761069260. (Age:7-12) Recommended.
Alex knows she is good at cartooning and wants to win the National Young Cartoonist competition’s junior division category 'Truth is stranger than fiction' and entries close soon. When an inspired experiment involving a banana peel and a cactus lands her dad in hospital with a prickly bum, he is very understanding. Banana peels really are slippery in real life and the video goes viral but Alex still needs inspiration for the competition comic so takes the dog for a walk. She is stunned when a spaceship lands nearby and an alien emerges saying 'Take me to your leader'. It turns out the alien, Hi, whose real name 'sounds like someone bashing a toy piano with a large inflatable hammer then accidentally stepping backwards onto a cat’s tail' has been dropped off by his parents to complete a school assignment on leadership for his human studies class. Hi, (he chose the name Hieronymus Bosch from the list of Earth’s 673 coolest names) wants to interview an earthling leader to get an A++ for his assignment. Seeing mutual opportunities Alex takes Hi home for the night where she starts to suspect Hi is more interested in shoes than completing his assignment. The pace is fast and the subplots well handled. The opportunities for fun takes on everyday activities, like making pancakes, viewed through alien eyes, are beautifully realized both in prose and the energetic cartoons full of detail and affection. The wordplay is great with lots of puns and alliteration like Discombobulation Denial Disorder and there are fart and poo jokes thrown in. Ultimately the pair learn a lot about what makes a good leader and gather plenty of inspiration along the way. The author’s background in political cartooning makes the cartoons exceptionally engaging.
Themes Aliens, Humour, Friendship, Leadership.
Sue Speck
18,000 holes in the universe by Adam Wallace and Lisa Foley. Illus. by James Hart
Friends Jordie, Noah (twins), Mags and Marko are concerned that the twins' inventor grandfather, Golf’s empty house is in danger of being demolished. The twins’ mother has fond memories of the house and they decide to go in and find something for her to keep to remember her father, who disappeared 20 years ago. His nasty brother, Goof, wants to demolish it as soon as Golf is declared legally dead without a will. The friends encounter bully Felicity in the house smashing things up, then a glowing golf ball flies from under a floorboard wrapped in a message from Golf. The friends follow the clues to a mini golf green in the overgrown garden, a gateway to another dimension. There is plenty of action, and it turns out Felicity knows a lot about golf and helps them work out the clues, and to help the reader there is a glossary of golf terms at the end of the book. The friends battle dragons, trying not to take their eyes off the ball and there is plenty of gross humour with poo, snot and fart jokes throughout. Cartoon illustrations take up about half of most pages with lots of bold words to break up the text. I didn’t like the name calling or the fact that it was the short fat kid who farted all the time and was constantly apologizing to his friends but this does come from the creators of Fartboy, (Fartboy:The first sniff). Particularly irritating was the character wearing headphones for no apparent reason but this too may relate to a previous series. This is number 1 in the golfing series so maybe the characters will evolve and there will be many more rounds of golf to come.
This book is one of the most enjoyable middle grade novels I've come across. It is entertaining while managing to deliver a lovely message around celebrating differences. For reluctant or struggling readers there are multiple devices employed to grab interest immediately, and to keep pages turning. It is the newest release from Tom Fletcher, author of The Christmasaurus, The Danger Gang, and The Creakers.
The book is the first-person account of 10-year-old George Racket. He is lead singer and bass player of ‘The Earthlings’, described as 'the worst band in the world'. George narrates daily life and jots down his song-writing as he goes. The clever thing here is that each song he writes has a QR code with a direct link to Spotify/Apple music to hear it played by UK boy-band McFly. This allows children to read along with the lyrics as they are sung, and encourages deeper connection with the text as well as providing a huge incentive to keep reading to get to the next song! The songs are mostly short and silly and so much fun.
The story itself centres on George and his bandmates - Bash (drums) is a complete space fanatic, and Neila (lead guitar) suffers from stage fright. They are preparing to play at their school's Battle of the Bands when suddenly they are beamed up into space and find themselves centre stage at an intergalactic music contest.
Children who love space science will enjoy the facts throughout this book, while those who love music and performing will relish the concert scenes, and those who prefer laughs will delight in the gross alien descriptions and general silliness throughout.
As well as the songs/QR codes, Fletcher also includes three space-comic double-page spreads which add to the story and keep interest high. Mix in a variety of font styles, bold type, heaps of black and white line illustrations, and a mystery to solve, and this book really has it all to hook readers of all ages and abilities.
Kat has no recollection of her mother's brief, 48 hour marriage to a man with a son of his own, as she was four at the time - her stepbrother of 48 hours, Liam, was five. In the whirlwind, things were so outrageous in Vegas, that Liam took years to get over it. Kat, no such problem. The two families haven't spoken for the twelve years since, and it's just been Kat and her mother - they are a team. Always a team. Made more interesting by the fact that her mum is a jewel thief now trying to go straight, with one last job - a grand necklace at a billionaire's eightieth birthday party weekend, but she won't take Kat. At least, that's what her mum thinks. Other surprise guests include Liam and his father, who happens to be dating the daughter of the billionaire, with an agenda of his own. They all decide to act like they don't know each other, and go about their own business, until someone is shot and killed on the compound, and Kat and Liam appear to be next in line.
A little different from Karen M McManus' usual books, this is still an amazing story full of twists and turns, and believable, relatable characters. Fans of McManus will be rushing for this latest release, as will fans of mystery and suspense. The story flows really well, with an even pace, moving between characters as the story is told by the two main characters, Kat and Liam, so dual perspective. Readers are barely given time to guess or wonder who might be behind things, as the novel reads quickly, and events occur rapidly, shifting targets often. Karen M McManus really knows how to write a clever mystery, perfect for fans of classic mystery like Agatha Christie or modern YA mystery like Holly Jackson or Maureen Johnson.
Themes YA, Mystery, Suspense, Heist, LGBTQIA+, Relationships, Murder, Lies.
We often read war genre where the reader is transported to the horrors of the battlefield, or the dangers of the Resistance, or we experience the lives of those escaping precarious situations. In this new release we meet Peggy, a seemingly plain and naive young woman from a loving extended family who finds herself working for The Ministry of Information in the Publications Department as a proof-reader. Enticed from her job in her local library, with the promise of doing something to help those fighting overseas, which includes her twin brother Joe, Peggy is thrown in the deep end in an occupation which she has no training for. She comes up against ‘the establishment’ but holds her own and with the support from her loving mother Alice and her feisty beloved grandmother, Emily, she is quietly able to make a difference.
Meeting fellow co-worker Lady Marigold Cecily, who is always late after nights out on the town, does not go well initially and yet through tragedy and drama they gradually learn to accept each other for who they are. Marigold longs for love and acceptance and finds it with Peggy and her family and their friendship grows. In a time when women were still thought incapable of doing anything worthwhile, Peggy and Marigold set out to prove through various printed publications that women are the silent driving force behind the men on the Front and those families who are at home in England.
Being a story set over a number of years, the main characters experience death, grief, loss, danger as well as great joy. Peggy learns that while she did not set the world on fire, she contributed to the mental well-being and safety of many men fighting overseas and those left behind trying to survive.
Themes World War Two, Friends, Family, Ministry of Information, Books.
Kathryn Beilby
Globe defenders: Rainforest rescue by Jonny Daymond
New Frontier, 2024. ISBN: 9781922326959. (Age:9+) Highly recommended.
Globe Defenders: Rainforest Rescue is the first novel written by Jonny Daymond. It is an exhilarating adventure that grips readers from the first page; with a fascinating narrative that blends elements of science fiction with real-world environmental issues.
The story follows siblings Jesse, 13, and Jack, 11, as they grapple with the mysterious disappearance of their parents and try to navigate the complexities of a new school, Hilltop Academy. The children’s lives take a dramatic turn when they are unknowingly implanted with a device called an AB, which enhances their physical abilities. This transformation thrusts them into the world of the Secret Academy GDA, an elite group tasked with protecting the planet.
The plot is rich with tension and suspense as Jesse and Jack find themselves on a dangerous mission to the Amazon rainforest, hoping to save the environment and its inhabitants from the destructive actions of loggers. The siblings’ determination and courage are tested repeatedly as they confront both the perilous environment and the villains who threaten the rainforest. Jesse and Jack need to learn to harness their new abilities and work together with the other Global Defenders before it is too late. But will they ever find out what happened to their parents?
The book is not only a thrilling adventure but also an educational journey, shedding light on the critical issues facing the world's rainforests. The inventive technology and high-tech gadgets intertwined with the natural beauty of the rainforest creates a unique and captivating contrast that will engage readers who are tech-savvy and environmentally conscious.
Globe Defenders: Rainforest Rescue is a must-read for middle-grade readers who love adventure, nature, science fiction and stories about making a difference. Jonny Daymond has crafted a tale that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, encouraging young readers to reflect on the importance of environmental conservation and the power of courage and perseverance. Teacher's notes are available.
The opening chapter presents Hannah, calling ‘Help’, bound to a chair in a nondescript white room, hearing the approaching steps of her captor, and preparing to die. But this is not the first chapter of a thriller as most would expect, but a very funny and bizarre rom-com about a woman ludicrously infatuated with a serial killer.
There is never any explicit description of Hannah, but the references to her binge eating of takeaway and machine dispensed snacks, her shabby clothes, blanking by friends and former would-be boyfriend, and her obsession with social media in work hours, all contribute to the portrayal of a person who is failing in all areas of her life. Even her mother sounds disappointed during phone calls.
Hannah is one of ‘those women’ who write letters to serial killers in prison. There are a number of women writing to William Thompson, but the thing that Hannah loves is that he writes back . . . because she is special, they have a connection. He wants her to be his girlfriend.
I loved reading this book. It is so funny, not in a laugh out loud way, but in a subtle ‘can you believe it’ way, that is reinforced by the narrator’s complete lack of insight into herself. It is like reading a person’s account of something and knowing that others have a completely different view of the event. Hannah is so wrapped up in her own world, she doesn’t realise how bizarre she is. We read her letters to the serial killer, and think how could he possibly want to have a relationship with her. But he does!
This book is so much fun. It is clever, and satisfying in the way the mystery is resolved. But don’t expect an ‘edge of the seat’ thriller. It’s not that, more of a character expose shining a light on the insecurities we can all identify with in some way. This is a debut novel by Tasha Coryell. Please write some more!
A poster calling for animals to join the ranks of the circus encourages those in the jungle and wood to audition. Elephant can belly dance, Lion can juggle, and Moose can play magic tricks. But Bear has no skills to offer. He goes off and finds a bicycle on which he practices a host of tricks to take to the circus. But they do not want him: they already have Panda who cycles on one wheel, not two, so Bear is sent away. He rummages in the river and fishes out a supermarket trolley. He repurposes the single wheel and makes himself a one wheeled cycle with which to wow the circus people. But when he gets to the circus he finds his friends are most unhappy. They are not doing the acts they perfected, but are being used in a series of acts in which they are laughed at and abused. Elephant is made to do a handstand, Moose is stuffed into a canon, while Lion is being poked at with a chair, expected to jump through a fiery hoop, and Panda is hanging from a trapeze swing without a safety net. Bear takes action. He pedals his cycle to Lion and hosts him on his shoulders, Bruce the Goose is swept up, and Panda taken from the high wire, after Elephant stands on the seesaw launching Bear and the cycle and his companions into the air. So Bear heads for the wood with a very heavy and relieved load.
In wonderful rhyming verses, this lovely story unfolds. Full of bravery and looking out for your friends, the Bear does not think of his own safety, but is spurred into action when he sees what has happened to his friends.
Beautiful illustrations capture the essence of an old fashioned circus which younger readers will not have seen. So this book opens up the possibility of talking about why circuses have changed. The animals are amazing, their excitement shown on their faces, while Bear’s trepidation at learning his new skills equally obvious.
The striped tent is shown on many pages, and the last line gives Bear’s hope that he never sees another, the tent now packed up and being taken away by the three foxes on a bike, this one a tricycle.
Lots of fun will be had using this book. Apart from predicting the rhyming word, which kids love to do, they will also come across new ideas to be discussed, love the animals and cheer when Bear saves the day.
In rhyming stanzas, the text encourages the reader to think of times when they are touched by someone they know, a family member or close friend. These cuddles, hugs and kisses are reciprocated and wanted and given back. The first few pages talk of the wanted kisses, whizzies, hugs and cuddles. But then the reader is told that some may not be as welcome. In the past they have accepted kisses and cuddles from relatives of friends, but now it is unwanted.
Just as a three legged race will only work if both partners are willing; it will not work if one does not want it to be there. And a kiss and cuddle are just the same, both people must be willing.
Just like a cat which will cuddle, and purr and loves sleeping on someone’s lap, there are times when the cat does not want this. At these times it is obvious that the cat does not want to be touched; it will wriggle and squirm, and jump off the lap, and go away.
With people, it is OK to say no. Tell the person that you don’t like a kiss or hug. But look and listen to them as well. Just like the cat: people know when the cat wants to be cuddled and touched, but the cat is equally able to let its feelings show, and walk away when a cuddle is offered.
Using a cat and its well known behaviour to tell kids about who is allowed to touch you is a wonderful analogy and most kids will get it. There are times when a kiss and cuddle is great, but other times it may not be. It may be great from the aunt now, but not in the future.
With funny, cute illustrations from Dasha Riley, the story will be read in classrooms where discussions around touching arise, and kids will love reading the tale as a support for their own concerns with who to touch and who not.
Themes Relationships, Safety, Touching, Family.
Fran Knight
Racing Legends: Charles Leclerc by Maurice Hamilton
Another famous racing car driver joining legends Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris is Charles Leclerc. This very popular Racing Legends series is written by Maurice Hamilton who has attended over 500 Grand Prix races all around the world and has commentated on F1 races for BBC Radio 5 Live for 20 years. His knowledge of all things racing related is second to none.
Each book has a colour photograph of the driver on the front cover and contains 101 facts about Formula One. The Contents page begins with Chapter one: An introduction to Formula One and the second to last chapter in each book has the heading ‘How can you be like Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc.’ Throughout the book are illustrations as well as tables, diagrams, maps, comparison facts, highlighted key words, F1 terminology as well as the opportunity to learn about what goes on behind the scenes.
The exciting facts about each driver provide readers with snapshots of their lives. Charles Leclerc began racing karts at the age of seven and in 2013 at the World Karting championship finished second behind Max Verstappen. He began in Formula 1 racing in 2018.
Each of the four books in the series are proving to be entertaining reads for those middle to upper primary readers who are sport enthusiasts and prefer information over fiction. With engaging facts and numerous infographics to absorb and discuss with their friends, these books are flying off library shelves.
Themes Racing Cars, Drivers, Family, Competition, Biography.
Kathryn Beilby
Read at your own risk by Remy Lai
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761180934. (Age:10+) Highly recommended.
Read at Your Own Risk by Remy Lai is an exhilarating ride through a spooky and hilarious adventure that grips readers from start to finish. This illustrated sketch diary chronicles the eerie experiences of Hannah, a young girl who finds herself haunted by an evil spirit after a game with friends goes horribly wrong.
The story begins innocently enough with Hannah and her friends deciding to play Spirit of the Coin, a game meant to communicate with the dead. What follows is anything but innocent as an evil entity answers their call and embeds itself in the pages of Hannah’s journal. The playful, light-hearted tone quickly turns sinister as Hannah realizes the gravity of their mistake. Lai expertly balances humour and horror, crafting a narrative that is as laugh-out-loud funny as it is chilling.
Hannah's encounters with the spirit lead to a series of serious misfortunes, and her attempts to rid herself of the haunting provide both suspense and comic relief. The diary format, complete with Lai's expressive illustrations, immerses readers in Hannah's world, making the supernatural occurrences feel immediate and personal. The visual elements enhance the storytelling, adding layers of emotion and detail that words alone might miss.
Lai’s background as the creator of the award-winning Ghost Book shines through in her ability to weave a compelling, multi-dimensional tale. The illustrations are not just complementary but integral to the narrative, bringing Hannah's fears and frustrations to life. Each page turn holds a new surprise, whether it's a startling revelation or a moment of dark humour.
Read at Your Own Risk is a must-read for fans of Goosebumps and anyone who enjoys a good scare laced with laughter. It’s a masterful blend of frighteningly and darkly funny moments that keep readers hooked. Hannah’s journey is both a cautionary tale and a wildly entertaining adventure, making this book a standout in the genre, but it is definitely not for the faint hearted.
Themes Evil spirits, Haunting and Scary, Humour.
Michelle O'Connell
Everything you ever wanted to know about the tooth fairy (and some things you didn't) by Briony Stewart
For those children that have questions for the tooth fairy then this is the perfect book for them. Written and illustrated by award winning Briony Stewart, this is an engaging and humorous look at all things tooth fairy related.
Each bright and boldly illustrated page has a key question at the top with an excellent answer following. For example, the first question is the most obvious, ‘What’s a tooth fairy?’ The answer, using a labelled diagram, will please all those who have asked. The tooth fairy is a bit bigger than a thumb nail and is dressed in comfy all-day pjs, has wings for balance, socks for quiet sneaking, pockets for shrunken coins and they only have two teeth.
We can then find out what they eat and the hole in a dirty sock might have just fed them! But of course, what do they do with the teeth? They build homes, schools and shops but also turn teeth into fairy dust. Or crush them to make roads and walls. Why do tooth fairies like children’s teeth? Well dinosaur teeth have dangerous magic but human baby teeth have good magic. And the question on everybody’s lips: How do they take our teeth? This is described in detail with some glorious illustrations.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Tooth Fairy (And Some Things You Didn't) is a delightful book to share with children who are starting to lose teeth or just want to know more about the tooth fairy. The illustrations are striking and add so much to the text. A marvellous book for home, school or public library and a perfect gift for young children.
Six times we almost kissed (and one time we did) by Tess Sharpe
Hachette, 2023. ISBN: 9781444967876. (Age:13+)
Penny and Tate have known each other their whole lives, basically because their mums are best friends. This has not made them best friends though. In fact, they've basically always clashed. They just survived the playdates and other mum get togethers, they know each other, and know each other's history, know a LOT about each other. But are extremely surprised to learn that their mums are moving their families in together - to save money and to help with medical stuff that Tate's mum is going through. This is huge. So they make a pact to play nice, and keep things stress free for their mums. Problem is, Penny and Tate have issues. Like they don't talk. And, they keep almost kissing. And Tate keeps seeing Penny at her worst moments, and that just makes things worse.
Written for fans of the slow-burn, waiting for the kiss and for the couple to get together, which many readers enjoy. This book has characters that some people will never like, and some characters readers will instantly love. Unfortunately, some of the lead characters are either incredibly unlikeable or make choices that frustrate the reader. The book moves between novel format and text messages format, flowing smoothly. Several of the side characters add depth to the story, which takes time to come to fruition. There are flashbacks to several years earlier, helping to make sense of why several of the characters are why they are the way they are, but not fully justifying them either.
Themes YA; Romance, LGBTQIA+, High school, Lesbian, Mental Health Issues, Water Sports, Relationships.
One may be forgiven for thinking that a book with a flowery pink cover complete with a glossy pink heart is going to be a "girly" froth of a book - a lightweight piece of chick-lit. A thousand broken pieces is anything but! When serious themes are highlighted, the immediate concern is whether or not they are handled responsibly enough for a book to be placed into the hands of potentially vulnerable readers. In A thousand broken pieces, the author Tillie Cole handles these themes with insight and care and the resultant book is not only a romantic story but also an offering of many alternate healing pathways for readers who are struggling with loss and grief.
A thousand broken pieces is the follow-up novel to A thousand boy kisses and although they are part of a series, each book can be read independently. Cole wrote the books as part of a personal healing journey after losing members of her family to cancer. Not only was it a method to heal herself, writing the books was also to show others that even after the worst grief, life will go on. Having a BA Hons in religious studies and being a high school teacher and world traveller, gives her some authority to write a book that explores different healing experiences that are offered in different parts of the world through different cultures and religions. An extra bonus is that the reader can travel, with these young people, to five different countries as a part of their unique (and very exclusive) healing journey.
Written from the alternating first-person narrative stances of Savannah (who is suffering anxiety and panic attacks after her sister's death from cancer) and Cael (who has anger management problems after his brother committed suicide), the book traces their journey (and the journey of other young participants) towards recovery through the Lakes District of England, Norway, Goa, Agra and Varanasi-India,The Philippines and Japan. Each country offers something different in the therapy process. The grief-struck young people experience extreme physical exertion while mountain climbing where they are pushed to their limits in order to develop resilience and grit and a sense of achievement. They witness awe-inspiring beauty and a sense of something greater than themselves. They witness the ritual celebrations of death in India and the extreme poverty and losses of children in the Philippines. They witness the beauty and transience of cherry blossom in Japan and take part in Kintsugi classes in Japan where they discover the beauty in brokenness. Intertwined throughout is the developing romace between Savannah and Cael.
Tillie Cole drags the emotion out of the reader. The prolonged agony and struggle depicted and the delicate but unflinching style may just provide the catharsis that young readers suffering huge emotions may need. At times, this hardened reader felt a sob catching in the throat. Like it or not, this style of writing has launched Tillie Cole into becoming a global sensation, charting on New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and becoming a viral sensation online.
The overarching message (this reader infers) is that when recovery from loss is not happening and a person is not responding to the usual counselling, a break away from the usual environment, placement in totally different environments with new companions coupled with expert professional support may be the way to go.
I know that this book will be a great pleasure and also helpful for young people to read.
Themes Death, Suicide, Grief and loss, PTSD, Recovery, Romance.
