Roswell Johnson saves the world! is a book, by a celebrity author, that is a fun and worthwhile read for Middle school readers, especially if they are fans of Star Wars, space and science. And if readers are not fans of the space/science genre, then Roswell Johnson saves the world! could just spark that interest.
The author of Roswell Johnson saves the world!, Chris Colfer, is a #New York Times bestselling author and Golden Globe-winning actor. Colfer's best-selling series of children's fantasy books, The land of stories, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. Roswell Johnson saves the world!, described as Guardians of the Galaxy meets The land of stories, is the first book of a much anticipated new series. It is well structured; a circular story, with Roswell (the central character) leaving and then returning to the family farm after a step-by-step intergalactic quest is completed. Each chapter is preceded by full-page black and white interiors.
Colfer has a funny, whip-smart and warm authorial style. Time and time again, laugh out loud situations and conversations occur. Roswell Johnson is a great central character who the reader cannot help but want to cheer on. He is an 11 year-old orphan, living with his grandparents on the Johnson family chicken farm in Cherokee Springs county, Oklahoma. He is named after Roswell, New Mexico where one of the most famous sightings of a UFO occurred. Roswell is obsessed with all things UFO and the book introduces him presenting at the ubiquitous school Science Fair. Despite his obvious intelligence (or perhaps because of it) he is a lonely oddity - a nerd - but a delightfully smart and switched on one. After he fails to win the prize for the best exhibit, he tells his grandmother...'It doesn't matter how hard I work on something! People don't like me, they don't like my ideas, or they don't like the colour of my skin...I give up.' His grandmother tells him...'Life isn't always fair or easy...but life has also blessed you with a brilliant mind...' Colfer shares much wisdom for the young reader through the trials that await the young characters in the book.
At the end of chapter one there is a cliffhanger. The disappointed, shattered Roswell imagines himself climbing into a spaceship and leaving Earth, his classmates and '...although it was impossible for him to know it then...in just a few hours that's exactly what would happen...' Roswell is accidentally abducted by aliens and ends up leading a team of disparate other-wordly beings in an action-packed race to save the world from evil and disgusting reptoids. Each of the team represents different planets and constellations (some real and some imaginary) and each offers different skills that make them successful as a team. A mysterious UFO saves them from certain death at times and questions start to arise around Roswell's special status and this puzzling craft.
Themes of the destruction and pollution of Earth, the greed and war-mongering of humans as a species and questions about whether life as we know it is doomed sit behind Roswell Johnson saves the world! Compared to extra-terrestrial life forms, humans have only achieved a second grade rating; they are not nearly as sophisticated as more evolved and civilised E.T.s. Colfer's story though places agency in the hands of young people and the message is to use intelligence, band together with good allies, brave everything and work it out.
Roswell Johnson saves the world! is a rollicking story, with engaging characters, important messages and much imparted wisdom. In the Author's Note, Colfer encourages readers to research further the strange and true events that are described in the story. Roswell Johnson saves the world!, besides being an exciting read, is a book which will spark interest in many branches of Science.
Themes U.F.O.s, Extra- terrestrial beings, Space, Middle school science.
Wendy Jeffrey
I'll be waiting for you by Mariko Turk
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781760526603. (Age:16+)
The opening scene of this book takes place in a ‘haunted’ hotel around a ouija board, where teen friends Natalie and Imogen are trying to contact the dead. The Harlow Hotel where they are staying is renowned for spiritualists and mediums and particularly for the presence of the long-dead Agnes Thripp. The teen girls are fascinated by the story and yet the possibilities of speaking to those who have died seems far from primary in their busy lives away from their holiday destination. Sadly, Natalie must face incredible grief and her own doubts and beliefs about the possibility of encountering and hearing from those who have passed away. A return to the Harlow Hotel raises all sorts of metaphorical and real possibilities, and being thrust into a new friendship with the ‘new boy’ from school also gives her new ways of seeing the world without her old friend, Imogen.
This is a dramatic tale set within the haze of grief and psychological distress. With the idea of the possibility of ghosts and communication with the dead to be challenged or believed, this story has a dark and unsettling feel. Natalie is a devotee of horror movies, so there is an almost movie-like tension to the story too. The chance to regain psychological health after grief is explored, and romance wafts through an otherwise uncomfortable journey through haunted experiences. I was uncomfortable with the spiritualism and ghost story threads throughout the story, but the positivity of counselling help and debunking some of the myths of the mediums restored some reason and sense within the story. I am not sure that I would put this book into the hands of many young people, it has some hard and harrowing aspects. There are some positive aspects re ‘believing in yourself’ themes and a gentle teen romance, that are not uncommon in YA literature, that almost redeem what could be a depressing story.
Penguin, 2024. ISBN: 9780241702598. (Age:18+) Recommended for mature readers only.
This is a darkly uncomfortable teen romantic thriller, trespassing into the world of dysfunctional relationships and abuse. It feels more like a deep-dive into darkness and sad lies and psychological distress, but at the same time there are small moments when the warmth of family and friendship breaks through. There was also an X-rated journey into ‘almost’ teen-pornography as the author took the readers into hormone-fueled teen encounters that were perhaps too detailed. Certainly not comfortable being a fly-on-the-wall reader in these intimate moments, and perhaps not necessary either. The central character has to deal with an enormous cloud of guilt after a road accident that kills a friend, upends her life and connections to everyone around her. Can she recover from the worst day of her life? And will the diary notes from ‘beyond the grave’ provide comfort or fracture memories? Where can she turn now?
Told through the voices of Ella, Sawyer, and the diary entries of Hayley, the story of trust, mistrust, lies and doubt and the fear of a journey into an abusive relationship are all mingled together into a thriller few would see coming. The darkness of abuse is a hard theme to read for entertainment and so this is a book that must come with a cautionary comment. It is not for the vulnerable. The overly detailed physical and implied sensual/sexual relationship is also perhaps too intense for a light read and certainly not for young teens. The author cleverly obfuscates the perpetrator of abuse by hiding their identity with a single letter reference. Almost every male in the story seems a potential threat. Consequently, this reviewer is reluctant to whole-heartedly endorse the commendation of a compelling story that seems to be a ‘made-for-screen’ thriller. It is cleverly written, but a challenge to promote to teen readers.
18+ Readers only?
Themes Romance-Thriller, Abuse, Coercive control, Teen relationships, Friendship, Guilt, Generational dysfunction, Teen pregnancy.
Amelia, a teen for whom classical dance is everything, has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and devastated, she fears that this will end her ballet career at the Perth dance academy. She tries to sidestep her parents’ protective behaviour as she learns how to manage her condition, and realises how it also affects her other relationships. Amelia also has to contend with a new teacher who is choreographing modern dance, not her forte, for the academy’s showcase.
Her best friend Valentina comes from a large traditional Italian family and also fears her dancing ambitions are coming to an end as her family struggles to pay the tuition fees and she realises that she has stiff competition for being awarded a coveted scholarship.
The chapters alternate between Amelia and Valentina’s points of view. This gives both a ‘personal’ and ‘best friend’ perspective to their dilemmas, which include accepting a diabetes diagnosis and learning to manage it, and negotiating the conflict between migrant family values, and wider Australian culture.
Following the characters in One Wrong Turn, published in 2023, Marrapodi’s second ballet book shows the intense focus needed to succeed in the dance world. She has created a world that avid dancers, both classical and contemporary, would easily recognise and relate to. Marrapodi also addresses the difficulties of gaining independence from family, and forging and maintaining peer friendships, that most teen readers would have experience of. Her characters are strong young women who realise they need to both cooperate and compete, in order to achieve their dreams.
Marrapodi’s text incorporates many dance terms and Italian dialogue which would be appreciated by readers familiar with these terms, but do not make reading difficult for those unfamiliar, as they are well embedded within the context of the story.
This is a fast-paced read that will have readers invested in the characters and kept guessing right to the end; will Amelia be able to continue to dance? Will Valentina win the scholarship? Highly recommended for middle grade readers, particularly those interested in ballet. Teaching notes are available.
Dad is itching to do something new. He is sick of the zoo, and wants the kids to get away from eating popcorn by the television. He encourages them to follow him up the wall, to try out Parkour, just like him. The first attempt sees him slip and bump into a tree. He runs flat out and runs through a wall. Dazed he picks himself up and asks the kids what he can try next. He jumps onto a board to try out skateboarding, how hard can it be? But he of course, lands in a very smelly bin. He just brushes himself off and looks for a scooter. And his next accident is coming off the motorised scooter. He brushes off the children’s worries, telling them that he is OK.
Next he tries dirt bikes, certain that he will recall his youth when he was adept at tricks with a dirt bike. Unsurprisingly he lands on his back, but this does not deter him at all. Rock climbing is the next event to be tried. He climbs the rock wall, but finds an eagle at the top intent on moving the intruder and so he lands in the rose garden
While in hospital he thinks of all the other things he could try: a jet ski, or hang gliding, or parachuting, but back home, encased in plaster, he is confined to the couch where he has no choice but to watch with the kids as his attempts to be epic go viral.
A wonderfully funny look at fathers trying to be epic with their kids. Showing off with attempts at everything, he models the virtue of trying again, of attempting something that may be scary, of trying and trying again, of not giving up. All these virtues are ones to be aimed for, so will be great to discuss with a group of kids. They will be amazed at the tings Dad gets up to, despite failing so epically at things he tries.
Children will laugh out land at the things Dad tries and the end product of his attempts. He is spectacularly inept, always splendidly confident and superbly Dad.
A loving tribute to the lengths dads will go to work with their kids, providing a mentor and model for their fun.
Similarly wonderful illustrations show Dad doing his best in front of his kids, ending in many slips all shown with great fun.This is the third book in a series about the epic dad, after My epic dad takes us camping and My epic dad takes us fishing, all triggering much laughter from the target audience.
Themes Adventure, Fathers, Fathers and sons, Verse, Determination.
Fran Knight
Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold by Ashleigh Barton. Illus. by Peter Cheong
Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold by Ashleigh Barton is a witty and delightful story in the new series of Freddie Spector books. Certain to capture the hearts of young readers with its charming protagonist and engaging storyline, 8-year-old Freddie, has a unique hobby of using sticky notes to capture and share his interesting facts with others.
In this novel, everyone at Freddie’s school is excited and preparing for sports day; an event that fills Freddie with dread because he isn’t good at sport. So, to overcome his sports day reservations, Freddie dives into his comfort zone, collecting a plethora of weird and unusual sports facts. These interesting discoveries are interspersed throughout the book, adding an extra layer of fun and education.
Despite some early morning trainings, run by his athletic Auntie Lou and joined by his sporty best friend Theo and sister Henrietta, Freddie doesn’t feel any more confident about his physical abilities. However, the story takes an exciting turn when the sports day medals are stolen. Freddie, though not keen on sports day, understands its significance to his peers and steps up to solve the mystery. He is determined to retrieve the medals, as he is worried the event will be cancelled. But, is being the fastest athlete the only thing that is important on sports day, or are there other elements that are more significant?
Freddie Spector, Fact Collector: Go for Gold is a must-read for children, offering a perfect blend of humour, adventure and life lessons. Barton masterfully weaves a narrative that highlights important themes; teaching readers about perseverance, friendship and the true spirit of sportsmanship, along with Freddie’s fascinating facts, which add an educational twist, making the book both entertaining and informative. Cleverly paired with Peter Cheong’s black and white illustrations, this short novel is sure to resonate with young readers and remind them that everyone has unique strengths to contribute in all situations.
Tipping point is the 3rd in the Detective Kate Miles series following The torrent and Taken and is another gripping police procedural with the intrepid Kate Miles bringing all her intelligence and tenacity to solve a case, this one very close to home. Her brother Luke has come home for the funeral of his best friend Ant Reed, from school. The Queensland police have closed the case as suicide, but his father is adamant that he would never have committed suicide and begs Kate to investigate. Then shortly after, another of Luke’s friends, Marcus Rowntree, the son of a famous actor, is found dead on his property. Is it suicide or murder? Luke is the prime suspect and Kate is taken off the case because of conflict of interest. Her father begs her to help her brother and she begins a parallel investigation into the two deaths.
During Kate’s investigation, McKenzie explores topical issues in Tipping Point, including the impact of date rape, the sharing of intimate photos on social media, suicide and mental health. Kate too must work through her conflicting loyalty to her family and to her job as a police officer, at the same time as she struggles with two young children and a husband who is increasingly dissatisfied with her long hours and his work as chief carer for the children.
There are many suspenseful moments in Tipping Point as Kate gradually unravels what has happened to the two young men. Readers who enjoy police procedurals will love Tipping Point and the family tensions add an extra dimension to the character. It will be interesting to see what happens to Kate in any further books in the series. A great read.
Meg Gatland-Veness author of I had such friends and When only one, has written a gripping combination of a murder mystery and the life of drama students preparing a school musical that will keep readers glued to the page, wanting to finish the book as quickly as possible. Hallie and her friends, all keen Drama students, are on a high school scavenger hunt when they find the body of their teacher, Ms Lovelace. They thought that they were the only ones in the school grounds but they discover that Adam Tolentino, the school’s football star was also there. Hallie is tasked with finding out what he was doing at school. Could he be the murderer? The group is determined to find out. In the meantime, the show must go on and in between investigations, are rehearsals for the school production.
Told in the voice of Hallie, the reader gets to know the members of the group very well as they plan their investigation and prepare for the show. Hallie believes she is the best in the class, with Dorothy managing to hold it together after her sister’s suicide, and Penny defying her parents with her emo appearance. Dimitri is bright but doesn’t work hard and Walter has been Hallie’s best friend for years.
Gatland-Veness brings her background as a teacher to give an authentic feel to the teen characters and the angst of budding romances. I enjoyed reading about the ins and outs of producing a school musical. The suspense was built up gradually with many twists and turns as Walter starts to believe a member of the group is the killer. And the twist at the end will have readers going back to check if they have read the last paragraph properly!
Fans of murder mysteries like Eleanor Jones is not a murder by Amy Doak and books by Karen McManus are sure to enjoy What's Murder Between Friends.
Themes Murder, Drama, School productions, Friendship.
Pat Pledger
Shower land: Feel the freeze by Nat Amoore and James Hart
Shower land: Feel the Freeze, the second novel in the series by talented author Nat Amoore, continues to enchant and captivate young readers with its blend of humour, adventure and heart-warming moments. The book's cool and amusing black and white cartoon illustrations by James Hart add an extra layer of charm and excitement; a visual treat that complement the narrative perfectly.
The story picks up with Felix, who is once again in trouble thanks to his younger brother, Ollie. After avoiding showers for two weeks, Felix's poor hygiene leads to a very smelly situation and the insistence of a shower, despite Felix's secret fear of being teleported to another strange land. But, as Felix prepares himself by wearing a pair of speedos this time, his fears are well-founded and he finds himself whisked away to a freezing cold village where a local yeti is causing havoc by stealing children.
In this icy adventure, Felix must muster all his courage to face the yeti and rescue the kidnapped children. However, the mission is not as straightforward as it seems. Amoore weaves a plot that is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and Felix wonders if saving the children will be the only problem that needs fixing, for his return back home.
The plot is engaging and full of twists, keeping young readers on the edge of their seats. The easy-to-read font and well-organized layout make the book very 'reader friendly' along with the story's pacing, this is perfect for young readers; maintaining excitement and suspense throughout.
Amoore's storytelling is both humorous and endearing, teaching valuable lessons about bravery, social skills and family. With sarcasm, wit and frivolity, Amoore always knows how to keep her audience entertained; while adding in a few relatable home truths too. Shower land: Feel the Freeze is a fantastic addition to the series, and sure to be a hit with kids and parents alike. Its combination of adventure, humour and heart makes it a standout read that will leave young readers eagerly awaiting the next instalment in Felix's journey.
Themes Humour, Time travel, Mythical creatures, Friendship, Portals, Problem solving, Communication, Family.
The words ‘speed’ and ‘sloth’ are usually not seen together, but in this funny picture book, Spike is a sloth getting ready for the big race. The other sloths tell her that she cannot win. At the starting line, the rest of the competitors line up too. But Spike has been in the gym for the past seven days and has the right gear.
At the start of the race, the other runners look her over, trying hard not to snicker. When the starting whistle is blown, she bolts likes lightning, she sprints and sweats and looks just like a blur. But eagle eyes will notice that she is in the same position on each page, and they will realise what has happened when the snail passes her. Four pages show the other animals that have passed her as well. She is exhausted but is not going to give up. When she arrives at the finishing line the other sloths are very impressed that she finished so fast. She too is thrilled at competing, and is home in time for tea.
This is a very cute story about involvement, about wanting to be part of something, of not always aiming at winning. The sloth is not an animal known for hard work or speed so is an appropriate animal for this story, to show that being involved is far more important than winning. The animals are beautifully presented with their characters evoked through the looks on their faces. The line up of animals for the race is hilarious and children will get a big laugh recognising the animals, as well as predicting the rhyming word.
Fun to read and full of suggestions about your Book Week costume, Wild about Book Week is designed to enthuse and promote kids in their journey towards that special week which only comes around once a year. In this family, everyone is involved, each making suggestions as to what the children can wear for the Book Week parade, a favourite in all schools.
Rhyming stanzas are easy to emulate, and kids can predict the rhyming word, and cause ripples of laughter from the listeners. Each page offers a different view of a costume that is easy to make, encouraging the audience to make suggestions themselves, or to make additions to what is presented. Dad and Mum both help, Mum offering a rainbow unicorn, the child, a pirate ship. The girl suggests painting her oncie to be a dinosaur, while Dad designs a monster with one eye. Each of the costumes suggested are made from material found at home; cardboard, scraps of appear and material, paint and old clothes. The suggestions come thick and fast: a mermaid, a giant whale, an octopus, a fairy, and a bear. Nan offers her woolly coat so the girl can be a sheep. Dad suggests a robot made from several cardboard boxes, Grandpa offers a singing chicken, and Granny red shoes and a house. Suggestions keep up for the whole book, so the problem at the end of the day is how to reduce the suggestions to one good one. Lots of kids will have lots of ideas here, and join in the fun of making their own costume from what is handy. The whole family is involved and they all go the the Book Week parade in their favourite costume.
Lots of bright, breezy illustrations make up this happy book, full of text and images to help kids are up their minds.
Themes Book Week, Parades, Costumes, Family, Imagination.
Fran Knight
Mawson in Antarctica: To the ends of the earth by Joanna Grochowicz
Allen & Unwin, 2024. ISBN: 9781761180590. (Age:12+) Highly recommended.
Grochowicz, a polar historian, has written an engrossing tale of adventure and human perseverance during Mawson’s 1911-14 scientific expedition to map a section of the Antarctic. Combining her research on Mawson with the diaries and letters of a number of the expeditioners has enabled her to create conversations and daily situations that authentically flesh out the historically recorded facts. This results in feeling as if we are with the men as they establish the Cape Denison base, carry out scientific observations and set out in sledging teams to map the unexplored land and coast.
Her narrative includes graphic descriptions of the relentlessly fierce weather, the personalities and the bonds that developed between the men, and their daily routines, including perpetually frozen clothing, meals of seal and penguin and impossibly crowded living conditions. Embedded in the recounts of the men’s days is scientific information about the weather, geology, and animal life. Grochowicz’s account of this hostile and unfamiliar land comes alive as she describes ordinary men persevering in extraordinary situations.
A number of the chapters tell of Mawson’s previous expedition with Shackleton to the south magnetic pole, and these add to our understanding of Mawson’s tenacious character as a highly principled leader, in the fearsome Antarctic conditions. Also included is a list of the members of the expedition, which highlights just how young the majority were (only in their 20s), several maps, and a selection of Hurley’s photos showing the extreme conditions that they laboured in.
Highly recommended, with the warning that Grochowicz confronts head-on, the grim realities of Mawson’s physical deterioration, Ninnes’ and Mertz’s agonising deaths, and that the men were forced to slaughter and eat many of the dogs.
Grochowicz has also written three other narrative non-fictions, about Scott, Amundsen and Shackleton.
Themes Antarctic, Adventure, Mawson.
Margaret Crohn
Mackenzie Arnold: Caught in the middle by Mackenzie Arnold and Jess Black. Illus. by Hannah McCaffery
In the beginning chapter of the second book of the Mackenzie Arnold series, the group of friends are all playing soccer in the park. The temporary goal constructed in book one is standing up well to their game but does not quite trap Ryder’s runaway puppy Ronaldo. He is eventually picked up by a girl in a Messi jumper, whom Macca learns has newly arrived from Argentina and is called Sofia. Macca invites her to play soccer with her and her friends and they are all immediately impressed by Sofia’s skill. So much so that they ask her to join their team, the Seaport Strikers. Macca also tells Sofia about her new hearing devices and Sofia shares Spanish words with her new friends
When Sofia begins training with the Strikers, problems arise for Macca when Ryder becomes jealous of Sofia’s skill. Both Sofia and Ryder put Macca in a difficult position as she does not want to take sides. Macca decides to try to help them work it out but it ends in disappointment for all three children. Will they solve their issues so the team can become connected again?
In this story we are introduced to Macca’s older brother Sam, a rugby player, who helps to train Macca who now has the role of goalkeeper, in high-intensity exercises. We also hear from unfriendly Austin again. He is continually belittling Macca at school and this time has a bet she cannot restrict goals against the Seaport Strikers upcoming opponents.
Caught in the Middle, is another highly accessible and engrossing story in the Mackenzie Arnold series that gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about soccer, the skills needed, the different set up plays, and the soccer terminology used. It is also a story about family, friendship and learning to work through problems. The third book, The Big Leap, will be out in September 2024.
The meteoric rise to fame by the Australian women’s soccer team, the Matildas, has encouraged a whole new generation of young children to play soccer. The well-known goalkeeper of the team, Mackenzie Arnold a.k.a. Macca, features in a series of four books with a young Year 6 Macca as the main character. The first book in the series, Finders Keepers, introduces Macca and her friends and has some important lessons for Macca to learn.
Macca lives and breathes sport. She loves tennis, skateboarding, school sport lessons but her greatest love is soccer and being part of a team. Macca and her friends play for the Seaport Strikers and for Macca it is the best team ever. The next game is against the toughest team and all Macca wants to do is play her best. However, through a series of not so well thought out choices, including Ryder’s ball being taken away due to Macca’s goalkicking against a fence, Macca falling off her skateboard while riding barefoot, and to top it all off turning up late to training twice, Macca is benched for Saturday’s game. Is this the beginning of the end of Macca’s soccer career? At Saturday’s match, due to injuries to three players Macca has the opportunity to show her coach and teammates that she is a team player and can be relied upon. Called up to her first ever goal keeping duties, she remembers Mary’s tips and helps the team to hold their own.
This engaging and entertaining read will appeal to fans of sporting hero fiction. Macca is an appealing character, full of energy and goodwill but also someone who enjoys taking a risk. The second book in the series is called Caught in the Middle and has been released alongside the first book.
A funny look at a spider making his web in circumstances which see it destroyed time and time again. At first he weaves between a lawn mower, a red apple, a lazy dog and a bicycle. Each time a nice piece of lunch comes by, Spiro is excited that his hunger will be appeased. But something always happens. When a fly flies past, Spiro is happy, but Lucy takes her bike for a ride, breaking Spiro’s web. He tries again, rebuilding the web, looping it now to the lazy dog, a climbing cat, the apple and the lawnmower. He sees a moth but the lazy dog runs after the climbing cat, so the web is destroyed again.
Again he tries and tries, reading up on web building, and rebuilds his web, looping it between the lawnmower, the dog toy, the bird’s nest and the apple. The stink bug flies by, but this time a bird swoops down and takes the worm from the apple, pulling apart Spiro’s web once again.
Readers will love the repetition of the things Spiro uses to anchor his web, and have fun guessing what may happen next.
Inside the bird hollow in the tree, the chicks see the spider. Spiro is exhausted and wondering what to do next, when Gary starts up the lawn mower, scaring off the chicks and breaking the web. Spiro is relieved that he is not the birds’ food, and is happy when Gary turns the lights on in the garden. Now he has all the insects he could hope for to be trapped in his web.
This wonderfully funny story of perseverance and determination will be enjoyed by all readers as they watch Spiro keep trying again and again to build a new web to get his dinner.
The illustrations are just wonderful. It is amazing that illustrations can get over how a spider is feeling but these do. We feel the disappointment when something wrecks his web, watching his legs become more and more dejected as each effort is destroyed.
Readers will love watching Spiro and his efforts, predicting what the web will be fixed on and guessing what may happen on the next page. A wonderful laugh out loud book to be shared.
