Review Magazine June 2013

JUNE 2013

THE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL LIBRARY MAGAZINE

INSIDE: AN INTERVIEW WITH SCOTT MONK

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: Review is published by Christian School Suppliers, a family owned and operated Australian business. From our base in the beautiful Blue Mountains, we help schools all over the country by providing them with access to helpful information, detailed reviews and the latest fiction titles for their libraries.

We created The Christian School Library Standing Orders service in February 2011, after becoming aware of the difficulties faced by librarians who are trying to source good quality general market fiction that is also culturally appropriate for their school community. The service allows us to combine our passion for literature, writing and people with our love for God. As we discovered more about the needs, wants and levels of funding relevant to different schools, we made the decision to turn our book reviews into a fully fledged magazine (in both printed and e-format), with the first issue published in February 2012. Our goal was to help ensure we can effectively meet the needs of schools of varying sizes by providing more flexible options, while also ensuring our service is sustainable so we can help you for many years to come.

As a fairly new service, we are continually learning more about how we can help our members. As this happens, we continue to tweak and change. We appreciate your understanding as we go through this process, and welcome your comments, feedback and ideas!

You might also be interested to know that in addition to library titles, we source and supply a wide range of interesting and effective resources for use in the classroom, counselling room, or playground, as well as helping equip teachers and school leaders with Professional Development resources.

For more information please call 02 8985 9435 Disclaimer: The reviews contained in this magazine are based on each individual reviewer’s opinion only. While we do our best to pick up every potential concern, we cannot guarantee that to be the case. Should you purchase a book based on our reviews and then discover an issue of serious concern to you that was not included in our review, please contact us.

To access a PDF of this issue, please follow the instructions on page 8.

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EDITORIAL As we go to press, the Christian Schools Library Conference in Sydney is wrapping up. I really enjoyed talking about the many interesting titles on the CBCA shortlist in one of the conference sessions, and even more so the opportunity to talk to many of our members face to face. This is an annual event which takes a lot of hard work on the part of the committee, and they certainly deserve congratulations and thanks. If you didn’t get there this year why not make a point of putting it on the agenda for 2014?

In July we’ll be heading up to Brisbane for the Children’s and Young Adult Writers & Illustrators (CYA) Conference, where myself, Rochelle Manners of Wombat Books and our regular contributor Anne Hamilton will be panel presenters. The theme of our session is Bucking the Trend, and our aim is to help writers understand that they don’t need to write darker and darker books to gain an audience, and that many schools such as yours are looking for something that offers hope rather than despair.

Don’t forget that there won’t be the usual issue of Review or a normal standing order deliveries in July. However, there will be a delivery of faith-inspired fiction for High School for those who have opted to receive that service, plus a special supplement of the reviews.

We’ll see you back here in August. Enjoy the cold weather—after all, it provides a great opportunity to catch up on your reading (including Review magazine of course!)

ROWENA BERESFORD PS. As always, we’d love to hear from you.

If you have any comments on Review magazine or suggestions on what we could improve or include in future issues, please call us on 02 8985 9435 or email your feedback to this address: magazine@cslfiction.com.au Publisher: Christian School Suppliers PO Box 619 Springwood NSW 2777 Ph: 02 8985 9435 Fax: 02 8007 0510 Email: info@christianschoolsuppliers.com.au Designer: Kerry Stacey Production Works Ph: 03 9553 7100 Images: Stock photos used throughout this magazine are licensed from istockphoto.com

CONTENTS

BOOK REVIEWS (STANDING ORDERS TITLES) 10 THE BOY AND THE AIRPLANE Mark Pett 10 THE GREAT BIG BOOK OF FEELINGS Mary Hoffman 10 SCARLETT AND THE SCRATCHY MOON Chris McKimmie 10 START OF THE OCEAN Michelle Worthington 11 MARLO CAN FLY Rober Vescio 11 THE MAN WHOSE MOTHER WAS A PIRATE Margaret Mahy 11 LULU BELL1: THE FAIRY PENGUIN Belinda Murrell 11 LULU BELL 2: THE BIRTHDAY UNICORN Belinda Murrell 12 THE KNIGHTS OF NEUSTRIA: SECRET BREAKERS # 3 H.L. Dennis 12 HANK ZIPZER 7: PARENT-TEACHER TROUBLE Henry Winkler 13 THE CUPCAKE DIARIES # 11: EMMA, SMILE AND SAY 'CUPCAKE'!

Coco Simon 13 THE CUPCAKE DIARIES # 12: ALEXIS GETS FROSTED Coco Simon 14 THE TRUTH ABOUT TASH: THE SECRETS CLUB # 2 Chris Higgins 14 MONSTER ODYSSEY # 1: THE EYE OF NEPTUNE Jon Mayhew 15 JULIUS AND THE WATCHMAKER Tim Hehir 16 THE RIVER CHARM Belinda Murrell 17 CATTRA'S LEGACY Ana Mackenzie 18 THE APPRENTICES Malie Meloy

22 KEEPING THE CASTLE Patrice Kindl 22 SMART GIRLS GET WHAT THEY WANT Sarah Strohmeyer

30 ALCATRAZ VERSUS THE SCRIVENER'S BONES # 2 Brandon Sanderson

23 THE DROWNED CITIES Paolo Bacigalupi

30 ALCATRAZ VERSUS THE KNIGHTS OF CRYSTALLIA # 3 Brandon Sanderson

24 ICONS Margaret Stohl 25 REBOOT Amy Tintera

31 WHEN MY NAME WAS KEOKO Linda Sue Park

ALSO REVIEWED

31 SURVIVAL SQUAD # 4: WHITE WATER Jonathan Rock

26 BEA Christine Sharp

32 THE BOY WITH TWO HEADS Andy Mulligan

26 LITTLELAND Marion Billet

33 IN THE WINGS Elsbeth Edgar

26 SEADOG Clair Saxby

34 THE GIRL WHO FELL BENEATH FAIRYLAND AND LED THE REVELS THERE Catheryne Valente

26 IMAGINE Bart Vivian 27 WE HAVE LIFT OFF Sean Taylor 27 BALLET CAT Fiona Ross 27 TOO MANY CHEEKY DOGS Johanna Bell 27 STANLEY PASTE Aaron Blabley 28 LET THE CELEBRATIONS BEGIN! Margaret Wild 28 WHAT WAS THE WAR LIKE, GRANDMA? Rachel Tonkin 28 OUR STORIES: AUSTRALIAN FLAGS AND EMBLEMS Karen Tayleur

35 THE ZIGZAG EFFECT Lili Wilkinson 35 THE LETHAL TARGET: THE MALICHEA QUEST Jim Eldreidge 36 BRING BACK CERBERUS: THE DEBT # 3 Phillip Gwynne 37 THE FIFTH WAVE Rick Yancey 38 REJECTED TITLES ARTICLES & FEATURES 4 FEATURE ARTICLE: Interview with Scott Monk 6 THE iLIBRARIAN 7 NOTABLE DATES 8 SPECIAL OFFER: iPad Apps for Kids

19 DEAD BOYS' CLUB Geoffrey Malone

28 ONE DAY: AROUND THE WORLD IN 24 HOURS Suma Din

20 THE DISGRACE OF KITTY GREY Mary Hooper

29 HORSE MEETS GIRL # 1 Jessie Haas

33 UNDERSTANDING TRAFFIC LIGHTS

21 SHAHANA Rosanne Hawke

29 GIVE AND TAKE # 2 Jessie Haas

21 THE HEIR Lynne Stringer

29 THE ELEPHANT ROAD Nicola Davies

9 INTERESTING NEWS

40 FAQs ON ORDERING 41 USEFUL INFORMATION 42 INDEX OF REVIEWED BOOKS 43 UPCOMING REVIEWS Review Magazine: June 2013 | 3

Feature Interview

Creation and Moral Obligation Anne Hamilton talks to author Scott Monk about writing, inspiration & Red Samurais ...

It’s been almost six years now since your last book but, before I ask about your work–in–progress, tell us how you got into writing in the first place.

So, shortly after we were set this task, I went on a holiday to Sydney and it rained and rained. I’m stuck inside, so I decide to start on this story. I’ve got this Tom Cruise character going, a knight who charges into battle and chops up monsters. By the end of the day, I’ve got seven and a half pages.

It’s still raining the next day, so I write another seven and a half pages. The way I figure it, I can spend two months bludging in class, so I finish 22 pages the next day.

There was just one problem. It had a beginning but it didn’t really have a middle or an end. I really loved the engagement of writing so 22 pages became 40, then 80, then 160... FiMy mum read to me when I was a kid nally the day it was due I sat there and I just loved her storytelling. We trying to look like I was one of those lived in Dubbo and I was used to losers who had nothing to turn in. running around outside. Reading When my name was called, I got up started to take a back seat to sports and, tad da, plunked down 220 pages as I got older but the nail in its coffin on the teacher’s desk. was High School English. I started to really hate it. So many of the books ‘…knowing what I write can set for study were directed at girls and set in the US or England. There I change a person’s life… was—a thirteen year old guy—how that’s a huge responsibility.’ could I relate to these mannered feminine stories? I couldn’t. This was the late 80s, the era before the ‘next The teacher, who is now a Christian by the way, suggested it was good generation’ of Aussie writers apcott Monk describes himself enough to be sent to a publisher. The peared and our school had preas the former ‘poster boy’ for whole class was hanging out for the scribed texts from the 60s and 70s. reluctant male readers. In The mindset of authors at that time results and when it was rejected, they 2012 he won the ARPA Gold was to look overseas for inspiration. got really very negative about my Award for Excellence for Best Feature So I was totally turned off by English. ability. That motivated me and I by a Single Author for his article, Creative writing was along prescrip- wrote one manuscript every year and Breaking the spell—Voldemort and submitted it to a publisher until I got tive lines: we were encouraged to lightning published in Southern express ourselves through such en- accepted. Boyz ‘R’ Us was my breakCross newspaper (Anglican Diocese gaging topics as ‘The Colour Blue’ or through. of Sydney). The judges described it: ‘My Summer Holiday’ or my personal So, really it was one teacher and her A very accomplished feature on a favourite: ‘My Life as a Fly.’ belief in me that changed my life. topical subject, links between Harry Now I was a maths head. Numbers Potter and the occult. Written with One thing I have noticed about your confidence and balance, presenting were logical to me but English was- books that separates them from the contrasting views and drawing on a n’t. There was just nothing for an average YA novel is that, under an rich range of sources. Very engaging Aussie male teen to relate to in high angry porcupine type crust, your and stylish writing. That very engag- school texts of the time. Everything characters all have a heart of gold. ing and stylish writing carries across changed when one teacher came up The depth of innocence you portray to his YA novels, which include Raw, with a radical plan: for one lesson is quite remarkable.

The Crush and The Never Boys. Here each week we were to work on a Anne Hamilton gets another shot at story—topic: anything we liked—for I think my books explore the tension three months and produce a 20 page between being a boy and an adult. discovering what happened to the Teens aren’t as developed as adults ‘Red Samurai’ in Beyond the Knock– novella. in terms of emotional maturity.

Knock Door .

S

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Feature Interview When I was younger, I was an angry young man but I had no idea what I was raging against. I think there is some cynicism in the characters.

They struggle to be part of a pack but they’re not. And they face issues of individuality and identity as they are confronted by a fake world and various moral situations. I hadn’t actually thought of them as innocent but as flawed characters who are not as worldly as they think.

I think authors can fall into the trap of thinking that all kids are sex– crazed and drug–taking when many of them aren’t and don’t want to be.

The teens I talk to in schools are intelligent and creative and feel they just don’t fit the picture of themselves presented by many books.

This is a source of tension for lots of them. All right, you’ve convinced me: my characters do have a certain innocence to them.

But that’s the average teen to me. I think that’s what a lot of teens who really like my books are responding to. I remember this girl. I’ll call her ‘Maria’. She had tried to stab her father in the face and also to commit suicide. She was on a special intervention programme at a school I was visiting. A teacher told her there was an author visit but it was up to her whether she went or not. ‘You won’t have heard of Scott Monk,’ the teacher said. ‘He’s the author of Boyz ‘R’ Us and Raw and The Never Boys,’ Maria said. And when the teacher didn’t believe her, Maria started quoting whole passages. ‘I’ve read his books fifty or sixty times,’ she said. ‘They saved my life. They gave me hope when I had none.’

There’s a particular value in books.

You can think yourself into them.

You don’t get genuine emotional empathy with the internet or Home and Away & if that’s your steady mental diet, you’ve lost part of your soul.

Now I’m sorry to have to do this to you but I was at the Christian Schools Library Conference last year and I asked you about the fate of the Red Samurai in Beyond the Knock–Knock Door. I’m still waiting for an answer.

enough these days to be a bestselling author? That publishing houses won’t necessarily be looking for your next book even if your last has been a success?

These are very difficult transitional times for publishing houses and, as a Was that you? I realised afterwards I matter of fact for journalism, my curhadn’t answered the question. I had rent profession. Everyone is asking a huge plan for a seven–book series. themselves hard questions about It would involve the heroes going to the future and no one is entirely sure seven planets. They were supposed what traditional careers in writing to go back to the Knock–Knock Door are going to look like at the end of at the end of the first book and stuff the digital revolution. I’m studying it up and find themselves in a steam- part–time for a degree in primary punk world in the second novel and teaching at Macquarie University. a desert world like the Grand Canyon Have you got a work–in–progress? in the third.

I was gutted by the editor’s sugges… authors can fall into the tion of changing the original ending of Knock–Knock Door. I was very trap of thinking that all kids passionate about the series and havare sex-crazed and druging to put it aside has been hard. taking when many of them Working with an editor has always my Christianity has played aren’t and don’t want to be. meant out in my writing. From the very first moment with my first publisher, there was a clash of cultures. They I really dislike the present ending. I wanted a scene with masturbation think it undermines the theme of but that was a path I didn’t want to compassion in the rest of the book. go down. I drew a line in the sand What happened? very early on and that made it easier Scott: Well, the editor said to me that for me but I’ve still had to resist the everyone these days is trying to sell a constant call to include swearing and blasphemy. This is a question all series. But if the series doesn’t do writers should face about their own well commercially, then low sales creation: what are my moral obliga‘decrease the value of the writer’. tions to the reader?

Even before the consolidation of Penguin and Random House, it was- I think of Maria, knowing what I write n’t good enough to be a great Aussie can change a person’s life, and that’s writer, you had to be a great interna- a huge responsibility. Christians who tional writer. These days publishers are writing don’t need to add more are looking for the ‘hyper–author’: of what the world already knows to the next JK Rowling or Stephenie the world’s books. Atheism offers Meyer or Suzanne Collins. They’re nothing. Emphatically nothing. We looking for big names. New authors have something more and we are finding it hard to get a go, since should offer it. I had put novel– the chances are they may sell only writing to one side but this interview 5000 copies. is seriously challenging that.

But that’s a bestseller here! And Thanks for your time, Scott. Now, Knock–Knock Door sold far more about the Red Samurai… than that. Are you saying that’s not

For more information on books by Scott Monk, please turn the page.

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 5

The iLibrarian

Powering Literacy & Learning As we look back on the NAPLAN tests we might reflect on the increase in sales of NAPLAN preparation text books. I am impressed with the ‘letter to the editor’ of a colleague. She suggested that if parents instead bought a good story book for their child to read and enjoy with them, real learning and bonding would occur. iPad APP: Demographix School Writing This is the most impressive real literacy learning iPad app I have seen.

Combining pre-writing, knowledge of words, spelling, word shapes, reading, audio recording and colour coding, the app comes complete with Dolch Word list activities.

and engaging activities. I believe they’d be well grounded in strong foundational literacy skills.

WEB: The National Digital Learning Resources Network www.ndlrn.edu.au Previously know as The Learning Federation and financed by the Australian and New Zealand governments, this website is a huge collection of digital learning resources.

For many years, the prototypes have been tested and approved by teachers working with school groups, to ensure they have a strong pedagogy embedded, including higher order thinking.

This vast collection of Learning Objects and Digital Resources is availIt uses the NSW Foundation font and able through your specific school is suitable for a variety of primary depository or Scootle. It includes learning needs and levels.

Interactive Resources, Assessment Background support includes videos Objects and teacher ideas. on preparing whiteboard lessons Some outstanding objects include and the how-to of setting up a class- Dream Machine, Basketball Clinic, room of iPads with your customised Decimaster and Dragon’s Garden. content. Shapes and letters may be The Analyser Tool tests software and traced in selected colours and stuhardware and displays essential prodents using a rubber tipped stylus grams that may need to be installed will gain experience in hand- eye or updated. coordination.

With access to this valuable higher If only every student had opportuorder thinking collection, Australian nity to work through these varied

schools are well equipped with real digital learning opportunities.

WEB: Mrs B’s Interactive Literacy http://tinyurl.com/pxfr6my Each year, Teacher Librarian extraordinaire Irene Buckler, prepares an amazing collection of engaging online activities for all titles in the CBCA Awards Short Lists, with the exception of the Older Readers category.

There are cloze passages, jigsaws, vocabulary tests, colouring/drawing activities, crosswords, free first chapters, printable activity sheets, links to related sites, and links to teaching notes.

With Book Week not too far off, it is well worth looking at Mrs B’s site to see which of the activities you can utilize.

Di Johnston’s background includes a short term exchange to Denmark working in a school library, Past Member of Nepean Blue Mountains CBCA, organizer of Literary Lunch for local schools, Relieving Editor, writer & reviewer for NSW DET SCAN magazine, participant in Aust. Govt. Summer School, recipient NSWDET Excellence in ICT 2007; INTEL Teach Master Trainer, conference junkie & presenter. She holds a Grad Dip in Teacher Librarianship from CSU.

Search ‘Scott Monk’ at www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au for details. Orders can be placed using the form in this issue of Review.

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Notable Dates 2013 1 August, 2013 175 years of freedom in the British Empire For over 300 years, European countries forced Africans onto slave ships and transported them across the Atlantic Ocean. On this date in 1838, enslaved men, women and children in the British Empire finally became free . This followed a period of forced apprenticeship since the passing of the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. Many of those who had worked tirelessly for the cause, including William Wilberforce, (who died the year the Act was passed) were motivated by their faith in God and his love for all mankind. http://tinyurl.com/ohsmtmz

The House of Commons in William Wilberforce’s Day (by A. Pugin & T.Rowlandson)

4 June, 2013

16 June, 2013

75 years since the escape of Sigmund Freud

50th Anniversary First woman in space

Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud moved to Britain to escape Nazi persecution in the holocaust. His books were prominent among those the Nazis burned and destroyed. http://tinyurl.com/ovrlyox

In 1963, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s 3 day mission made her the first woman in space. The next women was also Soviet. By 2012, female astronauts worldwide totalled 56. http://tinyurl.com/cfcy8tz

29 June, 2013 Globe Theatre fire 400 years

29 June - 21 July, 2013 Tour de France 100th year

The original Globe Theatre, built and owned by Shakespeare, was totally destroyed by fire on this date in 1613. It was quickly rebuilt but demolished just 31 years later after falling into disuse.

Running from Saturday June 29th to Sunday July 21th 2013, the 100th Tour de France will be made up of 21 stages and will cover a total distance of 3,479 kilometres (before ratification).

http://tinyurl.com/n47dhq6

http://tinyurl.com/d23t9te

1 July, 2013

14 July, 2013

35 years of NT Government

60 years of the mass produced computer

On this date in In 1978 self-government was conferred on the Northern Territory by an Act of the Commonwealth Parliament, who had been responsible for its administration since 1910. http://tinyurl.com/qx4bokb

On this date in 1953, IBM announced the IBM 650, the world’s first mass produced computer. It dominated the computer market until the early 1960s. http://tinyurl.com/crptbsa

22 July, 2013 80th anniversary of the first solo flight around the world.

American aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight in 1933. He later shattered his around-the-world record with a time of just over seven days. http://tinyurl.com/o5wns2e

30 July, 2013 Birth of Henry Ford 150 years This American industrialist, car manufacturer, inventor and founder of the Ford Motor Company, revolutionized factory production by introducing assembly lines. He also brought motorized transportation to the masses. http://www.henryford150.com/

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 7

Special Offer

iPad Apps for Kids: The iLibrarian Review Author: J. Gudmundsen ISBN: 9781118433072 Published: 22 Dec 2012 Publisher: Wiley & Sons Enriching young lives with new & amazing technology and providing assistance in finding great apps for children is the major purpose of this useful resource.

It is also important to be aware of stereotyping or offensive bias.

Kindergarten As a result one of this guide’s helpful • Bob Books #1: Reading Magic HD $4.49, Learning Touch icons is a warning that the apps may have sections that are not child • Memory Train $1.99, Piikea St friendly or that link to adds, social Art media, or social gambling connec• Draw and Tell $1.99, Duck Duck tions.

Moose

Save 20% Offer ends 31st July

Other benefits include enabling kids to have fun while they learn; making full use of iPad technology and get- Gudmundsen also recommends setting value for money. ting up a password lock and restrictions such as download content, Points the author raises include: ability to delete apps, social music Appropriateness as an important network, Facebook, YouTube, locaaspect of app selection. You need to tion tracking and camera use. delve into what the app is trying to There is helpful discussion on free teach. There may be violence, bad language and other underlying mes- versus paid apps. Some free apps are only fun if users buy things inside sages that are unhelpful or unsuitthe game. The book includes 27 able. chapters in total.

Questions to ask: While this book is primarily geared Do we want to expose children to towards parents, there is valuable advertisements when they are playand important content that is releing? vant for educators as well.

Do we want users to be enticed to Here is a selection of just some of the spend money while playing? great apps featured in this book:

• Faces iMake: Right Brain Creativity $5.49, iMagine machine Book Apps for Younger Kids • Auryn HD : Teddy's Day $4.99, Auryn • Miss Spider's Tea Party Free, Callaway Digital Arts Inc Creativity, Storytelling and Journaling • iDiary for Kids: Journaling platform for writing & drawing $1.99 US, Tipitap • Toontastic: Play, Create, Learn!

Free, Launchpad Toys All apps listed in the book come with a suggested age range and one page review. There are a few apps listed which aren’t available in Australia, but there is still plenty of worthwhile content, making this a highly recommended accompaniment for every iPad user who wants to make the most of their app experiences. You can order iPad Apps for Kids via the form in this issue of Review.

Need a PDF version of this magazine?

1. Go to www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au 2. At the top left of your screen, select ‘Sign In’ 3. Enter the email address you used to join our service, and use your member number as your password (eg. MN-****).

4. In the categories on the left of your screen you will see an option appear called ‘Review Magazine’ - you can download the magazine from here.

Please note: PDFs are not available to E-Members.

8 | Review Magazine: June 2013

Interesting News

Masterclass with Michael Morpurgo

KOALA: Kids Own Australian Literature Awards

Esteemed author, Michael Morpurgo was featured in a recent Masterclass TV interview with Michael Parkinson.

Have you heard of KOALA? It represents the Children’s Choice Awards.

He is the author of War Horse, which was recently converted to a live show, and many popular childrens’ books.

Members nominations for this year are in, so there is a new KOALA shortlist which makes now a great time to join. Membership is $20 which gives your students the chance to make their votes count.

There are some great ideas of how to enthuse your students about Australian literature on the fantastic new website at http:// www.koalansw.org.au.

Students in the audience asked him about his writing experiences.

He stated that when he writes he tries to forget that he’s writing altogether. He has the story in his head, but not in detail. The background and the geography are there. He knows the people and their families for he will have researched them and knows their concerns.

There is the merging of notions and ideas and it is a muddle which unravels on the page. He tries to let the story almost tell itself.

He doesn’t bother with punctuation, but checks the spelling later.

He just tells the story in the moment of inspiration.

The next day he reads it through improving, improving, improving. He reads it out loud. It has to sound as wonderful as you can make it and then the grammar is corrected.

Much of Michael’s inspiration in writing comes from the favourite author of his childhood, Robert Louis Stevenson, writer of Treasure Island. It was a great thrill to watch and hear him and his stimulating ideas on Masterclass. His methods provide some great ideas to use with students as creative writing activities.

Deb Abela wins the Maurice Saxby Award Deb Abela was recently awarded the Maurice Saxby Award for Services to Children’s Literature. She is the author of the popular series Max Remy Superspy and Jasper Zammit (Soccer Legend), as well as standalone books Grimsdon and The Remarkable Secret of Aurelie Bonhoffer.

The award ‘honours an individual, team or organization that has displayed excellence and passion in promoting reading and/or writing for young people in NSW’.

As well as being a talented writer, Deb’s school visits are both inspiring and amusing, and she gives great tips to budding writers about her techniques.

She has a particular interest in inventions such as in Dr Seuss’ The Lorax, and loves including these in her writing.

Students will be helped to know that Deb’s writing style is about causing trouble for the characters. As she writes, she delves into who the characters really are and collects photos for her inspiration for scenes. After many more drafts and proof reading she checks and double checks also ensuring that during the story the characters have changed physically & emotionally.

These and other tips on writing and her collection of written work, videos and book trailers can be found at deborahabela.com

Have a look and discuss it with your colleagues and library monitors. You can then download whatever you need to, including the free poster. You can also use KOALA to support your participation in the Premier's Reading Challenge, as when they release their shortlist they will identify which titles appear on the PRC list too.

KOALA is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers (teacher/ librarians, public librarians, teachers, publishers and other supporters of children’s literature).

Why not get your school inspired and take part in the voting in 2013?

You can view the 2013 shortlist here: http:// www.koalansw.org.au./storage/shortlist_2013.pdf

What traits do Librarians share with entrepreneurs?

Karen Bonano is the Executive Officer for the Australian School Library Association (ASLA) and is a key player in frontline advocacy for librarians at the national level.

Her keynote at the recent MANTLE conference reflected the theme: Through the Looking Glass: Dare to be Different.

She suggested this as the mission of library staff (from R. David Lankes, The atlas of new librarianship: companion site):

The mission of librarians is to improve society through facilitating knowledge creation in their communities.

Ms Bonano also examined 5 significant quotable quotes by global entrepreneurs who have made a difference to the way we work, live and play, and connected those with the leadership capacity of teacher librarians, especially related to the National Professional Standards for Teachers.

She challenged delegates with many words of advice, including: * Take the lead....be part of the education reform. * In the new curriculum all will teach inquiry learning so how will we stand out in facilitating knowledge creation?

You can learn more from her keynote address by viewing the powerpoint here: http://tinyurl.com/mk8kqez

Come across an interesting article lately? Share it with your fellow members at the forum: www.christianschoolsforum.com Review Magazine: June 2013 | 9

Standing Orders Titles The Boy and the Airplane Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Mark Pett 9781442451230 1 April 2013 Simon & Schuster

The Great Big Book of Feelings Author: Mary Hoffman ISBN: 9781847802811 Published: 1 June 2013 Publisher: Walker Books

Publisher’s Description: When a little boy’s prized toy airplane lands on a rooftop, he makes several rescue attempts before devising an unexpected solution. Rendered in sepia tones and exemplifying a touching message, this wordless story is gracefully open to interpretation, containing a seed of wisdom for every reader.

CSL Review: Only an accomplished storyteller and illustrator can pull off creating a wordless picture book with a storyline that both moves and causes the reader to think a little. Mark Pett has achieved both in this remarkably simple, but endearing picture book replete with sound Biblical principles. In a nutshell, a puzzled boy is given a toy plane by a stranger; he enjoys playing with it, but eventually throws it too hard and it lands on his roof. Trying everything to retrieve it, he finally hits on the idea of planting a tree seed beside the house, so he’ll eventually be able to climb the tree and reach the plane. Decades pass and he’s an old man before the tree is big enough to climb. Retrieving the toy he once again starts playing with it, but realization dawns and he parcels the plane up and hands it to another puzzled child. And so, presumably and hopefully, the story continues.

I just loved the overall feel of this book, the drawings were so descriptive - the joy of giving, the surprise of receiving, patience and growing old. The images of the boy ageing, growing old as he waits in the snow for the tree to grow, are so evocative. A book you could fall in love with.

Age: 4+

Publisher’s Description: The book opens with the question: "How are you feeling today?" And this leads on to a spread by spread presentation of a wide range of feelings, including: *Happy * Sad * Excited * Bored * Interested * Angry * Upset * Calm * Silly * Lonely * Scared * Safe *Embarrassed * Shy * Confident * Worried * Jealous * Satisfied The final spread is about Feeling Better because sharing and talking about feelings helps us to feel better.

CSL Review: Covering a multitude of everyday feelings from happiness to sadness, jealousy to loneliness and more, this picture book would be very useful in the classroom as a way for children to identify how they are feeling and why. Quite simply written and drawn, it nevertheless offers a good insight into each feeling, and offers valuable solutions or poses questions for the reader to find their own answers. Each section is quite detailed and spread over one or two pages, with opposite emotions on facing pages, eg. upset and calm.

All in all, a well considered, composed and useful book for developing emotional intelligence.

Age: 6+

Scarlett and the Scratchy Moon Author: Chris McKimmie ISBN: 9781743315156 Published: 1 June 2013 Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publisher’s Description: I can't sleep. The moon is moving again. It's so quiet outside ever since Holly and Sparky died.

Chris McKimmie's words and pictures gently and honestly evoke the experience of loss and new life.

CSL Review: The loss of a pet is often a child’s first experience of death. Chris McKimmie, in his own inimitable way, has captured that sense of grief and loss and the journey that ensues. Scarlett travels from sleepless, distraction filled nights, and days when there are “clouds in her eyes” through to the joyful day when there are new pets to love.

Another evocative and thought-provoking book from this popular author and one that’s bound to feature on next year’s CBCA shortlist.

Both insightful and confronting it would be a great tool for building comprehension skills, particularly ‘making inferences’ and ‘making connections’. Age: 6+

10 | Review Magazine: June 2013

Start of the Ocean Author: Michelle Worthington ISBN: 9780987416018 Published: 1 March 2013 Publisher: Other Publisher’s Description: Have you ever felt small when you stand at the start of the wide, blue ocean? Waves slosh, children splash and grown ups walk in a line to nowhere and back again. But if you take the time to look high, look low and look underneath, you never know what you will find.

CSL Review: I like the image that the title evokes in this gentle and appealing picture book. After all, why use ‘beach’ or ‘seaside’ when ‘start of the ocean’ opens up so many more possibilities and mental images? From the author of Yellow Dress Day, which is in the Chrichton Short List for New Illustrators in the 2013 CBCA Awards, this book is an exploration of a day out at the beach for a young girl.

Covering the usual seaside activities, it is however a cut above the common picture books on this theme. This is due to the lovely lyrical style of the writing, accompanied by evocative illustrations. My favourite line: The day is done, another memory spun. Charming.

Age: 4+

Marlo Can Fly Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Robert Vescio 9781921632419 1 June 2013 Wombat Books

The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate Margaret Mahy 9781444009255 4 April 2013 Hachette

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Publisher’s Description: Just because you can, doesn’t mean you need to or should! Everyone expects Marlo to fly, but she would rather slither like a snake, hop like a kangaroo and swim like a crocodile. But when someone needs her help can she rise to the challenge? A fun children’s book, featuring Australian animals, that encourages children to explore and find their place in the world.

life - but his mother used to be a pirate! One day at breakfast, they decide to go to sea and an amazing adventure begins. A brand new Early Reader edition of this hilarious story.

CSL Review: Marlo reminds me of a petulant teenager – just be-

CSL Review: A fun early reader chapter book that should have

cause she can do it, doesn’t mean she’s going to. Here Marlo prefers not to fly like a bird, because she’s ‘different’, “I don’t have to fly to be me” in reality though she’s scared to try. Instead she wanders through the forest copying the other animals to see what fits her best; obviously not crawling like a koala or slithering like a snake nor hopping like a kangaroo. Eventually she does have to fly though and isn’t everyone pleased that she does, including her! “After all, everyone knows birds should fly!”

widespread appeal, after all who doesn’t like pirates?

A charming look at growing up and overcoming obstacles, which stop us from becoming who we really are. Marlo has to step out of her comfort zone in order to help someone else, and their need provides the incentive for her to fly. Once she’s experienced it there is no looking back!

Publisher’s Description: Sam has an ordinary

Sam’s mother used to be a pirate and longs to return to the sea. Sam is hesitant though, having never been there. After seeking leave from his employer they embark for the sea, Sam pushing his mother in a wheelbarrow (they don’t own a car). After an eventful journey they finally arrive and Sam is as mesmerized and giddy with excitement as his mum. Spying the happy duo, a salty sea captain offers them positions on his ship, which they jump at, never to return.

This is a very enjoyable, fun read with some lovely poetic prose and some equally deep moments, not what you’d usually expect for this age group, but it is by Margaret Mahy!

Age: 6+

Age: 5+

LuLu Bell and the Fairy Penguin Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

LuLu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn

Belinda Murrell 9781742758770 3 June 2013 Random House

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Publisher’s Description: It's a hot day and

Belinda Murrell 9781742758756 3 June 2013 Random House

Publisher’s Description: It's almost time for

the Bell family is going for a swim. But when a runaway dog chases a little penguin that is waddling up the beach, Lulu has to leap into action! Is the little penguin hurt? And as if that's not enough for Lulu to worry about, where is Pickles the cat, who's about to have her kittens? Let the search begin!

Lulu's little sister's birthday party. But there's a problem! A pony is running loose and Lulu and her dad, the local vet, have to rescue it. Can they find the pony? And what will happen if the naughty pony gets into more mischief at the party? It's lucky that Lulu has a plan!

CSL Review: This first book in this new Australian series for early

mermaid cake for Lulu’s little sister’s birthday party. But you never quite know what is going to happen when your dad is a vet – and when you have a little brother like Gus! When dad is called out to rescue a pony that is loose on a busy road, Lulu and best friend Molly go with him. They take the pony home and put him in the yard, certain he’ll be a hit at Rosie’s birthday party while they are waiting to find his owner.

readers introduces us to Lulu Bell and her family who live in a rambling house behind Shelly Beach Veterinary Clinic in Sydney. Her father is the vet there, and her mother is an artist. Little brother Gus is cute, high energy, frequently up to mischief and loves dressing up as ‘Bug Boy’.

While on a beach picnic with best friend Molly, her mum and younger brother Sam, Lulu rescues a fairy penguin being treated like a toy by a rambunctious dog. The penguin is in shock but thankfully dad knows what to do and is able to treat the penguin and quickly release it so it can return to its family. When their teacher Miss Baxter announces that their class has been asked to do a mural on the fence of a new building site, Lulu is very excited when her design (incorporating the local fairy penguins and warning of the dangers they face) is chosen. An enjoyable and educational read.

Themes: vets, cats/kittens, penguins, the importance of dog training, community life, mural painting, understanding client briefs in business, family, school, friendship Age: 6-9

CSL Review: Lulu’s mum has been working hard on an amazing

But when they hear strange noises in the kitchen, they discover the pony eating the beautiful mermaid cake! Thankfully Lulu is both helpful and creative, and she comes up with a great solution for the cake – and a costume for the pony – it is a fancy dress party after all, and what 6-year-old girl could resist her own birthday unicorn?! A sweet read that portrays a positive and loving family life which is nice to see.

Themes: birthday parties, problem solving, creativity, fancy dress, family, animal rescue Age: 6-9

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 11

The Knights of Neustria: Secret Breakers # 3 Author: H.L. Dennis ISBN: 9780340999639 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Hachette

Publisher’s description Team Veritas are back at Bletchley Park where a secret message hidden in a Shakespeare Portfolio pulls them into a new code-cracking adventure. Their investigations lead them to the writings of Sir Francis Bacon. Soon, they uncover the history of the Knights of Neustria, a brotherhood that goes back to the time of King Arthur charged with protecting a legendary secret. But are they any closer to their goal - to unravel the secret behind the ancient coded Voynich Manuscript? The stakes are getting higher as our young trio chase their quest from Cambridge to a terrifying struggle along the currents of the surging River Wye. Only one step behind them is the secret organisation who will stop at nothing to block them from discovering the truth ...

Hank Zipzer 7: Parent-Teacher Trouble Author: Henry Winkler ISBN: 9781406344677 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Walker Books

Publisher’s description This is the seventh book in the New York Times bestselling series about the hilarious adventures of a cheeky, loveable hero. Faked letters, forged signatures...and lies. Hank will stop at nothing to prevent his mum and dad going to parents' evening. Sometimes, though, help comes from the oddest of places, and a rock concert teaches Hank that being good at school isn't the only way to make your parents proud.

The Christian School Library Review In books 1 & 2 Brodie, Hunter and Tusia were recruited to work with Smithie, Friedman and others to try and decipher the mystery of the Voynich Manuscript (also known as MS408), the coded manuscript which has puzzled adults for centuries. In this third book in the series, the search continues, while unbeknownst to them Friedman has been locked away by Level 5, who will do almost anything to stop them cracking the code. But with a setting like Bletchley Park, which was the home to the Government Code & Cypher School (GC&CS) during World War II, and the mystery of Brodie’s mother still to be solved, there is no way they are going to give up the hunt.

It will take all their ingenuity, intelligence, courage and code-cracking skills to try and discover the secrets of MS408 that have been hidden for centuries. Can they uncover the truth about the Knights of Neustria? And how were Sir Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare and Samuel Coleridge involved? If you uncovered these secrets, would you tell the world?

Another great read in the Secret Breakers series (to read the reviews for the previous titles search for ‘secret breakers’ at www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au). As in The Power of Three and Orphan of the Flames, intriguing true stories about codes, cyphers and historical characters are included in the back. The story of Colonel George Fabyan is well worth a read (p335).

Major themes: codes, ciphers, secrets, symbology, Arthurian legends, Bedivere, Bletchley Park, courage, friendship, loss, determination, problem solving, Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book .

Recommended age:

9-13

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4/5

Literary value rating:

3.5/5

The Christian School Library Review When Hank discovers that parent-teacher day is coming up, and that the discussion between his not very sympathetic teacher Ms Adolf and his parents will determine if he is going to continue into the fifth grade or be held back, he is completely freaked out. After all, with his learning difficulties, he is not exactly doing very well in class, something that class bully Nick McKelty is quick to point out.

Hank makes a bad decision to look at Ms Adolf’s register, and next to his name is the word ‘redo’. From that moment on it is all he can think about – every minute of every day. He’s sure they are going to make him repeat the year, so in true Hank Zipzer problem-solving fashion, he determines to find a way to keep his parents away from Ms Adolf. When he hears about a radio competition with a prize trip away to see the band Stone Cold Rock, which just happens to coincide with parent-teacher day, he is determined to win.

Needless to say, his plans don’t quite go as intended! Along the way, Hank learns that those who sneak around often get the wrong end of the stick – and that if you don’t want the truly horrifying sight of your dad in a skin tight pair of leather pants, you should definitely not send him to a rock concert! Another enjoyable read in the New York Times bestselling Hank Zipzer series, written by Henry Winkler (aka the Fonz from Happy Days) who is dyslexic so has great insight into what it is like for kids with learning difficulties. If you haven’t already got the previous titles, you can read the reviews by searching for ‘hank zipzer’ on www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au Major themes: learning difficulties, dyslexia, humour, determination, family, friends, bullying, trust Please be aware: there are no concerns with this book

12 | Review Magazine: June 2013

Recommended age:

7-13

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4/5

Literary value rating:

3/5

The Cupcake Diaries # 11: Emma, Smile and Say 'Cupcake'!

Author: Coco Simon ISBN: 9781471116360 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publisher’s description Emma finds out that The Special Day wedding salon is running an ad in the local newspaper, and they want Emma to model in the advertisement. When a local department store also wants to use Emma as a model, she's suddenly very much in demand! But after running all over New York City for auditions (and being told over and over she "just isn't right") Emma realizes being a model is a lot tougher than she thought. Does Emma really want to be America's next top model or is being a part of the Cupcake Club sweet enough?

The Christian School Library Review Emma has been doing a little modeling at the local bridal shop, but when the opportunity comes up for her to be in a newspaper ad, her parents are not very keen.

They want to make sure her self- image is not dependent on her appearance.

While they eventually agree, there are conditions.

But none of them have any idea just what a buzz that ad is going to create. Suddenly Emma is getting recognized, and both the money and the attention from everyone (not just the boys who now think she’s ‘hot’), are very attractive to her.

Opportunities just keep opening up, and with the careful supervision of her parents, she starts to test the waters of the modeling world. At the same time, the girls are working on some marketing for their business, the Cupcake Club, and discovering that both food and people get styled to within an inch of their lives in order to make all those fantastic photographs. Then there’s the people who try to trade on your fame – like Olivia – who suddenly turns from mean girl to ‘besty’ in her desire to trade on Emma’s success. Emma will discover that people and photographs can often be fake, and that modeling – while it has some advantages – can also be a very lonely road to travel.

A great read that provides some good insights into the reality of the modeling world without being heavy handed. Good emphasis on positive self-image, age appropriate dress, makeup and behavior and the risks of exploitation in an adult world. There are also some great business lessons, particularly around marketing – the business component being one of the main reasons we really like this series.

Major themes: fashion, modeling, marketing, food styling, friendship, family, fake friends versus real ones, self-image, responsible parenting versus stage parenting Please be aware: 1. ‘OMG’ x 4 (abbreviation only).

# 12: Alexis Gets Frosted Author: Coco Simon ISBN: 9781471116384 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publisher’s description Everyone in the Cupcake Club was thrilled when mean girl Sydney moved away, but the new girl, Olivia, is even worse than Sydney was! Every time she passes Alexis in the hallway, she says something nasty to her. And if that wasn’t bad enough, she also has all the girls in the Best Friends Club making jokes about Alexis! Alexis has no idea why this is happening...until she remembers an offhand remark she made to a friend about Olivia. It wasn’t meant to be mean, but did Olivia take it the wrong way?

If Alexis is willing to shoulder some blame, will Olivia call off the teasing campaign?

Recommended age:

10+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4/5

Literary value rating:

3/5

The Christian School Library Review When the girls return to school after the Christmas holidays, Alexis can’t understand why Olivia has started hassling her. Her constant sniping is making Alexis really doubt herself.

Meanwhile the Cupcake girls are working on plans for her mum’s birthday cupcakes, which are to be a surprise. In order to work out what she would really like, Alexis needs to know more about her mother as a person and her dreams as a child – something she has never thought of before. The unfolding story of her mother’s life is neatly handled, showing the transition from just seeing mum as ‘mum’, to seeing her as a person in her own right. Knowing what her life has been like helps to take their relationship to another level.

When Alexis discovers that is was her offhand remarks about Olivia (that she’d since forgotten but that had been overheard) that started the trouble to begin with, her mum gives her some great advice on the importance of apologizing and of choosing the kind of person you want to be.

A good read with some good lessons about being careful what you say about people, taking responsibility for what you say and for your part in problems, and being healthily assertive.

Major themes: bullying, gossiping/mean girls, mother-daughter relationships, understanding others, apologising/taking responsibility, business, market research, family, friendship Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book.

Recommended age:

10+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4/5

Literary value rating:

3/5

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 13

The Truth About Tash: The Secrets Club # 2 Author: Chris Higgins ISBN: 9780141335230 Published: 22 May 2013 Publisher: Penguin

Publisher’s description Tash, Alice, Lissa and Dani are firm friends. They've pledged not to keep secrets from each other. Tash wants to tell her friends the truth - she really does. It would explain why she's struggling to be in the right place at the right time. But she's promised someone very important that she won't . . .

The Christian School Library Review The ‘Gang of Four’ (Tash, Alice, Lissa and Dani) may not have known each other for long, but these Year 7 students have become very close since meeting at Riverside Academy for Girls.

Tasha is Jamaican, and lives with her mum and little brothers in a housing estate. Her father left them when her brother was born. It is often hard for her to go out after school, because she has a lot of responsibility at home. Her mum works three jobs, and Tasha is needed to help care for her little brothers. Not knowing about her home life, her friends often find that hard to understand and wonder why she won’t come over. Tasha finally promises to meet Alice one afternoon after school, but when she gets home her mum is bleeding, having split her head open walking into a door. She has to go to hospital, and terrified that the kids will be taken from her and put into foster care (the way she was), Tasha’s mum makes her promise she won’t tell anyone that they are home alone. This affects her school commitments and they think she isn’t dependable – the exact opposite of the truth.

A few days later Mum gets home from hospital, but all is still not well. She keeps falling and a few horrible girls at school (nicknamed the ‘Barbies’), see her at the shopping centre and then tell everyone her mother was drunk. When she goes to the doctor, he doesn’t listen to her at all and stereotypes them straight away and responds accordingly. Tasha has never felt ashamed of her family or her home, but now she starts to see it through other people’s eyes, and all she can see is everything it isn’t.

Determined to show that nothing is wrong, her mum has a birthday party with Tasha and her friends which goes off really well – until she falls over. Thankfully Dani’s mum is there to pick her up and she also happens to be a nurse. She doesn’t just step in and help right then, but befriends Tasha’s mum and really builds a support network around them. It’s a support network they are going to need – especially when mum is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. A very well written and insightful book which (despite the subject matter) is ultimately positive and hopeful and a good treaty on the importance of community, honesty and friendship. It is the second book in the series – the first one focused on Alice. To read that review, please go to www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au and search for ‘secrets club’.

Major themes: school, responsibilities, single parent families, financial pressure, serious illness, secrets, honesty, community, friendship, support, stereotyping, multiple sclerosis Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book. The content is totally age appropriate.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

10-13 4/5

NO 3/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

The Eye of Neptune The Christian School Library Review Author: Jon Mayhew ISBN: 9781408826300 Published: 9 May 2013 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description Prince Dakkar, son of an Indian rajah, has issues with authority. Expelled from the world's finest schools, he is sent to an unconventional educator, Count Oginski. Dakkar plans his escape immediately. But something about the Count intrigues him, including a topsecret project which he shares with Dakkar - a submarine. But others are interested in the Count's invention and what it might achieve & when masked men kidnap the Count, leaving Dakkar for dead, he doesn't know who’s responsible. It could have been British Intelligence, or perhaps a sinister figure known only as Cryptos. Either way, Dakkar is determined to rescue the Count [despite the many dangers] … with a bit of help from a girl.

14 | Review Magazine: June 2013

This is an action filled science fiction adventure set in the early 1899s. It is supposed to be an episode from the boyhood of Captain Nemo of the Nautilus providing information on the people and events which formed Jules Verne’s hero.

The young Nemo, Prince Dakkar is the son of the Rajar of Bundelkhand , a cruel man feared by his people who wants his son to learn to rule in a similar manner. Dakkar is sent to a school in England to learn to hate the English. He runs away from several schools.

Meanwhile, six brothers have banded themselves together for purposes of world domination after losing their parents and the girl they all loved. However, one brother sees the error of his ways. He is a great engineer and inventor and is working with an American to build a submarine. The Rajar wanted his son trained in the ways of world domination but the good brother kidnaps the boy to save him from the evil influence of his brothers. One of the evil brothers captures both inventors to help him build an undersea kingdom.

This is the story of how Prince Dakkar and Georgia (related to American inventor) stage the rescue which involves giant crabs, giant squid, giant birds, and enslaved fish men before the good guys win, the world is safe and the bad guys get their just deserts.

Major themes: adventure, leadership, science fiction, mentorship, world domination, trust, loyalty, 19th century UK/USA relations Please be aware: P35-36 Dakkar has a dream where his father, the Rajar of Bundelkhand, has a conversation with a huge, black cobra who wants to take Dakkar and make a fearsome leader out of him.

Recommended age:

9-14

Suitable class novel:

YES

Good read rating:

3/5

Literary value rating:

3/5

Julius and the Watchmaker

The Christian School Library Review 14-year-old Julius Higgins is used to running from bullies. But when a fancy gentleman customer steps out of his grandfather’s rare book shop and scares them off, he is definitely impressed.

Springheel is a clock collector and, desperate for his protection, Julius agrees to be his apprentice. But Jack Springheel, Esquire, is not all that he seems.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Tim Hehir 9781922079732 22 May 2013 Text Publishing

Publisher’s description A lost diary A spinning pocketwatch A gentleman wielding a deadly walking cane And a boy who's about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime

As a young boy in 1606 Springheel had been working on a perpetual motion machine, when he unwittingly found himself in London in 1817. Desperate to find a way back and hearing that the poet Percy Shelley also had a time travel machine he attached himself to him. When Shelley was lost during a storm at sea, Springheel ended up with his watch – an important component in time travel.

But in his attempts to create his machine, Springheel has unwittingly opened a portal to parallel worlds. His plan is to use Julius as the ‘canary in a coal mine’ to test the machine and snaffle anything of value and bring it back with him.

His plans go awry, and Julius is stuck in the parallel world – peopled by the Grackacks. Thankfully there are others who are aware of what Springheel is up to and are doing all they can to stop him.

As the future becomes apparent, a future peopled by Grackacks and the unsettling Clockmen, it will take all Julius’ courage to help the Professor and his companion, the famous Irish pugilist Danny Flynn, reverse the damage Springheel has caused.

Will they succeed? And who are the mysterious Guild of Watchmakers? The answer to that may just change Julius’ life – and future.

When Julius Higgins isn't running from Crimper McCready and his gang of bullies he's working in his grandfather's bookshop in Ironmonger Lane.

An intelligent, enjoyable book with a very interesting and engaging storyline.

Will very much appeal to those who are fascinated by time travel and like to think through the implications, as well as those who just like great adventures.

Highly recommended. Pages 351-2 gives you some of the true history behind the characters and story.

Until Jack Springheel, a mysterious clock collector, turns up looking for the fabled diary of John Harrison— the greatest watchmaker of all time.

Major themes: Victorian era London, time travel, intrigue, parallel worlds, courage, deception, potential futures, family, friendship, alliances, good versus evil, automatons

Before he knows it, Julius becomes a thief and a runaway and makes a deal with Springheel that he will live to regret. And all before he finds out that Harrison's diary is really an instruction manual for making a time machine.

Please be aware: 1. ‘bloody’ x 9 (appropriate to the era). 2. There are references to ghosts, but it turns out they are creatures from a parallel world who ‘become like ghosts’ because they are never satisfied. 3. Julius is given brandy but this was quite acceptable in that era (no concept of underage drinking!). p142, 1523, 348. 3. The clockmen are automatons invented by Springheel. They have the brains of executed prisoners inside their brass heads (p240). They kill without thought, feel no hunger, cold or remorse, they don’t tire and fear no one but their makers. They are ‘perfect soldiers’ (p242). Despite this there is nothing graphic in the book. Springheel had the idea when he worked for the Shelleys, and was furious when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein (the inference being she stole his idea) – p250-251.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

11-15 4.5/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

YES 4.5/5

Have questions about ordering older titles or books we haven’t reviewed?

Check out the FAQs on page 40 for answers to some common questions.

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 15

The River Charm Author: Belinda Murrell ISBN: 9781742757124 Published: 3 June 2013 Publisher: Random House

Publisher’s description When artistic Millie visits a long-lost aunt, she learns the true story of her family's tragic past. Could the mysterious ghost girl Millie has painted be her own ancestor?

In 1839, Charlotte Atkinson lives at Oldbury, a gracious estate in the Australian bush, with her Mamma and her sisters and brother. But after the death of Charlotte's father, things start to go terribly wrong.

There are murderous convicts and marauding bushrangers. Worst of all, Charlotte's new stepfather is cruel and unpredictable.

Frightened for their lives, the family flees on horseback to a stockman's hut in the wilderness. Charlotte's mother and the children must fight to save their property, their independence and their very right to be a family.

Will they ever return together to their beautiful home?

The Christian School Library Review Millie is a shy teenager with a gift for painting. When a long-lost elderly relative writes to her mum and invites them to stay for a weekend in the Southern Highlands, both Millie and her 11-year-old sister Bella are reluctant to go, however mum is determined.

They think the visit will be boring, but Aunt Jessamine takes them to Oldbury, a house built by their ancestors almost 180 years ago, and begins to tell them the true story of their incredible heritage. While the modern day tale of Milllie is wrapped around the story, the vast majority of this book is focused on the history of Charlotte Waring and James Atkinson, and their four children. This is a fictionalized account of the author’s own family heritage, and she provides an intriguing and historically powerful portrait of colonial times, and particularly the way women were treated and perceived.

Charlotte was an unusual woman for her time, with ‘strong opinions on the importance of education for girls and women’s rights’. At that time (the early 19th century), women had almost no legal rights. No right to money, education, property, employment, or even custody of their own children. When James Atkinson died unexpectedly, leaving Charlotte with four children, his money is left in trust for the children.

But it was not easy being a single woman in those times, and Charlotte soon married again. The relationship quickly soured as it became evident that George Barton was a drunk, a liar and a thief. As her husband he now had control of everything that James had worked so hard for. Barton sold their possessions, stole the allowance sent by the trustees, and did his best to ruin Charlotte’s reputation so that no-one would believe her stories.

In the face of the trustees continual warnings that the children would be left with nothing if Mr Barton wasn’t stopped, and his increasing episodes of violence against her and the children, Charlotte made the difficult decision to leave.

Incredibly, that brought even more difficulties her way, as despite his actions, a woman had no right to leave her husband. The trustees refused to provide any financial assistance, and eventually did everything they could to have her children taken from her care, because they considered her ‘unfit’ (despite the fact the children were better educated than most private school students). But Charlotte was no ordinary woman, and she fought them every step of the way, eventually obtaining a court ruling to force the trustees to reinstate their allowance and leave the children in her care.

Shortly afterwards Charlotte’s book, A Mother’s Offering to Her Children, became the first children’s book published in Australia. It was highly successful and the royalties helped them weather the financial depression experienced in Australia from 1841 to 1845, and eventually return to Oldbury, their family home.

Eldest daughter Charlotte went on to become an artist and writer, Louisa became the first Australian-born female novelist and one of the earliest female journalists, as well as a famous botanist.

While the character of Millie and the modern day connection feels a bit shoehorned in at times, the historical content is enthralling. This would make an outstanding class novel for the study of colonial Australia, the powerlessness of women and children in that era, and the beginning of children’s writing and publishing. There is also quite a bit of content on indigenous history (and colonial attitudes towards the indigenous people) that would be of benefit.

Major themes: family history, colonial life, legal rights of women, domestic violence, indigenous history, bushrangers, legal battles, marriage in colonial times Please be aware: There is some domestic violence (George Barton hits Charlotte and throws her daughter across the room when she tries to intervene), but it is relevant to the story and appropriately handled.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

11-14 4/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

Class sets of any title are available at 20% off RRP 16 | Review Magazine: June 2013

YES 3/5

The Christian School Library Review

Cattra’s Legacy

When Risha’s father dies the holding she has managed for years on his behalf reverts to the village of Torfell. It’s a place where sons are valued, but not daughters. She has just three weeks to get out. Her father was a scholar who was obsessed, even when wracked with illness, with finishing his life’s work, ‘A Brief Historical of Elgard’.

Author: Ana Mackenzie ISBN: 9781775533184 Published: 5 April 2013 Publisher: Random House

Publisher’s description This is a richly imagined fantasy adventure story, beautifully and forcefully written by NZ Post Award-winning Anna Mackenzie. Risha is strong and outspoken, and at 16 has developed into a leader of men, a strategic thinker, and a woman — one can imagine — who will assume the legacy left by her mother.

The story begins with 13-year-old Risha living a simple life in the mountains with her father.

When her father suddenly dies, Risha is left alone, an outcast of her village. Disguised as a boy, Risha leaves the village with a group of traders, on a quest to find out the truth about her mother and her heritage.

Here begins a grand sweeping adventure as Risha is caught up in dangerous pursuits, intrigue, trickery and betrayal. She is left for dead, confused by the actions of many, and is made to hide from those who wish her harm.

After finding a jewelled brooch amongst his belongings, Risha determines to leave town with the travelling traders in a quest to find out more about her father. It’s a difficult journey through many dangerous lands, and it’s even harder to know who is friend or foe. Amos befriends her, then attacks her. Sulba saves her and dies as a result of his wounds, but not before taking her to his cousins and charging them to keep her safe, this ‘child of Cattra’ – a term she does not understand.

Even as the truth of her parentage comes to light, Risha has no idea what is ahead of her – the machinations and politics of the Kingdom, the reality of her birthright and the battle that will be required to restore her to her rightful place as Lady Arishara, heir to the House of Havre.

Risha has always been strong and outspoken, but there is even greater depth in her than she had imagined. It is her courage that will help her people get through the battles that lie ahead and along the way her kingdom is not the only one that will be restored.

A well written, enjoyable and engaging story with an understated romantic theme that is probably the beginning of a series. We look forward to seeing more from this author.

Major themes: fantasy, adventure, courage, family, loss, grief, romance, birthright, betrayal, restoration Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book.

She finds out by chance that she is Cattra's daughter. Who is Cattra — and why do so many wish Risha harm?

Recommended age:

12-17

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4.5/5

Literary value rating:

4/5

www.christianschoolsforum.com

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 17

The Apprentices

The Christian School Library Review It’s 1954, and the setting is the Grayson Academy in New Hampshire. Two years ago, Janie lost 3 weeks of her life. All she had left were vague recollections of a boy called Benjamin Burrows. Until a parcel turned up at her parent’s London flat, containing her diary and a note from Benjamin saying that now she had turned 16, it was ok for her to read – and remember – what actually happened during those weeks.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Maile Mely 9781922147141 22 May 2013 Text Publishing

Publisher’s description Two years have passed since Janie Scott last saw Benjamin Burrows, the mysterious apothecary’s son who stole her heart. She’s thrown herself into an ambitious chemistry project and, when it vanishes, she suspects the rich and powerful Magnusson of stealing it. And she knows she needs help to fight him.

On the other side of the world, Benjamin and the apothecary have been working in the war-torn jungles of Vietnam, using their elixirs to help the sick and wounded. But Benjamin has also been experimenting with a new formula that allows him to see into Janie’s world.

The friends are thrown into a whirlwind chase around the Pacific Ocean, trying to find each other and the truth behind what threatens them.

It turns out that Benjamin’s father is an apothecary. But not just any apothecary that sells medicines. He is the guardian of a book called the Pharmacopoeia, which contains hundreds of years of medical secrets (including the recipe for an invisibility potion). His goal is to make the world safe from nuclear war and during those lost 3 weeks, they had worked together to successfully stop a Soviet nuclear test that would have killed or sickened many people.

In order to keep Jane safe and help her return to a normal life, Benjamin and his father had given her and her parents a drug that wiped her memory.

But safety depends on others not knowing the truth. When Jane is thrown out of school after a false accusation of cheating, she begins to uncover a conspiracy headed by the Machiavellian Mr Magnusson. Magnusson is not only desperate to get his hands on the desalinization formula she is trying to reverse engineer (having seen it during her time with the apothecary), he knows about the Pharmacopoeia and everything he does with Jane is designed to lead Benjamin and his father into his trap.

His treachery will take them all over the world and involve old friends and new in the quest to keep Magnusson from making an atomic bomb impervious to the antidote the apothecary invented. The question is do they have what it takes to stop him? And will the apothecary himself survive?

An absolutely fantastic and thoroughly engaging story. It can be read as a standalone story, (this reviewer hadn’t read the previous book) as much of the back story is explained quite early on, but full appreciation of the characters pasts will come with reading the previous book. Fantastic black and white illustrations which form a backdrop to many of the pages throughout add to the enjoyment.

To read the review for The Apothecary, please go to www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au and search for ‘apothecary’.

Major themes: good versus evil, science, friendship, love, courage, determination, loss, quest, saving the world, native tribes, uranium mining, magic Please be aware: Overall, nothing of real concern but please note: 1. The story is 95% science, and 5% magic (very mild). 2. To escape from soldiers in the jungle, the apothecary tells them evil spirits are coming to punish them and tricks them into thinking there are ghosts by faking noises and shadows with some chemical (p100-102). 3. Jin Lu is a Chinese woman (who has worked with the apothecary in the past). Her family were killed by the Japanese when she was a child. She returns to her home (long abandoned) desperately wanting to see them again and tries to do that using the elixir of life (p116-120, 168-174, 209211). There are some elements of the magical in these scenes (very mild) and mention of ghosts in her town (more in the sense of the loss of those who have died there). The overall theme of these passages is final closure at the loss of her family, allowing her to move on and help her friends. 4. Magnusson has a mistress (p123, 225). 5. Mild kissing (p125, 248, 374). 6. Bloody x 2 (p268, 370), ‘take a piss’ (p272). No other language.

Recommended age:

12-17

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4.5/5

Literary value rating:

4/5

Class sets of any title are available at 20% off RRP 18 | Review Magazine: June 2013

Dead Boys’ Club

The Christian School Library Review Sam is 12-years-old and lives with his family in an African village. His dad is in the Majungan Army.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Geoffrey Malone 9780340999608 2 May 2013 Hachette

Publisher’s description 'If they ever come here,' his father had warned, 'drop everything. Just run and hide!' And now they were here. God's Freedom Army or whatever their name was. Bringers of blood and suffering.

Rebels! Killers! Every one of them.

Hundreds of thousands of children are abducted from their homes and used as boy soldiers. This is the story of one them.

12-year-old Sam is ripped from his village in Uganda and forced to march with rebel soldiers to their training camp in southern Sudan. A weapon is thrust into his innocent young hands and his life becomes that of enemies and battles, violence and death, as he's turned into a soldier.

With no escape, danger is around every corner, the threat of death is everywhere. But there are ways to survive.

Sam becomes friends with a fellow boy soldier and together their dreams of escape become a strength. Together, they are ready to fight.

When God’s Freedom Army (led by the crazy ‘Colonel’ Dada) attack his village, Sam runs, knowing that he mustn’t be caught or he’ll be recruited to their cause.

But he’s dragged from his hiding place in the bushes by child soldiers, and has no choice but to join them. As they’re leaving the village, he hears gunshots and realizes that his family is almost certainly dead. Sam despairs of surviving the training camp where they intentionally turn young children into killers through a mixture of manipulation, intimidation and drug use. Then he meets Kito, who like him, sees through all the nonsense and knows that Dada is completely crazy.

He also knows what it takes to survive, and is determined to help Sam make it.

This exploitation of the children is the result – as all exploitation ultimately is – of greed and a driving hunger for power. There’s a crooked UN official, mercenaries and corrupt politicians who are willing to join forces with Colonel Dada, to pillage the African land of its gold and use her own children as the fuel for their greed.

Geoffrey Malone has taken an incredibly difficult subject and produced a book that introduces the reader to the realities of child soldiers without being overly graphic. I applaud him for doing that so successfully. Readers will be uncomfortable – as they should be – but not distressed in an unhealthy way. That is probably partially due to the distant third point of view, which allows you to be an onlooker without getting too close to the action.

His portrayal of the way the children are manipulated through the use of excitement, drugs, fear, alcohol, power and ‘kinship’ is insightful, as is the use of shame (they force them to kill and then tell them their families will no longer accept them because of the terrible things they’ve done, leaving them with nowhere to go), and the paradox Sam faces in being horrified by guns and the damage they do, but also excited by the power he feels when he holds an AK47 in his hands .

While in this story Sam does eventually escape to be reunited with his father (only because he becomes a political pawn and it suits their purposes to make that happen), the reality for the estimated 250,000 child soldiers around the world is very different. A fact sheet in the back of the book gives some of the statistics and story behind the book. You can also read it here: http://www.geoffreymalone.com/child-soldiers/ This is a book that should be in all school libraries, and we also highly recommend it as a class novel. Perhaps one of your students will end up being a driving force in ending this unfathomable practice.

Major themes: Africa, child soldiers, cult leaders, manipulation, intimidation, corruption, greed, mercenaries, power, courage, friendship, survival, reconciliation, hope Please be aware: 1. The headman’s hand is cut off (p15) as a warning to the others. 2. Colonel Dada is a nutcase who masks himself as a religious man but is basically a self-styled cult leader to the child soldiers (p62-63, 81). 3.‘bitch’ x 1 (p46), ‘bloody’ x 1 (p142). No other language. 4. There are various shootings, a battle between two child armies and minor other violence. Despite the subject matter and the situations, these are handled well and not overly described. 5.

Before going into battle, the child soldiers are given ‘ brown-brown’, which is cocaine mixed with gunpowder, this sends them battle crazy, (p100, 179). Reference to smoking hash (p115-116) and drinking palm wine (p173).

Recommended age:

13-16

Suitable class novel:

YES

Good read rating:

4.5/5

Literary value rating:

4/5

Class sets of any title are available at 20% off RRP Review Magazine: June 2013 | 19

The Disgrace of Kitty Grey

The Christian School Library Review Kitty Grey is a dairymaid at Bridgeford Hall, where the very spoilt daughters of the house – Miss Sophia and Miss Alice – are always willing to draw the servants into their grand plans to get their own way.

She is quietly being courted by Will, whose father had died when he was fourteen, leaving him with the role of ferryman in his stead, and guardian of his little sister Betsy. Will has often tried to talk Kitty into going to London with him. He’s sure that if they worked hard there for twelve months they could earn enough to wed. When Will eventually disappears without a word leaving her to look after 4-year-old Betsy, she is devastated and certain that he has gone to London without her.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Mary Hooper 9781408827611 1 June 2013 Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description Kitty is living a happy, carefree life as a dairymaid in the countryside. The grand family she is employed by looks after her well, and she loves her trade, caring for the gentle cows and working in the cool, calm dairy. And then, of course, there is Will, the river man who she thinks is very fond of her, and indeed she is of him.

Surely he will ask her to marry him soon?

Then one day disaster strikes: Will disappears. Kitty is first worried and then furious. She fears that Will has only been leading her on all this time, and has now gone to London to make his fortune, forgetting about her completely. So when Kitty is asked to go to London to pick up a copy of Pride and Prejudice, the latest novel by the very fashionable Jane Austen, Kitty leaps at the chance to track down Will. But Kitty has no idea how vast London is, and how careful she must be. It is barely a moment before eagle-eyed pickpockets have spotted the country-born-and-bred Kitty and relieved her of her money and belongings. Dauntingly fast, she has lost her only means of returning home and must steal in order to survive - and face the terrifying Newgate Prison and the prospect of transportation to the distant colony of Australia . . .

As the months pass, there is still no word from Will, and Kitty has no option but to do her best to take care of Betsy as if she were her own. When the opportunity arises for her to go to London (Miss Alice is desperate to obtain a copy of Pride and Prejudice and sends Kitty to get it for her), she agrees, thinking that she’ll have the opportunity to find him.

But this is the London of the early 1800s, where pickpockets roamed the streets, unscrupulous women did their best to ‘recruit’ naïve girls fresh from the country, and a young woman with a child was instantly judged to be ‘bad’. They have only just stepped off the mail coach when her portmanteau is stolen, leaving them with nothing but the fur rug Miss Sophia loaned them for the journey.

With just a few coins in her possession, their situation quickly deteriorates. Then she is accused of stealing by a ruthless landlord, which eventually lands both her and Betsy in the notorious Newgate Prison.

There is no justice for the poor in a place like Newgate in the 19th century. No legal representation, no police investigation to determine the truth, no phone calls to those who can help. Kitty and Betsy are completely alone.

Sentenced to transportation to Australia, it is only when she gets on the prison hulks that Kitty discovers the truth behind Will’s disappearance. He didn’t leave her willingly at all, but had been taken by the Press Gang and forced into service in the Royal Navy. Thankfully there is someone on board who knows Miss Sophia and is willing to be their friend when all other hope is gone …

An enjoyable read for its own sake, The Disgrace of Kitty Grey also provides an interesting contrast with society today, and the rapid escalation that still occurs in many countries when the poor and friendless are accused of a crime they didn’t commit. While Kitty’s story ends well, many didn’t, the reader is left grateful to be living in this country in this time.

Mary Hooper is adept at writing historical novels for Young Adults. Search for ‘fallen grace’ at www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au to see the review for another of her great titles.

Major themes: class differences, servants, romance, poverty, Press Gangs, 19th century London, Regency times, Jane Austen, Newgate prison, transportation, determination, courage, hope Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

12-17 4/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

Class sets of any title are available at 20% off RRP 20 | Review Magazine: June 2013

NO 3/5

Shahana Author: Rosanne Hawke ISBN: 9781743312469 Published: 1 June 2013 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description Shahana lives alone with her young brother in the shadow of the Line of Control, the border patrolled by Pakistani and Indian soldiers that divides Kashmir in two. Life is hard, but Shahana ekes out a living with her beautiful embroidery. Then she finds a boy lying unconscious near the border. Zahid is from across the Line of Control, and Shahana takes a terrible risk by sheltering him. But how can she give Zahid up to the authorities when she knows he'll be imprisoned - or worse?

An unforgettable novel about one young girl in war-torn Kashmir.

The Christian School Library Review A sad story of families broken and torn apart by war. Shahana lives with her little brother. The rest of the family are dead, her school is destroyed, her teacher, a relative whose husband is missing, possibly in prison, has locked herself in her home seriously depressed. Shanana supports herself by doing embroidery for a local businessman who is powerful and greedy. They rescue an unconscious boy near the river which is the dividing line between the disputed areas. He’s from the other side so must be kept hidden. Another boy, a militant from the hills, befriends them.

Mr Nadir, the businessman wants to “marry” Shanana off to the highest bidder. She would end up in the sex trade. He also wants her young brother for his forced labour carpet factory. The wild dogs and a leopard are after their goat. Various armies and groups of militants kidnap boys and/or blow up each other and anyone else nearby.

An avalanche, poverty, freezing temperatures also make life difficult.

Despite all the challenges, Shahana survives it all. There is a little ray of hope at the end but the book is designed more to show the realities of what children face in these countries than to bring everything to a happy conclusion.

Value: Insight into the very difficult world of a 14 year old Muslim girl in the middle of the Kashmir conflict. It gives appreciation of small steps of progress and little acts of kindness.

Major themes: survival, war, Kashmir conflict, broken families, love, kindness, Muslim culture, Exploitation of children.

Please be aware: While the story certainly touches on difficult issues, it is all age appropriate and there are no concerns.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

11-14

Suitable class novel:

YES

3/5

Literary value rating:

4/5

The Christian School Library Review

The Heir Author: Lynne Stringer ISBN: 9781921632440 Published: 1 June 2013 Publisher: Wombat Books

Publisher’s description Sarah hates the prestigious high school she attends. Most of the other students ignore her. School is only made tolerable by the presence of Dan Bradfield, the boy she adores. Dan is the heir to his father's multinational computer company, but he is dating Sarah's best friend, Jillian. When tragedy strikes, Dan is the one who supports Sarah. But she can't shake the feeling there is something strange about him.

Is he protecting her from something? Is there something going on that she doesn't know about? And did she really see a monster in the bushes?

Sarah Fenhardt is a senior at Enterprise Academy, one of the most prestigious schools in the US. But unlike the other students, she doesn’t come from a wealthy home. In fact, she’d be almost completely unnoticed amongst the rich boarding school kids, if it wasn’t for her best friend Jillian (whose boyfriend Dan, Sarah has a huge crush on), and the creepy Frank Howell who is always trying to get her alone. Sarah’s mum left when she was a kid, and her dad spends most of his time trying to restore the fortune he made and lost in the 1980s with his tech company. There’s a sizeable offer on the table for the technology he and his business partner Mark have been working on, but he doesn’t want to take it. Arriving home one night to find their home has been robbed and her father killed. Sarah has nowhere to go, so Dan and his family offer to take her in. At first grateful for their kindness, Dan’s overly protective attitude starts to seem increasingly strange. Is she really a guest … or could it be she is a prisoner?

When a strange man follows them, Sarah discovers there is definitely more going on than meets the eye. Particularly when Dan morphs into an alien and shoots him with a death ray from his mobile phone! No-one who knew her seems to remember her anymore and she’s completely at Dan’s mercy. Then Jillian turns up. Turns out she’s one of them too. Is anything as it seems? Is Sarah the ordinary girl she has always seen herself as, or could it be that she is really the lost heir to another kingdom? The one the Vendels – and their enemies - have been looking for, for over sixteen years.

Now Sarah’s not only on her way to another planet, but is about to become the focal point for the political machinations of those who are hungry to take her power for themselves … along the way she may just learn that she is far stronger and determined than she had ever imagined. A great sci-fi romance which is the promising start of a new series.

Major themes: grief, loss, friendships, love, romance, family, lost heir, aliens, political machinations, overlords, strength, courage, birthright Please be aware: 1. Halfway through chapter 2, Frank forces Sarah to kiss him and tries to grope her, and her shirt is ripped while she is escaping. It’s obvious he is attacking her but the scene is not graphic or distressing. No other concerns.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

13-18 4/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

NO 3.5/5

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 21

Keeping the Castle Author: Patrice Kindl ISBN: 9780142426555 Published: 18 April 2013 Publisher: Publisher

Publisher’s description Seventeen-year-old Althea is the sole support of her entire family, and she must marry well.

But there are few wealthy suitors--or suitors of any kind--in their small Yorkshire town of Lesser Hoo. Then, the young and attractive (and very rich) Lord Boring arrives, and Althea sets her plans in motion. There's only one problem; his friend and business manager Mr. Fredericks keeps getting in the way. And, as it turns out, Fredericks has his own set of plans . . . This witty take on the classic Regency story-Patrice Kindl's first novel in a decade--is like literary champagne!

Smart Girls Get What They Want Author: Sarah Strohmeyer ISBN: 9780061953415 Published: 26 March 2013 Publisher: Harper Collins

Publisher’s description Gigi, Bea, and Neerja are best friends and total overachievers. Even if they aren't the most popular girls in school, they aren't too worried. After all, real life will begin once they get to their Ivy League colleges. But when an unexpected event proves they're missing out on the full high-school experience, it's time to come out of the honors lounge and into the spotlight. The trio makes a pact: They will each take on their greatest challenge and totally rock it. Gigi decides to run for student rep, but she'll have to get over her fear of public speaking—and go head-to-head with gorgeous California Will. Bea used to be one of the best skiers around, until she was derailed; it could be time for her to take the plunge again. And Neerja loves the drama club but has always stayed behind the scenes—until now. These friends are determined to show the world that smart girls really can get what they want—but that might mean getting way more attention than they ever bargained for. . ..

22 | Review Magazine: June 2013

The Christian School Library Review This is a fun historic romance set in Regency times—a little Jane Austen with a splash of Georgette Heyer’s lighter touch. Althea’s family are not well off, so it is up to her to marry well. Thankfully she is very attractive (of course!), but her pragmatic attitude is a little difficult for some suitors to handle. When her latest suitor drops out of the running, her only hope is the new neighbor Lord Boring.

Money is a big issue, as the castle they live in is owned by her 4-year-old brother and is rapidly crumbling around their ears. Her two selfish and not very attractive stepsisters aren’t short of it, but despite the fact they are living off the family, they have no intention of contributing … although Anthea has some very clever methods of getting them to see the need (it’s amazing what a nest of mice can do).

While she’s keen to encourage Lord Boring, that also means putting up with his boorish cousin, Mr Fredericks, who has the unfortunate habit of saying exactly what he means—not a trait commonly seen in high society. Then the very wealthy Miss Vincy comes along, and she seems to have a different opinion of Mr Fredericks entirely.

Anthea is about to learn that first impressions are not always what they seem ...

Major themes: Regency times, high society, romance, inheritances, financial trouble, secrets, character, marriage Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book.

Recommended age:

15+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4/5

Literary value rating:

3.5/5

The Christian School Library Review Bea, Neerja and Gigi have been best friends since kindergarten. The three girls are completely focused on their study – their hero is Neerja’s older sister Parad, who got into Princeton on a full scholarship. But when they are helping her pack to go off to college, they discover her big secret … she might have aced school academically, but socially, Parad had not done well at all. Her classmates didn’t even know her enough to write anything meaningful on her year book. Parad had been so focused on her education that she hadn’t had time for anything – or anyone – else. Then they discover Parad isn’t the only one who is invisible … determined to do something about it, they each agree to do something to get more involved. Bea will join the ski team, Neerja will get involved in the school play (mostly to be near Justin who she’s had a crush on for years), and Gigi is going to run for student council (despite the fact she gets so scared speaking in front of people that she throws up!).

“We could do this. We had to. Because high school only comes around once, and I would hate to look back and think I didn’t make the most of every moment because I was scared of what other people thought. Other people never think much about you anyway. Eleanor Roosevelt said that.” Along the way they will learn a bit about themselves, a lot about boys and discover that life is much richer when you jump in with both feet. This is a great read with a nice dash of romance. It is particularly refreshing to have a contemporary story that encourages girls to be themselves, work hard for academic success but also to enjoy school life. There’s lots of great wisdom about relationships, such as friendship being a much more important basis for a relationship than good looks, and not being a chameleon who changes herself to suit what a boy wants. It is really clean which is unusual for contemporary fiction, and while an enjoyable read for its own sake, it is also a good reminder to girls in years 10 and up to take some time out to smell the roses!

Major themes: academic prowess, school life, friendship, romance, misjudging others, false accusations, student council, school sport, relationships, determination, fun Please be aware: 1. In Chapter 6, there are kids trick or treating, which is basically used as a literary device to introduce new student Will to Gigi (he is escorting his little brother and they knock on Gigi’s door). 2. Minor reference to beer at a senior’s party, which gets someone in serious trouble. 3. Kissing (last 2 pages of chapters 14 & 24). 3.

The final two lines in the book reference health class where they were taught that the brain is the biggest sex organ in the body (in the context the message is that a meeting of the minds is more important than good looks – there’s nothing dodgy about it).

Recommended age:

14-17

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4.5/5

Literary value rating:

3.5/5

The Drowned Cities

The Christian School Library Review This is an exceptionally well crafted book which, while a fantasy, provides an older reader’s insight into the issue of child soldiers as there are many parallels between that reality and this fiction story. The similarities are far too strong to be a coincidence.

Designated as a ‘companion’ to the author’s award winning Ship Breaker, it works well as a standalone, although there are evidently connections between the two (this reviewer has not read Ship Breaker).

The story opens with Tool trying to escape from the soldiers who are determined to track him down. Tool is an ‘augment’ a bio-engineered half human who was designed specifically for war.

At the same time, in a nearby village, Mahlia is working with Doctor Mahfouz to try and save a young girl called Tani, unable to survive the caesarian they are forced to perform in her father’s hut, with no proper medical equipment or drugs to help her.

Author: Paolo Bacigalupi ISBN: 9781907411113 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Hachette

Publisher’s description In this exhilarating companion to Printz Award winner and National Book Award finalist SHIP BREAKER, Paolo Bacigalupi brilliantly captures a dark future America that has devolved into unending civil wars, driven by demagogues who recruit children to become soulless killing machines.

Two refugees of these wars, Mahlia and Mouse, are known as 'war maggots': survivors who have barely managed to escape the unspeakable violence plaguing the war-torn lands of the Drowned Cities. But their fragile safety is threatened when they discover a wounded half-man -a bioengineered war beast named Tool, who is hunted by a vengeful band of soldiers.

When tragedy strikes, Mahlia is faced with an impossible decision: risk everything to save the boy who once saved her, or flee to her own safety.

When Tani dies, her father is quick to blame Mahlia. After all, isn’t she a war maggot? A refugee?

It doesn’t help that she only has one hand—the other one was cut off by the soldiers who see her as a child of the enemy, since her father was one of the Chinese peacekeepers. The villagers see her as a castoff, someone the Chinese had obviously not considered worthy of taking with them. She is the subject of their superstition and the object of their scorn—alive only because Dr Mahfouz has taken her in.

The doctor also rescued Mouse, another war maggot, and Mahlia’s only friend. He’s an orphan, often twitchy and nervous after a warlord’s patrol killed his family. They only have each other.

Like the rest of the villagers, they are desperate for food, as well as for money to buy the medicines the doctor needs. While out in the forest searching for something to eat, they come across what they think is the dead body of an augment. But Tool isn’t dead, and their off-hand comments about his potential value as a trade angers the half-man, something you really don’t want to do!

To save their lives, Mahlia promises to bring back medicine from the doctor to help him survive the terrible infection that is raging through his body. She has no choice—Mouse’s life is at stake.

But when she gets back to the doctor’s squats, the soldier boys are there. They are quick to target her with their particular brand of callous disregard for her humanity, and it is only the doctor’s intervention that saves her. Beyond anything else, he needs her help. Many of the soldiers are badly injured, and while they might say they encountered a wild boy, when Mahlia sees their injuries in more detail, she soon realizes it is the half-man they encountered.

Desperate to get back and hand over the medicine before Tool kills Mouse as he promised he would, Mahlia comes up with a plan to bring the coywolv down on them (a cross between a coyote and a wolf). While this awful attack initially provides her and the doctor with the opportunity to escape and get to the half-man, she has no idea just how terrible the consequences will be … With the doctor dead and Mouse forced to join the child soldiers, Mahlia recruits Tool’s help to try and set him free. But the journey will be long and dangerous, and the brutalization process they put the children through will almost capture even this kind and gentle boy’s soul before they can get him out. The fear of what they will do to him and the desire to survive takes him further along the path to darkness than he ever could have imagined.

Despite rescue being an almost impossible dream, Mahlia is determined not to give up on her friend and they track him to the Drowned Cities, the place where Mahlia’s story began. It is there they come face to face with the men whose hunger for power and victory won’t allow anyone to get in their way.

It is difficult to portray exactly how powerful this book is, and the message it leaves you with, but perhaps this passage goes some way to encapsulate it: “Mahlia [watched] the Colonel and his

advisors, and finally she thought she understood Doctor Mahfouz and his blind rush into the village. He wasn’t trying to change them. He wasn’t trying to save anyone. He was just trying to not be part of the sickness. [She’d] thought he was stupid for walking straight into death … but now she saw it differently. She thought she’d been surviving. She thought that she’d been fighting for herself. But all she’d done was create more killing, and in the end it had all led to this moment …” An incredible, thought provoking and confronting read. Highly recommended.

Major themes: war, refugees, callous disregard for life, child soldiers, friendship, determination, choices, power, use/misuse of medical advancements, violence begetting violence, the hypocrisy of politics, the intoxication of power, the will to survive Please be aware: 1. Low grade infrequent bad language. 2. This is a book portraying the brutality of war, the misuse of power, the manipulation of child soldiers and the reality that violence begets violence. As such there is violence, blood shed and the callous disregard for human life. While it is certainly brutal, it isn’t overwhelming and is necessary to the story. 3. Mild, brief reference to sex and drugs being used to manipulate the child-soldiers (last 2 pages of chapter 33).

Recommended age:

16+

Suitable class novel:

YES

Good read rating:

5/5

Literary value rating:

5/5

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 23

Icons

The Christian School Library Review Doloria (or Dol as she has become known) is about to turn seventeen. Her home is a mission up in the hills, where the Padre took her after her family died. She isn’t the only one the Padre rescued. There’s also Ro, who has become her best friend.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Margaret Stohl 9780007520831 9 May 2013 Harper Collins

Publisher’s description The first book in a breathtaking new series from Beautiful Creatures coauthor Margaret Stohl. Your heart beats only with their permission. Everything changed on The Day. The day the windows shattered. The day the power stopped. The day Dol's family dropped dead. The day Earth lost a war it didn't know it was fighting. Since then, Dol has lived a simple life in the countryside – safe from the shadow of the Icon and its terrifying power. Hiding from the one truth she can't avoid. She's different. She survived. Why? When Dol and her best friend, Ro, are captured and taken to the Embassy, off the coast of the sprawling metropolis once known as the City of Angels, they find only more questions.

While Ro and fellow hostage Tima rage against their captors, Dol finds herself drawn to Lucas, the Ambassador's privileged son. But the four teens are more alike than they might think, and the timing of their meeting isn't a coincidence. It's a conspiracy. Within the Icon's reach, Dol, Ro, Tima, and Lucas discover that their uncontrollable emotions – which they've always thought to be their greatest weaknesses – may actually be their greatest strengths. Bestselling author Margaret Stohl delivers the first book in a heart-pounding series set in a haunting new world where four teens must piece together the mysteries of their pasts – in order to save the future.

They don’t know anything of the time before The Day, only what they have been told. Because on that day, the ‘Lords’ (this is the name by which the aliens have become known), used their Icon machines, strategically placed in each of the major centres around the world, to control the energy that flowed through human bodies, through machines, through the cities themselves. On that day life came to an end for most of the population. On that day those swirling centres of activity and commerce became The Silent Cities.

Neither Dol or Ro should have survived. But for some reason they did.

When the Padre gives her a book called The Humanity Project: The Icon Children, she doesn’t want to read it. Doesn’t want to know why she survived when so many others didn’t. But even if she did, there’s not enough time left. The soldiers are onto them, and both Dol and Ro are taken away.

There’s more that binds them than their shared life on the hillside. Both of them have strange dots on their wrists. Both of them have powerfully empathetic emotional abilities that often threaten to overwhelm them. They are bound to each other, with strong bonds, but that all comes under threat when another boy helps them escape. He too has strange dots on his wrist, and an emotion that threatens to overwhelm—but he also happens to be Lucas Amare, son of the Ambassador to the Lords.

Is he there to help or to harm them? And what is the Ambassador really up to?

When Lucas takes them to her, they discover she knows far more about them than they could have imagined. Not only that, she also has something belonging to Dol’s mother …

And then there’s, Tima, the fourth part of the puzzle. It’s hard to know if she’s friend or foe, but the one thing Dolores does know is, she’s one of them ...

It turns out that the Icon Children are the result of an experiment. An attempt to alter their DNA so that the mechanism that moderates their emotions can be removed. The reason—they form a weapon that cannot be controlled by electrical impulses, a weapon that can be used against the Lords to free the city from their grip—and perhaps the world.

But if you had power and wealth in your hands only because of your cooperation with the Lords, and you became aware of a way they could be stopped, would you want to? Especially if you would probably end up being charged with crimes against humanity for your part in their oppression? In the meantime, they have no trouble conducting experiments on them, trying to work out exactly how far they can be pushed.

While the Ambassador and her men are determined to keep the Icon Children from acting against the Lords, the Resistance are equally determined to see the city set free. Ultimately, it is the Icon’s themselves who will have to choose …

Then they discover that whoever genetically engineered them also knew the Lords were coming …

An engaging read that leaves plenty of unresolved threads, ready for the next book in the series.

Major themes: orphans, loss, grief, powerlessness, alien invasion, love, resistance, weaknesses being strengths, politics, purpose, meaning Please be aware: 1. There is mild violence and romantic tension throughout, but nothing of real concern. 2. ‘buggers’ x 2, ‘bastard’ x 7, ‘bloody’ x 6. 3. There’s a fortune teller in chapter 19 (it appears to mostly be a scam).

Recommended age: Good read rating:

15+ 3.5/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

Class sets of any title are available at 20% off RRP 24 | Review Magazine: June 2013

NO 3.5/5

Reboot

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

The Christian School Library Review This is the first part of a two part series. The back story is that a nasty virus, KDH, has infected humans in Texas (not sure about elsewhere). It has an interesting side effect. While it kills most, some resurrect, ie ‘reboot’. The Reboots and the Humans had a war. The humans won and enslaved the Reboots who now do the dirty work ie fight the wars, capture the criminals, perform eliminations etc. They are stronger and faster and less emotional than humans and heal from all injuries except those to the brain. The longer they are dead before rebooting, the less human they are. So 178 (dead for 178 minutes before rebooting) is a killing machine.

Amy Tintera 9781743315507 1 June 2013 Allen & Unwin

However, teaming up to train newbie 22 who has a cute smile proves her undoing and awakens her emotion. When experiments to produce a meaner Reboot start on the Under 60s, 178 realises they need to get out and make their way to the safety of the Reboot Reservation.

Publisher’s description Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation). Wren's favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she's ever seen.

As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human.

His reflexes are too slow, he's always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there's something about him she can't ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line -- or she'll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she'll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum. The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

It makes for an exciting finale with a team of rebel Reboots and Humans returning to the HARC HO for the antidote to the experimental toxin. They release the other reboots and head for freedom.

This is quite an exciting science fiction read with the developing love interest. The concept of a virus altering humans to produce a new species who are either enslaved by or enslave humans has been done before eg The Farm, but it is still a good read.

Major themes: Control, survival, escape, class distinction, divide and conquer, sacrifice, love, Big Brother Society.

Please be aware: Brutality – The Reboots heal quickly so they break limbs, beat each other up as part of training P20 The experiments turn the under 60s Reboots into savages with cannabilistic tendencies P127 The kid…sunk his teeth into Callum’s arm, tearing off a piece of flesh.

Minimal use of bad language: P26 quit bitching, p189 the shit storm, p286 given you shit, minimal shit, P314 Oh Jesus, p334 badass.

No description of sexual activity but some mention eg p49 ‘sounds of laughter and grunting …the showers were rowdier …The showers were for sex first. Bathing second.”

Recommended age: Good read rating:

14-18

Suitable class novel:

NO

3/5

Literary value rating:

3/5

www.christianschoolsforum.com Review Magazine: June 2013 | 25

Also Reviewed—Picture Books Bea

Littleland Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Christine Sharp 9780702249617 27 February 2013 Penguin

Author: Marion Billet ISBN: 9780857631473 Published: 1 March 2013 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s Description: Bea is a bird of unusual tastes . . .While the other birds peck at ants and watch worms wiggle, Bea likes to bake buns and berry pudding. She loves dancing to disco beats and singing sweet songs to the moon.

In everything she does, Bea stands out from the flock!

A joyful story about being true to yourself and daring to be different.

CSL Review: Bea is unlike all the other birds in the flock because she likes to do very unbird like things. She bakes, takes bubble baths, dances to disco and flies kites with her equally offbeat friend, Bernie. Does she care that she’s different, not at all; it’s not even an issue and the other birds don’t seem to mind.

Publisher’s Description: Fresh from her success with the Noodle series, Marion Billet returns with a picture book for the very young, featuring the ten Littleland friends!

With a 'Can you see?' feature on every spread and a simple, chatty narrative, Littleland mimics the daily conversations between mother and child and makes the perfect next step up from board books.

CSL Review: A charming and very well done first word book for

There are some good uses of vocabulary throughout (often highlighted in large font) which would help with word knowledge and understanding. The text itself easily flows through the bright and cheerful illustrations.

the very young reader. Packed with heaps of characters, numerous items, lots of activities and various locations, it’s a cornucopia of learning possibilities. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and on each page the text is just composed of a simple statement or question. There are also named items, at the bottom of each page, to find and learn. All in all, a very well thought out and composed book by someone who obviously knows what she’s doing. Being tactile I also loved the padded cover!!

Age: 4+

Age: 3+

Seadog

Imagine

A quite endearing picture book celebrating uniqueness. It often takes guts to stand out from the crowd, but Bea is quite happy to buck the norm and be true to who she really is.

Author: Claire Saxby ISBN: 9781742756509 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Random House Publisher’s Description: Not since Harry the Dirty Dog has there been such a lovable puppy with such an aversion to grooming. A beautiful picture book about a lovable, but scruffy pet.

CSL Review: A true delight and dare I suggest, another possible contender for next years’ shortlist?

Claire Saxby’s lyrical, rhyming prose is coupled beautifully with Tom Jellett’s exuberant artwork. Both have captured perfectly the personality of Seadog and given him a life of his own. Whilst not your usual pooch, Seadog is a fun loving, larger than life character who’s sure to raise a smile and a feeling of exasperation!

An all round, well constructed picture book with no deep meaning, just a great example of joie de vivre. Whatever, it works beautifully.

Age: 5+

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Publisher’s Description: This is an inspiring, poetic book, a celebration of the wonder and innocence of childhood. In a playful back-and-forth, Imagine asks you to envision everyday events as wondrous and magical occurrences. The ordinary scenes of childhood are illustrated in luxurious black-and-white, while the magical settings are in full, vibrant color. With just a twist of the imagination, a little girl looking at a toy dancer becomes a prima ballerina, a boy crossing a log becomes a tightrope walker, and a simple tree house becomes a grand castle. Endless possibilities and creative explorations await. You only have to Imagine.

CSL Review: A vivid reminder to never stop dreaming of possibilities and to let your imagination flow. I liked this very telling comment on the inside jacket cover “In today’s world there is little encouragement to rely on our own creativity for entertainment, television and computers do our fantasizing for us now.” How true, but also how sad, for the power of imagination is a wondrous thing.

This is a simply, but powerfully worded picture book with beautifully drawn and descriptive illustrations. It extols children to dream, to see beyond the reality and believe in possibilities. Why shouldn’t a tree house be a splendid castle or a walk along a fence paling the pre-cursor to a circus career as a tight rope walker? It’s not just about imagination for imaginations sake, but how it can also be harnessed into a powerful force to achieve ones goals.

Age: 5+

26 | Review Magazine: June 2013

Bart Vivian 9781582703299 1 April 2013 Simon & Schuster

Also Reviewed—Picture Books We Have Lift Off Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Ballet Cat

Sean Taylor 9781847803221 1 June 2013 Walker Books

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Publisher’s Description: Mr Tanner the farmer pollutes his farm and mistreats his animals, leading the animals to stage a rebellion. They build an intergalactic space rocket to take them up into the clean, clear skies, far away from PEOPLE. First a chicken, then a clever rabbit, and lastly a calm sheep, are chosen for test flights. But each time something goes wrong and the rocket returns to Earth.

The animals don t know what to do. But then Farmer Tanner discovers the rocket Determined to take it for himself, he zooms off into space, and is never seen again. The message is clear - look after each other and the planet, or it will be your turn next in the rocket...!

CSL Review: This great book is a quirky take on environmental awareness and the stewardship of our planet. It’s an enjoyable and amusing yarn with an important message and a very salient warning – ‘beware conspiring farm animals’!

Farmer Tanner doesn’t look after his livestock or property at all well.

He pollutes the creek, cuts down the trees and inhumanely houses the animals. It’s time to revolt, and revolt the animals do, building a space rocket to take themselves to new pastures. After some accident prone test flights it’s all systems go, but wait, who’s accidentally launched themselves? It’s Farmer Tanner on his way to the moon! It may not quite be how the plan was supposed to work, but the animals decide that could be just the outcome they need. If they can’t get off the planet, then having Farmer Tanner go is definitely a great option … look out, you just might be next! Lots of fun, with great illustrations and a good way to introduce environmental issues and awareness.

Publisher’s Description: No alley cat can ever be a ballet cat! Or can they...? The Crazy Cat Crew love to dance - they groove and they bop, they move and they hop, all night long. Then, one night, Arthur slinks off and discovers something really special; a pair of ballet shoes. He immediately puts them on and goes back to show the gang his new style of dancing. But the other cats don't like ballet and laugh Arthur out of town...only to realize that all dancing is cool and that they really miss their friend. It is a twirl of a book from a fantastic new author/illustrator that celebrates friendship and individuality. The perfect book for all little boys and girls that love to dance.

CSL Review: Finding something you love doing and sticking with it, regardless of the reaction from long time friends or family, can often have consequences; as Arthur the alley cat finds out. Although he and his friends love to dance, when he finds a pair of ballet shoes and starts pirouetting, his friends think it a step too far. After all, alley cats are not ballet cats! Believing he’s not wanted any longer he leaves, only for his friends to realise how rotten and unsupportive they’ve been. Seeking out Arthur they apologize and now perform ballet every Saturday night.

A lovely story about true friendship, choices and consequences and an ideal way to raise the subject in the classroom. What if Arthur had chosen to support a different footy team or become a vegetarian, how would your students respond? The initial over the top reactions of both Arthur and his friends are humorously depicted, as too are their feelings of remorse. Definitely worth considering.

Age: 4-9

Age: 5+

Too Many Cheeky Dogs

Stanley Paste

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Author: Aaron Blabley ISBN: 9780143505501 Published: 22 May 2013 Publisher: Penguin

Johanna Bell 9781743316221 1 June 2013 Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s Description: 'On Monday I went to my auntie's house and guess what I saw? ONE yellow cheeky dog sleeping on the floor.' So begins this lively, cheeky story set in a remote Indigenous community, moving through colours, numbers and days of the week to the dog-packed final page.

Johanna Bell works evaluating education programs in the Northern Territory. Dion Beasley is an up-and-coming artist whose Cheeky Dog brand is already widely known and loved.

CSL Review: An enjoyable book for the younger reader, introducing numbers, colours, days of the week and places, set against the backdrop of a remote aboriginal community. The simplistic child like drawings will gel with the intended age group and reinforce the number or colour being described.

There’s a lot of action and some questions posed about the scenes, although there’s room for more to be asked. There’s also a good spread of vocabulary, especially actions, which could be copied, although you might want to avoid the ones where the dogs are fighting and stealing sausages!

Fiona Ross 9781406336092 6 June 2013 Walker Books

Publisher’s Description: Stanley Paste is small. Really small. And he hates it. But when a new girl arrives at school, Stanley learns that perhaps being small is not so bad after all . . .

CSL Review: Stanley Paste hates being small and hates being picked on because of his size, plus it’s really hard to reach the door handles! Eleanor Cabbage has the opposite problem, she’s really, really tall and everyone makes fun of her and her height. It’s no surprise then that they become firm friends and together everything just seems normal and right. Stanley even gets picked for the basketball team, with a little help of course!

A truly delightful look at differences and how standing out from the school crowd often leads to victimization. Through friendship and mutual respect though it’s possible to overcome adversity and thrive.

Humorously written, sympathetically done and brilliantly drawn; one up for the underdog!

Age: 6+

Age: 4+

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 27

Also Reviewed—Non-Fiction Let the Celebrations Begin!

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Margaret Wild 9781922179104 1 June 2013 Walker Books

What Was the War Like, Grandma?

Author: Rachel Tonkin ISBN: 9781922179265 Published: 1 June 2013 Publisher: Walker Books

Publisher’s Description: My name is Miriam, and this is where I live. Hut 18, bed 22.

The younger children think they have always lived in the hut, but Miriam knows better. She remembers her parents and her home, with her very own toys. In this place there are no toys.

So Miriam and the women come up with a special plan, to celebrate the day when the soldiers open the gates to freedom.

CSL Review: How on earth do you review a book as powerful and moving as this? Some of you may remember this book when it was first released in 1991. I imagine it may well have caused a stir, since picture books about concentration camps are certainly not your usual fare! The author, Margaret Wild, is one of Australia’s most respected – and prolific – children’s authors. The book was inspired by a reference she came across to Polish women in Belsen who made toys for the first children’s party held after liberation. As an aside, toys were also made in Ravensbruck , especially for Christmas, and no doubt this happened in other camps as well. Via the evocative text and Julie Vivas incredibly touching illustrations, the story is told of a girl called Miriam and the women of the camp gathering whatever people had left to give – rags, scraps of fabric, an odd button, some wool – to make toys for the children, some of whom had forgotten they ever had a life outside the camp. This book showcases the power of the human spirit, that strength to persevere, regardless of circumstances and especially when united in a worthwhile cause. The women weren’t just making toys to give to the children, they were ensuring their own survival by believing circumstances would change.

Publisher’s Description: Grandma Emmy remembers what the war was like.

Listening to the wireless each night for news from the front-lines, crouching in trenches during air-raid drills at school, making cakes and socks for the war effort. The war meant blackouts and sandbagging, but also playing with searchlights and the first taste of hamburgers. Although the fighting was far away, everyone s lives changed forever.

CSL Review: A valuable re-release in view of the new national history curriculum. This insightful book gives the reader a snapshot of what the war years were like for ordinary people, as seen through the eyes of a young girl. Whilst some of the events may seem mundane, especially by today’s standards, often it is the stoic attitude of ‘one day at a time’ that got people through. Small pleasures were often a big deal, and any news a blessing.

This is a truly remarkable and poignant work, without being in any way graphic or distressing. It is definitely a must have (accompanied by some tissues) for any age from 7+ to early high school.

It was particularly poignant to see the ‘foreign’ (and previously acceptable) doctor anglicizing his nameplate out of fear of retribution.

It’s small details like that that usually get overlooked by more grandiose tomes. The laundering of ration cards is another highlight. A good resource and a reflection of simpler times when the nation pulled together and everyone had a role to play.

Age: 7+

Age: 6+

One Day

Our Stories: Australian Flags and Emblems

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Suma Din 9781408180235 1 May 2013 Allen & Unwin

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Publisher’s Description: One Day follows fifteen different children from around the world through a 24 hour period. Not only will readers learn about their different lives and cultures, but they will also discover how time zones work, and what's happening on one side of the world while the other sleeps.This is a fantastic and accessible introduction to the concept of time and time zones for a younger audience. It also containing extra material exploring how time is measured and why.

CSL Review: A fascinating, well researched and composed book, which should answer many of those questions that young children have about time and other parts of the globe. The author and illustrator have done an admirable job in depicting simultaneous lifestyles occurring in different time zones; so whilst America is having breakfast it’s lunchtime in Europe and bedtime in Australia. These depictions are fully illustrated with examples of local conditions, behaviours and meals and so again give a good insight into other countries cultures and living conditions. Highly recommended and a valuable resource if you don’t already have something similar in your collection. Age: 5+

28 | Review Magazine: June 2013

Karen Tayleur 9781742031095 1 June 2013 Walker Books

Publisher’s Description: The story of Australia is told by the flags and the emblems we see around us. They display our past, our cultural heritage, our national treasures and the amazing diversity of each state. Australian Flags and Emblems is a fascinating window onto our rich history and what we value.

CSL Review: A fascinating look at the history and design behind each of our national, state and territories flags, as well as the Aboriginal flag and outer territories ones. There’s a section on heraldry, showing what makes up a coat of arms and some historical background to the settlement of each state. All in all a handy, quick reference guide unlocking the cultural significance of each flag.

Age: Any

Also Reviewed—Early Readers Bramble and Maggie # 1: Horse Meets Girl

Bramble and Maggie # 2: Give and Take Author: Jessie Haas ISBN: 9780763650216 Published: 1 April 2013 Publisher: Walker Books

Author: Jessie Haas ISBN: 9780763662516 Published: 1 April 2013 Publisher: Walker Books Publisher’s Description: Maggie loves Bramble as soon as she sees her, but there are some things Bramble has to be sure of. Will Maggie let Bramble venture into new places? Will she protect Bramble from strange objects in the yard? Will she, most importantly, know when Bramble needs her undivided attention? This charming and funny early reader is an ideal match for young animal lovers and anyone who has ever longed for a friend who truly understands.

Publisher’s Description: Maggie loves introducing her new horse, Bramble, to the neighborhood, the beach, and the backyard.

Bramble has fun too, once she is cajoled into participating by a welltimed carrot or two. But when Maggie has to go to school, Bramble is bored and lonely and gets into some trouble with Mr. Dingle next door. A misbehaving hen and a midnight visitor finally help to turn Bramble into a good neighbor. Another charming and funny early reader just the right pace for kids who are learning that others don’t always do exactly what you want, but that friends find a way to give and take.

Christian School Library Review: Two charming first chapter books about Bramble the horse and Maggie her new owner. As well as a delightful story, they offer a window into a horse’s world; it’s obvious that the author is well versed in their ways. There are lots of little insight into horse behaviour, but Maggie has to rely upon a ‘horse bible’ to guide her.

Jessie Haas has cleverly wound the stories around Bramble and Maggie’s relationship, their growing understanding of each other and their own needs and desires. These are definitely books for horse lovers and will appeal more to girls than boys. Very sweet, with gentle, relationship led storylines.

Age: 6+

The Elephant Road Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Nicola Davies 9781406340877 1 May 2013 Walker Books

Publisher’s Description: One night, Wilen is woken up when his hut is tipped sideways by elephants! The elephants always travel past the village, which sits between two forest reserves, but recently, as land is cleared for crops, they have lost their way and are destroying the harvest. Uncle Denngu urges the villagers to sell the land to a mining company who will cut down the trees and get rid of the elephants. Wilen s grandpa knows it s a very bad idea but when he is killed by a cyclone there is no one to defend the forest. Wilen fears that all is lost ... until he hears about a scheme that pays local people to plant trees and look after them.

CSL Review: A very well written and researched book, highlighting the dilemmas that arise when human habitation encroaches on elephant habitat. This lovely story, set in northern India, would ring true in many countries where humans must co-exist alongside elephants. It explores the struggles that poor villagers go through to eke out a living and how marauding elephants only exacerbate the problem. Seeing the modern world encroaching on their land also raises issues, as the city businessmen see their land as an opportunity for mining or mono-culture; the money on offer is tempting, but at what cost? Surely there is a solution that will leave all sides happy? If you are after a book that highlights third world issues from a poor villager’s perspective, then go no further. It’s quite an eye opener and offers insights that you probably wouldn’t have been aware of. Definitely recommended.

Themes: Conservation, elephants, life in rural India, subsistence farming, habitat encroachment, wheeling and dealing, corporate greed.

Concerns: P24 – Mentions some Hindu “underworld” beliefs in passing Recommended age: Good read rating:

7+

Suitable class novel:

YES

4.5/5

Literary value rating:

4/5

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 29

The Evil Librarians series # 2: Alcatraz vs the Scrivener’s Bones Author: Brandon Sanderson ISBN: 9781444006698 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Hachette

Publisher’s description The evil Librarians strike again - proving that late returns can be deadly!

Alcatraz Smedry is back with a bang infiltrating the Library of Alexandria, looking for his not-dead-after-all father and discovering a strange golden sarcophagus that might hold the key to his amazing talent for breaking things. Oh, and his best friend Bastille's come along too - for evilLibrarian-bashing purposes, of course.

The Christian School Library Review Another fabulous book in what is fast becoming one of the best series we have come across.

The review for book 1, Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, can be found in your May 2013 issue of Review, or by searching for ‘Alcatraz’ at christianschoolsuppliers.com.au.

A really unique mix of narration and action, with lots of misdirection thrown in, this second book starts with Alcatraz waiting for his grandfather in an airport terminal. That might sound boring, but it was far more dangerous than you could imagine!

With all the knowledge of the world in their control, librarians have untold power. Thankfully the Smedrys have dedicated their lives to stopping them from taking over completely. But the battle is never over. When they track Alcatraz to the airport, he is rescued just in the nick of time from the most evil enemy agent they have come across. Their quest will take them to the Library of Alexandria, where removing a book from the shelf results in you losing your soul (eg. you can never leave the library and must join the other librarians in trying to lure anyone who enters into exchanging their soul for knowledge that they will never be able to share with the outside world).

But Alcatraz is determined to succeed and ensure his band of zany followers get out of the library in one piece. There’s his cousin Australia whose talent is to wake up in the morning looking incredibly ugly (she morphs into someone else – Alcatraz gets quite a fright when she wakes up looking like his grandfather), his uncle Kaz whose talent is getting lost (Kaz is also a midget and gives Alcatraz some salient lessons in not judging others on their appearance), Bastille and her very serious and determined mother, a Knight of Crystallia.

Will they find a way to save the father he has never known? And will the reunion be all that Alcatraz hoped it might? You’ll have to read it to find out!

Major themes: the power of knowledge, adventure, quest, family, friendship, leadership, misadventures, turning flaws into gifts Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book.

# 3: Alcatraz vs the Knights of Crystallia Author: Brandon Sanderson ISBN: 9781444006704 Published: 1 June 2013 Publisher: Hachette

Publisher’s description The evil Librarians are back!Alcatraz Smedry has made it to the Free Kingdoms. Unfortunately, so have the evil Librarians - including his mother…

Now all Alcatraz has to do is find a traitor among the Knights of Crystallia, try to be friends with his very unfriendly father, save one of the last bastions of the Free Kingdoms from the enemy, and get his friend Bastille reinstated as a real knight. No pressure!

Recommended age:

9-13

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

5/5

Literary value rating:

4.5/5

The Christian School Library Review Alcatraz can’t wait to see Nalhalla (home to the Smedry castle and centre of the Free Kingdoms) for the first time. But when they arrive, they discover that the High King (who also happens to be Bastille’s father), is just about to sign a peace treaty with the Librarians to stop the endless war. The only problem is—it will involve handing over control of Mokia to them.

The Smedrys aren't fooled. There is no way those evil librarians can be genuinely interested in peace—and even if they are, what about the poor Mokians? So Alcatraz and his compatriots set out to discover what exactly is going on and put a stop to it before it is too late.

While they stop the treaty signing just in the nick of time, there is still plenty they don’t know—like why exactly are the librarians so keen to get their hands on Mokia? And what is Alcatraz’ mother really up to? These books are absolutely brilliant—I can’t rave about them enough. Here’s a little snippet (taken from a conversation between a recovering librarian who has left the cult and joined the Free Kingdoms and Alcatraz who is trying to find a book in the very disorganized archives that the librarians are desperate to get their hands on):

“...I need you to organize the books in here.” …”You’re testing me,’ she said, forming fists. ‘Don’t worry, I can resist it. You don’t need to do this.’

‘No, really,’ I said, exasperated. ‘I’m not testing you. I just need these books to have some kind of order.’

She sat down on a pile. ‘But … I’m recovering! I’ve been clean for months now! You can’t ask me to go back, you can’t.’…She stood and fled the room, tears in her eyes …

I was left kneeling, feeling horrible. Like I’d just told a little girl that her kitten was dead. Because I’d run it over. And that I’d also eaten it.

And it had tasted really bad.

Major themes: evil plots, peace treaties, hidden agendas, royalty, betrayal, the emptiness of fame, the power of technology, seeking the truth, the value of order Please be aware: There is a little bit of needless toilet humour in this , but no real concerns.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

30 | Review Magazine: June 2013

9-13 yrs 5/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

NO 4.5/5

When My Name Was Keoko Author: Linda Sue Park ISBN: 9780702249747 Published: 27 February 2013 Publisher: Penguin

The Christian School Library Review A brilliant read throwing light on an aspect of World War II which many people won’t have thought about. The TV series MASH and the current situation have put focus on the war against Communism in the Korean Peninsula but not much is heard of the Koreans being part of the Japanese Empire. This story covers the period from 1940 to a few months after the war’s end in 1945. It is told through the eyes of Sun-hee and her elder brother, Tae-yul who live an outwardly Japanese life involving increasing regulations from their Japanese masters.

Publisher’s description

‘By order of the Emperor, all Koreans are to be graciously allowed to take Japanese names.” Even though they were forced to bear Japanese names, fly the Japanese flag, speak Japanese and even destroy their national flowering tree, Rose of Sharon and plant cherry trees, they maintained they were Koreans and would one day be free.

When her name was Keoko, Japan owned Korea, and Japanese soldiers ordered people around, telling them what they could do or say, even what sort of flowers they could grow.

Their uncle produced a newspaper for the Resistance movement from his printing press. In order not to be used to betray him, Tae-yul joins the Japanese Imperial forces to be trained as a kamikaze pilot. Sun-hee is a scholar like her father and through her, the reader gains understanding of the Korean love of formal language, poetry and calligraphy. Well written and well researched.

When her name was Keoko, World War II came to Korea, and her friends and family, even her older brother, had to work and fight for Japan. When her name was Keoko, she never forgot her name was actually Kim Sun-hee. And no matter what she was called, she was Korean. Not Japanese. Inspired by truelife events, this amazing story reveals what happens when your culture, country and identity are threatened.

Value: A book which gives background knowledge of one of the world’s hot spots.

Major themes: Korean culture, Japanese Imperialism, WWII, Korean family Life, Wartime Resistance, silbling relationships, courage, love of country, kamikaze Please be aware: None really. P106-107 girls are chosen from the school for a special task for the Empire. The author’s notes indicate they were probably going to be “comfort women” for the Japanese soldiers.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

Survival Squad # 4: White Water Author: Jonathan Rock ISBN: 9781409025269 Published: 3 January 2013 Publisher: Random House

Publisher’s description There's a reason they're known as the Survival Squad…

A white water rafting expedition for the Tiger Patrol takes a turn for the worse when the water level rises. It's a matter of life or death, and they have only their training and skill to rely on.

10-14 yrs

Suitable class novel:

YES

4/5

Literary value rating:

4/5

The Christian School Library Review The latest addition to this seriously enjoyable series does not disappoint. Once again Tiger Patrol are caught up in circumstances beyond their control, but using their scout training, teamwork and knowledge they prevail.

This has to be one of the best current, old school adventure series for middle schoolers around. Yes, it’s a thinly veiled advertisement for the Scouts, but given all the positives that that organization teaches, who cares! The scouts of Tiger Patrol (the Survival Squad) all represent good role models , they’re disciplined, resourceful, understand teamwork and the chain of command and best of all, own up if they’ve made a mistake. With their scout training and resourcefulness they’re up for any challenge, whatever the circumstances or dangers.

A very well written, fast paced yarn that grabs the reader right to the last page.

The characters are believable and well developed, as are the situations. There is a lot of detail that has gone into this book, not only about scouting methodology and wilderness survival, but observations of nature and the natural world.

A most enjoyable read and highly recommended. To read the reviews for the previous titles in the series, search for ‘survival squad’ at www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au.

Major themes: Scouts, training, teamwork, adventure, camping, survival, survival techniques, kayaking, responding to danger, first aid.

Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book.

Recommended age:

9+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

5/5

Literary value rating:

4.5/5

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 31

The Boy With Two Heads

The Christian School Library Review Richard Westlake is an 11-year-old boy who wakes up one day with a lump in his throat. This is no ordinary lump and Richard is certainly no ordinary boy, because within a short time that lump grows into a second head.

This isn’t just some inanimate head. It is completely functioning, as if there are now two different people sharing the same body. Whereas Richard is a sweet, nice, polite boy, Rikki is the opposite. He’s sarcastic and often nasty, and ultimately, seeing Richard as weak, does his best to take control.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Andy Mulligan 9780857560681 3 June 2013 Random House

Publisher’s description How would YOU feel if you woke up and found another head growing out of YOUR neck? What's more it's a living, breathing, TALKING head, with a rude, sharp tongue and an evil sense of humour. It knows all your darkest thoughts and it's not afraid to say what it thinks. To ANYBODY. That's exactly what happens to eleven-year-old Richard Westlake.

Prepare to be stunned.

Part thriller, part horror, part comedy - this is one of the most riveting novels about fear and friendship that you will ever read, straight out of the astonishing storytelling HEAD of Andy Mulligan(author of the amazing Trash) direct to your very own BRAIN.

Despite his classmates’ efforts to be welcoming and understanding, Rikki eventually alienates Richard’s friends. He also drives his parents almost out of their mind with worry, particularly after setting fire to his dad’s office. He has a habit of finding people’s soft spot and hitting them right where it hurts with the worst weapon of all – his words. Rikki is adept at pushing away everyone who cares about him/ them.

In the meantime, there is Dr Warren who appears as if he is trying to help, but in fact has his own evil agenda. He wants to get Rikki under the microscope to further his own scientific career.

But is everything as clearcut as it appears? Or is Rikki in fact the manifestation of Richard’s overwhelming grief at the death of his grandfather who was closer to him than anyone else? Is Richard really a very sweet boy overwhelmed with emotions like anger and despair that he can’t understand or express, which come out as this other aspect of himself? It will take the kindness of a teacher, the commitment of his friends and the unending love of his grandfather to help Richard/Rikki escape the clutches of the ruthless and opportunistic Dr Warren and - just maybe – put him back together again.

An intriguing and multi-faceted story that provides lots of great opportunities to dig deeper and would make an excellent class novel/prescribed text. The quality of writing in the first chapter (describing the appearance of the second head) is particularly outstanding.

Major themes: grief, loss, friendship, despair, self-destruction, self-harm, hidden agendas, evil scientists, love, courage, family, reconciliation, peace Please be aware: 1. ‘bloody’ x 5 (p199,218,270,275,304) plus a few ‘Oh God’ type exclamations throughout. 2. Rikki is intelligent and articulate, and he is also a bully who will say anything to upset someone (imagine an 11-year-old experiencing emotional pain and acting out and you will get the picture). For example, the younger brother of a girl in his class has to stay rugged up all the time because he gets sick very easily. He is also small for his age. Rikki calls him “a half-dead retard” which results in his sister punching him in the face (p62-65). In another scene he trashes Dr Warren’s office (p76-79), scrawling ‘filthy words’ on his desk (not described). Richard is horrified and offers to help clean up. He makes cracks about another student’s so-called sex life, because he obviously likes a girl in class (nothing going on), and rants that there is no God (p144-147) – there’s a wonderful, touching discussion between Rikki and his parents where they talk about when he was born and what a gift he is and how that made them believe in God (156-159). 3. Another year 6 student, Eric, comes from a dysfunctional background and is often getting into trouble. Dr Warren is also treating him, which is making things worse. His older brothers are wild and there are rumours that Eric is getting involved in stealing cars and break-ins. He comes to school unwashed and smelling of alcohol (p103), is caught with cigarettes (p193), hits a teacher (248-9) but ultimately becomes part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

10-13

Suitable class novel:

YES

5/5

Literary value rating:

5/5

Class sets of any title are available at 20% off RRP 32 | Review Magazine: June 2013

In the Wings

The Christian School Library Review Ella is a year 8 student at a school in Victoria. She’s quiet and uncertain, and when Mr Paterson announces that they will be staging A Midsummer Night’s Dream, she’s determined to help out behind the scenes.

When her eccentric grandfather comes to stay after a lifetime of estrangement from her mother, there are a lot of adjustments to be made. He’s colourful, sometimes embarrassing, and very theatrical … traits developed from a lifetime as an actor.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

As he helps her friend Jeremy prepare for his role as Bottom, and encourages them to design great sets for the play, Harry senses something in Ella that longs for more.

Elsbeth Edgar 9781922077325 1 June 2013 Walker Books

After the girl playing the Fairy is caught stealing and suspended from school, someone has to step in, and Ella already knows the part. But can she get over her terrible stage fright and do what she has been dreaming of all along?

Publisher’s description Ella Jamison dreams of acting. But it’s an impossible dream when you suffer from stage fright. Stuck in the backstage crew for the school play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Ella watches her friends and conceited new boy Sam tread the boards. But first impressions can be deceiving. And help can arrive when you least expect it.

In the midst of this, there are other troubles brewing. Her best friend Gina’s mother has to have a serious operation, and new boy Sam has some mystery going on which she can’t quite work out …

When the truth comes out about his dad, all those who desperately wanted to hang out with him are very quick to ditch him. Will Ella do the same? Or will she choose to look past the gossip and see someone who really needs a friend?

This is a gentle but nevertheless engaging read about a girl who learns to look past first appearances to see what is really going on – with Sam, with her grandfather, and ultimately with life. The different characters are very well drawn, making this a story with much wider appeal than just the theatrical setting.

Major themes: jumping to conclusions, misjudging others, underestimating yourself, broken families, family secrets, theatre, stagefright, Shakespeare, set design, friendship, family illness, the effects of mistakes on others Please be aware: There are no concerns with this book.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

10-13

Suitable class novel:

NO

4/5

Literary value rating:

3.5/5

Understanding Traffic Lights Visual cues for highlighting concerns If the light is green, there are no concerns with the book.

Green and amber together means there are very mild concerns which we consider unlikely to be an issue for the age group, but you should check them out just in case.

Amber means mild to medium concerns.

Amber and red together mean medium to high concerns.

The Reject Books section are books unlikely to be suitable to any of our members.

Please note: the traffic lights are primarily a grading system for books that we have assessed as being suitable for some , if not all, of our members (given that there is significant variance in collection policies amongst different Christian schools). We have already weeded out the books we consider to be of most concern, or which offer nothing of value to weigh up against any concerns.

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 33

The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland & Led the Revels There

The Christian School Library Review In many ways this is a much more enjoyable book than the previous one in the series (to read the review for book one search for ‘fairyland’ at www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au. The ending is full and rich, poignant but ultimately satisfying. That said, our reviewer had considerably more reservations about it than the first book.

The Victorian stylistic storytelling conceit is still there but the self-described ‘sly’ narrator with the intrusive condescending mannerisms is fortunately given a much greater back-seat in this one.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Catherynne Valente 9781780338446 1 February 2013 Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description It has been a long time since young September bid farewell to Fairyland, and she is excited to see it again; but upon her return she is shocked to find that her friends have been losing their shadows, and therefore their magic, to the kingdom of Fairyland-Below... It spells certain disaster and September won't stand for it. Determined to make amends, she travels down into the underworld where, among creatures of ice and moonlight, she encounters a face she recognizes all too well: Halloween, the Hollow Queen. Only then does September realize what she must do to save Fairyland from slipping into the mundane world forever. Come and join in the Revels with September and her friends. But be warned: in FairylandBelow, even the best of friends aren't always what they seem . . .

This is the second book in the series and, like the first, it celebrates ‘strange’ while making use of many fairytale conventions and archetypes. And ‘archetypes’ indeed turns out to be a major key to this: very Jungian and very much according to the philosophy that our shadow sides need to be embraced rather than banished. The vague sense of something not quite right in the first book (a happy ending that was a bit too pat and lacked the sense of eucatastrophe along with the deep consolation that Tolkien considers essential to the true fairytale) has crystallised now that it’s so evident that Jungian psychology is the prevailing worldview of this series.

September is eager to get back to Fairyland. When she finally does, it’s not the place she knows: she’s come to a world where her shadow (cut from her in the first book in payment of a tithe to the monstrous waterhorse Glastyn) is the Hollow Queen or Halloween, ruler of the underworld below Fairyland. The Hollow Queen employs the Alleyman to siphon off fairy shadows. September meets a shadow Saturday and a shadow A-to-L (who, despite having darker agendas than their material counterparts, are really not so bad, after all).

This is a moving story with a truly lovely ending. It’s dark throughout and its message is that we all have a shadow side and that side is more misunderstood than evil. If you have no problem with Jungian psychology, you’ll probably love this book.

Major themes: Family, shadow side of our own nature, Jungian psychology, choices, manipulation, temptation, rules, good vs bad vs evil Please be aware: Very minor mentions in passing of reading tea leaves (p 94) and séance (p 96). Acceptance of bull-human marriage and intercourse as normal (p 280), minotaurs (p290). Explicit espousal of Jungian psychology (though not named as such) - p270 ff.

Recommended age:

10+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4.5/5

Literary value rating:

5/5

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34 | Review Magazine: June 2013

The Zigzag Effect Author: Lili Wilkinson ISBN: 9781743313039 Published: 1 April 2013 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description Sage is delighted to land a holiday job at a theatre. Mostly because it will earn her the money she needs for the photography course she's coveted since she first picked up a camera. And working for a magician should be interesting, right? Plus there's a cute stagehand named Herb, who could make it even more interesting.

But Sage, Herb and The Great Armand's beautiful assistant Bianca stay late at the theatre one night, and a wand gets broken...on the stage. Bianca is horrified, convinced they've brought a curse upon themselves. Sage and Herb dismiss her concerns as irrational superstitions - even after they are mysteriously locked in the supply cupboard. Together.

Overnight.

The Christian School Library Review A much better than average read set in the world of magicians living on the fringe of their industry. Sage and her family have moved to Melbourne from Queensland. Money is tight which means Sage can’t attend her eagerly anticipated photography course. Then she is offered a job when she takes her little brother to a magic show in an old theatre.

She meets the show’s cute technician, Herb, the lovely magician’s assistant, Bianca and The Great Armand who barely acknowledges her existence. Strange things happen including the disappearance of The Great Armand and threatening letters to Bianca.

There’s also her hot/cold relationship with Herb and is there really a ghost? The story also examines the discrimination against women magicians and the exploitation of magicians’ assistants. Could this be the motive for the strange happenings? The ending is no great surprise but it is satisfactory and sees true justice done. The opposing opinions of Herb and Bianca regarding magic helps expose attitudes in the trade and how things work. It is a business involving skills rather than the supernatural. In the end the reader wonders if Bianca’s superstitions and fears were just “misdirection”. Well researched. Some interesting information re the “magic” of photography and the story behind some famous photographs is also revealed when Sage does her course. A very good read which reveals insight into attitudes, beliefs and activities in the world of magicians and some interesting stories about photographs and photography.

Major themes: Discrimination against/exploitation of women in magicians’ trade, the magic trade, Ambition, misdirection, superstition, friendship, relationships in entertainment industry, young love, photography, family in transition.

Please be aware: 1) Language: P66, 265 bullshit , p74, 163, 194 what a dick, p102 told me he was gay, p119 Ah, screw it, 2) P126 lucky bastard, p219 Jesus, p302 bitch, p328 treated her like crap 3) Theatre superstitions – p53-57 4) Religious references – p173 there’s a possibility that the universe was created by a giant flying spaghetti monster – water damage becomes the Virgin Mary’s face. Herb was making fun of people seeing what they want to see. 5) The book is about magic tricks rather than supernatural magic. Herb is very anti-spiritual magic or any psychic activity. The character of Bianca believes in ghosts, theatre superstitions etc. 6) Sage’s little brother is obsessed with magic, Harry Potter etc.

Recommended age: Good read rating:

The Lethal Target: Malichea Quest # 3 Author: Jim Eldridge ISBN: 9781408817216 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description Jake's girlfriend, Lauren, has been exiled to New Zealand by MI5, who ensure that the two of them never speak about the missing books of the Order of Malichea. The information in these books could destroy mankind if they fall into the wrong hands, but Jake and Lauren want to get to them first and use the wisdom for good. Then Lauren goes missing... When Jake follows the instructions of a mystery caller to go to a Scottish Island, he knows he could be in danger; the Russian government will do anything to get hold of one book in particular - a book that holds the secret to spontaneous human combustion. Jake has to race against time to intercept the book & prevent global warfare. Can he do it and finally give Lauren her freedom?

13+ 4/5

Suitable class novel: Literary value rating:

NO 4/5

The Christian School Library Review Another episode in this series of thrillers (to read reviews for the previous titles search for ‘malichea’ at www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au.

This third book is set on the island of Mull where one of the ancient books was hidden from the marauding Vikings. It was the one which contained the chemical secret of spontaneous combustion. The Russians are already there looking for it under the guise of an archeological dig. MI5 are there keeping an eye on things and the CIA have their people and equipment in a hut along the beach. The local Watchers who guard the book from generation to generation are there too.

Our hero, Jake is a latecomer when he arrives on Mull in response to a message from the mysterious Miss Cooper who turns out to be Lauren, his true love who was banished to New Zealand. The body count begins to climb, Lauren disappears, Jake is jailed. There are smugglers caves and secret entrances. The Russians discover the ancient volume but our heroes steal it, narrowly escaping spontaneous combustion. The book is safe, our heroes are together. All seems well. However, back in Russia, the enemy regroup for revenge and we await the next exciting episode.

Value: A good read of high adventure.

Major themes: Adventure, young love, ancient treasures, Scottish history, intrigue.

Please be aware: No real concerns. This author tends to open with a bang. This time the opener involves someone being dragged in and injected with a chemical which causes spontaneous combustion.

Recommended age:

13+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4/5

Literary value rating:

3/5

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 35

The Christian School Library Review

Bring Back Cerberus: The Debt # 3

Dom’s Italian ancestor inadvertently failed to make the payment required to free him from the clutches of the Ndrangheta (an organization worse than the mafia) so he could live a new life in Australia. Since then, every male descendent on reaching the age of 15 is told he has to secretly pay off the debt by completing six tasks, or payment will be taken via a lump of flesh instead (eg. amputation a leg).

Each book in the series covers one of those tasks. You can read the reviews for the previous titles by going to www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au and searching for “the debt”). In this third instalment, Dominic must ‘obtain’ the Cerberus, a new version of the hottest smart phone on the planet which also happens to be a closely guarded secret.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

His search will take him into the world of hackers and industrial espionage, and across the path of a ruthless private detective and a number of other shady characters. It could also cost him his dream of competing in the nationals when he intentionally gets suspended from school so he can fulfill his assignment (what would you do if the alternative was losing a leg?) and then discovers that disqualifies him from running.

Phillip Gwynne 9781742378596 1 March 2013 Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description Dom should be concentrating on training for his big race and a possible spot on the Australian team to compete at the World Youth Games. But the powerful, shadowy organisation, The Debt, has other ideas. And as Dom knows: you don't mess with The Debt. The Debt has handed down the next task to repay Dom's ancient family debt, and it's seemingly impossible! Procure a Cerberus. Rumoured to be still in development, Cerberus is an innovative piece of next-generation technology, only whispered about in the furthest reaches of cyberspace. Drawn into the shady world of black-hat hacking and industrial espionage, Dom will need every skill he's learnt, and acquire some more, to complete this instalment. How do you steal something that doesn't exist? This time will he fail and lose a pound of flesh?

But is that the end of his dream? Or will the mysterious secret society find a way to get him back into the game. Dom might think all he wants is to get to Rome – and get The Debt off his case – but that was before his little brother went missing …

As with the previous titles in this Gold Coast based series, I am somewhat torn by this book. It is quite engaging and based on an interesting premise. It also sounds much edgier than it really is. If it wasn’t for the occasional bad language this particular book in the series would really be quite mild (unlike most series the books are getting less problematic as they go on, as book 1 was much worse in terms of language and content). Dom breaks the law in order to survive, but also experiences guilt at his choices. In the end, I think this is one of those books that you just have to make your own mind up about! Either way it is certain to be enjoyed by boys in particular.

Major themes: mafia, obligation, friends, family, payment of debts, industrial espionage, hacking, initiative, secrecy, determination Please be aware: 1. Language: ‘jesus’ x 3 (p7, 155, 222), ‘chrissakes’ x 1 (p196), ‘bloody’ x 5 (p12,27,28,271) ‘buggers’ x 2 (p188,270). 2. Mildly gruesome references to thinking about his leg being amputated (which is what will happen if he doesn’t complete his assignments), p110. 3. In order to complete the assignment Dom wags school, intentionally gets expelled, drives at high speed, forces a café owner to give him information he needs by threatening to tweet that there was a cockroach in his coffee grinder, and uses similar tactics on a teacher.

Recommended age:

14+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

4/5

Literary value rating:

3/5

www.christianschoolsforum.com 36 | Review Magazine: June 2013

The Fifth Wave

The Christian School Library Review The Alien mothership is hovering above Earth, a planet they have observed for centuries (they even saw that Jewish peasant crucified). The Aliens on board have no physical form. They are simply a life force which have left their previous hosts and are now looking for new ones. They haven't chosen humans but rather, maybe, birds. The humans are not really necessary but there is a division of opinion on what should be done about these polluting, destructive species. A few Aliens want to cohabit and indwell some of them (Evan Walker is one of these), others want to wipe them all out. The latter win.

Author: ISBN: Published: Publisher:

Rick Yancey 9780141345819 7 May 2013 Penguin

Publisher’s description The 1st Wave Took out half a million people.

The 2nd Wave Put that number to shame.

The 3rd Wave Lasted a little longer. Twelve weeks . . .

Four billion dead.

In the 4th Wave , You can't trust that people are still people.

And the 5th Wave?

No one knows. But it's coming.

On a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs. Runs from the beings that only look human, who have scattered Earth's last survivors.

To stay alone is to stay alive, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan may be her only hope.

Now Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death.

That's the background to the waves of destruction that are loosed to rid the Earth of humans. Now as we prepare for the 5th Wave, there are only a few left.

Cassie Sullivan is one of them. Her mother died of the Red Death.

Cassie, her Dad and Sammy, her little brother find refuge in a camp. Then the army comes with promises of a place of safety. They put the children, including Sammy, on buses promising the adults will follow. The adults are shot. Cassie escapes but she's now travelling alone not knowing who is really human and who is not. Wounded and half frozen, she is rescued by a kind and good-looking farm boy (with suspiciously soft hands), Evan Walker. He helps her rescue attempt for Sammy.

Meanwhile, Sammy is now in the army camp with an Alien implant and he's being trained in a unit headed up by Ben Parish. Ben was a football star at Cassie's school and Cassie's secret love although it's likely he didn't know she existed. Ben's squad are sent out to kill Aliens although the truth is they are the Aliens and the people they are targetting are the real humans. They are the 5th Wave. Ben and his squad realise the truth, remove the implants and escape but then Ben goes back to get Sammy out. He meets Cassie on the same mission.

Sammy is rescued, the camp which is really the Aliens' earthly HQ is destroyed thanks to Evan's help. Evan who is in love with Cassie decides to return to his own species while Ben, Sammy and Cassie huddle together to watch the sun rise. However, the mothership and the Aliens are still there. The book about the next wave is due out in 2014. Not sure if there are books on the previous waves.

A good read that works up to an exciting climax. Maybe a bit long-winded - 457 pages but a lot happens including the back story well-woven in. A believeable cast of characters.

Major themes: alien invasion, brainwashing, the enemy within, trust, teen romance, family, surveillance, survival, promises.

Please be aware: There is some bad language, some mention of sex, some questioning of God but no detailed descriptions or nothing outside an "end of the world" experience. 1) P32 There's so much I wanted to do, Lizbett said, I've never even ...you know. Jesus, this could be the end of the freakin' world and all you want to do is talk about sex! 2) P63-65 A 13 year old boy propositions Cassie. She hits him in the nose but then helps him with the nose bleed. 3) P61 Cassie puts Sammy to bed, said his prayer with him. Cassie comments: to me, just random noise. Gibberish. I wasn't sure exactly what it was, but I felt that, when it came to God, there was a broken promise in there somewhere. 4) P6768 - a group in hiding, some praying, some mocking them. Sammy asks: Cassie, does God hate us? Why doesn't God stop them? 5) P161 Does God really care about promises? Do I really care about God? 6) P64 Bitch. Are you a virgin? p87 Dumbass, little shit, P96 Ah, crap, p149 bullshit, p152 Holy Christ, he bathed you.

P171 Screw you, I shouted. p242, dumbass, shit, p316 load of crap, p189 Holy crap, p437 F**k you.

Recommended age:

14+

Suitable class novel:

NO

Good read rating:

3.5/5

Literary value rating:

4/5

Class sets of any title are available at 20% off RRP Review Magazine: June 2013 | 37

Rejected Titles Shadows of the Silver Screen Author: Chris Edge ISBN: 9780857630520 Published: 1 March 2013 Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publisher’s description Filming begins - with Montgomery as the star of the production - but is plagued by a series of strange and frightening events. As Monty pleads with Penny to help him, she is drawn into the mystery, but soon finds herself trapped in a nightmare penned by her own hand.

Can Penny uncover the filmmaker's dark secret before it's too late?

The Christian School Library Review Shadows of the Silver Screen is a quickly read mystery set in 1900, when the silent movie has just begun to receive popularity. The main character of the novel is young Penelope Tredwell, an interesting character as the heiress, manager and writer of The Penny Dreadful magazine. Due to her age (13 years old) she writes horror/suspense serial stories under the pen name of Montgomery Flinch and hires an actor, Monty, to be the writer’s public face. The story begins when Monty is becoming restless and the existence of The Penny Dreadful is at threat should he reveal the truth about the magazine and author. But when a film company arrives, eager to turn one of Penny’s stories into film and hire Montgomery Flinch in the lead role Monty seems happy to play along a little longer. But things begin to get a little creepy for both Monty and Penny when the film company being to alter the story itself and filming begins on location at Evensholt Manor. Penny begins sensing and then seeing ghosts from the past. Monty finds his moods affected beyond just ordinary acting. As filming progresses both Penny and Monty’s sense of uncertainty and fear increases and the spirits that appear whenever the movie camera rolls seem to be gaining strength and power. Danger, mystery and suspense build to an exciting – if not a little spooky, ending.

The characters in this story were well developed, possibly a little stereotypical of the genre but they suited the story. Good discussions could be made from the text about the importance of reading contracts carefully and the power of a legal document.

Some readers may find some of the plot content unhelpful – especially as ghosts/ spirits from people in the past begin appearing and other characters are plotting to bring these people back from the dead. It is this content which will make the book problematic for many Christian schools.

Major themes: Suspense, mystery, spirits/ghosts, revenge, adventure etc Please be aware: The main plotline of this book revolves around a ‘Veritescope’ – a moving picture camera that also captures the images of deceased people’s spirits/ ghosts. One of the main characters is attempting to bring back a long lost love from the dead. As the spirits seen by the camera grow stronger, they draw power and ‘life’ from the living, eventually threatening the life of two of the other main characters. Pg 218 contains the book’s explanation of the device. Other examples of the ghosts/ spirits can be found on pages 135, 147, 241 and many more. There are also references to murder and the writing, publishing of literary works in the horror genre.

Thorn Abbey Author: Nancy Ohlin ISBN: 9781442464865 Published: 1 May 2013 Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publisher’s description Becca was the perfect girlfriend: smart, gorgeous, and loved by everyone at New England’s premier boarding school, Thorn Abbey. But Becca’s dead.

And her boyfriend, Max, can’t get over his loss. Then Tess transfers to Thorn Abbey. She’s shy, insecure, and ordinary—everything that Becca wasn’t.

And despite her roommate’s warnings, she falls for brooding Max. Now Max finally has a reason to move on. Except it won’t be easy. Because Becca may be gone, but she’s not quite ready to let him go…

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The Christian School Library Review I really wanted to like this book, given that the author’s inspiration came from Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, a brooding and atmospheric work.

However, there are a lot of sexual references, fake rape accusations by Devon (the character modeled on Rebecca ) who drugs a fellow student and tries to force him to have sex with her, bad language including f**k x 11, incest, and the coup de grace comes when you discover that Devon is “possessed by Becca’s ‘ghost. Or demon. Or whatever’”.

From there it moves into the inane “I can’t believe Devon is actually dead. She wasn’t a saint. Far from it. But she didn’t deserve to have her life taken by an evil succubus who used to be her best friend.”

This could have been a really great book. Unfortunately it isn’t. Instead it is incredibly disappointing, with none of Rebecca’s mysterious and intoxicating attraction. One can’t help but feel the author copped out and wrote something easy, instead of tapping into the deeper heartbeat present in du Maurier’s famous novel.

Rejected Titles Jasper Jones: A Novel Author: Craig Silvey ISBN: 9781742372624 Published: 1 May 2010 Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publisher’s description Late on a hot summer night in the tail end of 1965, Charlie Bucktin, a precocious and bookish boy of thirteen, is startled by an urgent knock on the window of his sleep-out. His visitor is Jasper Jones, an outcast in the regional mining town of Corrigan. Rebellious, mixed-race and solitary, Jasper is a distant figure of danger and intrigue for Charlie. So when Jasper begs for his help, Charlie eagerly steals into the night by his side, terribly afraid but desperate to impress. Jasper takes him through town and to his secret glade in the bush, and it's here that Charlie bears witness to Jasper's horrible discovery.

With his secret like a brick in his belly, Charlie is pushed and pulled by a town closing in on itself in fear and suspicion as he locks horns with his tempestuous mother, falls nervously in love and battles to keep a lid on his zealous best friend, Jeffrey Lu. And in vainly attempting to restore the parts that have been shaken loose, Charlie learns to discern the truth from the myth, and why white lies creep like a curse. In the simmering summer where everything changes, Charlie learns why the truth of things is so hard to know, and even harder to hold in his heart.

The Christian School Library Review This a coming-of-age adventure novel where 13 year-old Charlie Bucktin is confronted with difficult adult issues that eventually lead him to a more mature view of life. He has to consider for himself what is right and what is wrong and to realise that adult behaviours and opinions are not always the best choices. From the dramatic opening chapter the story unfolds to reveal hidden secrets of the town. The novel explores injustice, racism, hypocrisy and morality as well as young love in Corrigan a small fictional town in the Western Australian mining area.

The plot of the story begins when Charlie is lured by Jasper on an adventure through the bush to see the body of Laura Wishart hanging from a tree branch. The place that Jasper takes him is a secret place where Jasper spends a lot of his time and the rope used belongs to him. He is also in a relationship with Laura and cares deeply for her. Jasper fears that the townspeople will automatically blame him for the murder as he is often treated as the scapegoat for every wrongdoing. While Charlie's initial reaction is that it should be reported to the police he ultimately agrees to help Jasper cut the body down, tie a rock around the feet and sink it in the dam. Charlie leaves with the terrible secret of what happened to Laura like a brick in his stomach.

The next part of the plan is to find out who murdered Laura with Jasper suspecting Jack Lionel, another outcast in the town. This murder mystery is the thread that weaves its way through the story. The story includes examples of racism and injustice towards Jasper and the Lu family, who are immigrants from Vietnam, family tensions in Charlie's and the Wishart family and explores the friendships of Jasper and Charlie, Charlie and Jeffrey Lu and the blossoming romance between Charlie and Eliza Wishart. The hypocrisy of many of the adult characters is exposed as the story progresses.

It isn't until the end that the truth is finally revealed. Laura committed suicide because her father had been forcing himself on her and she is pregnant. Eliza, the younger sister, admits to Charlie that she watched Laura kill herself. Eliza hits back at her parents for not supporting Laura by burning down the family home.

This is a multi-faceted novel that has an overarching adult story line but with adolescent protagonists. It is a beautifully constructed book which grabs the attention of readers right from the beginning. Its mix of mystery and suspense and unease will keep the reader enthralled. The process of maturity for Charlie is sudden and difficult but he does reach a place where he is more sure of his individual identity and moral code. While it is set in the mid 1960's it deals with universal issues that are relevant to modern day teenagers.

Readers of Jasper Jones will need the sophistication and maturity to understand that the bad language and confronting issues are in fact set in the real world of the novel's setting in time and place.

We reviewed this book to determine its suitability as a class novel/prescribed text for indigenous studies. While the quality of writing is certainly there, the extreme content issues unfortunately make it unsuitable.

Please be aware: 1. Extreme language, including f**k, c**t, Jesus Christ, and numerous others, occurring too frequently to count. 2. Numerous crude sexual references. 3. Incest. 4. "And don't get me started on Cheeses Christ and all that zombie resurrection bollocks. Now there's a twist ending that's hard to sell. He's dead, he's dead. No wait, who is that crawling out from behind that rock? Noooo, it couldn't be! Oop, wait, yes! He's alive! Hello, Zombie Cheeses! He's back!" (p. 95). 5. Very crude (and sexualized) torture and bullying.

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Rejected Titles Coda

The Christian School Library Review Author: Emma Trevayne ISBN: 123456789 Published: 5 July 2013 Publisher: Perseus

This book is incredibly well written, with engaging prose and a very interesting premise. However, with no less than 68 x f**ks in the text, the language makes it unsuitable for Christian schools.

Publisher’s description Ever since he was a young boy, music has coursed through the veins of eighteen-year-old Anthem—the Corp has certainly seen to that. By encoding music with addictive and mind-altering elements, the Corp holds control over all citizens, particularly conduits like Anthem, whose life energy feeds the main power in the Grid.

Anthem finds hope and comfort in the twin siblings he cares for, even as he watches the life drain slowly and painfully from his father. Escape is found in his underground rock band, where music sounds free, clear, and unencoded deep in an abandoned basement. But when a band member dies suspiciously from a tracking overdose, Anthem knows that his time has suddenly become limited. Revolution all but sings in the air, and Anthem cannot help but answer the call with the chords of choice and free will. But will the girl he loves help or hinder him?

FAQs on ordering books from CSS •

Can we order titles from previous issues of Review? Definitely! You can order any of the titles we have featured at any time. However, after 3 months from publication, it may take a couple of weeks extra as we probably won’t have them in our warehouse any more.

•

What if I want a book that you haven’t reviewed? You are welcome to order any title from us. In fact, we have become aware of some great books through special orders we have processed of our members. We can get almost any book in publication anywhere in the world.

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If I have credits on my account, can I use them for special orders? Yes!

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I need to find suitable fiction or non fiction titles for the National Curriculum, can you help with that? We often research titles for our members, and have some lists in place already. Just let us know what you are looking for (age, focus, fiction or non fiction, intended use), and we will make some recommendations for you.

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Useful Information

Great Websites & Apps

Conferences & Seminars

APP: School Writing for the iPad

17-18 June 2013

Hands-on reading and writing literacy learning. http://tinyurl.com/kxqv4no

WEB: National Digital Learning Resources Network Thousands of higher order thinking learning activities & digital resources . http://www.ndlrn.edu.au/default.asp

WEB: Mrs B’s Interactive Literacy An engaging array of online activities designed around the CBCA shortlist titles to enhance students’ Book Week book studies. http://tinyurl.com/pxfr6my

WEB: Wazmac dot com Resources & ideas for innovative schools: this site offers many ideas for developing great technology at school. http://www.wazmac.com/index.html

Festivals & Literary Events

Young Minds 2013 conference Explore the vital issues facing youth today.

Sydney Town Hall More information: http://tinyurl.com/28jllk

3 - 5 July, 2013 ASAL Country Conference 2013 Association for the Study of Australian Literature Wagga Wagga, NSW More information: http://asaliterature.com/?p=637

17-23 August 2013 IFLA World Library and Information Congress Singapore Future Libraries: Infinite Possibilities More information: http://conference.ifla.org/ifla79

20-23 October LIANZA 2013 Conference Chart new courses of knowledge for the library and information profession in Hamilton, NZ More information: http://tinyurl.com/pdfhxfb

Quote of the month

Henry Lawson Festival (NSW)

Exhibition of Australian Book Illustration (VIC) 9 – 11 June, 2013 Woodend, Victoria Website: http://tinyurl.com/c8g26lu

Noosa Long Weekend Festival (QLD) 14-23 June, 2013 Literary Masterpieces Website: http://tinyurl.com/3kddlxk

“

A library is a good place to go when you feel unhappy, for there, in a book, you may find encouragement and comfort. A library is a good place to go when you feel bewildered or undecided, for there, in a book, you may have your question answered.

“

6 -10 June, 2013 Grenfall, NSW Website: http://tinyurl.com/bqe48vy

Byron Bay Writers' Festival (NSW) 2 - 4 August, 2013 The Northern Rivers Writers’ Centre (organisers) Website: http://tinyurl.com/77wst9u

Kimberley Writers’ Festival (WA)

E.B. White AUTHOR OF CHARLOTTE’S WEB

26-28 July, 2013 Kununurra, WA Website: http://tinyurl.com/m6zy5gs

Do you have a quote, website, conference or other news you’d like to share? Please email magazine@cslfiction.com.au Review Magazine: June 2013 | 41

This issue’s titles in alphabetical order Title

Author

Alcatraz Versus the Knights of Crystallia Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones Ballet Cat Bea Bring Back Cerberus: The Debt # 3 Cattra's Legacy Dead Boys' Club Give and Take: Bramble and Maggie # 2 Hank Zipzer # 7: The World's Greatest Underachiever and the Parent-Teacher Trouble Horse Meets Girl: Bramble and Maggie # 1 Icons Imagine In the Wings Julius and the Watchmaker Keeping the Castle Let the Celebrations Begin!

Littleland Lulu Bell and the Birthday Unicorn Lulu Bell and the Fairy Penguin Marlo Can Fly Monster Odyssey # 1: The Eye of Neptune One Day: Around the World in 24 Hours Our Stories: Australian Flags and Emblems Reboot Scarlett and the Scratchy Moon Seadog Shahana Smart Girls Get What They Want Stanley Paste Start of the Ocean Survival Squad # 4: White Water The Apprentices The Boy and the Airplane The Boy With Two Heads The Cupcake Diaries # 11: Emma, Smile and Say 'Cupcake'!

The Cupcake Diaries # 12: Alexis Gets Frosted The Disgrace of Kitty Grey The Drowned Cities The Elephant Road The Fifth Wave The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There The Great Big Book of Feelings The Heir The Knights of Neustria: Secret Breakers # 3 The Lethal Target: The Malichea Quest # 3 The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate The River Charm The Truth About Tash: The Secrets Club # 2 The Zigzag Effect Too Many Cheeky Dogs We Have Lift Off What Was the War Like, Grandma?

When My Name Was Keoko

Brandon Sanderson Brandon Sanderson Fiona Ross Christine Sharp Phillip Gwynne Ana Mackenzie Geoffrey Malone Jessie Haas Henry Winkler Jessie Haas Margaret Stohl Bart Vivian Elsbeth Edgar Tim Hehir Patrice Kindl Margaret Wild Marion Billet Belinda Murrell Belinda Murrell Robert Vescio Jon Mayhew Suma Din Karen Tayleur Amy Tintera Chris McKimmie Clarie Saxby Rosanne Hawke Sarah Strohmeyer Aaron Blabley Michelle Worthington Jonathan Rock Malie Meloy Mark Pett Andy Mulligan Coco Simon Coco Simon Mary Hooper Paolo Bacigalupi Nicola Davies Rick Yancey Catherynne Valente Mary Hoffman Lynne Stringer H.L. Dennis Jim Eldridge Margaret Mahy Belinda Murrell Chris Higgins Lili Wilkinson Johanna Bell Sean Taylor Rachel Tonkin Linda Sue Park

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What’s on the horizon?

Review Magazine: June 2013 | 43

Christian School Suppliers…

Helping you bridge the gap between general market books and resources, and Christian culture. ● Library books and class sets ● Teaching resources and classroom tools ● Counselling aids ● Chaplaincy resources ● Special education materials ● Relationship building and personal development ● Professional development ● School leadership

Spread the word! Your member discounts are available to your whole school.

To see what’s available, go to www.christianschoolsuppliers.com.au or call 02 8985 9435 for more information