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Riggs Crossing
Reviewed by Hannah Diviney (Age 13)
Author: Michelle Renee Heeter
Publisher: FordRiggs Crossing tells the story of a girl who is found in the wreckage of a car after what can only be assumed was a traumatic accident. In the eyes of the police she doesn’t exist because she has no records and won’t or can’t tell them her name. So they call her Len because of the name on the jumper she is wearing when they find her. Len is taken to a refuge where other children with terrible secrets are forced to go after their families abandon them or disappear. Len is a smart girl but is reluctant to dive into the shadows. Without warning, memories come flooding back and when figures from Len’s past are found, the story reaches an emotional climax.
When I was given the book Riggs Crossing, to be completely honest with you, I was doubtful. This is because of the dark nature, tension and tragedy that looked like it was going to unfold throughout this story. It is not something that I would have picked up straight away at the bookstore before reading it. However, when I started, I found the story intriguing and wanted to know what happened. The story was quite tense and secretive making the reader hang on tight until the end.
Because of the nature of the story, I would have to say that no character was picked out as the favourite but I did really like ‘Len’ (whose real name I won’t reveal) because of her growth and complex nature as a character. By the end of the book I felt like she was finally relatable and was emotionally invested in her story. This is a skill that will serve Heeter really well in her future as a writer.
This book does have some sensitive content so I would recommend 12 and above. I suppose, it really does matter on the person and their threshold. I know myself, that I could not read the book before bed, because I was worried the story would influence my sleep. Depending on the story, I think I would read more books by Michelle Renee Heeter because she is really good at portraying people honestly and exposing the rawness of real people in this situation. There is no gloss or sugarcoating, what you read is what you get.
I would recommend this book for my school library as it covers a diverse range of topics and opens people’s eyes to the world of drugs. I would rate this book as a 7 out of 10. Overall, it was an intriguing book filled with tragedy, secrets and discovery. The author has done a good job with the honesty of her story.
For more information see:
http://www.fordstreetpublishing.com/ford/index.php/ford-street-titles/195-riggs-crossinghttp://www.panmacmillan.com.au/display_title.asp?ISBN=9781921665707&Author=Heeter,%20Michelle
The Invaders - Brotherband Series
Reviewed by Mrs Kerry Rae (Teacher Librarian)Author: John Flanagan
Publisher: Random House
This book is about a group of young men led by Hal and their sailing ship called the Heron. They are taking off in search of the pirate ship Raven led by Zavac to attempt recover the Andomal, Scandia’s most sacred artefact. They encounter some foul weather and are forced to take shelter until it passes. While waiting, they brush up their fighting skills which may be needed if they encounter Zavac and his much larger ship.
Putting out to sea again with newfound confidence, skills and equipment they go searching. Needing supplies, they call in at the port called Skegall. Meanwhile, Zavac has received information that there is treasure to be had in the town of Limmat so, being the pirate that he is, invades the town. Hal receives information from a young girl called Lydia, who escaped the invaders, that Zavac is there so he sets out to assist her and the people of Limmat and try to regain the Andomal.
Battles follow and lives are lost on land and at sea. Will Zavac escape with his treasure or will Hal and his crew capture them and reclaim their artefact? Will Hal or any of his crew lose their lives or will they lose their ship, the Heron?
I really enjoyed this book, even though it is obviously aimed at the young boy/ adolescent boy market, probably the 10-15 years age group. It is quite a thick book for this age group but the story is quite well told and holds the reader’s attention. What I also found useful was a glossary of sailing terms at the beginning of the book.
This is the second book in the Brotherband series and having not read the first book, The Outcasts, I was a little unsure that I would be able to follow the storyline but this was not the case. It would have been helpful to have read book one but not necessary and I was able to pick up the story with ease. John Flanagan is a very popular author with the boys and his Ranger’s Apprentice series being a good seller. Obviously John has hit the mark again with this series. Looking forward to book 3.
For more information see http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/john-flanagan/brotherband-2-the-invaders-9781741664508.aspxThree Things about Daisy Blue
Review by Leila (age 16)
Author: Kate Gordon
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Daisy Blue is not happy. She doesn't want to go to Bali and she definitely doesn't want to keep a diary of her trip or hang out with Paulina Gifford. She does want to be a size zero and famous.
Paulina Gifford is very studious. She is excited about the Bali trip and is keen to use her journal for recording her historical investigations. She thinks Daisy Blue is a stupid airhead but Bali surprises them both, and soon they are in danger of becoming friends. Is it possible that the popular girl and the nerd might find something in common?
This book is more suited to younger teenagers. 12-13 year old girls will love it. It is also set in Tasmania and Bali so locals might enjoy reading someone’s perspective of their home.
I think the purpose of this book is to prove that being skinny and popular isn’t everything. It proves you can become friends with the most unlikely people and you can change for the better if you really want to. I recommend that adults encourage teenage girls to read this book, as it has strong messages about such things as self-respect and mental illness.
I think Three Things about Daisy Blue is a good book, it has a lot of drama the whole way through and there are no boring parts. I could relate well to some of the issues brought up in the book. The way Daisy changes throughout the book is really quite fascinating. We see her through Paulina’s and her own perspective which is a really effective way to write the novel.
I think this book has the power to change people’s perspective on mental illnesses; I rate this 9/10.
For more information see http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=94&book=9781742372129
Motive Games
Reviewed by Mrs Kerry RaeAuthor: L.D.Taylor
Publisher: Wombat BooksThe book is essentially about an adolescent boy named Phil who is looking for a reason for his father’s recent death. He is told by the police that it was an accident but he doesn’t think so. He sets out to find all the details of the death and with the help of a few friends finds out what actually happened to his father.
The story begins slowly but becomes more interesting as the reader progresses through the book. I found it an excellent read for boys, and in particular, reluctant readers. Also, it would be very appealing if the reader enjoyed computer games and associated terminology.
I loved the way that this book was divided into small chapters as this would be very appealing for readers with a low attention span and a reluctant reader. The content was very relevant to adolescents as it pertains to computer gaming and I quite enjoyed this novel.
One thing I didn’t like in the story was the introduction of a Scottish character by the name of Mac. This wouldn’t be a problem except that every time Mac speaks, the words are written with a Scottish accent. For example, “Ave seen ‘im ‘ere before. In the loonge. Plain oan the consools. Wi’ the soond tae ruddy lood.” It takes some time to decipher exactly what he was saying and this detracts from the story.
There is a very comprehensive glossary in the back of the book which proved helpful when unknown computer terminology was used. I can understand why the book won the 2011 Caleb award for best young adult manuscript.
Overall, I liked the book and I think it would be suitable for the 9-14 year old age group. I think the author has done a great job in targeting the market for this new computer enthusiast genre and I think that many boys in particular would find it quite appealing. Let’s hope that they can pull themselves away from the computer long enough to enjoy it.
For more information check out this link: http://wombatbooks.com.au/books/11-motive-games
Devine Clementine
Reviewed by Sally HallAuthor: Hayley S Kirk
Publisher: Random HouseWhen 16 year old Clementine witnesses the death of her favourite person in the whole world, her aunt Stella, she's devastated.
Clementine treasured their intimate bond but after reading her aunt’s diaries, she discovers that nothing was what it seemed. Stella suffered from Bipolar disorder and not only did everyone else know about it, she did not appreciate Clementine’s companionship and devotion. Clementine is thrown into depression upon learning this most hurtful truth.
Feeling betrayed and bitterly angry, Clementine rebels in a way that seems very realistic. Her actions compound until her parents decide some time away is the only solution.
Divine Clementine is the debut novel from Hayley S Kirk. It is an interesting tale of mental illness and how personal perceptions can be skewed. It deals with grief, teenage angst, family dynamics and confusion with a little romance thrown in too.I thoroughly recommend Divine Clementine.
For more information please see;http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/hayley-smithers-kirk/divine-clementine-9781864718997.aspx or http://www.randomhouse.com.au/authors/hayley-s-kirk.aspx
Mammon (Series The Ferryman Chronicles, Book 1)
Reviewed by Kerry RaeAuthor: J.B. Thomas
Publisher: Random HouseThis book is about a brother and sister whose parents die in dramatic circumstances very early in the story. It is only after their parents’ death that they realise they both possess special powers.
The girl, Grace, finds that she has telepathic abilities, while the boy, Joe, realises that he is a Ferryman with enormous power. He finds that he is capable of opening rifts and disposing of unwanted things. The story follows the two in their discovery and use of their special gifts to fight demons. They are trained by the Order in using their skills and meet others that wish to help them as well as coming across others that mean them harm.
Most demons look like normal human beings but Grace and Joe are capable of recognising them for what they are. But Mammon, a very powerful demon, is after Joe to try to stop him using his powers and he will use all of his powers to get what he wants. Will he succeed?
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am looking forward the next book in the series. It is well written and is very appealing as the plot twists and turns and keeps you captivated. The characters are very likeable and believable and the main characters seem to be like normal adolescents. It is easy to feel an association with these characters as they seek to find the killers of their parents and to overcome many obstacles along the way.
I would rate this book an 8.5 out of 10. I think that the suitable age range for this book would be from 10 – 15 year olds.
For more informaiton see http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/jennifer-thomas/mammon-9781742750743.aspxCinnamon Rain
Reviewed by Sally Hall
Author: Emma Cameron
Publisher: Walker BooksWhen everything changes, can friendship survive?
Luke spends his days hanging out at the beach, working shifts at the local supermarket, and trying to stay out of trouble at school. His mate Bongo gets wasted, blocking out memories of the little brother social services took away and avoiding the stepdad who hits him. And Casey, the girl they both love, dreams of getting away and starting a new life in a place where she can be free.
This is a powerful book about teen life. It's writen as a verse novel but after the first page you forget about the short lines of text and get drawn completely into the story, told from the points of view of the three main characters who are facing their own troubles as they hurtle toward adulthood.
Emma skillfully captures the ache of unrequited love from Luke, how much Bongo misses his brother and the way Casey feels unwelcome in her own home.
I really enjoyed reading Cinnamon Rain. I cared about each of the characters and the verse structure made you feel that each and every word was chosen with the utmost care and precision. I think that teens who are given this book may initially be reluctant because at first glance it looks like poetry but they will be richly rewarded.
Cinnamon Rain deals with drug use and addiction, parental negligence and bullying, sex, love and longing. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading more from Emma Cameron.
Want to know more?
For more information see our interview with Emma by clicking here.
Check out Emma's website at www.emmacameron.com.au
For more information about Cinnamon Rain see the Walker Books Australia website by clicking here.Pan's Whisper
Reviewed by Sally HallAuthor: Sue Lawson
Publisher: black dog booksWhen you’re fighting to forget, what would make you remember?
When Pan is forced into foster care and a new school, she directs her anger not only at her new foster parents but her mother and older sister, Morgan as well.
Despite her tough exterior Pan is at her most vulnerable and as the story unfolds we find out that she is supressing memories of a horrible incident. When she meets Hunter her stressful life is momentarily quietened. Hunter understands better than anyone how much she misses her family. But are some memories best left forgotten?
Chapters told by Morgan give us an insight into what she sacrificed to protect her little sister from the horrible truth of living with an unstable mother. Morgan's story is excruiatingly sad and honest.I couldn't put this book down, desperate to know why Pan was pushed into foster care and why she didn't want to see her older sister. Pan's Whisper is superbly written, Sue Lawson is a master at making you care about her characters and Pan and Morgan are no exception.
This book deals with some very intense issues and had me in tears, but it is uplifting too. Despite the horror in Pan's life there any many things to be grateful for too.
You could win a copy of Pan's Whisper. Click here to go to our competition page.
Read an interview with Pan's Whisper author Sue Lawson by clicking here.For more information see http://www.walkerbooks.com.au/Books/Pans-Whisper-9781742032061
The Extinction Gambit (Series Extraordinaires Book 1)
Reviewed by Kerry Rae, Teacher Librarian Lake Illawarra High SchoolAuthor: Michael Pryor
Publisher: Random House
This is the first book in a new series by well known author Michael Pryor. It involves time travel , historical fiction, fantasy and magic. The central character is Kingsley Ward, a budding escapologist with a hidden wild side, who meets up with an unusual albino girl by the name of Evadne. Together they need to find Kingsley’s step father who has been kidnapped. They must fight their way through the Demimonde but are challenged along the way by the Immortals and the Neanderthals.
The setting is London in 1908 at the time of the Olympic Games but travels back in time to London in 1666 when the Great Fire was destroying London. Evandne has many unusual skills and Kingsley has a few surprises of his own. They meet up with Rudyard Kipling along the way and he will assist.
I have not read any of Michael Pryor’s books before this and I can see how they would be very appealing to a wide audience. I think that he has targeted secondary students but I feel that this book would be also appealing to good readers in primary school. I think the age range that it appeals to would be 10 years up to 15 years. The characters in the book are well portrayed and likeable and the plot is quite interesting.
I enjoyed this book but I would not read a second in the series. Fantasy novels are very appealing to many people but not me. I think that the boys would find this a good read as it contains a lot of adventure but many readers may be put off a little with the author’s habit of throwing in the occasional long word. Overall a well written book.For more information see the Random House website.
http://www.randomhouse.com.au/books/michael-pryor/the-extraordinaires-1-the-extinction-gambit-9781864718201.aspxThe Shadow Girl
Reviewed by Sally HallAuthor: John Larkin
Publisher: Woolshed Press, Random House Australia
Inspired by a true story The Shadow Girl is an interesting mix of interview transcripts sitting alongside first person narrative of the story of a young girl whose life is turned completely ruined following the death of her parents. She is turned over to her uncle, a terrifying man from whom she is forced to escape.A bright student, she wiles her way into a new school and pretends to be just a normal kid. No one knows the truth - she sleeps in sand dunes, railways and abandoned houses.
It's at this school that she meets the author she will call on years later to help her write the story of her life - detailing how she survived and those who generously helped her.
The Shadow Girl is a poignant reminder of how some children are forced into lives on the streets through no fault of their own. I would recommend it for any teenager who needs a little reminding how lucky they really are.It is a moving, chilling but funny story of life and hope against bleak odds.
For more information see http://www.randomhouse.com.au/authors/john-larkin.aspx#
Reviewed by Sally Hall
Author: Bill Condon
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
This tale beautifully captures the moment in life where overnight you become a 'grown up'. School is over forever and summer is almost at an end and despite the fact that you are only seventeen, desicions are expected to be made. Big decisions that will ultimately shape the type of life you lead.
Tiff lives in an unconventional family unit in the country town Gungee Creek where nothing ever happens, well almost never. She is hoping her job at the local paper will lead to something more but isn't sure she has what it takes to be a reporter.
Her best friend Kalya has some big plans of her own and things are changing at home with Reggie (the only grandfather she's ever known) determined he's on his way out. And there's this boy, Davey, who seems to be interested in her in a way no-one ever has before.On the www.goodreads.com website this book has been rated 20 times (as at 4/9/11) and almost every one of those was a five out of five and I would have to agree!
Bill Condon is a master of subtlety. His characters weave their way into your heart without you even realising it, making you reach for tissues or laugh out loud. I think Bill should consider writing for adults as I was genuinely sorry to get to the last page. How about it Bill?
PS: I love the funky cover too!Beautiful Malice
Reviewed by Sally Hall
Author: Rebecca James
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
'Truth or dare?' she asks.
I hesitate. I have so many secrets, so many things I don't want to reveal, but this is only a game, only a bit of fun. 'Truth,' I say finally. 'I can imagine one of your dares, and I don't fancy running down Oxford Street naked tonight.'
'Truth,' Alice says slowly, drawing out the vowel sound as if she's savouring the word. 'Are you sure? Are you sure you can be completely honest?'
'I think so. Try me.'
'Okay.' And then she looks at me curiously. 'So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed?'
I loved this book! I devoured it very quickly and was suitably shocked and happy in all the right places.
Katherine is a young girl who after suffering a terrible loss and has moved away from her parents to start a new life in Sydney. She is happy to be part of the scenery, flying successfully under the radar until she is befriended by the popular, party-loving Alice.
Katherine is slowly but surely drawn into Alice's world. Eventually though she realises that there is a dark side to her new friend. As Katherine tries to extricate herself from Alice's grip she learns some terrifying truths.This a cleverly written pyschological thriller that will keep you enthralled until the very last page.
Read it!
Note: This book will appeal to adults too.Want to know more?
Check out Rebecca's blog & the Allen & Unwin website.
http://rebeccasjames.blogspot.com/
www.allenandunwin.comThe Laws of Magic Series, Book 6 – Hour of Need
Reviewed by Mrs. Kerry Rae (Teacher Librarian Lake Illawarra High School)
Author: Michael Pryor
Publisher: Random House
This fantasy novel is the final book in the Laws of Magic series and the action comes to a conclusion in a spectacular way. The main character, Aubrey, must use all his magical powers and then more to struggle with the evil Dr. Tremaine. He pursues the doctor into enemy territory and along the way must use his magical powers and electrical science to overcome one obstacle after another. He enlists the help of some friends along the way and together they must find a way to match the might, power and collected magic of Dr. Tremaine and end the long running war. Will they be successful or will the world as they know it come to a dramatic end? Aubrey is put to the test.
I found this book exciting reading. Once you start, there is plenty of action along the way to keep you interested. I can see why many readers would be taken with the plot and the series. There is not a lot of blood and gore but the storyline is good enough to hold the reader’s attention. The use of magical spells and electrical science is particularly important to the plot and produces interest in the story.
I have not read the first 5 books in the series but I am now tempted to go back and try not only the rest of the series but other books by the same author as I like his style of writing. I think that teenagers, particularly boys would be enticed by his style of writing and, as this is book number 6 in the series, I would say that the series has been very popular.
Although this book is part of a series, it is possible to read it as a standalone as you are able to get the necessary background along the way. I would suggest that it would be enjoyed by students aged between a good 10 year old reader to about 15 -16 year olds.
The plot in the book flows well with periods of action and then reflection followed by action so you are able to relate to the characters. Aubrey in particular is a very heroic character yet quite likeable and another female character, Caroline, teams up with Aubrey and sparks fly. Other important characters to the plot are George and Sophie and one of them comes to realise that they also possess some magical powers and they must learn to use them to their advantage.
Out of ten, I would give this book a 9.
For more information check out the following websites:http://www.michaelpryor.com.au
http://www.randomhouse.com.au
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