-Cover 06 2017.qxp_Layout 1 7/6/17 4:23 pm Page 1

THE BookCurator THE LIBRARIAN’S GUIDE TO BOOKS FOR KIDS & TEENS

INSIDE Meet Harrison Craig Crinkling News National News for Kids

Tips for Book Week preparation + Detailed reviews on the latest fiction to help you choose ISSN 2204-5708 JUNE 2017 WELCOME ABOUT THE PUBLISHER The Book Curator is published by Apt School Resources, an Australian business jointly owned by two families EDITORIAL who share a passion for books and a determination to provide outstanding service to our members. One of the things I enjoy most about my role with The Book Curator is the interesting We help schools all over the country by people I get to meet. From meeting members providing them with access to helpful like you face-to-face at conferences and information, detailed reviews and the latest fiction titles for their libraries. special events to interviewing authors, it is always a delight. Our goal is to provide the resources librarians need to choose the best I recently had the pleasure of chatting with books for their school library across a the very inspiring Harrison Craig about his new wide range of genres, age groups and children’s book Harrison’s Song. Harrison has been visiting some formats. We provide a wide range of of our schools in recent weeks and the feedback has been services to help support our members so they can get the best return for their fantastic. You’ll find the interview as well as information on how time and their budget. your school can get on board on pages 4 & 5. I also met fellow Blue Mountains based entrepreneur Safron This magazine (previously called Review) and our service have Howden whose amazing national newspaper, Crinkling News, is developed based on what our members changing the way kids engage with news from Australia and want. We invite your ideas, around the world (page 8). suggestions, feedback and constructive criticism to help us provide solutions to In addition to these great features, our intrepid iLibrarian ofers the challenges you face as you work to some tips on how to enjoy the journey towards Book Week, build an outstanding library for your school community. instead of focusing only on the week itself. Afer all, great literature deserves to be celebrated all year! In addition to library titles, we source We hope you enjoy your well deserved mid year holiday, and we and supply a wide range of interesting and efective resources to help will look forward to catching up with you on the other side with teachers, counsellors and chaplains our August issue! work with and support their students. We also help equip teachers and school leaders with professional development resources.

For more information about our services or to provide feedback please ROWENA BERESFORD contact us.

Apt School Resources PO Box 2707 Mansfield QLD 4122 AUSTRALIA

PS. If you have any comments on The Book Curator or suggestions on what we P 02 8985 9435 could improve or include in future issues, please call 02 8985 9435 or email your F 02 8007 0510 feedback to [email protected] W aptschoolresources.com.au E [email protected]

The Book Curator ISSN2204-5708 » For information on our trafc light ratings, please refer to page 12.

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 in fiction titles, 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.

2 | The Book Curator: June 2017 Contents

» ARTICLES & FEATURES 18 THE INCREDIBLE DADVENTURE 31 THE SHIP BEYOND TIME Dave Lowe Heidi Hellig 4 FEATURE INTERVIEW 19 THE MUMBELIEVABLE 31 MY NAME IS VICTORIA Searching for Words CHALLENGE: THE INCREDIBLE Lucy Worsley Harrison Craig DADVENTURE # 2 32 LIVING ON HOPE STREET 6 THE iLIBRARIAN Dave Lowe Dermet Divaroren 19 BALLERINA DREAMS Escape to Everywhere 33 THE NAMES THEY GAVE US Michael & Elaine DePrince Emery Lord 8 SPOTLIGHT ON 20 THE LAST TIGER: 34 THE EMPEROR OF ANY PLACE Crinkling News: Australia’s THE HISTORY MYSTERIES Tim Wynne-Jones National Newspaper for Kids Mark Greenwood 35 MY LIFE AS A HASHTAG 20 LASSETER’S GOLD: 10 NOTABLE DATES Gabrielle Wiliams THE HISTORY MYSTERIES 11 IMPORTANT NEWS Mark Greenwood 36 COUNTLESS 21 THE MYSTERIOUS LIBRARIAN Karen Gregory Dominique Demers » BOOK REVIEWS 21 DOGS AND DOCTORS: 13 LIFE ON MARS THE MARSH ROAD MYSTERIES » IN EVERY ISSUE Jon Agee Elen Caldecott 37 USEFUL INFORMATION 13 STORM WHALE 22 EMELIN Great websites and apps, Sarah Brennan Jackie Randal festivals and literary events, 13 DOUBLE TAKE! 22 FISH BOY conferences and seminars A NEW LOOK AT OPPOSITES Chloe Daykin 38 INDEX Susan Hood and Jay Fleck 23 THE ELEPHANT THIEF This issue’s titles in alphabetical 14 FLOSS THE PLAYGROUND BOSS Jane Kerr order Corinne Averiss 24 HOPEWELL HIGH: 14 HARRISON’S SONG STAGE FRIGHT 39 UPCOMING TITLES Harrison Craig Jo Cotterill What’s on the horizon 14 MR HARE’S BIG SECRET 24 OCDaniel Hannah Dale Wesley King 15 KING OF THE SKY 25 FALL OF HADES: Nicola Davies MICHAEL VEY #6 15 JABARI JUMPS Richard Paul Evans Gaia Cornwell 25 MERLIN’S WOOD 15 THE CAT WANTS CUDDLES Anne Hamilton P. Crumble 26 AMERICAN ADVENTURE: 16 DOG ON A DIGGER BOONE SHEPARD Kate Prendergast Gabriel Bergmoser 16 UP AND AWAY: 27 GOODBYE, MR HITLER CHOOK DOOLAN Jackie French James Roy 28 SONGLINES: 16 UNHAPPY CAMPER: THE SENTINELS OF EDEN #1 CHOOK DOOLAN Carolyn Denman James Roy 29 INK 17 A DUCKLING CALLED BUTTON Alice Broadway Helen Peters 29 ORBITING JUPITER 17 BLIZZARD CHALLENGE: Gary D. Schmidt BEAR GRYLLS ADVENTURES # 1 30 STARGAZING FOR BEGINNERS Bear Grylls Jenny McLachlan 18 DESERT CHALLENGE: BEAR GRYLLS ADVENTURES # 2 Bear Grylls

bookcurator.com.au | 3 FEATURE INTERVIEW

Searching for Words HARRISON CRAIG Harrison’s journey from a boy who struggled to speak to a singer on the global stage is now an inspiring children’s book.

If anyone knows the value of talented singer to an actual >>What inspired you to write a words it is Harrison Craig. As a storytelling experience. children’s book? child Harrison struggled with a I’ll be honest with you. Books by I really wanted to share my story severe speech disorder, which celebrities are not high on my with kids around Australia. Afer impacted on his ability to ‘must read’ list. Too ofen they all, it is tough being a kid. communicate. While in primary seem just a tool—a way of I remember what it was like not school, he learnt to sing as a trading fame for dollars in the to have anything I could turn to, means of expressing himself and never-ending hunt for cash. something that could help me overcoming his stutter. Fast Harrison’s Song is something overcome hurdles and challenges. forward a few years to 2013, and diferent. It’s a genuine story Because of this I think it is really Harrison (then 19 years of age), from the heart of an inspiring important that there is a resource came to public attention on The young man who has an on their level that shows kids that Voice, an Australian television important message to convey. it is possible to live your dream, show/singing competition. He Celebrity he may be, but Harrison no matter what challenges you won the series as well as the is also a valuable role model who face. hearts of many of the viewers. understands the value of It’s also really good for kids to I had the privilege of meeting perseverance and hard work, Harrison before his recent realise that it’s not just about and has a deep love for his overcoming, it takes a lot of hard concert at the Sydney Opera family. House. During our interview, and work to achieve what you want Here’s what Harrison had to say his subsequent performance, it to achieve. I feel confident that about his new picture book. became clear that Harrison we have managed to communicate that. brings the same single-minded >> What was the writing dedication that helped him experience like, compared with We’ve done quite a few book overcome his speech impediment songwriting? launches and school visits so far, to his professional career. On Writing the book came very and kids are really getting stage, each song becomes his easily to me because in it I talk around it, so I am really thrilled. unique tale, elevating it beyond about my own experience, so it >> What role do the illustrations what might otherwise be just a is a story that came from my play in that process? performance by an incredibly heart.

4 | The Book Curator: June 2017 The illustrations are amazing. help me read the story. Doing Ann-Marie Finn did a terrific job that gives them one more way to under incredible time constraints, develop understanding. It is as we wanted the book released more powerful than me just in time for my Kings of Vegas reading the book and telling tour. My publisher, Wombat them what I went through. Books, may just have broken Instead it is kids communicating some kind of record! the story to other kids, helping to Ann-Marie really went to school. open up their minds. They might She gathered photos of my think ‘I know that I am a great family. We spent some time runner, but this could be chatting and she took on board hindering my progress in sports, what I had told her and worked what if I go and do this, I can adapt’. It helps get their minds out how to translate my Absolutely. I have a lot of peers working for them. experiences into pictures. Her around me that want to help illustrations have made it all the guide me through my career, more real. When I react to that It’s ... good for kids which is fantastic. I feel like in while reading it, that passes on some ways I am doing that for to the kids—they vibe off it as well. to realise that it’s not him. The way he feels and he It all works to convey to kids that just about overcoming, reacts, I get that with the kids as it doesn’t matter what your it takes a lot of hard well. It is a really nice feeling as hurdle is, you can live your dream. we have a lot of respect for one You really have to go for it. It’s a work to achieve what another. message kids need now more you want to achieve. >> Are there more stories you than ever. would like to write? >>What’s your experience been The world is experiencing so like with the school visits you’ve much change at the moment, on done so far? The kids I have met have been so many diferent levels. We really keen. Some have run up to The kids are fantastic. They are need to think about what me aferwards and said things so interactive, and really want to resources we utilise and how we like ‘Mr Craig, Mr Craig, I love this be a part of the process. do it. It’s important that kids see page. It was really cool when you this as an opportunity to change One of the things I like to do is were in the choir room here’. and move forward. I would like get a couple of volunteers to I really enjoy that interaction. It is them to be aware of how things very diferent from have been done, and where we performing concerts are now because of that. Then for adults. Most of we can look at how we can make them already know things better for the future. That my story before they message of sustainability is one I come into the hope to communicate through a theatre. Kids are future children’s book. ofen meeting me for To invite Harrison to speak at the first time, with your school, please contact Emily little or no at [email protected] background Harrison is currently on tour with information. his show The Kings of Vegas - Working with the kids you can check if he’s coming to a is far more laid back. town near you by heading to: They’re learning and I harrisoncraig.com.au/tour am learning at the *** same time. Refer to page 14 of this issue for >> Has your role as The Book Curator’s review of an older brother to Harrison’s Song. Connor helped you relate?

bookcurator.com.au | 5 THE iLIBRARIAN

ESCAPE to Everywhere

Book Week is drawing near, so now is the time to begin building an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.

With Term 3 and the excitement them into the state and/or we haven’t visited before, or of Book Week fast approaching country they are set in. Then explore foreign countries and it’s time to dive into preparation, have students expand the chart unknown lands. brainstorming, discovering new with their favourite books from We can go to places that are safe titles and creating library displays. overseas. The possibilities are but secret, favourite countries, It’s also important to enjoy the endless. cubby houses, caves, jungles or journey as well as the destination. Escape to Everywhere Banner the outback. Consider how you can build anticipation and also get students http://tinyurl.com/yc9g2fc We can also escape into the involved in the lead up to Book Create a colourful banner by peace and protection of a quiet Week. printing out the individual letters reading place, perhaps under the bed or especially in a library. There are many different directions onto A4 paper via the link above we could go as we unpack this (source unknown). You could also Can we escape into a book? If year’s theme. More ideas will be print your own blank letters (look we were Flat Stanley we could for an open faced font) for generated by students as we escape easily. Ask your students discuss with them the possibilities students to decorate afer to select a book that helps them of ‘escaping to everywhere’ discussing the theme. to escape. Discuss why they through the experience of reading. Brainstorming Jump-Starts have chosen that book. Where are they escaping to? What will Literature Map of the World Here are some brainstorming they do once they get there? https://imgur.com/Iu0G2wV jump-starts to stimulate student discussion about this year’s Generate ideas about how to This engaging infographic ofers theme. make a bookmark for their a quick visual of the geographic favourite book. They could locations famous adult fiction How do we escape? By using personalise it with their own face titles are set in. keys, undoing rope, solving peeping out of the book. puzzles, using codes (barcodes The map could be displayed as or QR codes), by climbing up Book Week Parade inspiration beside a blank map ladders and over mountains. which students could populate If you have a book parade tradition in your school, then this with their own representations of We can escape by air, land or sea well loved children’s books. in a vast variety of vehicles (or year each costume could be invent our own). from a diferent place of escape. A good place to start is to look The compère could read out back at previous Book Week Where can we escape to? We where each child escaped to or winners and have students place can escape to places in Australia

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

6 | The Book Curator: June 2017 from. You could even hold a On this Pinterest board you’ll find Madison suggests interesting competition where students a variety of Book Week themed Book Week activities including an have to guess where diferent activities including an Escape escape room, travel posters and students are escaping to, with Game based on Mr. Lemoncello's creating innovative photos of books as the prizes. Library, escape to Narnia maps your escape. and library decor ideas. Where to source more ideas Book Week 2017 Ideas & The Book Chook Activities: The Book Curator You’ll find more great Book Week ideas to help with your library tinyurl.com/y95gk3ll tinyurl.com/mlgb7f3 celebrations by exploring these Susan Stephenson has some Every shortlisted title for primary websites and resources: unique concepts to boost Book school is covered in this great CBCA: Escape to Everywhere Week interest such as finding resource including the Crichton books with maps of new worlds and Eve Pownall Information tinyurl.com/y94t7cbn to escape to, building a 3D Books. There’s also a blackline The Children’s Book Council of escape device with playdough masters for every book. Online Australia (CBCA) ofcial website and choosing book characters access to download the blackline includes the details of award that have escaped to new places. masters for easy printing will winning Australian childrens’ also be provided. Mrs Mac's Library books from 1946 to 2017. 2017 Escape to Everywhere: Specially branded merchandise is tinyurl.com/ybargope Ipswich District TL Network also available to purchase, TL Sharon McGuinness ofers including posters, bunting and idtl.net.au helpful Book Week teaching bookmarks. This helpful publication ofers notes and activities including an ideas and activities on the theme 2017 Book week: Escape to ‘Escape’ Task. and selected books from the Everywhere | Pinterest Blog | madison's library CBCA Awards, as well as reading tinyurl.com/ybnd5tjr tinyurl.com/y8ey44p7 promotion.

Enhance Your Escape Destination: Photo Editing with Snapseed

As we Escape to Everywhere As well as the written word we be made to contrast, saturation, during CBCA Childrens’ Book are highly involved with visual ambiance, shadows, warmth and Week this year, students may literacy, digital storytelling, white balance. Further changes want to include photos of graphic novels and multimedia. can be made with lens blur, themselves escaping as well as glamour glow, grain, grunge, It is becoming essential for the destinations to which they vintage and frames. students to be able to read, would like to escape. In this understand, create and compose The Complete Guide To visual world, being able to these various literary expressions. Snapseed Photo Editing App personalise and get the best possible result with photos is a The Snapseed app (free on iTunes) tinyurl.com/yc9vkymw valuable skill for all students. engages students and gives them New users can develop skill on the opportunity to enhance and Educators worldwide realise the the program with either a manipulate photos with ease. profound impact and connection beginner’s text or video guide; between literacy and imagery. Snapseed on the App Store The app is made by Google, is tinyurl.com/kuu5flh In this very visual world, images available on iTunes and Android have an important place in and is gaining popularity with A photo can be selected from teaching and learning. everyday smartphone users and your device’s photo library and photographers. transformed. Enhancements can

bookcurator.com.au | 7 SPOTLIGHT

CRINKLING NEWS: The Paper for Kids With opportunities in traditional print media on the decline, two ex-Fairfax employees determined to give Aussie kids something they had never had—their own national newspaper.

Afer realising that Australia was what is going on in the world some previously unknown and one of the few countries without anymore. I felt that giving children quite bizarre sea creatures on a national children’s newspaper, a safe space to process all that the bottom of the ocean. information and learn about the ex-Fairfax journalist Safron » Do you take a position on the world in an age appropriate way Howden and her graphic news? was very important. designer husband Remi Bianchi Never. We are very careful to be decided that needed to change. » What type of news is covered? apolitical, but at the same time In April 2016 they launched Crinkling News is written for 7 to we don’t want that to stop us Crinkling News, a full colour 16- 14-year-old kids, so we cover all from covering diferent issues. page newspaper that is the big news stories of the week Instead we look at presenting published 48 weeks of the year. but in a child friendly way. We the perspectives of diferent » What led to the founding of explain complex concepts and parties involved. For example, Crinkling News? break down complicated or scary with Adani and the Great Barrier Apart from Behind the News on news stories. Journalists who Reef, we presented the the ABC, there was absolutely no formerly worked for News Corp, arguments of the Queensland news for children in Australia, Fairfax, ABC or The Guardian Government, Federal government, whereas overseas it is very write the stories. farmers and environmentalists. advanced. Most countries have a Our advising child psychologist Then it is up to the children to children’s newspaper—France reviews the more sensitive stories decide what they think. actually has three—but Australia and sometimes we include Q&As. » How afected do you think had none. For example, as part of the children are by current afairs? Manchester coverage she At a time when print readership When President Trump was answered questions like: Is it ok of general newspapers is in elected some kids needed to feel sad? What if I am scared decline, children’s papers around counselling at school because to go to concerts from now on? the world are going from strength they thought World War III was to strength. Basically we saw the There is also a lot of fun and going to start. To help counter gap in the market. colour and celebration of the that, we published an article on One of the factors that cemented wonders in the world. One of our the checks and balances that are the decision for me was the front-page stories this week was in place within the American coverage by the French children’s about the Marvel Superhero political system so they realised papers of the Paris attacks. Given discs from Woollies and why the government is bigger than that kids are exposed to so much some of them are so hard to just one man. collect. We also had a big story information from a range of » How do kids get involved in on CSIRO’s Investigator research sources and on a wide variety of Crinkling News? devices, there is no escaping vessel, which has just discovered

8 | The Book Curator: June 2017 Kids write the book, movie and (successful candidates to be publishing all our growth was video game reviews. It gives announced shortly) taking on the generated by word of mouth them a chance to be involved role of Assistant Editor for two plus some media coverage. We which is really important to us. weeks at a time. They will help us basically exhausted our seed We provide guidelines and a edit the paper via FaceTime or funding and needed a bit extra template to make it easier for Skype. They’ll be involved in to get us to sustainability. We are them to submit reviews. determining which stories we will very confident that we should be It is important to empower kids, cover and what photos we will self sustaining from here on in to give them a voice and a view use. As well as seeing how a and the campaign has allowed on what is going on in the world. paper is put together they’ll have us to invest in a staf member to We do a lot of vox pops with kids the opportunity to write a couple look afer partnerships, work out on hot topics and they can also of editorials. packages for schools etc. submit opinion pieces on literally » How do schools use Crinkling The fantastic unintended any topic. Someone might write News? consequence of what was a very in about how they love their pet, Some schools just receive one successful campaign is that while another kid writes about copy and keep it in the library many people found out about how they think the voting age with the other periodicals. Others Crinkling News for the first time. should be lowered in Australia. have a copy for every classroom. » What does the future hold for We have Crinkling News? school Ideally within the next five years, librarians Crinkling News is the kind of who paper that every child in our encourage readership age is at least aware their of. students to I am also very passionate about write a the development of media review of a literacy. I think it is really lacking book they in the national curriculum and in have just many schools. I’d like to see From lef, Crinkling News readers Felix, Amalia, James, editor read and Crinkling News used in a way to Safron Howden, and Peta, Emily, Leilani and Percy. Celebrating they will the one year birthday of the only national newspaper for young help the next generation Australians. Photo by Jeremy Piper. send them navigate the social media to us in craziness and combat fake news. batches. By the time they turn 18 and The opinion pages are a space Others focus on analysis of the have to start voting or go out for them to write about whatever text and encourage students to and get a job, I want them to be they are interested in. They get write an opinion piece about able to look at a news story and to think through their ideas and what they thought of a particular question whether the source is potentially have their view news story. legitimate, or recognise the signs published to an authentic We heard from a school in of bias and be able and willing to audience of their peers across Adelaide last year who told us look for other news sources Australia. That level of that each week they’d break into rather than relying on something engagement has really helped groups and each group would that is questionable. with how well Crinkling News has write a play based on a story been received. I would hope that we can have they had read in Crinkling News. some role in developing those In addition there are occasional They would then perform it for skills in Australia. opportunities for kids to be junior the class. reporters. For example, we took » How can schools find out There really is a wide variety of three junior reporters to the more about Crinkling News? diferent ways in which schools Sydney Writers’ Festival. Two of utilise Crinkling News. Visit our website at them interviewed Andy Grifths crinklingnews.com.au or find us and all three of them interviewed » Tell us about your recent on Facebook at facebook.com/ Kate DiCamillo. crowdfunding campaign. crinklingnewsaustralia We have also launched a junior We started Crinkling News with cadet program, with six students our own money. Over a year of

bookcurator.com.au | 9 NOTABLE DATES

150 years Henry Lawson 17 June, 1867 Born and bred in country NSW, Henry Lawson is Australia’s best loved bush poet and short story writer. Henry Lawson is known for his realistic portrayals of the way life was for families living in the bush. His stories explored droving, gold rush prospecting and telling yarns around the camp fire.

tinyurl.com/y99oyfmf

25 years - Mabo decision 125 years - Limelight, the 3 June, 1992 world’s first film studio The Mabo Case brought recognition of 11 June, 1892 the land rights of Aboriginals, The Limelight Department began in specifically the Meriam people, Melbourne, when a Salvation Army traditional owners of the Murray ofcer developed his own glass slides Islands in the Torres Strait. to highlight his sermons and later tinyurl.com/yajv68wl produced evangelical films. tinyurl.com/y82shr76

90 years - Charles 20 years of Harry Potter: 80 years - Amelia Earhart Lindbergh award 26 June, 1997 went missing 11 June, 1927 2 July, 1937 The phenomenal rise of the Harry Aviator Charles Lindbergh was Potter character and series began with Aviatrix Amelia Earhart and her awarded the first Distinguished Flying the publication of Harry Potter and the navigator went missing over the Cross in the US following his Philosopher’s Stone by J.K Rowling 20 Pacific Ocean afer leaving New Guinea transatlantic solo flight. years ago. on an around-the-world flight, afer charleslindbergh.com tinyurl.com/y8ccslvf reporting that they were low on fuel. tinyurl.com/6ovoobz

200 years - Jane Austen’s 250 Years - Pitcairn Island death 3 July, 1767 18 July 1817 During an expedition, sailor Robert Jane Austen died at the age of 41 and Pitcairn sighted this South Pacific conjecture continues as to the cause island. Mutineers from Captain Bligh’s of her death. Many literary ship, The Bounty, settled there in 1790 celebrations will be held this year, by with some Tahitians. avid readers of her novels. tinyurl.com/ydyww3we janeausten200.co.uk

100 years - 1912 Summer 75 years - The battle of the 75 years - Japanese attack Olympics Kokoda Trail North Queensland 6 July, 1912 23 July - 13 November 1942 25 July, 1942 For the first time women were Australian soldiers were finally The Japanese Naval Air Force began included in the Australian team sent to victorious in their fight against the their air raids on Townsville and the summer Olympics. More than Japanese, whose aim was to seize Mossman. The first bombs were 2000 athletes from 28 countries control of Port Moresby, in New dropped, with raids continuing in the competed in 102 sports events in Guinea. region until November 1943. Stockholm tinyurl.com/ya28qcen tinyurl.com/yaakymdj tinyurl.com/y7rnn9lh

10 | The Book Curator: June 2017 NEWS AND VIEWS

Australian Book Advocacy and Influence Industry Awards

School library management is fundamental to outworking the many The Australian Book Industry priorities that we juggle in our daily work as a teacher librarian (TL). Awards (ABIA) ‘recognise As well as the basic focus of teaching and promoting our library excellence across the book collection, the issues of advocacy and influence play a large part in industry’. Winners for 2017 were keeping the library visible and dynamic. There are several professional announced on the 25th May. learning opportunities coming up where we can learn, network and In the children and young adult share our experience and successes in school library management. categories the winners are: Leaders in our profession point to how school library management involves proactive advocacy and influence. Book of the year older children (8 to 14 years) A common theme from professionals is the need to regularly reflect The Bone Sparrow - Zana Fraill on how we demonstrate influence. Some considerations include how we keep the library’s agenda in the limelight, whether we have a voice Book of the year for younger on committees, our relevance on the school website, how we capture children (0 to 8 years) the support of parents and evaluating the support we provide to staf The 78-Storey Treehouse - Andy with information and digital literacy. Grifths In their 2002 article, Henri and Boyd (see below) stated that active Illustrated book of the year choice means organising, advocating, initiating and presenting. They Penguin Bloom: The Odd Little remind us of the old adage ‘If you do what you have always done you Bird Who Saved a Family - will get what you have always got’. Their words are just as relevant Cameron Bloom and Bradley now—if not more so—than they were when the article was published. Greive Advocacy for school libraries: ASLA Small publishers’ children’s asla.org.au/advocacy book of the year My Sister is a Superhero - Damon A range of helpful information on advocacy is available from our Young professional organisation Australian School Library Association (ASLA). The 78-Storey Treehouse also Seven successful strategies to develop your advocacy toolkit won the inaugural ABIA Audio tinyurl.com/ycs3u7tz book of the Year Award. Source: tinyurl.com/yb7j5dgo In this presentation from 2011, Karen Bonanno (National Director of Eduwebinar), describes the advocacy of a teacher librarian using More information: https:// promotion, public relations and marketing. She demonstrates how tinyurl.com/yc2m8kvw school library staf can advance the position of the school as an information literate learning community. Paper: Teacher Librarian Influence: Principal and Teacher Librarian Perspectives Crime Pays with Henri, James, Boyd, Suzette, School Libraries Worldwide Davitt Awards tinyurl.com/ycp7a4v6 The Davitts recognise the ‘best A useful excerpt can be read via the link above on Questia. Please published crime books by note that to read the full paper, you will need to be a Questia subscriber. Australian women’. There are 99 books in the Image Attributions: Page 8 - Crinkling News issue 50. P1. Copyright recently announced long list, Crinkling News Pty Ltd 2017. Page 9 - Photo by Jeremy Piper. Page 10 with 11 in each of the Young Adult (Notable Dates) - Henry Lawson and children, 1905 by Royal Australian and Children’s Novels categories. Historical Society - https://www.flickr.com/photos/ The full long list can be royalaustralianhistoricalsociety/13981404964/, No restrictions, https:// commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41825701. Bounty Bay on accessed via this link: Pitcairn Island, where HMS Bounty was burned on 23 January 1790 by tinyurl.com/yby4obln Makemake at the German language Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https:// commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1744176

bookcurator.com.au | 11 Hans Christian housing for socially NSW Premiers disadvantaged young people. Andersen: Literary Awards The park’s rides and experiences Theme Park will be based on the legacy of Winners in the prestigious NSW HCA’s many fairy tales providing Premiers Literary Awards were The world’s most well know some enchanting experiences announced on the 22nd of May. storyteller is Hans Christian both indoors and outdoors. Andersen (HCA). Book of the Year went to The Planners intend to include a 4D Drover’s Wife by Leah Purcell, Those who have visited his cinema to enhance the while the children and young pristine home country of characteristics of each particular adult prize winners are: Denmark with its contrasting fairytale. As an example, you’ll landscape of the very old and Patricia Wrightson Prize for be able to feel the cold and the the most innovative and modern Children’s Literature heat in The Little Match Girl. will not be surprised to read of Iris and Tiger(Leanne Hall, Text) this exciting new project. This project is still subject to Ethel Turner Prize for Young planning, fund raising and Plans to build an ambitious new People’s Literature government approval. The theme park in Copenhagen with One Thousand Hills(James Roy & foresight and ambition invested HC Andersen Adventure Tower as Noël Zihabamwe, Omnibus) towards this is typical of the centrepiece have just been Denmark’s innovative culture. It Both winners receive $30,000. announced. will be a real celebration of the Source: tinyurl.com/gr5fmdy This massive project will include literature of a nation. a 280 metre high tower, abundant Source: tinyurl.com/yateqv4d Australian Book Design Awards green space, an amusement park, https://tinyurl.com/ydgl4ao7 shops, conference hall and apartments. There will also be

Understanding trafc light ratings Readers Choice The trafc lights are a grading system to assist schools with Awards announce conservative collection policies to easily identify which reviews they their shortlists should read more closely. Shortlists for the Reading & Enjoying Australian Literature There are no concerns with the book. (REAL) Awards were announced There are very mild concerns which we consider on the 20th of April. These same unlikely to be an issue for the age group, but you shortlists are utilised for the should check them out just in case. KOALAs (NSW), YABBAs (VIC) and Mild to medium concerns, whether this book is KROC (NT) Awards. suitable will depend on your collection policy. The categories are: Medium to high concerns. These books may be •Picture storybooks unsuitable for most schools with conservative collection policies. •Fiction for younger readers A high level of concerns which are likely to make this •Fiction for older readers book unsuitable for the vast majority of schools with •Fiction for years 7-9 conservative collection policies. To view the shortlists, visit the link below When considering how to rate each book, we weigh up the level of Source: tinyurl.com/yb7s3rlu concerns with the quality of the book and the benefits to be gained from it. More information about the ‘scales’ process has been provided in a previous article. For a copy, please contact [email protected]. Your feedback on the trafc light rating system is very welcome.

12 | The Book Curator: June 2017 BOOK REVIEWS

had eaten them: There really was whale and their eforts to keep it life on Mars! alive. When the storm dissipates A wonderfully quirky and amusing the next day, they rejoice in finding picture book, reminiscent of the the whale gone. SO TITLE old "It's behind you" scenario. The A likely CBCA contender. Martian's dismay at the bumbling Recommended age: 4 to 8 years astronaut is an absolute delight. Highly recommended. Recommended age: 4 to 6 years Life On Mars Author: Jon Agee SO ISBN: 978-0399538520 TITLE Published: 29/05/2017 SO Publisher: Penguin TITLE

» PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION In this sneaky, silly picture book for fans of Oliver Jefers and Jon Double Take! Klassen, an intrepid-but not so clever-space explorer is absolutely A New Look at sure there is life to be found on Storm Whale Opposites Mars. He sets of on a solitary Author: Sarah Brennan Author: Susan Hood and Jay Fleck mission, determined to prove the ISBN: 978-1760293642 ISBN: 978-1406377293 naysayers wrong. But when he Published: 24/05/2017 Published: 01/06/2017 arrives, equipped with a package Publisher: Allen & Unwin of cupcakes as a gif, he sees Publisher: Walker Books nothing but a nearly barren planet. » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Finally, he spies a single flower and Bleak was the day and the wind Do you know opposites, yes or no? packs it away to take back to Earth whipped down when I and my On. Of. Asleep. Awake. Opposites as proof that there is indeed life on sisters walked to town ...So begins are a piece of cake . . . right? Not Mars. But as he settles in for the the story of three sisters who find so fast! Time for a quick double journey home, he cracks open his a whale stranded on a windswept take. Who knows what’s BIG unless cupcakes-only to discover that beach and try to save it. With a there is SMALL? Does SHORT mean someone has eaten them all! powerful, poetic text, wonderful to a thing except next to TALL? What Readers will love being in on the read aloud, and illustrations full of is ABOVE and what is BELOW? The secret- Unbeknownst to the life and movement, Storm Whale answer depends on who wants to explorer, a Martian has been celebrates the majesty and know! Writer Susan Hood and wandering through the illustrations vulnerability of nature and our illustrator Jay Fleck lead us on a the whole time-and he got himself place in it. a delicious snack along the way. topsy-turvy fun-house journey into the concept of opposites and takes » OUR REVIEW » OUR REVIEW it to the next level — with detours A wonderful collaboration makes into relative terms and points of A young astronaut travels to Mars this picture book a real standout. view (and a dollop of yin and yang to disprove claims of its lack of life. The moving and powerful story is for good measure). He has no idea a Martian has been told equally through the stalking him the whole time and hypnotically masterful rhyming » OUR REVIEW concludes the planet really is barren verse and the phenomenal A clever use of pairing opposites is except for one solitary plant. illustrations. The detail in the reinforced by appropriate vocabulary provides a beautifully On leaving he decides to eat the illustrations. Whether they're rich reading and listening cupcakes he brought as a gif only simple or relative and from who's experience and is equally matched to discover the only thing lef is point of view, they are all by the vivid fine art illustrations. crumbs. Someone or something discussed in this easy to follow The story tells of three young and well laid out picture book. The sisters stumbling across a beached

bookcurator.com.au | 13 illustrations are a little quirky, Peter merely asks Floss to play realises how much he can express using a simple palette of bold with him and his paper plane. himself through the power of colours. The text has great variety She's never played with anyone singing. of vocabulary incorporating many before, it could be fun, dare she? Harrison’s Song is a heart-warming opposites in a fun, rhyming verse. Returning the plane she discovers book about individuality with A very useful picture book. the joy of joining in and realises valuable themes such as how you Recommended age: 3 years + that there doesn't need to be a treat others, the power of self playground boss. expression and overcoming An enjoyable look at empathy, adversity. belonging and the simple act of Readers will enjoy the bright and play. lively illustrations, and the text Recommended age: 3 years + emphasis on many words to make SO them fun to read. Harrison’s Song TITLE is inspired by the true story of Harrison Craig, winner of the second series of Australian television show The Voice. Recommended age: 2 to 6 years SO Floss the TITLE Playground Boss Author: Corinne Averiss ISBN: 978-1405278195 SO Published: 01/06/2017 TITLE Publisher: Hardie Grant Harrison's Song Author: Harrison Craig » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION ISBN: 978-1925563122 Floss says STOP, Floss says GO! Published: 01/06/2017 Floss says YES, Floss says NO! Publisher: Wombat Books Floss is the playground boss! That Mr Hare's is until a quiet little boy named » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Peter moves into the house on the Harrison is a bit diferent to the Big Secret opposite side of the playground other kids. Each time he tries to Author: Hannah Dale from Floss. When Peter decides speak, he stutters. No Matter how ISBN: 978-1784939984 not to play along with Floss rules hard he tries, his tongue feels tied Published: 22/02/2017 she learns that having friends is up in knots. That is, until one day Publisher: Quarto Group UK much more fun than being the when Harrison discovers his playground boss! A fun-packed, talent ... Harrison’s Song tells the » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION relatable playground story with a story of how Harrison overcame Mr. Hare has a secret: there are charmingly tenacious female adversity because he just wanted big, juicy cherries at the top of the character perfect for anyone who to share the love and words inside tree, but he needs his friends help loved Rebecca Patterson’s My Big him. Shouting Day! to get them down. One by one, he » OUR REVIEW tricks each friend into dancing with him under the tree, until all the » OUR REVIEW Young Harrison is a normal kid who cherries fall to the ground and the Floss was the boss of the walks to school, plays basketball, forest friends have a great feast. playground. She told all the other and loves music. The only problem children what to do and when to is that Harrison has a stutter that Accumulation, sound words, do it, but she never joined in makes it hard for him to talk to repetition, and pure entertainment herself. The other children were people, including other kids at make this the perfect read-aloud scared of her, but a new boy's school, who tease him for it. book for adults and children to arrival causes chaos and a Harrison hates how much he share. changing of the guard. struggles to talk, so he decides to stop opening his mouth, until he

14 | The Book Curator: June 2017 » OUR REVIEW times - is illustrated by an artist jumper, so he’s not scared at all. A delightful tale of clever who makes the world anew with “Looks easy,” says Jabari, watching subterfuge. Mr Hare is hungry and every picture. the other kids take their turns. But has spied a potential meal, but he when his dad squeezes his hand, can't get it on his own. » OUR REVIEW Jabari squeezes back. He needs to Consequently, he asks his A moving account about a migrant figure out what kind of special woodland friends to dance in boy, an old retired miner and the jump to do anyway, and he should exchange for knowing a secret. racing pigeons which bring them probably do some stretches before Wise Mr Owl eventually cottons on, together. It's very evocative of the climbing up onto the diving board... as ripe cherries being to fall from time and location (northern the shaking tree above! England in the early 1960's), » OUR REVIEW especially the illustrations. Overcoming fear is one of the The fun text is full of repetition and important steps in growing up. excellent verb use with wonderful The pigeons remind him of this Jumping from the high board is life-like illustrations. A good read birthplace in Italy. As his interest in definitely one of those. So when aloud book. the birds and sport grows, the old Jabari declares today is the day to man's health deteriorates. Clearly Recommended age: 4 years + jump, it's natural that he feels a the mantle is being passed to a little trepidation. It takes a while to new generation. The story follows psyche himself up and some race day preparations and one advice from dad, but eventually he special bird. Though it looses its does it and, of course, once it's initial races it romps home in a achieved he wants to do it again long distance one from Italy! and again! Beautifully told and quite mesmerising. An important tale, told with understanding and humour. The Recommended age: 5 to 9 years main characters are an African American family. Definitely worthwhile. King of the Sky Recommended age: 4 years + Author: Nicola Davies ISBN: 978-1406348613 Published: 01/06/2017 Publisher: Walker Books

» PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION A powerful and beautifully illustrated story about migration Jabari Jumps and the meaning of home, from the award-winning team behind Author: Gaia Cornwell The Promise. A breathtaking new ISBN: 978-1406374292 The Cat Wants picture book by children’s author Published: 01/06/2017 Nicola Davies, illustrated by Laura Publisher: Walker Books Cuddles Carlin, winner of the Bratislava Author: P.Crumble Illustration Biennale and the » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION ISBN: 978-1743811412 Bologna Ragazzi Prize for In a sweet tale of overcoming your Published: 01/05/2017 Illustration. Starting a new life in a fears, debut author-illustrator Gaia Publisher: Scholastic new country, a young boy feels Cornwall captures a moment at lost and alone - until he meets an the swimming pool between a » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION old man who keeps racing pigeons. patient and encouraging father Kevin doesn't want a pat. He Together they pin their hopes on a and a determined little boy you doesn't want a tickle. And he race across Europe and the special can’t help but root for. Jabari is definitely does NOT want a cuddle. bird they believe can win it: King of definitely ready to jump of the There's absolutely no way this the Sky. Nicola Davies beautiful diving board. He’s finished his hilarious cat is going to change his story - an immigrants tale with a swimming lessons and passed his mind about that. Or will he? powerful resonance in our troubled swimming test, and he’s a great

bookcurator.com.au | 15 » OUR REVIEW Anyone who does or has owned a cat will instantly relate to the SO TITLE contrary nature exhibited by Kevin. The lengths he goes to to avoid being cuddles is so relatable and SO his cranky, self-centred nature so TITLE typical. Naturally, as soon as the dog gets some attention he wants to get some too, on his terms of course! Up and Away: Unhappy Camper: A wonderful study on the nature of cats, told with humour and with Chook Doolan Chook Doolan insightful illustrations. Author: James Roy Author: James Roy Recommended age: 3 years + ISBN: 978-1925381580 ISBN: 978-1925381573 Published: 01/06/2017 Published: 01/06/2017 Publisher: Walker Books Publisher: Walker Books

» PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Chook wants to be a pilot when he Everybody is excited about class grows up, just like his dad. That camp – except Chook. He’s worried means doing scary things, like about snakes and getting homesick. talking to new people. What will Can Chook find the courage to go? Chook do? » OUR REVIEW Dog on a Digger » OUR REVIEW Chook is a bit scared of nearly Afer being given a homework Author: Kate Prendergast everything, so when he learns of project on future careers, Chook ISBN: 978-19106464144 an upcoming school camp he must decide what he'd like to do. Published: 01/01/2017 starts to worry about what could He speculates on becoming a pilot Publisher: Walker Books go wrong. Right up to the day, he's like his dad, but there are pros and adamant that he's not going, and » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION cons. A visit to the airport and his is very relieved to discover the dad's work, where he talks to a camp is actually at school! Dog is helping his master on the scared little girl, gives him an building site when his little friend A fun early reader which many kids unexpected insight into one aspect goes missing. Plucky Dog takes will relate to. It shows how we of his dad's job which he didn't charge and cleverly brings the ofen make mountains out of realise. digger to the rescue. molehills, especially when we don't A great little story with a nice twist have all the information and then » OUR REVIEW and important moral. Whilst Chook worry over nothing. is fearful of talking to strangers he This is the second wordless picture Major themes: family, school, knows it's the right thing to do to book to feature 'Dog' afer last camp, friends, worrying, making help calm the upset little girl. year's Dog on a Train. In this assumptions instance, Dog helps locate and Nicely written with lots of Please be aware: No concerns. rescue a missing puppy. illustrations. The story is well paced and Major themes: homework, career, descriptively drawn, leading the airport, pilot, being scared, reader to interpret the pictures comforting others Recommended age: 4 to 7 years and create their own narrative. The Please be aware: No concerns. Suitable class novel: YES Good read rating: %%%% illustrations are good, and depict Literary value rating: %%%% the action well. A reasonable ofering in a difcult genre. Recommended age: 4 to 7 years Recommended age: 3 years + Suitable class novel: YES Good read rating: %%%% Literary value rating: %%%%

16 | The Book Curator: June 2017 best friends as the lamb gains But then Olly gets given a strength. A fire in the barn is compass with a mysterious fifh SO quickly dealt with afer Button direction. When he follows it, he’s TITLE raises the alarm and Tom and magically transported to a high Jasmine, along with Jake the mountain range where he meets sheepdog, are able to evacuate all survival expert Bear Grylls. the animals. With his help, Olly must learn to A heartwarming read full of tender survive in sub-zero temperatures, and emotional moments, Jasmine’s including what to do if the ice passion for animal welfare is there cracks when you’re crossing a for all to see and the book is all the frozen lake, or a blizzard sets in ... A Duckling Called more powerful for it. But can his adventure with Bear Button Major themes: animal welfare, Grylls change Olly’s mind about rescuing and hatching duck eggs, teamwork and perseverance? And Author: Helen Peters raising a duckling, friendship, farm who will Olly give the compass to ISBN: 978-0857638366 life, premature lamb, fire, siblings. next? Published: 24/05/2017 Publisher: Nosy Crow Please be aware: No concerns. Each book in this fun new 12-book series from BEAR GRYLLS follows » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION a diferent child on the outdoor Jasmine’s dad is a farmer, and her activity camp. Once they are given Recommended age: 7 years + the magical compass, they meet mum is a large-animal vet, so Suitable class novel: NO Jasmine spends a lot of time caring Good read rating: %%%%% the inspirational adventurer in an for animals and keeping them out Literary value rating: %%%%% amazing place and learn new skills of trouble. Unfortunately, this ofen and facts they can take back with means she gets into hot water them to their real life. herself... When a nesting duck is killed in a terrible accident, Jasmine and her » OUR REVIEW best friend Tom rescue the eggs Olly reluctantly goes on a survival SO camp with his best friend Jack. and try to hatch them in an TITLE incubator. Whilst Jack and their tent mate Omar are right into this camping It’s a risky business but soon lark, Olly is decidedly not. There’s Button is running around, getting nowhere comfy to sit, no TV and into scrapes. Until the day he gets no way to charge his iPod. into a scrape with no escape. Consequently, he’s finding it hard » OUR REVIEW Blizzard Challenge: to fit in. Jack is disappointed in him and Omar positively hostile. When a classmate’s dog kills a Bear Grylls nesting duck, Jasmine and Tom Adventures # 1 However a strange encounter and rescue the surviving eggs and a mysterious compass changes place them in an incubator. Author: Bear Grylls everything. That night he’s Unfortunately only one hatches, ISBN: 978-1786960122 transported on a wonderful but Button turns out to be a very Published: 24/05/2017 adventure with Bear Grylls, where special duckling indeed. Publisher: Bonnier he’s taught all about the important of teamwork if one’s to survive in Jasmine is a very caring mother » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION harsh conditions. With newfound and has been watchful throughout confidence and belief in himself the incubation period. When one Olly hates activity camp and its he’s now able to prove himself a duckling hatches, but dies soon pointless activities. Why should he valuable member of his team. aferward, she’s quite distraught. bother building a stupid shelter or foraging for food with his An enjoyable early reader, which Button makes it all worthwhile teammates - he’d rather be at concisely gets its point across. though and they become home in the warm and dry, where inseparable. When a sickly The adventure with Bear Grylls the sofa and the video games are. newborn lamb is placed into the illustrates a lot of valuable survival pen next to Button, they become techniques and the important of

bookcurator.com.au | 17 teamwork. Having been pushed desert and how to spot mirages, beyond his comfort zone shows encounter giant camel spiders, Olly what he is truly capable of and deadly scorpions and sandfish ... thus changes his attitude. but will Sophie overcome her fear An easy read that will also be good of insects back in the real world? for reluctant readers. And who will she give the compass to next? SO Major themes: adventure camp, TITLE teamwork, letting others down, » OUR REVIEW reluctance to join in, survival, At camp, Sophie's worst fears mountains, change of attitude. eventuate—there are creepy Please be aware: No concerns. crawlies everywhere! Logically, she The Incredible knows it's stupid to be scared of a Dadventure little fly or small spider, but she can't help it. When a familiar boy Author: Dave Lowe Recommended age: 6 years + hands her an odd looking compass ISBN: 978-1848125865 Suitable class novel: NO Good read rating: %%%%% her world is transformed, she's no Published: 24/05/2017 Literary value rating: %%%% longer in camp, but in a hot, barren Publisher: Piccadilly Press desert. How will she survive? » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Luckily she has Bear Grylls as a guide. Together, they master their Holly’s dad is an explorer, having circumstances, overcome amazing adventures all over the obstacles and Sophie learns how world, while Holly is stuck at home to survive in this extreme with her mum, her baby brother environment. Along the way she and the dog. Now, Dad’s on a new also looses her fear, but learns to expedition and he’ll miss her tenth respect the creatures she once birthday. She’s not happy - until was afraid of. A worthwhile read she finds out that he’s planned a with lots of survival tips an some special treasure hunt, just for her. humourous illustrations. She has ten days to complete ten tasks - some silly, some tricky and Major themes: camp, friend, Desert Challenge: some downright terrifying. Maybe surviving in the desert, Bear Grylls, life at home isn’t quite so boring Bear Grylls overcoming fears afer all. Adventures # 2 Please be aware: No concerns. » OUR REVIEW Author: Bear Grylls With Holly’s dad away for her tenth ISBN: 978-1786960139 birthday and the school talent Published: 24/05/2017 Recommended age: 6 years + show drawing near, she’s feeling a Publisher: Bonnier Suitable class novel: NO Good read rating: %%%%% little down and quite apprehensive. %%%%% » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Literary value rating: Though her father isn’t there, he’s Sophie loves activity camp ... but is devised a stupendous treasure terrified of insects. It's so bad that hunt which unbeknownst to her, she won't go into the tent on her will have major consequences. She own, just in case something flies at initially sees it as a bit of fun, but her, or she steps on a creepie- along the way will conquer many crawlie. But when she's given a fears, overcome stereotypes and compass by one of the other boys will start to believe in herself and on the campsite, Sophie is even make some new friends. magically transported to the Though the tasks seem desert on a survival adventure straightforward there is a goal in where they're impossible to avoid! mind. Part of that is Holly With the help of survival expert overcoming her stage fright and Bear Grylls as her guide, she will performing her magic act well. learn how to withstand the extreme temperatures of the

18 | The Book Curator: June 2017 Clever dad knows that Mr Pike with NO technology. There are Once home, Holly doesn't feel (who lives a few doors away) is a other people camping in the quite the same need to have as retired magician, so he arranges woods, though - Zeb and his much screen time as before. for Holly to meet him. show-of dad who are camping Major themes: bonding time, Of course, he helps her with her 'properly' in tents and fishing for family, technology break, back to act—and what a success it is! their dinner. nature, camping, adventure, friend, Holly's dad is treating her like a escaped bear, fear A very enjoyable and nuanced baby and being more book, with lots of growing up and Please be aware:No concerns. embarrassing than ever, but Zeb personal development issues dealt and Holly soon hit it of and enjoy with. Holly’s new self confidence exploring the forest together. A allows her to change who she is at few days in Zeb's dad goes school, break free from peer Recommended age: 7 to 10 years missing, and they discover there is Suitable class novel: YES pressure and be who she wants to %%%%% a bear on the loose from the local Good read rating: be. Handled well, lots of fun and a Literary value rating: %%%%% safari park. It's up to Holly and her good read too. new friend to work together, save Major themes: school, peer the day and prove themselves to pressure, self confidence, growing their fathers - all without their up, school play, magic show, phones or any tech gadgets! treasure hunt. Please be aware:No concerns. » OUR REVIEW A highly enjoyable read which will appeal to both boys and girls. Holly's mum has issued a Recommended age: 7 to 10 years Suitable class novel: YES challenge to her and her dad to Good read rating: %%%%% survive five days in a cabin in the Literary value rating: %%%%% woods without electricity or Ballerina Dreams 'screens'. No TV, laptop or phones Author: Michael & Elaine DePrince for five days, it's Holly's worst ISBN: 978-0571329731 nightmare. Published: 24/05/2017 However, the bonding time Publisher: Faber together is great for their relationship as is spending time in » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION nature to. They meet a father and One windy day, a magazine blew son who are camping nearby and down the road. I reached out and having a 'boys' trip. Holly and the caught it. A pretty picture of a boy, Zeb, hit it of and both agree woman was on the front cover of that this whole camping thing is the magazine. She wore a short not for them. pink dress that stuck out around A Mumbelievable As the days pass Holly begins to her in a circle. She looked very Challenge: The relax and enjoy herself and even happy. At the age of three, her father seems less annoying. Michaela DePrince found a photo Incredible One night Zeb's father, Hunter, of a ballerina that changed her life. Dadventure # 2 goes missing so they all set of to She was living in an orphanage in look for him. He's eventually Sierra Leone at the time, but was Author: Dave Lowe discovered up a tree screaming soon adopted by a family and ISBN: 978-1848125896 that there's a bear. Being Britain brought to America. Published: 24/05/2017 there shouldn't be, but nearby Michaela never forgot the photo of Publisher: Piccadilly Press droppings and tracks indicate the dancer she once saw, and otherwise. They all escape back to decided to make her dream of » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION the cabin, but the bear follows becoming a ballerina come true. Holly's second 'dadventure' is a them. Luckily Hunter has a hidden She has been dancing ever since, screen-free challenge - Mum has phone and summons the and afer a spell as a principal packed her and Dad of to a log authorities who tranquilise the dancer in New York, now dances cabin in Fir Forest for five days bear. for the Dutch National Ballet in

bookcurator.com.au | 19 Amsterdam. Beautifully and gently » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION illustrated by Ella Okstad, Ballerina In 1936, hunted and trapped by Dreams is the younger-reader European farmers, the last few edition of Michaela DePrince's Tasmanian Tigers take refuge in highly moving memoir, Hope in a the forests of Tasmania. But even Ballet Shoe. afer the last-known Tiger dies alone and neglected in a zoo, » OUR REVIEW people claim to have sighted this The captivating true story of how amazing creature. No one can Michaela DePrince went from prove it still exists, until a being an orphan in Sierra Leone, determined searcher and modern West Africa, to being the first black science provide a glimmer of hope. Lasseter’s Gold: ballerina on the international History Mysteries stage. It's both a heart warming » OUR REVIEW Author: Mark Greenwood and inspirational story, which A fascinating look at how colonial ISBN: 978-0143309253 shows that dreams can come true, era policy and attitudes ultimately Published: 1/5/2017 if you're prepared to work hard. As lead to the Thylacine's demise. it's written for early readers, it's a Publisher: Penguin From pelt bounties and habitat very simple account with lots of change through to well meaning illustrations, but the salient points » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION attempts at captive breeding, it's and hard work shine through. This It's 1930, and a man named Harold all contained in this easy to read is a lovely story which young girls Lasseter claims to have discovered account. especially will enjoy and be a massive gold reef in Central captivated by. This is a well researched and Australia. As he journeys across engrossing tale which will have the the desert to find it again, he Major themes: West African reader hoping that these buries maps and secret messages orphan, adoption, new life in wonderful and misunderstood beneath the ashes of his campfires America, ballet, friendship, creatures still exist. - before taking the location of the supportive parent, dreams, goals treasure to his grave. Highly recommended and a Please be aware: No concerns. valuable resource for discussing » OUR REVIEW extinction and man's attempts to right wrongs. The abiding tale of Lasseter's Reef has captured the imaginations of Recommended age: 5 years + Major themes: Tasmanian Tiger, Suitable class novel: YES Australians for a hundred years. extinction, hunting, zoos, Good read rating: %%%%% Whether Harold Lasseter did Literary value rating: %%%%% expeditions, colonial era, discover a fantastic gold deposit in environmental protection, Central Australia is open to debate. consequences This well researched account Please be aware: No concerns. brings together all we know, from records of the time, through to modern expeditions. It's well Recommended age: 6 to 11 years Suitable class novel: YES written and will fire up the Good read rating: %%%%% imagination of a whole new Literary value rating: %%%%% generation. Historical photos and articles help give a sense of the time and the pervading gold fever! Major themes: Ludwig Leichhardt, early Australian explorations, The Last Tiger: indigenous Australia, secrets, gold History Mysteries Please be aware: No concerns. Author: Mark Greenwood ISBN: 978-0143309253 Recommended age: 6 to 11 years Suitable class novel: NO Published: 1/5/2017 Good read rating: %%%%% Publisher: Penguin Literary value rating: %%%%%

20 | The Book Curator: June 2017 The magical power which a good the gang! With their detective book can hold is plain for all to see, senses on high alert, the five as is the importance of a dedicated friends set out to find Barry, but and enthusiastic teacher. Great the stakes soon become much stuf! higher than they thought. Have SO TITLE Major themes: library, small they finally met their match? Not if village, change, reading, safe Sylvie Hampshire has anything to place, enthusiastic librarian. do with it!

Please be aware: No concerns. » OUR REVIEW During a trip to the hospital to The Mysterious assess her diabetes treatment, Sylvie and the gang get caught up Librarian: The Recommended age: 8 years + Suitable class novel: YES in a couple of mysteries. First a Adventures of Miss Good read rating: %%%%% therapy dog goes missing and %%%%% Charlotte # 2 Literary value rating: then a valuable painting is stolen. Following the clues, the gang Author: Dominique Demers realise that the two are related and ISBN: 978-1846884153 that it’s an inside job. However, the Published: 01/06/2017 police are focussed on retrieving Publisher: Bloomsbury the painting rather than finding Barry, the dog, so our intrepid » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION investigators take up the hunt. When the mysterious and SO One valuable clue cracks the case eccentric Miss Charlotte arrives in TITLE open and soon pooch and painting the village of Saint-Anatole to take are retrieved. over the tiny library, the locals are surprised to find out that she does An enjoyable fast paced read with things diferently. our young investigators Dogs and Doctors: continually one pace ahead of the Wearing a long blue dress and a police. They see the importance of giant hat, she takes her books out The Marsh Road rescuing Barry, rather than an for a walk in a wheelbarrow and Mysteries inanimate painting. Sylvie’s control shows the children that reading and monitoring of her diabetes is can be fun and useful. Sometimes Author: Elen Caldecott highlighted, as a means of raising she is so caught up in the magic of ISBN: 978-1408876060 awareness and understanding and the stories she shares with her Published: 01/06/2017 plays an important role throughout audience that she forgets all sense Publisher: Bloomsbury the story. Possibly the best book in of reality so much so that one day the series so far. she loses consciousness and the » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION children must find a way to bring This is the final title in the brilliant Major themes: hospital, diabetes, her back. Marsh Road Mysteries adventure friends, stolen dog and painting, series by hugely popular children’s investigating, inside job, rescue. » OUR REVIEW author Elen Caldecott. For fans of Please be aware: No concerns. Any child would love to have Miss the Laura Marlin Mysteries by Charlotte as their teacher or Lauren St John. Meet Piotr, Minnie, librarian. When she pops up in the Andrew, Flora and Sylvie the Marsh village of Saint Anatole as their new Road Mystery solvers. Sylvie Recommended age: 9 to 12 years Suitable class novel: NO book custodian it’s no surprise that Hampshire is in hospital. She Good read rating: %%%%% knows she’s responsible enough to the local children are soon ensconced Literary value rating: %%%%% in the village library. Miss C, take control of her diabetes meanwhile, is getting so absorbed medication, but now she has to by her book’s storylines that she’s prove it on the hospital ward. almost assimilated into them. She’s only been there a couple of Another great read in this thoroughly hours when Barry, a therapy dog, enjoyable series. goes missing in suspicious circumstances. It’s time to bring in

bookcurator.com.au | 21 illumination. The only thing she lacks is experience. If she can just complete Chaucer’s manuscript without him realising, she may be SO TITLE able to survive. But first she will have to leave their home behind … SO The journey is long and hard and it TITLE is only with the help of her new friend Wolf that she survives. When Wolf falls ill they take sanctuary in Reading Abbey. Within the abbey Emelin there are those who would help Fish Boy Author: Jackie Randal and those who want to hinder. Author: Chloe Daykin ISBN: 978-0995379718 Thankfully kindness wins out and ISBN: 978-0571328222 Published: 01/04/2017 Emelin is able to work on the Published: 24/05/2017 Publisher: Other manuscript in relative peace. Publisher: Faber When she finally meets Chaucer » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION face to face, it soon becomes clear » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION The year is 1398. Eleven-year-old that Wolf has a far more mysterious People call me Fish Boy. My skin Emelin Lambert is quick-witted, past than she imagined … goes up and down like the waves. mouthy, and an orphan. She also My mind goes in and out like the An engaging tale told with great has an incredible gift for illuminating sea. They say I’ve always got my historical detail. This would make a manuscripts. When her last relative mouth open, that I ask too many great class text for exploring life in is killed, Emelin must travel to questions. But what’s wrong with medieval England and the craf of Reading Abbey in search of safety that? Billy’s got a lot on his mind - illumination. when she finds herself with a that he’d rather not think or talk manuscript belonging to Geofrey Major themes: orphans, using your about. So he watches David Chaucer. Follow her dark and gifts, medieval England, illuminating Attenborough, because Sir David’s wintery journey through medieval manuscripts, guilds, history, trust, asked all the questions and got all England where she encounters friendship, Chaucer’s Canterbury the answers, and swims in the sea, violent thieves, a boy named Wolf Tales, survival, journey, kindness just letting his mind drif... and the treacherous adult world Please be aware: Mildly graphic So when new boy and nature fan she must face alone. Can her gif infrequent violence. Patrick Green starts at school with ensure her survival? fingers like steel, strength of a bear and a mackerel swims up to » OUR REVIEW Billy’s face, blows bubbles into his It’s the year 1398 and even though Recommended age: 8 to 13 years Suitable class novel: YES Vista Clear mask goggles and says: Calibor is one of the most talented Good read rating: %%%% Fish Boy, Billy knows he can’t keep illuminators in the business, Literary value rating: %%%% it secret, because... a crazy talking starvation is never too far away. mackerel changes EVERYTHING. When news comes that he has Shimmering with almost-magic been granted the commission to and adventure, this is an illustrate Chaucer’s Canterbury exceptional read. Accompanied by Tales, his niece Emelin heaves a gorgeous illustrations by Richard sigh of relief. Jones. It’s a relief that is short lived. Calibor is attacked afer boasting » OUR REVIEW in the local ale house of his This is a little gem. The language is success. Despite Emelin’s care, he poetry and the story is busy. Billy doesn’t make it. On her own and Shiel’s natural element is the sea. without the money from Chaucer’s There his troubles float away and commission, she really will starve. he has a few troubles. His mother But Emelin has a very particular has a mystery illness which leaves gif. Calibor has taught her almost her sleepy and weak most of the everything he knows about time. His father works longer and

22 | The Book Curator: June 2017 longer hours. He’s called fish boy Please be aware: 1. ‘smart the end notes the author, Jane and tormented by the school bully, arse’ (p68), ‘bloody stupid’ (p216). Kerr, acknowledges that in reality Jamie Watts who steals his clothes No other concerns. the walk was fairly uneventful and new Nikes while he’s however, in the story she has swimming. This improve when a created, it is very eventful. new boy arrives at school. Patrick Recommended age: 10 to 14 years The author does a good job of Green has fingers like steel and the Suitable class novel: YES combining drama, mystery and strength of a lion. He also does Good read rating: %%%%% suspense as the elephant, his %%%%% magic tricks. Patrick and Billy Literary value rating: trainer, the owners, a vet and his become friends. daughter, plus Danny make the Billy is doing a school assignment long journey. There are many on the Bermuda Triangle. He has problems along the way which his own inbuilt commentator—the hinder their progress. voice of David Attenborough who Due to a bet, they only have a guides him via nature facts. SO week to complete the journey or One day while swimming Billy is TITLE the owners will not only lose approached by a mackerel who possession of the elephant, but says a code word to him - also their other animals. This adds kezdodik. Patrick encourages Billy significant tension to the story. to listen to the mackerel and follow The relationship between the it while Patrick (who can’t swim) elephant, Maharajah and Danny guards his belongings. The Elephant Thief develops into an important part of The fish takes Billy to join the the story as Danny becomes mackerel shoal. They want Billy to Author: Jane Kerr emotionally attached to stay with them. He enjoys ISBN: 978-1910655757 Maharajah. The relationship swimming with them learning Published: 01/06/2017 becomes pivotal in Danny’s life about the use of the shoal ... Publisher: Chicken House and is a source of healing and comfort to him. The other Billy isn’t the only one who » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION members of the travelling party benefits from the friendship. When street urchin Danny also become valuable to Danny Patrick lives a very lonely, accidentally buys Maharajah the and ultimately change the course regimented home life so he enjoys elephant at an Edinburgh auction, of his life when he becomes a Billy’s more casual and his new employer, a zookeeper, permanent part of a family. disorganised home and family. dresses Danny up as a bejewelled Overall, it is a well-told, exciting Eventually, inspired by David Indian prince. As he rides adventure. Attenborough, Billy and Patrick Maharajah to his new home in Major themes: adventure, challenge Jamie Watts to a bout of England, even Queen Victoria orphans, homelessness, Victorian silverback chest beating and follows their journey with delight. era England, family dynamics, yelling. But a rival zookeeper wagers on animals, taxidermy The story ends on a high note with their failure, and soon Danny’s Please be aware: Mild violence, his mum getting a diagnosis of ME shady connections threaten to references to past violence and - myalgic encephalopathy and Billy overturn the mission. Can the threat of menace. Significant no longer ashamed of her Maharajah walk 200 miles in seven climatic fight scene, other condition. He befriends another days? And will Danny ever escape altercations and incident of animal boy who has been bullied and his past? cruelty. raises his status in the group by » OUR REVIEW revealing his talent. Even the Nike shoe situation turns out well. A The Elephant Thief begins in the slums of Edinburgh with a street delightfully imaginative read with Recommended age: 10 to 13 years great characters that addresses urchin, who comes to be known as Suitable class novel: NO some serious issues. Danny. He is given the opportunity Good read rating: %%%% of a new life when he is drawn into Literary value rating: %%%% Major themes: chronic fatigue, a plan to walk an elephant from family in crisis, identity, friendship, Edinburgh to Manchester. The bullying, marine life, adventure, book is based on a true story natural history, David Attenborough which happened in April 1872. In

bookcurator.com.au | 23 try to help, but they're not detectives » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION and they are 100 miles away. From the author of Incredible Eventually her father fesses up to Space Raiders from Space! comes what is really going on. He's a brand-new coming-of-age story stressed and depressed about his about a boy whose life revolves work and has secretly been seeing around hiding his obsessive a counsellor. Being a man he didn't compulsive disorder—until he gets want to tell anyone! Consequently, a mysterious note that changes when the truth comes out, Alice everything. regains her confidence and her Daniel is the back-up punter for Hopewell High: parent’s marriage is restored. the Erie Hills Elephants. Which The subject matter makes this a really means he’s the water boy. Stage Fright middle school book. It is specifically He spends football practice perfectly arranging water cups— Author: Jo Cotterill targeted at reluctant readers, so and hoping no one notices. ISBN: 978-472934130 the reading age is set at around 9 Actually, he spends most of his Published: 01/05/2017 years of age. time hoping no one notices his Publisher: Bloomsbury Alice's tail spin is handled strange habits—he calls them Zaps: thoughtfully. All in all, this is a avoiding writing the number four, » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION worthwhile addition to collections for example, or flipping a light Alice's parents are having for reluctant readers. switch on and of dozens of times problems and she has the lead in Major themes: school, school over. He hopes no one notices that the school play. Can her friends play, starring role, family/marital he’s crazy, especially his best help her to get over her stage problems, afair, panic attacks, friend Max, and Raya, the prettiest fright? Bloomsbury High Low friends, truth, depression, counselling girl in school. books encourage and support reading practice by providing Please be aware: Initially the His life gets weirder when another gripping, age-appropriate stories discussions about the husband’s girl at school, who is unkindly for struggling and reluctant presumed afair and potential nicknamed Psycho Sara, notices readers, those with dyslexia, or marriage breakdown seem quite him for the first time. She doesn’t those with English as an additional blunt, but there is not really an just notice him: she seems to peer language. Printed on tinted paper easy way to raise those subjects. through him. Then Daniel gets a and with a dyslexia friendly font, note: “I need your help,” it says, Stage Fright is aimed at readers signed, Fellow Star Child—whatever aged 12+ and has a manageable that means. Recommended age: 10 to 14 years length (80 pages) and reading age Suitable class novel: NO And suddenly Daniel, a total no %%%% (9+). Produced in association with Good read rating: one at school, is swept up in a Literary value rating: %%%% reading experts at CatchUp, a mystery that might change charity which aims to address everything for him. underachievement caused by With great voice and grand literacy and numeracy difculties. adventure, this book is about feeling diferent and finding those » OUR REVIEW who understand. Things should be going well for 13- year-old Alice. She's playing the » OUR REVIEW lead in the school play and has A self-confessed OCD suferer been practicing all holiday. However himself, author Wesley King on the drive to her boarding school, provides incredible insight into the her mother tells her she suspects world of 13-year-old Daniel; a self- her father is having an afair. This tagged crazy and broken young sends Alice into a spin. She starts OCDaniel teen who just wants to be normal having panic attacks again, can't despite the instances of fear and concentrate on the play or school Author: Wesley King dread which drive him to follow a work and her mother's daily phone ISBN: 978-1481455329 series of habits. calls are only making things worse. Published: 01/05/2017 She confides in her friends and they Publisher: Simon & Schuster Daniel narrates this humorous tale by describing the debilitating habit

24 | The Book Curator: June 2017 that he puts himself through when how to steal the Elgen's floating something uncontrolled or disliked treasury boat. With Hatch happens to him. As an anxiety becoming increasingly unstable, SO disorder, Daniel’s OCD is clearly having condemned his 2IC and TITLE agonising for him and takes over three of his electric youth to death, his rational thought life as he fears now may be the perfect time to death and anything bad happening inflict a crippling blow. Locating to him. Welch and rescuing the other three Although the novel portrays Daniel becomes priority, but there are as a social, witty and likeable plenty of other issues arising character, Daniel is very much a within the Electroclan family that social oddity because of the Fall of Hades: need addressing too. The final condition that he keeps hidden Michael Vey # 6 showdown on the Tuvalu islands is from his family and close friends. full of action, double crosses and OCDaniel contains a novel within a Author: Richard Paul Evans one decisive decision which shows novel whereby Daniel is in a ISBN: 978-1481469838 Michael's awesome abilities, but process of writing a book about his Published: 02/05/2017 which also may have killed him! normal self; an alter ego who is Publisher: Simon & Schuster Another good read which is starting brave, self-assured and, most of to pull loose strings together and all, a normal kid. » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION cement the friendships within the Michael and his friends try to Electroclan. There's plenty of His developing friendship with recruit Hatch’s Electric Youth to action, but also a lot of character / Sara, a mute who also sufers from their side as the thrilling action relationship development and stress, strengthens Daniel’s continues in this electrifying sixth background information. Sets up resolve to better understand his installment of the New York Times the scenes nicely for the final compulsive nature and to begin to bestselling series! Michael and the instalment. exert some control over it. Electroclan are about to embark on OCDaniel is a rewarding read Major themes: good versus evil, their deadliest mission yet. Some which highlights persons of resistance, superpowers, robbery, of them may not make it back. The diference and the need to better destruction, rescue, false arrest, head of the resistance, known only understand them. invasion, defection, double cross as the voice, believes that the best Major themes: Obsessive way to wipe out the Elgen is to Please be aware: Moderate non Compulsive Disorder, diference/ steal their money. That means graphic violence. otherness, friendship, developing capturing theJoule, the Elgen boat confidence in own abilities that serves as a floating treasury.

Please be aware: There are no To do this, Michael and his friends Recommended age: 10 to 15 years concerns with this book. need help…a lot of help.They’ve Suitable class novel: NO %%%%% learned about a highly placed Good read rating: member of the Elite Elgen Guard named Welch, who wants to Recommended age: 12 years + Suitable class novel: YES defect. They also know that Hatch Good read rating: %%%% has condemned three of his Literary value rating: %%%% electric youth to death. SO If the Electroclan can get to Welch TITLE before the Elgen do, and if they can rescue Quentin, Torstyn, and Tara, they just might be able to steal the Joule. But it’s a big “if”… The stakes have never been higher, and Michael and his friends are about to be tested in ways they never imagined. Merlin's Wood Author: Anne Hamilton » OUR REVIEW ISBN: 978-1925380088 The sixth book in the series find Published: 01/06/2017 the Electroclan strategising on Publisher: Armor Books

bookcurator.com.au | 25 » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION the planet. However, their lust for what really happened. Boone and A rich, robust blend of science evil is not satiated. Reece and Promethia are stuck in the year fiction and Arthurian symbolism Holly know their battle for good 1883, hiding out in New York City. brings this enchanting middle has only just begun. But soon a fan of Boones finds grade fantasy to life. Multi-award- Major themes: good versus evil, them and enlists their help in winning author, Anne Hamilton, courage, science fiction, Arthurian driving out some bad folks from explores questions of forgiveness legend, time travel, science her Texas hometown. Soon Boone and healing through the question: and Promethia are swept up in a Please be aware: 1. The Invaders "What does it mean to live conspiracy, trying to do the right shoot at the twins (p46), Tamizel is backwards in time?" thing while they search for a way tempted to put his hand on an to get home. » OUR REVIEW electrical wire (p140), The Farafolk males may choose to marry their » OUR REVIEW Set in a world that conflates sisters rather than commoners science, time travel and fantasy, For those who haven’t read Boone (p159). Merlin’s Wood cannot fit into one Shepard (The Book Curator: Oct genre. Reece has grown up his 2016), this second book opens with whole life being the ‘logical one’, a letter from Boone to his concerned with facts, not fantasy. Recommended age: 10 to 14 years employer Lord Hux, which gives all He ignores the whimsical tales Suitable class novel: NO the background to the story. Good read rating: %%%% Gran tells him about his namesake, Literary value rating: %%%% Boone and Promethia are stuck in Merlin the Enchanter, whom, 1884 afer the loss of his stolen legend has it, lives backwards in time machine and have fled time. Instead, his mind is on the London to avoid the authorities. time machine that he is building in They stowed away in a ship to a hollow oak in his back garden. SO America and have taken refuge Reece’s twin, Holly, has always TITLE with Oscar Wilde in New York given a token of truth to Gran’s where they are rapidly outstaying fantastical ramblings. When a their welcome. magical explosion catapults the A teenage girls request to help twins backwards in time, they find save her town from outlaws who themselves stranded on an are holding children hostage in enigmatic planet. Armed with only order to force their parents to a water pistol, they become a American work the town’s secret gold mine target for mysterious black- leads them to Texas. uniformed men known as the Adventure: It’s a grand adventure until Boone Invaders, whom are afer the Eye is returned to 1960s New York, of Ruel (the greatest weapon for Boone Shepard inadvertently leaving Promethia evil). The twins must put their faith Author: Gabriel Bergmoser stuck in 1884. He will have to in a stranger to protect them: ISBN: 978-0994328830 follow even the slightest clue if he Tamizel. Published: 29/05/2017 is ever to be reunited with his Publisher: Other Tamizel takes them to the friend … glittering court of Dreamfall, where That clue leads him to The Bugs. the Farafolk believe the twins to be » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION They were a band with a stellar descended from the stars. In a This is a true story of bravery and career until Boone uncovered a world facing two dark perils – one villainy in the Old West. You might terrible secret (their manager had within, one without – they have heard the tale, full of murdered a member of the band represent hope for the people. conspiracies, pursuits, gunslingers and replaced him with a lookalike). Holle, an evil goddess with an and duels. You might have heard The resulting scandal almost army of the Sarazen, has spent of the secret gold mines, the mind wiped them out. As you can eternity manipulating the Farafolk control, the flying saucers and the imagine they aren’t exactly happy for her own ambitions. She was rock stars. And maybe you heard to see him—or so it seems. In the one to bring The Invaders to about the people mixed up in all reality it is a trap that Boone is the planet, by informing them of this, innocents turned heroes, about to walk straight into … the Eye. A huge battle begins for doing their best to save the world. the freedom of the Farafolk and It wasn’t quite that simple.My This is a romping genre-bending the Invaders are defeated, fleeing name is Boone Shepard. This is time-travelling adventure with

26 | The Book Curator: June 2017 splashes of the wild west that is winning Hitler series, this through the kindness of a girl quite unique in young adult fiction. compelling story follows on from called Helga and her brother Boone Shepard (book 1) has been Heidi’s story in Hitler’s Daughter Hannes who find him sick and shortlisted for The Readings Young and Georg’s in Pennies for Hitler, alone. They are all hiding in a hay Adult Book Prize 2017. There’s a and shows us that evil must be shed afer their mother, Frau guest appearance by Elvis, an fought and won. But once you’ve Schmidt, was raped by Russian attempted assassination of the won, the hardest and most soldiers, determined to inflict pain American president, a wealthy necessary battle is to understand on the German populace as female villain, a flying casino and and forgive. And to learn how to revenge against the brutal German much more. A refreshingly love and live again. soldiers. diferent read! The Schmidt family make contact » OUR REVIEW Major themes: time travel, greed, with Johannes’ parents and Frau assassination attempt, power, wild This profoundly moving book from Marks when they make their way West, 1880s America, 1960s New master storyteller Jackie French to a camp run by American York, friendship, courage, picks up the threads from Hitler’s soldiers. The care each shows for adventure Daughter and Pennies for Hitler, yet the other helps them all to survive, could also be read as a stand- but the end of the war has not Please be aware: 1. Language: alone. meant the end of their challenges. bloody x 6. 2. Mild infrequent non It will be a long time before all can graphic violence. At the Sisters of Compassion Maternity Hospital in Germany, find a new place to call home, but Nazi wives bear their children in over the course of a number of comfort on the upper floors, while years, they are ultimately reunited Recommended age: 12 years + two Jewish children hide in the in Australia. When Johannes Suitable class novel: NO discovers his beloved Helga is %%%% cellars. Within the hospital, Frau Good read rating: actually Heidi (purportedly Hitler’s Literary value rating: %%%% Marks hides in plain sight as Nurse Literary value rating: %%%% Stohlich. Beref of her beloved daughter) he will have to choose husband and son George, she between love, truth, hatred and helps care for both the Nazi wives revenge. and the Jewish children, under the This book should come with a loving direction of Sister Columba. warning: box of tissues required! Late one night, the Nazis break The incredible example of love, self SO into their hiding place, killing the sacrifice and forgiveness it TITLE children and many of the nuns. portrays are almost indescribable. Frau Marks is sent to Auschwitz. Sister Columba who—amongst other things—sufers radiation In Poland, a young boy called burns from Nazi experiments in Johannes lives a life of privilege Auschwitz that cause touch to be with his doctor parents, who own a painful yet wraps arms of love small private hospital. Their around Johannes to save his life, is comfortable life is abruptly torn one of the most radical, beautiful Goodbye, Mr Hitler apart when his father is taken vessels of love possible. Don’t be away (ostensibly to take up an Author: Jackie French surprised if this book wins the important position with the ISBN: 978-1460751299 CBCA Book of the Year Awards in Germans) with Johannes and his Published: 22/05/2017 2018. As well as being a wonderful mother to follow. Instead of a new Publisher: Harper Collins story, there is so much in it worth life, they find themselves in exploring that it should be a Auschwitz. It seems the Nazis had » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION prescribed text in every school. just wanted to get their hands on This is the story of Johannes, and his parent’s assets. Quote: She shut her eyes, saw Frau Timmins, and the strange girl herself grab shears, the kind for In Auschwitz, their paths intersect. now known as ‘Helga. It is also the pruning hedges. She hacked at the With the Russians fast story of how they survived the hatred in her soul, fast and frantic, approaching the Nazis are trying to death camps, the vast wilderness let it fly back across the ocean to wipe out any evidence of their faced by refugees in World War the land where it belonged … [and] crimes. The only chance for Two, and how they eventually held her son with love. (p126) found happiness in Australia. The Johannes is to escape. Afer a final title in the multi award- gruelling journey he survives only

bookcurator.com.au | 27 Quote: When you know how to » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION The problem is that Eden is so hold the bad things of the world, We belong to the Earth, Lainie- beautiful and such an ideal you do not need to look away… Bug. We were sent here in human paradise that it’s easy to become every day we must open our eyes form for a reason. If you don’t distracted and never return. to one wrong thing and say aloud, know what to do, then just be When Noah and Lainie attempt to to ourselves and others, “This is not human. Right. Like that was ever a follow him, they discover that the right.” (p193). simple thing to do. In the heart of entrance to Eden has been blocked Major themes: World War II, Nazis, the Wimmera region of Victoria, an by a cave-in. Finding a way around Auschwitz, self sacrifice, love, ancient gateway to Eden is kept that will take time, but the freedom, wisdom, deprivation, the hidden and safe by a creature so discovery of indigenous artwork power of stories, family, friendship, powerful that even the moon gives them the opportunity to slow hope, kindness, post-war life, would obey her commands - at the mining company down. If they future, hatred, choices, least it would if she had any idea can register the farm as a sacred forgiveness, hope that she wasn’t just a normal girl site it will stop them completely. about to finish high school. When a Please be aware: 1. The Jewish Their actions bring the wrath of Mr mining company begins children (2 and 4-year-olds) are Beckinsale, the local councillor exploratory sampling near Lainie’s killed with bayonets (p19). who is also an executive with the sheep farm, a family secret is Radiation experiments on nuns greedy mining company. His revealed that makes her regret not (specifically targeted by the Nazis). attempts to discredit the having learnt more about her Children bathed, clothed while still indigenous claims lead to tragedy. Indigenous heritage. wet and stood in the snow until This book is an intriguing mix of they died as a mass means of » OUR REVIEW indigenous culture and Biblical cheap extermination (p46-7). Lainie and Noah live on mythology in a contemporary rural Inference of rape (p68-9). Hannes neighbouring farms in the small setting with a strong emphasis on is shot and killed (p85-6). War town of Nalong, Victoria. They are environmental themes. The first in themes, violence and deprivation best friends who have had a a series, it is a well written, as you would expect. strong, unexplainable bond all enjoyable read. their lives. Now in their last year of Major themes: indigenous culture, school, they are planning their Biblical mythology, Tree of Life, Recommended age: 11 to 15 years future at university. It’s a future choice, freedom, duty, sacrifice, Suitable class novel: YES that is about to be derailed. family, friendship, protecting the Good read rating: %%%%% Literary value rating: %%%%% Lainie has a vision of her aunt in a environment, rural Australia, confrontation with a mining romance, faith company. She is shocked when the Please be aware: 1. bullshit x 1. 2. vision comes true. This leads to her Low frequency moderately graphic discovery that she has a significant violence, e.g. when the dog attacks SO role to play in relation to the land— Lainie, when Beckinsale attacks TITLE land that is far more important Tessa and when Sarah attacks than she ever imagined. Lainie. 3. There are supernatural Lainie had always been told her themes within the context of the mother Annie died when she was a Biblical mythology. For example, child. The truth is she has been Lainie and Noah are Cherubim, living in the garden of Eden, the who are the sentinels of Eden. secret entrance to which is hidden They each have a guardian who is on the farm. Both Lainie and Noah also their soul mate. Songlines: The are intrinsically tied to the Sentinels of Eden wellbeing of the land. What happens to the land also afects Recommended age: 12 years + # 1 them. Suitable class novel: NO %%%%% Author: Carolyn Denman Indigenous elder Harry, who also Good read rating: Literary value rating: %%%% ISBN: 978-1922200600 works on the farm, determines to Published: 20/08/2016 travel to Eden to try and find her Publisher: Odyssey Books mother so she can help save the land from the mining company.

28 | The Book Curator: June 2017 a crow on the back of his neck. » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Then word comes that her father is A heartbreaking story, narrated by being investigated… twelve-year-old Jack, whose family SO This intriguing book is a great read is caring for fourteen-year-old TITLE and could well end up as the next Joseph. Joseph is misunderstood. big thing in YA. There are a variety He was incarcerated for trying to of interesting and worthwhile kill a teacher. Or so the rumours themes, including a strong say. But Jack and his family see emphasis on racism and fear of something others in town don’t those diferent from us. This would want to. Whats more, Joseph has a Ink make a great class novel for high daughter he’s never seen. The two school students. boys go on a journey through the Author: Alice Broadway bitter Maine winter to help Joseph Major themes: heritage, identity, ISBN: 978-1407172842 find his baby - no matter the cost racism, family, story, perception, Published: 01/05/2017 reputation, status, secrets, Publisher: Scholastic » OUR REVIEW betrayal, truth, remembrance, When the Hurd family agree to faith, folklore » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION foster Joseph, they have a pretty Picture a world where every Please be aware: 1. bloody x 1. 2. reasonable idea what they are in action, every deed, every Mention of flaying to remove skin for —on paper anyway. This story significant moment is tattooed on but no descriptions. The skin is of 14-year-old Joseph joining their your skin forever. When Leora’s removed to make a book out of family and what happens afterwards father dies, she is determined to the tattoos (marks recording the is told from the point of view of see him remembered forever. She events of your life) which is how their only child, 12-year-old Jack. people are remembered. Leora’s knows he deserves to have all his Joseph’s life has been a difcult father was a flayer. Her mother is a tattoos removed and made into a one. He was in juvenile detention reader, who is able to read the Skin Book to stand as a record of and then prison and as a result he meanings behind the marks on his good life. But when she sufers from PTSD (although not people’s skin in order to discovers that his ink has been referred to by that term). edited and his book is incomplete, understand what those marks she wonders whether she ever express about the state of their He also has a 3-month-old knew him at all. heart. daughter he has never seen. Joseph’s parents are kind and » OUR REVIEW patient, but not everyone is.

When Leora’s beloved father dies, Recommended age: 12 years + Rumours have already been she finds some comfort that he will Suitable class novel: YES spreading in their small town, and return to her as a book of stories— Good read rating: %%%%% from the moment he first sets foot %%%%% the pages of his tattoos bound into Literary value rating: on the school bus it’s obvious he a book so he can be remembered has already been judged by some forever. But first he must go of the adults. There are those who through a weighing ceremony to don’t think boys like Joseph can judge if he led a worthy enough SO ever come good. Thankfully there TITLE life. If he did (according to the are also those who see past his leaders) he will be read and history to see his future, including remembered forever. If he did not, a couple of teachers who recognise his book will be consigned to the and encourage his gifs. flames. Eventually, Joseph tells the Hurds Leora has no doubt her dad will be about his daughter, Jupiter. She is fine. He was a good man, who led all he thinks about. He met a pure life. Madeleine when he went with his dad to do some work on their When she witnesses a man being Orbiting Jupiter house. They were the same age publicly shamed and marked with Author: Gary D. Schmidt (13) and spent as much time a crow for the crime of editing the ISBN: 978-1783445042 together as they could, when she marks (and therefore a person’s Published: 15/05/2017 wasn’t away at boarding school. history) it triggers a memory long Publisher: Random House Then Madeleine fell pregnant, and forgotten. Her father had once had

bookcurator.com.au | 29 he was sent to a juvenile facility Brief reference to the violence he best kind of real-life fiction with big for boys. He kept running away to experienced in jail (p84). Joseph’s themes and irresistible characters, try and see Maddy and his daughter, father pulls a gun on the Hurds it goes straight to your heart. until he was told he had to sign (p172). papers to agree to her adoption. If » OUR REVIEW he didn’t, Madeleine’s parents A very enjoyable read about would press charges. It turns out learning some benefits of living on Recommended age: 12 years + she never made it through Suitable class novel: NO Planet Earth. Megara Clark has childbirth … No-one had ever cared Good read rating: %%%%% lived and breathed space her whole him before, and Maddy’s loss is Literary value rating: %%%%% life. She wants to be an astronaut something he can’t escape. one day but the first step will be to In the atmosphere of acceptance win a public speaking competition and love he finds on the farm, on what space means to her. SO Joseph gradually warms up. Then The prize is a trip to Houston. The TITLE his father arrives insisting he is thought of public speaking terrifies going to take his son. He sees the Meg. Then just two weeks before opportunity for benefits—to himself the competition, Meg’s mum, Alice, of course as nobody else matters a free spirit, takes a friend to the to him. It’s a confrontation that airport and then joins her as a leads to heart-breaking tragedy … volunteer working with children in and an incredible act of love Myanmar in SE Asia. Meg is lef This beautifully touching book is a with her baby half-sister, Elsa. She very gentle, somewhat introspective Stargazing for is supposed to stay with her story of a family who open their grandfather who has always lives and their hearts to a boy who Beginners encouraged her interest in space desperately needs what they have but with his guinea pigs and the Author: Jenny McLachlan to ofer. Their kindness doesn’t brewery, there is not really room. ISBN: 978-1408879757 only change his life, but also theirs. Fifeen-year-old Meg has no Published: 01/06/2017 It’s a tale of love that doesn’t give experience with caring for a Publisher: Bloomsbury up, no matter what. A highly toddler. She is late for school and recommended read. gets a detention. Here she meets » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Major themes: troubled youth, Anne, who is in a wheelchair and Science geek Meg is lef to look youth detention, PTSD, broken has a very assertive personality. afer her little sister for ten days families, farming life, kindness, They meet again in Mr Curtis afer her free-spirited mum leaves foster children, prejudice, pre- ‘Student in the Spotlight’ suddenly to follow up yet another judging, love, friendship, brothers, mentoring program with Rose and of her Big Important Causes. But perseverance, longsufering, grief, Jackson. Meg has no friends at while Meg may understand how loss, adoption school since Harriet, her only the universe was formed, baby friend, lef for New Zealand. She Please be aware: 1. When Joseph Elsa is a complete mystery to her. sits with Ed King in class because was in juvenile detention someone And Mum’s disappearance has of their shared brilliance in the gave him a pill. When a staf come at the worst time- Meg is areas of science and space. member came near him he freaked desperate to win a competition to out and tried to kill them (because get the chance to visit NASA The author does a great job of of the drugs). As a result he was headquarters, but to do this she portraying the teachers as very sent to jail where he was has to beat close rival Ed. human. Mr Curtis has included the wrong Jackson in the group and Ms traumatised by unnamed events. Can Meg pull of this double life of Edgecombe forgets to watch her None of this is described, just caring for Elsa and following her words when excited. reported (chapter 1). 2. Joseph own dreams? She’ll need a miracle intentionally jumps on the of cosmic proportions Meg’s tidy, narrow world falls apart fractured ice of a frozen lake. and then gradually rebuilds as she When he falls in Jack saves him Fans fell in love with the warmth, finds ways to get more sleep and (p32-40). 3. Language: Jesus x 1 wit, romance and fierce friendships include more people in her life. Ed (p51). 4. Extremely mild/non in Flirty Dancing, Love Bomb, gives up his place in the descriptive inference to Madeleine Sunkissed and Star Struck, and competition to rescue Meg’s and Joseph having sex (p75). 5. Stargazing for Beginners has all that and galaxies more. This is the

30 | The Book Curator: June 2017 grandfather. Her mum returns in she and Kash are becoming closer, Major themes: time travel, ship time to catch her speech. Nix discovers that she’s destined board life, choices, family, love, Ed takes her out for a night of to lose the man she loves the truth, destiny, fate, courage, stargazing and a kiss. Meg wins most. But can she steer their adventure, grief, secrets, the competition. What more could romance away from this danger? mythology, quest for power, any reader want! The thrilling sequel to The Girl betrayal, self sacrifice, alternate From Everywhere. realities, amnesia, navigation, Major themes: science, public Captain James Cook speaking, competition, being » OUR REVIEW Please be aware: 1. Christ x 2 mother, making friends, young Told in alternating points of view (p200, 233). 2. Nix grandmother is love. by Nix and Kashmir, this sequel to purportedly a fortune teller, but is Please be aware: Very mild The Girl From Everywhere (The actually a time traveller who uses infrequent language/crudity. eg. Book Curator: June 2016), poses the knowledge she gains (p24, bloody x 2 (p12, 284), uber-bitch the ultimate question: Can you 83-84). 3. Nix’s father (Slate) has a (p63), silly uranus joke (p111), he’s really change the past? problem with substance abuse. 4. checking out your geek-rack (p197). With the death of Kashmir foretold Infrequent non graphic violence. 4. by her time travelling grandmother, Nix and Kashmir have sex (of Nix determines to do what she can page/not described), p252-5. Recommended age: 12 to 15 years to change the future. It seems to Suitable class novel: NO be her family’s fate to expend their Good read rating: %%%%% lives trying to save loved ones. Literary value rating: %%%%% Recommended age: 14 to 17 years Afer all, her father has spent most Suitable class novel: NO of her life trying to change the past Good read rating: %%%% in order to save the life of the Literary value rating: %%%% mother she has never known.

SO When the mysterious Crowhurst TITLE invites her to mythological Ker-Ys, Nix and the crew of the Temptation SO find themselves in a strange world TITLE of alternate realities. Nix doesn’t realise that Crowhurst is using her to try and prove that the past really can be changed. He has baited the trap with someone The Ship they never expected – Nix’s Beyond Time mother. It’s not just Kashmir’s life that My Name is Author: Heidi Hellig hangs in the balance, but also the Victoria ISBN: 978-1471406164 survival of all of Ker-Y. The old Published: 24/05/2017 stories say that the city will drown Author: Lucy Worsley Publisher: Hotkey Books and all will be lost. ISBN: 978-1408882016 Published: 09/03/2017 Then there’s Captain James Cook » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Publisher: Bloomsbury (although he is not a captain as Now that her father has stopped yet). Crowhurst has stolen him » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION chasing the past, Nix finally has from his time line and it is up to You are my sister now, Victoria said, the chance to figure out her future. Nix to restore him to his path. When she comes across a fanciful quietly and solemnly. Never forget Her search for answers will also French map detailing the fabled it. I love you like a sister, and you bring a pivotal moment of truth. city of Ker-Ys, in the South Pacific, are my only friend in all the world. Ofered the opportunity to drink she is curious. Could she Navigate Miss V. Conroy is good at keeping the water from a secret spring that to its mythical location? secrets. She likes to sit as quiet as will give her all knowledge and a mouse, neat and discreet. The city is a utopia and there, Nix supposedly help her save the ones finally meets her mother. But does she loves, Nix must choose But when her father sends her to this mean she can save her, or whether doing whatever it takes is Kensington Palace to become the indeed, avoid her own fate? Just as actually the best road to take … companion to Princess Victoria,

bookcurator.com.au | 31 Miss V soon finds that she can no King Leopold asks for her help in Recommended age: 10 to 15 years Suitable class novel: YES longer remain in the shadows. encouraging Victoria to marry one Good read rating: %%%%% Miss V’s father has devised a strict of his cousins, Albert. Sir John who Literary value rating: %%%% set of rules for the young princess, has plans to become the power which he calls the Kensington behind the throne wants his System. It governs her behaviour daughter to try to stop this. and keeps her locked away from The girls are now sixteen. Victoria the world. He says it is for the has been on an exhausting tour princess’ safety, but Victoria gaining popularity for when she herself is convinced that it is to will be able to rule at eighteen. She keep her lonely, and unhappy. contracts typhoid and is very ill. Sir John tries to get her to sign a Torn between loyalty to her father paper making him her private SO and her growing friendship with secretary when she is queen. TITLE the wilful and passionate Victoria, Against her fathers wishes, Miss V. Miss V has a decision to make: to brings in a London doctor, Dr Clark, continue in silence, or to speak to treat the princess and she Living on Hope out. By turns thrilling, dramatic and recovers. touching, this is the story of Queen Street Victorias childhood as you’ve Afer a stay at Ramsgate, the Author: Demet Divaroren never heard it before. family return to Kensington which ISBN: 978-1760292096 has been refurbished. Balls are Published: 24/05/2017 » OUR REVIEW held at which the princess falls in Publisher: Allen & Unwin This book is an alternate history love with Prince Ferdinand who is with most of the characters real engaged and later Miss V. falls in » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION and well-known in real history. love with Albert who is supposed to marry the princess. We all love someone. We all fear The story of the child Victoria who something. Sometimes they live would become queen is told Victoria dreads the thought of the right next door - or even closer. through the eyes of Miss V. Conroy, duties of being queen. Miss V. Kane will do everything he can to the daughter of Sir John Conroy, an refuses Alberts proposal and save his mother and his little ambitious master manipulator who returns home. Albert arrives to brother Sam from the violence of held the purse strings. He was also take her back to Kensington. A plan his father, even if it means the architect of the Kensington has been devised by the Princess becoming a monster himself. Mrs System supposedly designed to that they should swap places and Aslan will protect the boys no keep the young princess safe and Miss V. should become queen. The matter what - even though her distanced from her German family girls had done this on a previous own family is in pieces. who were unpopular rulers. social occasion. Miss V. becomes queen afer the King’ death and Ada wants a family she can count Sir John takes his daughter to be a fires Sir John. The real princess on, while she faces new questions companion to the 11-year old plans on retiring to the country to about herself. Mr Bailey is afraid of princess. He also expects full enjoy the freedom denied her as a the refugees next door, but his reports of all the princess says and child. worst fear will take another form. does. Victoria is well aware of the And Gugulethu is just trying to system and the spies that This is an interesting twist on make a life away from terror. On surround her. The princess and history. An excellent read. this street, everyone comes from Miss V become friends but the Major themes: politics, diferent places, but to find peace princess reports on their manipulation, friendship, royal they will have to discover what relationship negatively in her diary family, sense of duty. unites them. A deeply moving, as she fears anyone she cares unflinching portrait of modern Please be aware: Miss V. sees her about will be taken away. Australian suburban life. father and Victoria’s mother in a On a carriage ride with an comprising situation (kissing and » OUR REVIEW incognito King Leopold, king of the cuddling). She also sees her father Belgians, she hears her mother is a encourage and supply the This book deals with some dark natural daughter of the royal woman’s addiction to laudanum as topics but shows the resilience of family and she and Victoria are he does with his own wife. . people who choose to respond cousins which may account for with love and kindness when faced their very similar appearance. with hate and fear. Those who live

32 | The Book Curator: June 2017 in Hope Street, which is in a poorer who helps him deal with his anger. part of town, take turns to tell the Just when life is beginning to look story. up, their Dad returns and grabs Once again Kane’s Dad, in a Sam, soaking them both with fuel drunken rage, has beaten up his and threatens to light it. Mum and put her in hospital. His Mr Bailey’s wife dies suddenly and SO little brother Sam wets himself his life falls apart. He thinks he’s TITLE because of his fear. Kane’s anger back in the Vietnam jungle. He grows as he looks for ways to charges, yelling and half naked protect his Mum. With both parents into the street, and provides a gone, the boys go to Mrs Aslan distraction. next door. Mr Aslan is dead, her The Names They Kane grabs Sam as their father daughter is estranged and she goes up in flames. The boys sufer Gave Us never sees her grand-daughter, some burns but their Dad dies. Mrs Ada. Mrs Aslan is a Muslim woman Author: Emery Lord Aslan makes up with her daughter. from Turkey. She loves the boys ISBN: 978-1408877814 Angie gets a job looking afer Mr and takes care of them. Published: 01/06/2017 Bailey. The street has a new sense Publisher: Bloomsbury Mr and Mrs Bailey also live in Hope of understanding and unity. Street. Mr Bailey doesn’t like the Major themes: domestic violence, » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION new arrivals in his street. He bullying, multiculturalism, Lucy Hansson was ready for a fought in the Vietnam War and he refugees, neighbourhood life, perfect summer with her boyfriend, spies on his neighbours with kindness, friendship, fear, hope working at her childhood Bible binoculars through the laundry camp on the lake and spending window. His neighbours are Please be aware: 1. Language: quality time with her parents. B refugees from Africa. They were bitch x 2, shit x 8, dickhead x 1, burnt out of their village and have bloody x 2, piss of x 1, f**k x 1 ut when her mom’s cancer nothing. He sees them eating with (p240). 2. Ada tells her reappears, Lucy falters in her faith their hands from a common bowl grandmother about kissing and in her ability to cope. When on the floor. another girl (p177). 3. Father sets her boyfriend pauses their himself on fire while attempting to relationship and her summer job Sunshine, Mr Bailey’s dog, wanders also burn his son. Kane is injured switches to a diferent camp one the street and sometimes annoys saving Sam. Their father dies from for troubled kids, Lucy isn’t sure the neighbours. Ahmed and his his burns and Sam goes into how much more she can handle. brothers live across the street and therapy to help him get through spend their time fixing and Attempting to accept a new normal, (231-247). washing their cars. They befriend Lucy slowly regains footing among Kane and Sam, calling them ‘little her vibrant, diverse co-workers, bro’. Sam is bullied at school by Sundays with her mom, and a Bad Bill. Gugulethu, the little girl Recommended age: 14 to 17 years crush on a fellow counselor. from the refugee family befriends Suitable class novel: NO Good read rating: %%%% But when long-hidden family Sam. Literary value rating: %%%% secrets emerge, can Lucy set aside Kane’s Mum, Angie, brings charges her problems and discover what and gets a court order against her grace really means? Emotionally- husband. Mrs Aslan takes a meal charged and unforgettable, Emery around to her daughter’s place. Lords storytelling shines with the Her granddaughter Ada sees her. promise of new love and true Ada gets drunk at a party and friendship, even in the face of life’s kisses another girl. This goes viral biggest challenges. and Ada flees to her grandmother’s place refusing to contact her » OUR REVIEW mother or go to school. She This is a story about tested faith organises the street to collect stuf and uncovering family secrets to help the refugee family. during one unforgettable American Kane and Sam attend special summer. It’s Prom night and Lucy classes to help them deal with is helping her kind and gentlemanly their issues. Here Kane meets Joy boyfriend, Lucas tidy up when she

bookcurator.com.au | 33 finds out her mother’s cancer has interesting characters and the novel is a suspenseful, at times returned. loose ends are neatly tied up. terrifying read from award-winning Her mother has a double Major themes: pastors life, trust, writer Tim Wynne-Jones. mastectomy and starts chemo. Her troubled teens, summer camp, » OUR REVIEW Dad is a pastor and her mother a young love, loss, grief, cancer, nurse and they run Holyoke, a friendship, tested faith Afer the unexpected death of his church summer camp. Lucas puts gentle father, 17-year-old Evan is Please be aware: 1. Language: their relationship on hold. He catapulted into adulthood with f**k x 4 (p27, 180, 237, 349), shit x wants time to assess its long-term little preparation. 9, Jesus/Christ x 5 (p70, 85, 106, viability. 136, 214), bitch x 3. 2. Lucy is Lef with no other option, he calls Lucy’s Mum has a call from her ofered vodka but refuses feeling on Grif, the 90-year-old stif- friend, Rhea Mills who runs a she is being ofered just to make necked ex-military grandfather he camp, Daybreak, a mile around the her feel childish (p146). She later has never known. It’s a difcult lake from Holyoke, ofering Lucy a drinks it looking at the drink and choice, especially given his peace position as a counsellor at the crackers around the campfire as a loving father believed Grif to be a camp. Lucy calls this a hippie camp type of communion (P150-151). murderer. A diary found on his but is corrected by her mother. Her father’s desk might help shed light impression doesn’t improve when on the situation, especially as Grif she sees a pregnant 14-year-old at seems determined to get it out of Recommended age: 14 years + his hands. the camp. Daybreak is a camp for Suitable class novel: NO troubled kids who stay there for Good read rating: %%%% The diary is the memoir of Isamu the whole summer. Literary value rating: %%%% Oshiro, a Japanese soldier who Anna, a fellow counsellor, who recounts the experiences, horrors befriends Lucy is trans-gender. and friendship found on an This camp is a diferent world. isolated island during World War II. SOThe story from the diary unfolds as However, the experience of TITLE helping troubled children and a ‘book within a book’. making friends with the other The story is a mix of realism and counsellors including finding love SO supernatural elements, as the TITLE with an African American boy, ‘ghosts’ and ‘monsters’ who also Henry Jones all expand Lucy’s populate the island are used as world. It also keeps her occupied literary devices to develop themes as her mother undergoes of war, relationships, grief, and the treatment and becomes weaker very real impact of war on future and sicker. All of this challenges generations. Lucy’s faith in God and her walk as The Emperor of As Grif and Evan battle through a Christian. Any Place stony ground to get past their However, there is more to come family secrets and lack of trust, the when Lucy’s Mum goes into Author: Tim Wynne-Jones strange story of the island hospital with an infection. Bryan, ISBN: 978-0763694425 ultimately ofers the chance for the camp psychiatrist and Rhea’s Published: 01/06/2017 Grif to face the demons of his war son ofers to drive Lucy there. Publisher: Candlewick Press torn past. While waiting for him, Lucy finds An unusual read with main » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION photos of him, her mum and her characters from two very diferent mum’s friend Rachel as young When Evan’s father dies, Evan generations that ofers older camp counsellors. Her Mum is finds a hand-bound yellow book on readers many opportunities for obviously pregnant and Bryan is his desk—a book his father had deeper thought and discussion on obviously the baby’s father. That’s been reading when he passed themes surrounding war and how Lucy learns she has a 29- away. It is the diary of a Japanese family dynamics. year-old half-sister, Elena Grace. soldier stranded on a small Pacific Quote: Another tiny flake of the This is a sound read with a quite island in WWII. Why was his father mask falls away. Grif [‘s] … mask — realistic (and respectful) approach reading it? Who was the American the armor — is crumbling … but to the testing of faith and grief set soldier also stranded there? And Evan isn’t going to bring attention in the recognisable American camp what could this possibly mean for to it. Let the old man father up the culture. There are lots of Evan? This engrossing mystery crumbs of it, sweep them from the

34 | The Book Curator: June 2017 table into his fist to dispense with Author: Gabrielle WIlliams Dad has moved in with his PA, later when he is alone. He isn’t a ISBN: 978-1760113681 Tosca. Wilder and Harley no longer man who reveals himself too ofen. Published: 24/05/2017 hang out and MC has her friends (p308) Publisher: Allen & Unwin Yumi, Liv, Anouk and Hattie. Anouk Quote: Truth is bigger than the has fallen for Jed who has been » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION stories people tell themselves and making a play for MC. Jed and MC bigger than the lies they live with. I’d been warned - in French, no spend time together at a party. (p310). less. By a tram-riding, mermaid- Aferwards, Anouk no longer swaying, wolf-eaten, peace-sign speaks to MC. Major themes: World War II, flipping friend. I knew she wouldn’t Jed has shown MC how to download Vietnam War, estrangement, be happy if I stayed out here by an App which makes his dog look father/son relationships, the pool, with Jed’s nail tracing the like its talking. When Anouk doesn’t loneliness, PTSD, family secrets, length of my neck. But I didn’t invite MC to her next party, MC grief, death, loss, survival, want to go inside. I didn’t want takes revenge. She puts versions monsters, truth, reconciliation, another drink. I wanted to stay out of ‘Fook Anouk’ into the mouths of graphic novels, lost generations here and see what would happen. a number of celebrities using the Please be aware: 1. Language: What’s a girl to do when her App. MC’s life gets worse. bitch x 1, Christ/Jesus x 5 (p98, 105, parents have split up; her mum’s 147, 237, 298), bastard x 3, shit x 8, Jed moves on to another girl and trawling Tinder; and one of her f**k x 15 (4, 89, 90, 111, 142, 148, she finds out Tosca may be best friends has decided not to 245, 277, 278, 279, 292, 304). 2. As pregnant. Her mother meets invite her to the biggest party of mentioned above, ghosts and someone online. Then things start the year, which she then has to monsters populate the island. For to improve as the rifs with her watch unfold on everyone else’s example, there are ghosts of the friends begin to heal. When social media? children yet to be born (ultimately someone finds the ‘Fook Anouk’ representing the unborn If you’re a girl called MC, you get celebrity photos online and generations lost when those mad as hell, that’s what you do. collects them, they go viral causing fighting the war lose their lives). But what begins as one girls a worldwide search with $5,000 Abandoned bodies give birth to private, no-holds-barred rant soon prize money for whoever finds the ghosts that must forever eat the snowballs in the most public way Anouk involved. This then turns stories of others, having no story possible. A funny, heartfelt novel into a search for the sender. of their own. 3. Violence and war for anyone who’s ever wished they The trolls are out in force and themes. hadn’t pressed send. journalists are camped outside both front doors. MC loses her » OUR REVIEW scholarship and is expelled from A relatable contemporary story of her school for bringing it into Recommended age: 15 years + what the combination of teenage disrepute. MC then realises she Suitable class novel: YES Good read rating: %%%% regrettable behaviour and social has been a bully and she needs to Literary value rating: %%%%% media can do. It does end in a put a guard between her mind and greater place of hope than many her mouth or finger. She apologies such situations do. and the friends make up. Marie-Claude (aka MC) and her Tosca’s baby is born prematurely. brother Harley are at her friend MC’s mum gets a new job and Yumi’s house where Yumi’s brother throws a moving on party. Wilder is watching old movies. The A very readable story with an characters in the movie yell ‘I’m SO updating of the moral of thinking mad as hell and I’m not going to TITLE before speaking. take this anymore’. The friends yell this with MC perceiving it as just Major themes: social media, noise, no one is listening and no cyberbullying, public shaming, one will care - as she vents to the friendship, teen romance, jealousy, world. rage, consequences, broken families My Life as a The story then unfolds to show when it comes to social media, this Please be aware: 1. Language: Hashtag is not the case. Some months later, shit x 9, bitch x 5, Jesus x 1 (p106), MC’s parents have split up. Her bastards x 2, dick x 1, f**k x 8 (p82,

bookcurator.com.au | 35 112, 133, 134, 167, 216, 267, 268). 2. She’s even given her eating baby and her own problems she Jed asking MC about swimming in disorder a name - Nia. But as the never asks about his. underwear (p57). 2. Harley tells MC days tick by, Hedda comes to a Her parents are estranged from he is homosexual and his cute decision - she and Nia will call a her, fearing her influence on her friend Seth whom MC fancies is his truce, just until the baby is born. younger sister, Tamara. Hedda and boyfriend. He’d made a move on 17 weeks, 119 days, 357 meals. She baby Rose live in a small run-down Wilder when drunk but he now re- can do it, if she takes it one day at apartment. Then there is the day establishes their friendship (p100). a time - Heartbreaking and hopeful when Robin's girlfriend arrives with by turns, Karen Gregory’s debut their baby. She wants him to come novel is a story of love, heartache home and give their relationship Recommended age: 14 years + and human resilience. And how the another try. Suitable class novel: NO things that matter most can’t be Nia increases her grip on Hedda's Good read rating: %%%%% counted. Literary value rating: %%%%% life until Hedda realises she can no longer cope on her own. Her life is » OUR REVIEW falling apart. Her parent have split This book is about the overcoming up as her father was having an power of love. Hedda is a teen in afair. Robin has lef. Hedda is too the iron grip of anorexia which she weak to cope on her own. She calls Nia. Hedda believes she and realises that she needs help and Nia are in league and in control that she must take charge of her with the aim of making Hedda so life. Nia is destroying her. Rose SO thin she becomes invisible. The goes into care with a lady Hedda TITLE anorexia is portrayed as an entity knows from the Food Bank. Hedda which Hedda feels watches and is ofered a job by Lois, a woman speaks to her. she met while they were both The eating disorder has significantly pregnant and this helps her build a Countless disrupted Hedda's life and family. better life. She is being treated at Dewhurst This is a heart-warming story Author: Karen Gregory House where she has made about a mother's love for her child ISBN: 978-1408882504 friends. Molly, her best friend, died and how this and the kindness and Published: 01/06/2017 but Hedda still feels her presence. care of others help pull her out of a Publisher: Bloomsbury Molly lef Hedda a bucket list. deadly spiral.

» PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION When completing the first item, to Major themes: eating disorders, lose her virginity, Hedda becomes Is there anything thats concerning teen pregnancy, teen motherhood, pregnant during a drunken fumble you? Felicity says. College, home, friendship, support networks, family with a stranger. It's too late for an boyfriends? Though she’s more or secrets, dysfunctional families abortion which Hedda was less smiling at this last one. Please be aware: 1. Language: uncertain about anyway. She calls Christ x 1 (p38), bugger x 2, bloody I don’t smile. Instead, I feel my face a truce with her anorexia so she x 4, bitch x 4, f**k x 3 (p133, 155, go hot. Silence stretches as wide can grow the baby safely. as an ocean. When I look up, 357), shit x 1. 2. Birth scene (p155-59). She considers adoption but wants Felicity has this expression on her to try raising the baby herself. She face like she’s just seen Elvis. manages this for some months Slowly, she leans forward and in a because of the wonderful cast of Recommended age: 14 to 17 years gentle voice I’ve never heard her characters in her life. There's Suitable class novel: NO use before she says, Have you Good read rating: %%%% Felicity, Hedda's counsellor, a %%%% done a pregnancy test? Literary value rating: woman of great compassion, When Hedda discovers she is patience and wisdom and Joanna, pregnant, she doesn’t believe she the social worker. There is a could ever look afer a baby. The neighbour, Robin, who provides numbers just don’t add up. She is practical help with cooking, young, and still in the grip of an carrying the pram upstairs and eating disorder that controls every friendship. He has his own problems aspect of how she goes about her but Hedda is so obsessed with her daily life.

36 | The Book Curator: June 2017 USEFUL INFORMATION

Great websites Outback Writers Festival Conferences and 20 - 22 June, 2017 and apps Winton, QLD seminars tinyurl.com/yae3amem Mrs Mac's Library Understanding Copyright, Glen Eira Storytelling Festival Book Week resources. 19-20 June, 2017 | Adelaide, SA 22 June - 9 July, 2017 24 – 26 July, 2017 | Sydney, NSW tinyurl.com/ybargope Glen Eira, VIC CBCA: Escape to Everywhere tinyurl.com/h79kklv tinyurl.com/ycd6xf89 ALIA New Librarians’ Symposium The ofcial CBCA website. Australian Fairy Tale Society 23 - 25 June, 2017 tinyurl.com/y94t7cbn Annual Conference Canberra, ACT 2017 Book week: Escape to 24 June, 2017 nls8.com Everywhere on Pinterest Melbourne, VIC Australian Literacy Educators' Crafs and ideas on the Book tinyurl.com/y72ahsvx Association Conference Week theme. Telling Tales in Balingup 6 - 9 July 6, 2017 tinyurl.com/ybnd5tjr 8 – 9 July, 2017 Hobart, TAS The Book Chook Balingup, WA tinyurl.com/kc37ms3 Fresh literature related activities. tinyurl.com/n3vqb3d ASLA Conference XXV tinyurl.com/y95gk3ll Whitsunday Voices Youth 13 - 14 July, 2017 Literature Festival Blog | madison's library Sydney, NSW 12-14 July, 2017 Book week activities, book tinyurl.com/j2lk65e reviews and author interviews. Mackay, QLD DigiCon 2017 tinyurl.com/y8ey44p7 tinyurl.com/n88uoxh 18 - 19 July, 2017 Mildura Writers Festival The Life of Hans Christian Melbourne, VIC Andersen 13-16 July, 2017 dltv.vic.edu.au Search themes within HCA’s Mildura, VIC fairytales. tinyurl.com/m5zxhvl tinyurl.com/y9oarnyy Southern Highlands Writers’ Quote of the Festival 15 July, 2017 Month Festivals and Bowral, NSW literary events shwf.com.au There is more Voices on the Coast treasure in books than all Emerging Writers Festival 18 – 22 July, 2017 the pirates on Treasure 14 – 23 June, 2017 Sunshine Coast, QLD Island. Melbourne, VIC tinyurl.com/y7g88n6r tinyurl.com/cngkol —Walt Disney

Do you have a quote, website, conference or other news you’d like to share? Please email [email protected]

bookcurator.com.au | 37 INDEX

This issues titles in alphabetical order

A Duckling Called Button Lasseter’s Gold: The Ship Beyond Time Helen Peters...... 17 History Mysteries Heidi Hellig...... 31 American Adventure: Mark Greenwood...... 20 Unhappy Camper: Boone Shepherd Life on Mars Chook Doolan Gabriel Bergmoser...... 26 Jon Agee...... 13 James Roy...... 16 Ballerina Dreams Living on Hope Street Up and Away: Michael & Elaine DePrince...... 19 Demet Divaroren...... 32 Chook Doolan Blizzard Challenge: Merlin’s Wood James Roy...... 16 Bear Grylls Adventures # 1 Anna Hamilton...... 25 Bear Grylls ...... 17 Mr Hare’s Big Secret Countless Hannah Dale...... 14 Karen Gregory...... 36 My Life as a Hashtag Desert Challenge Gabrielle Williams...... 35 Bear Grylls Adventures # 2 My Name is Victoria Bear Grylls ...... 18 Lucy Worsley...... 31 Dog on a Digger OCDaniel Kate Prendergast...... 16 Wesley King...... 24 Dogs and Doctors: The Marsh Road Mysteries Orbiting Jupiter Ellen Caldecott...... 21 Gary D. Schmidt...... 29 Songlines: Double Take! The Sentinels of Eden # 1 A New Look at Opposites Carolyn Denman...... 28 Susan Hood and Jay Fleck...... 13 Emelin Stargazing for Beginners Jackie Randal...... 22 Jenny McLachlan...... 30 Storm Whale Fall of Hades: Michael Vey #6 Sarah Brennan...... 13 Richard Paul Evans...... 25 The Cat Wants Cuddles Fish Boy P. Crumble...... 15 Chloe Daykin...... 22 The Elephant Thief Floss the Playground Boss Jane Kerr ...... 23 Corinne Averiss...... 14 The Emperor of Any Place Goodbye, Mr Hitler Tim Wynne-Jones...... 34 Jackie French...... 27 The Incredible Dadventure Harrison’s Song Dave Lowe...... 18 Harrison Craig...... 14 The Last Tiger: Hopewell High: Stage Fright History Mysteries Jo Cotterill...... 24 Mark Greenwood...... 20 The Mumbelievable Challenge: Ink Incredible Dadventure # 2 Alice Broadway...... 29 Dave Lowe...... 19 Jabari Jumps The Mysterious Librarian Gaia Cornwell...... 15 Dominique Demers...... 21 King of the Sky The Names They Gave Us Nicola Davies...... 15 Emery Lord...... 33

38 | The Book Curator: June 2017 What’s on the horizon

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