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

INSIDE Emily Rodda A Sprinkle of Stardust A Monster Calls Movie Review

SAVE on Information +Books Detailed reviews on the latest fiction to help you choose AUG 2017 ISSN 2204-5708 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. Term 3 is here and brings with it all the excitement and anticipation of CBCA’s Book We help schools all over the country by Week. providing them with access to helpful information, detailed reviews and the With this wonderful celebration of children’s latest fiction titles for their libraries. literature fast approaching, it seems fitting to be featuring one of our country’s most loved Our goal is to provide the resources librarians need to choose the best children’s authors, the amazing Emily Rodda books for their school library across a and her latest book The Shop at Hooper’s wide range of genres, age groups and Bend. Head to page 4 to check out Part I of the interview, with formats. We provide a wide range of more to come next month. services to help support our members so they can get the best return for their A review of the movie A Monster Calls, based on the wonderfully time and their budget. moving novel by Patrick Ness can be found on page 7, followed by the iLibrarian’s inspiring article on visual tools, news and views This magazine (previously called Review) and our service have from around the world and an abundance of books to explore. developed based on what our members want. We invite your ideas, This Book Week may a sprinkling of stardust bring alive the suggestions, feedback and constructive wonder and magic of books to a new generation of readers. Enjoy! criticism to help us provide solutions to the challenges you face as you work to build an outstanding library for your school community.

In addition to library titles, we source and supply a wide range of interesting ROWENA BERESFORD and efective resources to help teachers, counsellors and chaplains work with and support their students. We also help equip teachers and school PS. During the school holidays we have been busy behind the leaders with professional development scenes moving to our new premises in Brisbane, so please make resources. sure you read the information on page 12 about those changes.

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The Book Curator ISSN 2204-5708 » For information on our trafc light ratings, please refer to page 13.

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: August 2017 Contents

» ARTICLES & FEATURES 19 THE SLEEPY SNOWY OWL: 33 SANGUINE: ZOE’S RESCUE ZOO THE SENTINELS OF EDEN #2 4 FEATURE INTERVIEW Amelia Cobb Carolyn Denman A Sprinkle of Stardust: 20 KID NORMAL 34 GIRL’S CAN’T HIT EMILY RODDA Greg James and Chris Smith Tom Easton 7 IN THE SPOTLIGHT 21 HOW LUNCHBOX JONES 35 OUT OF HEART Irfan Master Book and Movie Review SAVED ME FROM ROBOTS Jennifer Brown A MONSTER CALLS 36 THE WAY BACK HOME 21 MY EVIL TWIN IS A Allan Stratton 8 NOTABLE DATES SUPERVILLAIN 37 DEADLY MAGIC: 9 THE iLIBRARIAN David Solomons AGENT NOMAD #2 Visual tools for 22 FENN HALFLIN Skye Melki-Wegner exploring information AND THE SEABORN 37 THE DREAM WALKER Francesca Armour-Chelu 10 NEWS & VIEWS Victoria Carless 22 SHAOZHEN: THROUGH MY EYES 38 SPARROW - NATURAL DISASTER ZONES Scot Gardner Wai Chim » BOOK REVIEWS 39 SKY 23 THE SHOP AT HOOPER’S BEND 14 I JUST ATE MY FRIEND Ondine Sherman Emily Rodda Heidi McKinnon 40 WRECK 24 RUNNING ON THE Fleur Ferris 14 FEATHERS ROOF OF THE WORLD Phil Cummings Jess Butterworth 14 FOX AND MOONBEAM 24 PUDDING IN PERIL: » IN EVERY ISSUE Aleesah Darlison VET CADETS #2 41 USEFUL INFORMATION 15 ERIC FINDS A WAY Rebecca Johnson Robert Vescio Great websites and apps, 25 MISSION ALERT: VIPER ATTACK festivals and literary events, 15 THE NIGHT BOX Benjamin Hulme-Cross conferences and seminars Louise Greig 25 MISSION ALERT: ISLAND X 15 THE BROWN DOG Benjamin Hulme-Cross 42 INDEX Gina Inverarity 26 THE EUREKA KEY: This issue’s titles in alphabetical 16 TUG OF WAR SECRETS OF THE SEVEN #1 order Naomi Haworth Sarah L. Thomson 43 UPCOMING TITLES 16 THE RABBIT-HOLE GOLF COURSE 26 ALL TOO MUCH: HOPEWELL HIGH What’s on the horizon Ella Mulvey Jo Cotterill 16 SARAH AND THE STEEP SLOPE 27 PASSING FOR WHITE Danny Parker Tanya Landman 17 TWO RAINBOWS 27 THE ONES THAT DISAPPEARED Sophie Masson Zana Fraillon 17 MY NAME IS NOT REFUGEE 28 PAPER CRANES DON’T FLY Kate Milner Peter Vu 17 LOOK OUT, PINK PIGLET 29 THIRD WITCH Phil Cummings Jackie French 18 RUBEN 29 THE SANDCASTLE EMPIRE Bruce Whatley Kayla Olson 18 RUBY WISHFINGERS: 30 LOVE & GELATO KING OF THE CASTLE Jenna Evans Welch Deborah Kelly 31 THE ISLAND AT THE 19 PATTY HITS THE COURT: END OF EVERYTHING GAME DAY! #1 Karen Millwood Hargrave Patty Mills and Jared Thomas 32 THE TRAITOR AND THE THIEF 19 THE SCRUFFY SEA OTTER: Gareth Ward ZOE’S RESCUE ZOO 32 LIANA’S DANCE Amelia Cobb Rosanne Hawke

bookcurator.com.au | 3 FEATURE INTERVIEW

A Sprinkle of Stardust EMILY RODDA Emily Rodda returns to magical reality with her latest book, The Shop at Hooper’s Bend.

Am I correct in thinking The Shop every week, in efect, a one week don’t have to have been there at Hooper’s Bend is a departure shop.’ That’s basically the nub of before. that idea. from your usual stories? I love the concept of the stardust It’s a departure from what I have Every tale has a way it has to be and the way Quil has created been doing for years, which is told, and this was very much a her own method of recognising high fantasy. The Deltora world tale for now and not for some high diferent types of people. fascinated me and I wanted to fantasy world, so obviously I had It sometimes happens—although know more and more about it, so to write it that way. The shop it is very rare— that you meet I kept writing books set in that almost became a character in the someone and feel like you have world. book in a way. met them before. Other people The Rondo books are also fantasy. For me the story was about you meet and you like them, so Although they start out in the real finding your place and connecting you get to know them. And world, they very quickly go into the back to who you are. sometimes you meet people and world of Rondo, which is a world Yes, and accepting who you really you instantly think ‘I need to keep inside a music box inherited by a are. It’s about finding the place away from that person.’ boy who has no idea what it is. where you feel at home, the place That’s what Quil feels. The stardust However I started my writing you belong. theme is really Quil’s own fancy career writing books like The Shop There are certain places that have which nobody else gets until she at Hooper’s Bend— magical reality more personality than others. It’s tells it to Bailey. —so it is more a return than a not just old buildings it’s also the Is there a particular takeaway departure. place where the buildings are. you hope readers will get from What was the inspiration behind I remember going to King Island the book? the story? for a few days and I felt so at I honestly believe it is my first job It started with the little general home there it was as if I had to entertain. To tell a story, that stores the Blue Mountains is dotted lived there all my life. The same is what I do. If children don’t with. They used to be the centre thing happened when I went to enjoy what they read, they will of life in their communities before Cornwall. Then someone who not read. It is not like breathing they fell into disuse. My great uncle was doing their family tree wrote in and out, it is something you used to own the one in Bullaburra. to me and asked if my family choose to do, especially now. Over the years there have been came from Cornwall because I think it is great if people can so many diferent businesses in that was the case for every other write books that teach and give that shop and nothing seems to Rodda he had found (Emily Rodda messages and do it really well, stay. was my grandmother’s name). but we aren’t in the business of I used to drive past the shop and It’s as if your chemistry makes cautionary tales for children in think about what would last there. you feel more at home in some my view. Then one day I thought ‘I know places than in other places. You what would work! A different shop

4 | The Book Curator: August 2017 We are in the business of providing choice awards, like the KOALA if I didn’t do. The Shop at Hooper’s them with books they can’t put Awards and YABBA Awards. I am Bend is one of those. down so they will realise how great particularly proud to have both I’ve got more ideas in my notebook reading is. I want them to have the because often the two lists are than I could ever write if I lived gif we had when we were kids, quite separate. two lifetimes. when there was so much less to It is hugely helpful to get awards. distract us from books. To give I have decided I am only going to Amongst other things, it gives work on the ones that I am really them the opportunity to follow in you more confidence. When I was text the thought processes of passionate about—that I finally very first starting out, my first book worked out how to tell—or an someone else rather than the Something Special, won CBCA flashes that you get in a film. exciting idea that strikes me like a Book of the Year and it was that bolt of lightning. I think it is the greatest compliment that made me think I must write if a child says ‘I felt I was this another one. Do you go through your ideas book for inspiration? character’, or ‘I felt I was living in Given I worked in publishing I that world’. That shows the story suppose it is silly that I didn’t have I do, but not even every year. I has worked. If they didn’t want to confidence, but I feel a little shy write things in more ofen than I put it down, or they kept asking the about putting myself forward. read through. But when I have teacher to read another chapter, just finished something and am that is also a compliment I really in that state my husband value. We are in the laughingly calls my ‘post novel I’ve had people say ‘you’ve helped business of providing tristesse’—to get myself out of it I me through a really hard time [kids] with books they will sometimes read it through. Alternatively there is always cake and I realised I had to be brave’ can’t put down so that and that is of course a plus. In a to eat! sense you can learn something they will realise how I won’t always write something by watching someone else go great reading is. out of that book, but it is good to through a problem, but that is remind yourself. The ideas might not my main concern when writing. spark something, so I could use We don’t expect books for adults Winning that first award in them in a different way or as part to be teaching them, it is just particular was an enormously of something else. That is the way something people seem to feel exciting experience. No one knew it sometimes works. about children’s books. The only who I was then. I was actually at I think I heard Tim Winton talking thing I am trying to teach them is the awards as Jennifer Rowe the once about how at the back of how wonderful it is to have that editor, to support Libby Gleeson. every writer’s mind there is a friend with you in your bag, or Her first book, Eleanor, Elizabeth, junkyard of bits and pieces just beside your bed. had been shortlisted in the Older like the back of a mechanic’s Readers category. For each child who reads a book, workshop. Those things might lie it is as if it is a different book. That’s When Something Special won, I there forever and never be used, what is so great about it. I ofen picked up Emily Rodda’s award or they might turn out to be just say to children: ‘The great thing on her behalf. When I rang our the thing. It seemed to me a very about reading is that it is all home ofce, my publisher was so clever analogy, as it does tend to dependent on your brain. You’re excited that he told everybody he work that way. making the pictures. Everything knew that I (Jennifer Rowe) was The Deltora series has had that has ever happened to you is Emily Rodda so the secret was absolutely phenomenal success, informing that story.’ Every time out! has that brought challenges a diferent child reads a book, it Kids I meet always call me with it? becomes a diferent book. That is EmilyRodda (one word) which I As anyone who has had a the magic! love. bestseller will tell you, the biggest What is it like to have won the How do you determine which challenge is that everyone wants CBCA Book of the Year for story you will write next? you to just write that again. If you keep doing that, you’ll kill the Younger Readers five times (in I don’t want to sound morbid or inspiration. addition to many Honour anything, but there are less writing books)? years ahead of me than there So ofen when kids ask me ‘Can’t It’s something I am very grateful are behind me. I have to choose you write another Deltora book?’, for. I have also received kids’ the things that I’d feel really sorry I’ll respond with ‘You know how

bookcurator.com.au | 5 you used to watch The Simpsons to anyone’s attention without What type of books do you and how funny it was? How do Deltora Quest. Even the Rowan personally enjoy reading? you like the newest series?’ books benefited, despite the fact Margaret Atwood is a particular They usually tell me it is no good. they were written earlier. favourite of mine and the works That’s because the idea was A book like The Shop at Hooper’s of 19th century novelists such as finished and should have been Bend which is so obviously set in Dickens, George Eliot, Jane Austen lef as it was. Afer a while, Australia is not a great candidate or Wilkie Collins. Amongst other somehow or other, inspiration for the international book market, things I enjoy murder mysteries goes. but a fantasy world translates and science fiction. The trouble with epic ‘saving the very well to any country. world’ kind of stories, is that you A love of reading is obviously (to be continued) can’t keep doing that. That is why important to you. What do you you ofen see very disappointing do more, read or write? *** sequels of movies that were great It depends. If I am in the second and should have been lef alone. half of a book or getting close to A review of The Shop at Hooper’s I feel I have told the Deltora story the end I write more than I read. Bend can be found on page 23. now, although I have been able At the beginning of a book I read to return to that world with the more than I write, in the sense Star of Deltora series. that I will work in the mornings When you have had something and maybe read in the afternoons, that has been phenomenally or at night. successful it is wonderful. But Certainly when I am finishing a Look out for Part II then it has happened and it is not book my main focus is writing of this interview with likely to happen again, unless you Emily Rodda in the At those times I very deliberately keep trying to repeat as we have September issue of don’t read anything new or too just discussed. I just think you The Book Curator. have to say to yourself, how great, absorbing. What I do is re-read that really worked, and it helped something I am fond of, but have (and it did). read many times before. I read for nourishment and enjoyment but I Because it went all over the world can’t get caught up in another like that, my other books did the world while I am working on my same. They mightn’t have come own.

SPECIAL OFFER: To celebrate the launch of The Shop at Hooper’s Bend, SAVE 20% on any other Emily Rodda titles when you order by 31/8/2017

For a list of Emily Rodda titles go to: tinyurl.com/yc256tva*

* Some titles listed may be out of print or POD. Please contact us for more information.

6 | The Book Curator: August 2017 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Book of the Year. It’s been nominated for many more and it’s Recommended age: 12 years + easy to understand why. Suitable class novel: YES Good read rating: %%%%% The original concept for the book Literary value rating:%%%%% came from Siobhan Dowd (award- winning author of Bog Child) but she was never able to write the MOVIE REVIEW: story, dying prematurely from breast Rowena Beresford cancer at the age of 47. Release date: 27 July 2017 Patrick Ness, author of the Chaos Walking trilogy, took Dowd’s idea The movie is visually outstanding and made it his own. The result is a with the monster (essentially an deeply moving multi-faceted story ancient tree come to life) depicted superbly integrated (in the original in breathtaking detail and voiced 2012 edition) with amazing black by Liam Neeson. I initially struggled and white illustrations by Jim Kay. to believe Lewis MacDougall in the starring role as Conor, but by the A fantasy novel which delves into end had great appreciation for his the pain experienced by 13-year- acting skills. Felicity Jones, who old Conor at the impending loss of played his mother, was also his mother from cancer, it explores outstanding. THE BOOK his grief, and the afect this has on Given it is one of the most Author: Patrick Ness other areas of his life. It also looks memorable books I have read in ISBN: 978-1406365856 at his few family relationships— recent years, I attended the media Publisher: Walker Books much loved but very ill mother, preview of A Monster Calls well Published: 01/12/2016 Movie Tie-in absent father and emotionally prepared. The other reviewers who (originally 2012) distant grandmother. The monster is the creature of his nightmares, attended came out almost shell- shocked. They hadn’t realised what » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION who tells him thought-provoking parables about lying to yourself kind of story it was, and expected The monster showed up just afer (p61-73), selfishness (p108-119) and it to be enjoyable entertainment. midnight. As they do. But it isn't being invisible (152-168) which However it isn’t that kind of movie the monster Conor's been expecting. ultimately cause him to face his and will probably struggle to find He's been expecting the one from greatest shame—that he just wants the right audience at the cinema. his nightmare, the one he's had it all to be over. nearly every night since his mother Unfortunately the promotion for started her treatments, the one with An intensely engaging read which the movie adaptation gives a the darkness and the wind and the is also a profound analogy of how completely diferent impression. As screaming... The monster in his facing our fears and understanding such it is likely to attract younger back garden, though, this monster our emotions can bring freedom viewers who may well be is something diferent. Something and healing, this outstanding book frightened by the monster and ancient, something wild. And it would make a wonderful class novel. struggle with the raw emotion of wants the most dangerous thing of We can’t recommend it highly grief and loss due to the imminent all from Conor. It wants the truth. enough. death of Conor’s mum. A Monster Calls is an extraordinarily Major themes: grief, anger, loss, A Monster Calls is an incredible book, moving novel of coming to terms family relationships, bullying, bad and the movie is well crafed. It with loss from two of our finest behaviour, nightmares, pain, broken has already won over 30 awards . I writers for young adults. families, cancer, terminal illness, highly recommend it as an adjunct shame, acceptance, hope for a class novel, reading group » OUR REVIEW text or even for filmmaking Please be aware: 1. The monsters A Monster Calls is a groundbreaking studies. Just don’t expect it to be parables are Brothers Grimm fairy book of outstanding literary quality. family entertainment, unless your tale style so include mention of It has won a number of awards, family have already read and loved evil/witches. 2. Conor loses the plot including the Carnegie Medal, Kate the book, in which case it is a couple of times—breaking things Greenaway Medal, British definitely a ‘must see’ while it is on at grandma’s and beating a boy who Children’s Book of the Year and the big screen. bullies him. Booklist magazine’s Best Children’s

bookcurator.com.au | 7 NOTABLE DATES

CBCA Book Week 19 - 26 August, 2017 BOOK WEEK 2018 This year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Book Week theme, ‘Escape to Escape to Everywhere’ reminds us that books take us on wonderful adventures to new places and experiences. Everywhere The winners of the CBCA Awards will be announced at 12 noon on the 18th of August ready for the excitement of Book Week to begin. tinyurl.com/y8vk7ky8

225 years - Percy Bysshe 120 years - Enid Blyton 100 years - Ruth Park Shelley 11 August, 1897 24 August, 1917 4 August, 2017 Avidly read and enjoyed by generations, This beloved Australian author is mostly Famous for pieces such as Ode to the Enid Blyton’s books range from Noddy known for the novel, Playing Beattie West Wind, Shelley was a major English to The Famous Five. Some of her Bow, set in The Rocks (Sydney). Her Romantic lyric poets. He had a strong books have been translated into over debut novel, The Harp in the South, influence on Marxist theory and on 90 languages. was the winner of The Sydney Morning Tolstoy’s non-violent resistance. tinyurl.com/yccvjqsv Herald's literary competition in 1946. tinyurl.com/yaw784jf tinyurl.com/y9jb2dav

100 years - Superhero Creator 75 years - Gillian Rubinstein Beware; for 28 August, 1917 29 August, 1942 I am fearless, Jack Kirby, the American comic book This well known playwright and and therefore artist who created the first superhero children's author of over 30 books characters (Captain America, the celebrates her 75th birthday today. powerful. Incredible Hulk, the Fantastic Four and Several of her books, including Space Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley the X-Men) was born 100 years ago Demons and Foxspell, have featured in Frankenstein today. the CBCA Awards. tinyurl.com/y7byrglc tinyurl.com/y9a6ccfv

220 years - Mary 75 years - The Famous Five Australian Reading Hour Wollstonecraf Shelley 11 September, 1942 14 September, 2017 30 August, 1797 Enid Blyton’s Five on a Treasure Island This initiative encourages Australian A British novelist and the second wife was published during WWII. Within 11 adults and children to stop what they’re of Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary wrote years, more than six million copies of doing for just one hour, pick up a book her most famous book, Frankenstein, books in The Famous Five series had and embrace the benefits of reading. when she was just 20-years-old. been sold. tinyurl.com/y7qlmhke tinyurl.com/ybn8dpsj tinyurl.com/kj5bowg

150 years - Arthur Rackham 19 September, 1867 Esteemed artist Arthur Rackham is famous for bringing books such as Peter Pan to life with his incredible illustrations. He won gold medals for his work and was featured in the Louvre. tinyurl.com/ybgq8eso

bookcurator.com.au | 8 THE iLIBRARIAN

Visual tools for exploring information Exploring and understanding information can ofen be enhanced by the use of visual tools.

Whether the data comes from Janell Cannon, and comparing a More examples, including the fiction or information books, book with its movie (eg. How to map showing Guilder and Florin equipping our students with Train Your Dragon). from The Princess Bride, can be tools to help them explore that found in Victoria Johnson’s post tinyurl.com/ycn4oh4b information in an efective way is on The Awl an important step towards » MAPS & CHARTS tinyurl.com/y8z937ms developing life-long learners. Examining maps within books » PICTURE PUZZLES » MIND MAPS also opens up a diferent way of assimilating information. Author Emily Rodda has used Mind maps ofer a powerful, picture puzzles to great efect in creative method of organising When an author includes a map her Deltora Quest series. These everything from your thoughts in a fiction title, they are include anagrams, codes, through to facts or data. essentially inviting you to view signposts and visual instructions. the world as they see it. The Visual tools like these aid in reader is able to connect the Encouraging students to create retention, comprehension and written descriptions within the their own picture puzzles from organisation of information and text to a visual representation. their favourite fiction title or particularly appeal to the current Maps will help them understand information book can be a great generation of students. They are and retain the information more way to aid in comprehension. It easy to learn and easy to use. efectively. requires them to really engage tinyurl.com/lme7lle with the content so they can Emily Gale provides some present it to others in a visual » VENN DIAGRAMS excellent examples of maps in way. Sounds like a useful activity fiction on the Readings blog and We often ask students to compare for Book Week! ofers some thoughts on why and contrast, so that they can maps in books are so well Have a great one, also analyse and synthesise. received. Di The Stories and Children blog The maps included in her post ofers some helpful tips on using R range from the Hundred Acre Venn diagrams with books. Wood in Winnie-the-Pooh to the Examples given on the blog post map of Berk from Cressida include using Venn diagrams to Cowell’s How To Train Your open up similarities and Dragon series. diferences between bats and tinyurl.com/y8lth3kt birds in the book, Stellaluna by

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.

bookcurator.com.au | 9 NEWS & VIEWS

Australian Bad Guys Global on the Global Stage Reading

In many school libraries the ‘B’ shelf struggles to contain a large number of favourite authors, including the hilarious Aaron Blabey. Aaron’s picture Habits books have captured the attention and humour of young readers. According to a recent infographic The ex-very-average-actor (according to Blabey himself), artist and created by Global English Editing copywriter has certainly found his place in the world as an extraordinary (GEE), Australia is 16th in a list of children’s book author and illustrator. the most literate countries, sandwiched between New His first book, Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley had humble beginnings Zealand in position 15, and the as a scrawl on the back of a boarding pass. It went on to become the United Kingdom in 17th. 2008 Early Childhood Book of the Year in the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Awards, and Book of the Year in the 2010 USA Teacher’s The measure used to grade each Choice Awards. country is based on characteristics such as ‘the number of libraries Five years later, he realised he needed to make one last attempt at being and newspapers to years of a full time author. In 2014 Pig the Pug was released, to almost instant schooling and computer availability’. success. It will be no surprise to those The following year was particularly outstanding. who have been reading about The Brothers Quibble was read around Australia for ALIA’s 2015 National their groundbreaking educational Simultaneous Storytime. programs that Finland is number 1 in the world. Pig the Pug won Picture Book of the Year in both the KOALA and YABBA awards and was shortlisted in a plethora of others including the Don Quixote, the Spanish novel CBCA’s Book of the Year Awards (Early Childhood category). by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra originally published in the early In July of 2015 his first chapter book, Bad Guys Episode 1, was released. 1600s is the bestselling (fiction) The Bad Guys series has gone on to sell 1.7 million copies. More than book worldwide at more than one million of those have sold since their release in America and Canada 500 million copies. The Harry in January this year. Potter books take out seven of the top 21 positions, with total A film contract for The Bad Guys is currently under negotiation. Details sales between them of almost haven’t been released except for the fact that Aaron will be an executive 400 million. producer. Stories of the impending death How wonderful it is to see a much-loved Australian author experiencing of the book are obviously highly such great success! overrated. GEE reports book Source: tinyurl.com/ycfsmsqs and tinyurl.com/ycostbj4 publishing, with an estimated value of US $151 billion, outperforms music ($50 billion), video games ($63 billion), School Libraries Open for the Community magazines ($107 billion) and film and entertainment ($133 billion). A recent article in the South Coast Register reported that the To view the rest of the Shoalhaven City Council is exploring the feasibility of making school informative facts presented by libraries accessible to the broader community. GEE, explore their infographic via The concept of school facilities being utilised by the local taxpayers the following link. who fund them is fairly common in areas of the US. It will be Source: tinyurl.com/y9gr32zk interesting to see the outcome of the council’s decision and whether this is an idea that will become more widely embraced in Australia. Source: tinyurl.com/y7rptccf

10 | The Book Curator: August 2017 New School Library Guinness World Records: on Wheels Adapting to Thrive When a primary school in the UK was in desperate need of a new Since its launch in 1955, the giant and intriguing reference book, The school library, they looked Guinness Book of Records, has been published every year. Within its outside the traditional solutions. ofen holographical covers, the most bizarre of human characteristics An out-of-service double decker and achievements can be found. These range from the longest bus was donated, and then fingernails to the fastest and latest athletic records to amazing renovated with custom built information about the most unimaginable extremes of nature. book shelves, comfortable seats As dire warnings appeared about the growth of eBooks and the possible and colourful decor. decline of reading the printed word, executives from the company took A Wi-Fi network allows students the time to really understand their brand and what it is that kept their to use their iPads in the bus and readers coming back. low energy lighting has been They created new editions such as the cutting edge Gamer’s Edition installed as well as air conditioning and Amazing Animals which is designed to be more ‘kid friendly’. and heating, so that the bus is comfortable all year round. Instead of fearing the efects technology may have on their business, Guinness World Records embraced the digital world. Their Facebook The result is a bright, engaging page provides multimedia experiences and video footage of their latest library that the students love to exploits, and allows readers to connect with them online where they use at a far smaller budget than a can watch amazing record attempts and interviews. This interactive new building would have benefit means users can send questions to record holders and find out required. their fascinating stories. Source: tinyurl.com/yaskkzxv Their forward-thinking approach has enabled Guinness World Records to evolve from a single bestselling book into a global entertainment brand. China Welcomes Source: tinyurl.com/y7caehv4 Aussie Authors Website: guinnessworldrecords.com A very successful Australian Writers Week was recently held in China. Chinese readers were very keen to meet and greet Tom Keneally, GREAT NEWS! Geraldine Brooks, John Marsden and Bronwyn Bancrof. These popular authors then visited Early bird renewals for Chinese publishers, bookshops, schools and universities. 2018 are now open! The first Chinese edition of Big Rain Coming, illustrated by Bundjalung artist Bronwyn Renew your membership quickly Bancrof was also launched. and easily at 2017 prices* More than 3,000 of our books were translated into Chinese Call our friendly team on 02 8985 9435 or from 2003 to 2015 and there is ongoing demand for our children’s email [email protected] books, romances, thrillers and biographies.

* There are no price increases for any memberships in 2018 Source: tinyurl.com/ybcp4bfh and tinyurl.com/y8ngjhko

bookcurator.com.au | 11 The Rare-Book Thief The Bone Ever wondered why American libraries have such strict security? Sparrow During the 1980s, in the US city of Pennsylvania, university and college library staf were made aware of a patron who was stealing rare books. They were advised to look out for suspicious behaviour by wins YA patrons handling books amongst the reference stacks or searching through catalogue cards. Many staf thought he was just another Book Prize college professor. Author Zana Fraillon has won the Known by the false name of James Richard Shinn, this master book inaugural Readings Young Adult thief used his skills to steal and fabricate documents from American Book Prize for her novel The world-class libraries. He had expert knowledge about book history, Bone Sparrow (Hachette). restoration and binding and carried equipment with him to remove identification marks from the books he stole in order to re-sell them. Fraillon’s novel was chosen from Shinn built up a record of burglaries and armed robberies connected a shortlist of six and follows the with rare books. His real identity and other aliases became known as hopeful story of a Rohingyar he moved around in the rare book trade and hunted antiquarian book refugee, called Subhi, who was fairs. born in a detention centre. When he was finally located, he had 26 stolen books in his possession Source: tinyurl.com/ydfherbu and catalogue cards for numerous more volumes. Afer pleading guilty, James Shinn was sentenced to two counts of 10 years in custody and later revealed an additional stash of stolen books. SO His crimes and those of similar book thieves have given birth to a What is TITLE ? modern term: bibliomaniac. According to the Urban Dictionary, this describes a person who has an obsessive preoccupation with the The SO symbol identifies which acquisition of books. Unlike a bibliophile, who loves books and owns a of the titles in the magazine specific collection, the bibliomaniac has a preference for signed or were included in our Standing valuable books. Successful heists by thieves like Shinn resulted in the Orders delivery. This gives significant tightening of security in American libraries. schools receiving those books a quick method of identifying the Source: tinyurl.com/y8ethbxg relevant reviews. Urban Dictionary: tinyurl.com/ycmhd24p

Image attributions: •Cover image: © Romariolen, MEMBER UPDATE depositphotos.com •Photo of Emily Rodda supplied We have moved! by Harper Collins. Notable Dates (page 8) •Book Week image: © Yaruta, depositphotos.com NEW MAILING ADDRESS •The Three Bears (by Arthur Rackham) Unit 3, 5 Currumbin Court •Public Domain, https:// commons.wikimedia.org/w/ CAPALABA Q 4157 index.php?curid=562870 •Old machinery vintage background, graphicstock.com •Father and son reading, There is no change to our graphicstock.com phone number or email address.

12 | The Book Curator: August 2017 Living In A Treehouse National Biography Competition Award Shortlist 2017 Primary school students are invited to enter this year’s Andy The shortlist for the annual State Library of New South Wales’ (SLNSW) Griffiths Kids’ Writing Competition. National Biography Award has been announced. The theme for the creative 400 word short story is “Living in a The six shortlisted works for the $25,000 award from a list of Treehouse”. Australian biographies and memoirs are: Book sales of Andy’s Treehouse The Unknown Judith Wright by Georgina Arnott (UWA Publishing) • series continue to boom in • Mick: A Life of Randolph Stow by Suzanne Falkiner (UWA Publishing) Australia, NZ and the USA, and this competition celebrates the Position Doubtful: Mapping Landscapes and Memories by Kim • release of his newest book, The Mahood (Scribe) 91-Storey Treehouse. Evatt: A Life by John Murphy (NewSouth Publishing) • The first prize will see the winning • The Long Goodbye by P.J. Parker (Hardie Grant Books) story illustrated by Terry Denton in a framed display. The runners- Before Rupert: Keith Murdoch and the Birth of a Dynasty by Tom D.C. • up and the winner will each win a Roberts (UQP) pack of 14 Andy Grifths’ books. Amongst the works, which were chosen from 71 entries, are biographies The stories may be submitted on two great Australian writers: poet and activist Judith Wright, and online or by email and more than writer, novelist and poet Randolph Stow. one story may be entered by Source: https://tinyurl.com/ycgn89bg applicants. Entries are due by 2 October, 2017 and winners will be announced by 30 November, 2017.

Understanding trafc light ratings For more information go to: tinyurl.com/qz6omje. The trafc lights are a grading system to assist schools with conservative collection policies to easily identify which reviews Andy described last year’s winning they should read more closely. entry, The Tree House Hospital for Babies as, ‘A beautiful story, There are no concerns with the book. really well imagined and realised with lots of fun wordplay.’ There are very mild concerns which we consider unlikely to be an issue for the age group, but you You can find it here: tinyurl.com/ should check them out just in case. y7xwfa2. Mild to medium concerns, whether this book is The 26-Storey Treehouse by suitable will depend on your collection policy. Andy Grifths Medium to high concerns. These books may be unsuitable for most schools with conservative YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/ collection policies. y7yyrclq

A high level of concerns which are likely to make In this video clip, Andy takes us this book unsuitable for the vast majority of on a bird’s eye view of the 26- schools with conservative collection policies. Storey Treehouse through the anti-gravity chamber and the When considering how to rate each book, we weigh up the level of Maze of Doom. 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.

bookcurator.com.au | 13 BOOK REVIEWS

SO SO TITLE TITLE

SO TITLE

I Just Ate My Friend Feathers Fox & Moonbeam Author: Heidi McKinnon Author: Phil Cummings Author: Aleesah Darlison ISBN: 978-1760294342 ISBN: 978-1760157357 ISBN: 978-1925563009 Published: 26/07/2017 Published: 01/08/2017 Published: 01/09/2017 Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publisher: Scholastic Publisher: Wombat Books

» PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION I just ate my friend. He was a good The sandpiper stretched its wings It is Victorian England and Gerard Fox friend. But now he is gone. Would in the chilling breeze. It knew it winds clocks for the queen. His lowly you be my friend? was time to leave...so it took flight. status means he lives in a world Follow the feathers as they fall along forever surrounded by shadows. A hilarious story about the search this exquisite journey of heartache, Mademoiselle Moonbeam Lapin is a for friendship and belonging... and hope and home. famous ballerina. She lives in the maybe a little bit about the golden glow of stage lights. When importance of impulse control ... » OUR REVIEW Moonbeam offers Fox her friendship, from an amazing new creator. Feathers is a tale of empathy and both of their worlds are transformed » OUR REVIEW persistence, told through one bird’s forever. This is a very funny picture book long flight home. One morning, a Beautifully written and lavishly about making friends, controlling sandpiper starts its journey home illustrated, Fox and Moonbeam is yourself, understanding the from the beach. It travels across an enchanting tale of friendship, consequences of your actions and countries, across places torn by self-belief and finding the courage how they might just come back to natural disaster, across snow- to step into the light. bite you! capped mountains, across war zones and refugees, and through » OUR REVIEW On the first page, a monster states storms, all the while leaving little Gerard Fox spends his days in the 'I just ate my friend'. He acknowledges feathers to be found by delighted shadows, winding clocks for the the friend he ate was a good recipients. queen. He is very good at his job, friend, and consequently finds it These feathers represent but only his love of the violin brings difcult to make another. somewhere far away, somewhere any brightness to his life—until he When he eventually does, he is better, for all of these people, except meets Mademoiselle Moonbeam. very happy. However, this might be for little Mia, who lives near the As a professional ballet dancer, she one of those occasions where it bird’s home. She knows that she’s lives in the bright lights of the stage would be better not to be treated lucky and treasures the feather but longs for a more peaceful the same way you treated others ... she catches. Feathers has wonderful existence. Through their unlikely oops, too late! watercolour pictures painted by friendship, both Fox and Moonbeam An enjoyably silly book with with Phil Lesnie, which capture the depth learn that everyone must have both few words and an underlying and hope within the story. shadows and light in their life. With message that would provide lots Recommended age: 5 to 8 years Moonbeam’s encouragement, Fox of stimulus for discussion. eventually finds the courage to do Recommended age: 3 to 6 years what he has always dreamed of. A beautiful tale about friendship, courage and not letting go of the dreams in your heart.

Recommended age: 5 years +

14 | The Book Curator: August 2017 SO SO TITLE TITLE

Eric Finds a Way The Night Box The Brown Dog Author: Robert Vescio Author: Louise Greig Author: Gina Inverarity ISBN: 978-1925563030 ISBN: 978-1405287203 ISBN: 978-1921504747 Published: 01/07/2017 Published: 01/07/2017 Published: 03/04/2017 Publisher: Wombat Books Publisher: Other Publisher: Working Title Press

» PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Eric loves to read. He has a Max has a key and a box of midnight The brown dog ofen visits Henry towering bookshelf brimming with blue. When he turns the key in the on rainy, grey afernoons. Usually stories of strange and wonderful lock – WHOOSH! Day slips inside as he doesn't hang around for long. worlds. Night sweeps out. Darkness tumbles But this time the brown dog into the air. It dances and whirls decides to stay and Henry needs But … If only there were a way to around the room. It goes under the to find a way to make him leave. actually get to these magical bed, under the chair – everywhere! Gina Inverarity's evocative text places. He just can’t seem to find A beautifully poetic story from a and Greg Holfeld's beautiful the right words and his drawings wonderful new author and illustrator illustrations provide the perfect never look quite right—not like his pair. platform for young readers to think books at all! How will Eric find a and talk about their feelings. way? » OUR REVIEW » OUR REVIEW » OUR REVIEW A wondrous tale full of evocative The brown dog in this insightful Eric Finds a Way is a story about thoughts and illustrations with a story is used as a metaphor for the power of imagination and the clever premise. At dusk we find the depression (or the like) and pursuit for creativity. Eric is trying world preparing for day's end and wonderfully depicts what Henry is to find a way to bring the books he the nocturnal creatures are stirring. going through. The despondency loves to life, either through writing A young boy goes to bed, but before he feels is mirrored by the dog's or painting. He writes and paints all he does he opens a mysterious box behaviour. Usually he just comes the time, but nothing he creates is from which night escapes, with day for a brief visit and that is okay, but good enough. taking its place. this time the brown dog decides to There's a brief interplay as the two When Eric decides to create his stay, afecting Henry's responses meet, but soon all is dark and quiet. own space in the backyard, with and feelings. Eventually when Conversely, the opposite happens painted rocks and a Neverland/ Grandpa invites him to go bird at dawn when night sleeps and Narnia/Camelot multi-directional watching, Henry agrees, and afer day resumes. There's something street sign, he realises that he can the fresh air and company of his quite magical about this excellent play make-believe to make the beloved Grandpa, realises the story. Highly recommended. stories come to life. brown dog has stayed too long Recommended age: 5 years + This book shows that creative and needs to be on his way ... A outlets can be diferent for well composed and worthwhile everyone. Sometimes, you just read with excellent illustrations in have to work at it until you find black, white and sepia tones. what you like best. Highly recommended and a likely contender for the CBCA awards Recommended age: 4 to 7 years 2018. Recommended age: 5 years +

bookcurator.com.au | 15 Tug of War The Rabbit-Hole Sarah and the Author: Naomi Haworth Golf Course Steep Slope ISBN: 978-1847808509 Author: Ella Mulvey Author: Danny Parker Published: 26/07/2017 ISBN: 978-1925266290 ISBN: 978-1742974675 Publisher: Quarto UK Published: 28/06/2017 Published: 01/08/2017 » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Publisher: Allen & Unwin Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont Tortoise is on the hunt for a friend, » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION but only encounters huge Elephant In the big old ute, on the long red When everything feels like an uphill and Hippo, who are mean about his road, in the desert of my home, we battle, your friends will get you small size and wrinkly skin. But all set of for the rabbit-hole golf through. Sarah wakes to find a steep though Tortoise isnt big, he is course. It's the best place around hill has sprung up around the house certainly brainy! He sets out to show here to find rabbits. We sit by the overnight, preventing her from Elephant and Hippo that biggest holes, we dig, we wait ...Thump tick, leaving. No matter what she tries, doesn't mean best by challenging thump tick, thump tick. Where are the hill won’t budge. When the Hill them to a tug of war. They sneeringly all the rabbits? A warm and funny Doctor suggests she gets in touch accept… but little do they know that Australian story. with her friends, Sarah discovers how they have really agreed to fight the healing power of friendship can each other! Naomi Haworth's funny, » OUR REVIEW transform the steepest slope. heartwarming retelling of this well- known folk tale teaches that wit This very Australian story follows a » OUR REVIEW and wisdom are more important group of indigenous and non- than size and physical strength, and indigenous children as they embark In this thoughtful picture book Sarah friendship is what matters most. on the hunt to catch a pet rabbit. is unable to leave her home, due to Their hunt is filled with things to what seems like an insurmountable » OUR REVIEW enjoy - a kangaroo, honey from slope she cannot climb. Finally she the honey ants, witchetty grubs calls a doctor, who helps identify that When Tortoise goes looking for (maku) cooked on a fire and digging all she can see is the slope. Following friends and is rejected by both holes in the red dust. That night with his visit, she invites her friends to Elephant and Hippo (who consider their families they drink billy tea and come over. They don't see the slope themselves superior to a tortoise) eat damper around the fire. Whilst at all. They have grand adventures, he feels very sad. Bird, however, there are no rabbits to be found and when someone needs a hand reminds him that though they are during the day, once they're all they give it. The next day, when big, he is brainy and encourages asleep it's an entirely diferent she looks outside, the slope looks him to show them that being the matter! A fun and informative read. diferent. It's not as steep, not as biggest doesn't make them the best. hard to climb, and at the top her Tortoise separately challenges both Recommended age: 4 years + friends are waiting to give her a Elephant and Hippo to a tug of war, hand whenever she needs it. A well which each is sure they will win! thought out, well presented book, They don't realise that clever Tortoise which conveys in simple terms the has actually pitted them against way our problems or obstacles can each other. Eventually they realise become all consuming, and the what he has done, acknowledge value of good friends who are that they were the silly ones and willing and able to help us through. invite him to be their friend. Recommended age: 6 years + Recommended age: 5 years +

16 | The Book Curator: August 2017 but remember, only take what you can carry.', the question for the reader is 'What would you take?' Although the blurb on the front cover says "explains the refugee crisis in a simple child friendly way", this is an overstretch. However it will give children a gentle introduction to what it might be like to leave your home and travel to a distant country Two Rainbows My Name is Not in search of safety. Recommended age: 4 years + Author: Sophie Masson Refugee ISBN: 978-1760127794 Author: Kate Milner Published: 01/07/2017 ISBN: 978-1911370062 Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont Published: 01/06/2017 » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Publisher: Barrington Stoke All the colours of the rainbow are » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION explored against the striking A young boy discusses the journey backdrop of two diferent worlds. he is about to make with his mother. A stunning exploration of colour by They will leave their town, she internationally acclaimed author explains, and it will be sad but also Sophie Masson and emerging a little bit exciting. They will have illustrator Michael McMahon. to say goodbye to friends and loved Look Out, » OUR REVIEW ones, and that will be difcult. They will have to walk and walk and walk, Pink Piglet This lovely picture book contrasts and although they will see many the colours of a rainbow from the Author: Phil Cummings new and interesting things, it will perspective of a child who used to ISBN: 978-0734417305 be difcult at times too. A powerful live on a farm but now lives in the Published: 27/06/2017 and moving exploration that draws city. Publisher: Hachette the young reader into each stage The colours in the country are of the journey, inviting the chance » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION nearly all natural, whereas those in to imagine the decisions he or she Pink Piglet may be the littlest animal the city are usually man made. "In would make. in the barn, but his friends know that the city, red is the postbox down he is also the bravest. So when a the road. On our farm, red was the » OUR REVIEW strange new sound frightens Cow, tractor working in the field and a This picture book ofers a very Rooster and Dog, it’s up to Pink Piglet robin hopping on a branch." Even simplified overview of why people to find out what kind of creature it’s the rainbows appear diferent with leave their homeland, embarking coming from. A beautifully simple the only constant being the storm on ofen perilous journeys to end text, with great repetition and rhythm clouds. up as refugees in another country. that makes it an ideal read-aloud The simple, evocative text has a Through the conversations between story. wonderful harmony to it, with the a mother and her young son, it aims accompanying illustrations to show the types of things that » OUR REVIEW beautifully mirroring their sentiment will be faced along the way - the Pink Piglet is the bravest animal on while drawing the reader in with food sadness of leaving home, the mix the farm, but a strange noise has for thought. Highly recommended of experiences en route, and the them all cowering. However, it's just and a potential CBCA contender in eventual arrival in a new country. a case of false perception as the cry 2018. There are questions for the reader is from a baby who just adores Pink Recommended age: 4 years + to answer on each page, which will Piglet. A lovely story with good help them apply what they are vocabulary which will greatly appeal reading to their own experience. to the very young. The illustrations are very sweet. For example, when the mother tells her son 'You can pack your own bag, Recommended age: 3 to 5 years

bookcurator.com.au | 17 Returning to Koji's safe place, they » OUR REVIEW separate, but Ruben now has the Jellybean is causing havoc in the means to escape, and with the book, Wishfingers' household, much to the inspiration to drive him forward. Ruby’s dismay. She has to waste Look for this amazing picture- her precious wishes trying to keep book-come-graphic-novel in the him out of trouble. That is, until CBCA awards in 2018. Ruby discovers the perfect game Recommended age: 7 years + to make Jellybean do exactly as he’s told: Queen Ruby. The power goes to her head and Ruben SO Ruby becomes a bossy-boots—and TITLE cousin Todd is unimpressed. When Author: Bruce Whatley Todd comes across Ruby’s missing ISBN: 978-1743810354 wish from last spring, he decides Published: 01/08/2017 to play a game of his own: King Publisher: Scholastic Todd. Soon, even more havoc reigns. Todd outlaws school and » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION homework and vegetables! Ruben's dreams were of places that However, Todd soon discovers made no sense to him. Places that being King of Australia is not all didn't exist. At least not anymore. fun and games. The townspeople Ruben is a triumph of Bruce Ruby Wishfingers: start to get cranky as their teeth Whatley's imaginative and technical King of the Castle are rotting and the schools are skills. closed. A mob descends on Todd’s Author: Deborah Kelly kingly residence in a giant jumping » OUR REVIEW ISBN: 978-1925563160 castle but luckily, Ruby and Granny Published: 01/06/2017 There's no doubt Bruce Whatley is Wishfingers are there to save the Publisher: Wombat Books incredibly talented, and Ruben is a day! true tour de force showcasing his » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION amazing drawing and narrative skills. This tale brings another whimsical Ruby is back, with twelve new dose of magic and fun, and most Set in a dystopian type world, it's wishes! And one missing wish from importantly, family. also reminiscent of Metropolis with last spring that is still floating about a sprinkling of steampunk thrown Major themes: magic, faith, family, in the garden somewhere... in. Consequently this is one of those generosity. books that is hard to pigeonhole, Ruby is wasting her new wishes Please be aware: There are no but the stunning black and white trying to keep Jellybean out of concerns with this book. images are full of detail and wonder, mischief until she discovers the with a text that draws you deeper perfect way to make Jellybean do into this oppressive world. exactly what she says. Recommended age: 6 to 10 years The story follows a young survivor But Cousin Todd isn't so keen on Suitable class novel: NO on his daily search for supplies. Having doing what Ruby says. When Todd Good read rating: %%%%% %%%% scoured his local area he's forced stumbles across Ruby's missing Literary value rating: deeper into dangerous territory. wish he decides to teach her a Here he encounters a young girl lesson about being bossy, and called Koji, who is eking out an make a few rules of his own. existence within Block City. This is Meet Australia's new king and her territory and she shows him explore a country where school, around, careful to avoid the robotic homework, manners and peas are Controllers and Monoliths. all banned. Discover monster Suddenly a book drops from above, trucks, giant jumping castles, having dislodged from those furious principals and hungry destined for the furnaces. Ruben crocodiles along with plenty of picks it up before a sweeper can laughs in an this new Ruby retrieve it. Wishfingers’ adventure.

18 | The Book Curator: August 2017 him to try out. Happy to give to them, too. But that's a secret! Zoe basketball a go, he's disappointed meets a super sweet scrufy little to find that he's not magically good sea otter in this fantastic new at it. In fact, he's hopeless, but with adventure! his best friend Josie's encouragement, he's soon practicing every day. » OUR REVIEW His parents have a golden rule Living at a rescue zoo means there's though—no sport unless he passes never a dull moment for Zoe. Today his exams, so he has to knuckle her uncle turns up on his boat with down there too. Being on the team three gorgeous sea otter pups. One improves his confidence and with is younger than the other two and Patty Hits the Court: time his knowledge of the game it's up to Zoe to teach him and help Game Day! #1 and abilities improve. Making the him gain confidence. With her secret finals is a great achievement. ability to talk to animals she's perfect Author: Patty Mills & Jared Thomas for the job. Soon Sasha is full of Major themes: basketball, sport, ISBN: 978-1760295103 confidence and even plays a star role school work, friends, perseverance, Published: 26/07/2017 during the zoo show. A rather practice, indigenous culture. Publisher: Allen & Unwin enjoyable book in this gently Please be aware: There are no entertaining series for young » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION concerns with this book. readers. Sport-mad Patty Mills is a star on Major themes: zoo, animals, sea the footy field, an ace at athletics, otters, talking to animals, a ripper at rugby. So when he tries confidence building, help. out for basketball, it should be a Recommended age: 6 to 9 years Suitable class novel: NO Please be aware: There are no breeze ... Good read rating: %%%%% Literary value rating: %%%% concerns with this book. Patty expects to be a great basket- baller straight away, just like his uncle Danny. But he soon discovers there's a whole lot more to the Recommended age: 6 to 8 years game than just shooting hoops. Suitable class novel: NO Good read rating: %%%% He's got a lot to learn, on and of Literary value rating: %%%% the court - and it's going to take plenty of practice. Will he and his school team be good enough to get into the finals?

» OUR REVIEW In this first in a new series, Australian Olympic basketballer and The Scrufy Sea NBA star Patty Mills helps show how dedication, practice and hard Otter: Zoe’s Rescue work are just as important to success Zoo as raw talent. Author: Amelia Cobb Though fictional, there's a definite ISBN: 978-0857638472 biographical element. The doubts, The Sleepy Snowy Published: 26/04/2017 pressures and conflicts are all Publisher: Nosy Crow Owl something budding athletes will relate to. This is a well written, Author: Amelia Cobb » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION fast-paced read with plenty of ISBN: 978-0857637024 action on and of the court. When Great-Uncle Horace brings Published: 26/10/2016 In this first book, we discover that back lost and homeless animals from Publisher: Nosy Crow although Patty was accomplished his travels around the globe, it falls in other sports, he had never to Zoe, and her mum, the zoo vet, » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION to settle them into their new home. played basketball. By chance, the Oscar is a very sleepy snowy owl. She's good at this, because she can basketball coach is standing in for He can't keep his eyes open during understand what they say and talk the footy coach one day and asks the day and so he's missing all the

bookcurator.com.au | 19 fun. Can Zoe come up with a night- » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION However the Super Zeroes avoid time surprise to keep the little owl When Murph Cooper rocks up to capture and go on the ofensive. happy? his new school several weeks into Under stress their abilities become the beginning of term, he can't help more powerful than they could » OUR REVIEW but feel a bit out of his depth. And have dreamt and Murph shows A rare Snowy Owl egg is found in it's not because he's worried about excellent leadership qualities. Soon an abandoned nest near the Rescue where to sit, and making friends, the battle is won, the Heroes Alliance Zoo. Zoe takes it to Alison in the and fitting in, or not knowing where helps cover up what has happened aviary to incubate and in a few the loos are. It's because his mum and everything goes back to normal weeks there's a flufy owlet. Being has enrolled him at a school for - almost. The Super Zeroes are now near Christmas, there's lots to do superheroes by mistake. And unlike honoured and inducted into the and a big New Year's party to get his fellow students, who can all Alliance, setting the stage for book 2. prepared for too. Zoe's juggling a control the weather or fly or conjure Though there are a number of lot and when Oscar won't sleep tiny horses from thin air, Murph has books with similar themes, this is a properly she has to help him decide no special abilities whatsoever. standout. It's an enjoyable story when he wants to be awake. (Snowy But just because you don't have with good characterisation. As it is Owls aren't necessarily nocturnal). superpowers, it doesn't mean you set in a school, the different identities The trouble is that there is so can't save the day. Let's hope Murph and cliques will be familiar, however much going on both day and night realises that, and quick, because there is an additional depth to some. that he doesn't want to miss out! not far away is a great big bad guy The writing is witty and at times One night Oscar and Zoe disturb who is half man and half wasp, and dead pan, making this a fast paced, some would-be thieves with the his mind is abuzz with evil plans - humorous read. The numerous little owl raising the alarm. A It's time for Kid Normal to become illustrations help break up what is gentle, fun read in this enjoyable a hero! quite a long book, nearly 400 pages series for early readers. (with large text and plenty of white space). Good fun and definitely Major themes: zoo life, snowy owl » OUR REVIEW recommended. chick, Christmas, New Year After umpteen moves, Murph Cooper celebration, thieves. is used to changing schools. Major themes: moving house, However this time is diferent. Due changing schools, superheroes Please be aware: There are no to a misunderstanding, he is school, friendship, bullying, concerns with this book. enrolled in a school for kids with overcoming rejection, teamwork, special abilities and the potential leadership, mind control, drones, to become superheroes. With the good versus evil, belief in oneself. headmaster reluctant to take the Recommended age: 6 to 9 years Please be aware: There are no blame for the mix up, it looks like Suitable class novel: NO concerns with this book. Good read rating: %%%% Murph can stay, but how will he fit Literary value rating: %%%% in? Thankfully he develops friendships with some of the not-so- outstanding kids although they Recommended age: 8 to 12 years soon become the butt of school Suitable class novel: NO %%%%% jokes, nicknamed the 'Super Zeroes'. Good read rating: Literary value rating: %%%%% Meanwhile, at a local robotics company, a research experiment SO goes horribly wrong. The result, a TITLE fiendish half man/half wasp called Nektar, whose goal in life is to ruin all outdoor events such as picnics and BBQs. He'd also like to take over the world. With his smarmy Kid Normal henchman Knox, they soon pick The School as a great place to create Author: Greg James & Chris Smith a brainwashed army of invincible ISBN: 978-1408884539 soldiers. Using mind control helmets, Published: 01/08/2017 attack drones and a clever plan they Publisher: Bloomsbury quickly achieve their goal.

20 | The Book Curator: August 2017 When he's pressured into joining the school's inaugural robotics team he's initially reluctant. However a bond develops between the team mates and his attitude changes, even though it means SO befriending Lunchbox Jones, the SO TITLE scariest kid in school about whom TITLE there are all kinds of rumours! Meanwhile, Luke's older brother How Lunchbox has enlisted in the Marines and My Evil Twin is a Luke is feeling a sense of betrayal Jones Saved Me that Rob is leaving him. Supervillain From Robots When Luke learns that the Robotics Author: David Solomons and an Alien Onslaught tournament ISBN: 978-0857639561 Author: Jennifer Brown are on the same day, his allegiances Published: 26/07/2017 ISBN: 978-1681194417 are divided. Publisher: Nosy Crow Published: 01/08/2017 The robotics team has also fractured Publisher: Bloomsbury » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION with the obnoxious Missy the Cruel When Luke is confronted with Stellar, » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION moving to a competing school and his superpowered twin from another Luke Abbott's school is the losing- their best programmer Lunchbox dimension, he is highly suspicious. est school in the history of losing. mysteriously disappearing. With No one travels through time and And that's just fine for him. He'd trepidation Luke tracks him down space without a plan, and that plan rather be at home playing video and discovers the real person is usually EVIL. games and avoiding his older brother behind the rumours. Though they Rob and the Greatest Betrayal of eventually lose the tournament, So what does Stellar want? And why All Time. But now he's being forced they are rewarded and a lasting is he so UNBELIEVABLY IRRITATING? to join the robotics team, where friendship develops. From his superhero hair to his surely he'll help uphold the school's Some good insights into school rocket-powered shoes, Stellar is up losing streak. He'll also meet a dynamics, friendship and cliques. to no good, and Luke must BRING colourful cast of characters, including Luke's relationship with his brother HIM DOWN! My Evil Twin Is a Mikayla, the girl who does everything is looked at in some detail and Supervillain is the third installment with her toes; Jacob and Jacob, handled well. of Luke's laugh-out-loud adventures.. who aren't twins but might as well The reasons why Lunchbox Jones be; the sunflower seed-obsessed » OUR REVIEW acts as he does and the rumours Stuart; and Missy the Cruel, Luke's Whilst Luke is still annoyed that his that have built up around him ofer innocent-looking bully since they brother Zack received the super insights into ignorance and why were six-years-old. powers that were meant for him, speculation can be so far of base. he's become somewhat resigned But it's an unlikely connection with A worthwhile and enjoyable read to it. However when his twin from a mysterious boy known only as mainly about relationships, but a parallel universe shows up with "Lunchbox Jones" that will change with a modern technological twist. those powers and more, he's Luke's life. Turns out, Luke and Major themes: school, sibling somewhat conflicted. Though the Lunchbox Jones have a lot more in relationships, robotics tournament, presence of his 'twin' appears common than just robots ... With online gaming, friendship, leaving benign, Luke suspects something nonstop laughs and enough heart home, competition, speculation, very diferent. to make even a mechanical robot fear of the unknown shed a tear, Jennifer Brown's new Eventually he's proven right as the book is poised to secure her status Please be aware: There are no other Luke kidnaps Zack and takes as a middle-grade author to know concerns with this book. him back to his own dimension, and read. where his own version of Zack has died due to a mistake made by his » OUR REVIEW super powered brother. There's Luke Abbott loves gaming, especially Recommended age: 8 to 12 years Suitable class novel: NO plenty of action as Luke and SCARF playing Alien Onslaught with his Good read rating: %%%%% race to find evidence against the online bestie, Randy. Literary value rating: %%%% other Luke and so expose his evil

bookcurator.com.au | 21 plan. With his twin so annoyingly of Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl, courage, kindness, loyalty, revolution, nice and always one step ahead, Fenn Halflin is on the run from the freedom. it's not going to be easy! brutal Terra Firma. His survival Please be aware: : 1. Moderate When strange phenomena start depends on finding the last of the violence (p30-4, 52, 55). Fenn occurring, the gang realise the two Resistance, said to be hiding in an struggles with wanting to kill parallel universes are colliding. ancient, flooded forest. Accompanied Chilstone in revenge for killing his They will have to double their by his faithful mongoose, Tikki, grandfather and parents (p49-50). eforts to stop evil Luke and a Fenn must embark on a journey When Chilstone hurts Tikki, Fenn powerful monster he creates. A that will take him deep into the jumps in and in the struggle two of good, fun read continuing the treacherous marsh and closer to Chilstone’s fingers are cut of on theme from the other two books in the secrets of his past. But as the Fenn’s billhook. Fenn is horrified this enjoyable series (My Brother is water levels continue to rise, his (p55-6). Gerran is killed (p100). Non a Superhero and My Gym Teacher is mission to unite the Seaborn people graphic fight scenes (chapter 16 & an Alien Overlord). has never been more desperate. 17). 2. ‘Oh my God’ (p79).

Major themes: super powers, » OUR REVIEW brothers, parallel universes, evil Chilstone has been hunting the twin, friendship, other dimensions, Demari heir for 13 years. When the Recommended age: 10 to 14 years good versus evil, teamwork. Nile reveals Fenn’s name and Suitable class novel: NO Good read rating: %%%% Please be aware: 1. 'Y'know, identifying features, Chilstone is Literary value rating: %%%% Darwin's Theory of 'Elocution' fish more determined than ever to find turning into monkeys turning into him and kill him, ending the people. For a cave-woman it was Resistance once and for all. an attractive quality in a cave-man Fenn is equally determined. being able to sprint afer a woolly Determined to find the Resistance mammoth' (p82-3). and fulfil his parents plan to free the people from Terra Firma, who have kept them in servitude —or

Recommended age: 8 to 12 years hiding—for so many years. He has SO Suitable class novel: NO already set the Punchlock on fire, TITLE Good read rating: %%%% the signal they had intended would Literary value rating: %%%% start the revolution. The Sargassans have been quietly living in the forest for years, trying Shaozhen: Through to keep safe the few children My Eyes - Natural Chilstone didn’t kill when hunting the Demari heir. Rather than hate Disaster Zones Fenn for what happened to them, Author: Wai Chim they welcome him with open arms. ISBN: 978-1760113797 He is their last hope to bring the SO Published: 26/07/2017 TITLE tribes together. Publisher: Allen & Unwin To Fenn’s great delight, he is reunited with his friends Amber, Gulper, » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Fathom and Comfort. Together they Shaozhen has no intention of staying Fenn Halflin and must get the word out that the in his remote Henan village and the Seaborn Sargassans are rising—before it is becoming another poor farmer: too late. he'll finish school, and then, Author: Francesca Armour-Chelu An engaging, action packed sequel hopefully, work in a factory in one ISBN: 978-1406366181 to Fenn Halflin and the Fearzero of the major cities, just like his father. Published: 01/07/2017 (refer to the June 2016 issue of The But when Shaozhen returns home Publisher: Walker Books Book Curator). for the summer holidays, imagining days filled with nothing but playing » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Major themes: lost heir, lost family, basketball with his friends, he's in missing people, restoration, In the conclusion to this epic for a shock. resistance, oppressive regime, adventure series, perfect for readers friendship, hope, determination,

22 | The Book Curator: August 2017 The worst drought in over sixty Major themes: family, isolation, decides to get of early at a train years threatens the crops that the deprivation, drought, communism, stop called Hoopers Bend. entire village relies on for income. bureaucracy, forgiveness, kindness, It is there that Quil meets Pirate, a As the water situation becomes helping others, caring for the elderly, chunky little white dog with black dire, Shaozhen realises he must teamwork. spots who immediately adopts her come up with a plan. But will it be Please be aware: 1. Shaozhen and Bailey, a crabby older lady who enough to save his family and friends learns that in the 1990s commercial has gone to Hoopers Bend to check and secure the future of his village? companies encouraged the villagers out the shop that has been left to her to give them their blood in exchange by an uncle. There is something » OUR REVIEW for money to build better houses magical about the shop at Hoopers The village of Hongsha is etc., they extracted the plasma Bend though, and once it casts its predominantly populated by the and gave the rest back using spell on Quil and Bailey they are elderly and the young. Children like unhygienic means. This caused an drawn together in an unlikely Shaozhen live with their AIDS epidemic in the region. This is friendship and their fight to save grandparents while their parents a true story. the shop from developers. are migrant workers in Guangzhou. They are lucky to see their families » OUR REVIEW for even a few days each New Year. Quil (short for Jonquil) was orphaned Recommended age: 11 to 14 years Getting a job in the city is a dream Suitable class novel: YES at just 4-years-old. Her guardian for the village boys, who will Good read rating: %%%% and aunt, Pam Medway, is a high otherwise marry and have children Literary value rating: %%%%% powered businesswoman whose who they will have to leave behind PA is tasked with safely sending in the same way they have been left. Quil of to a camp at Lithgow in the Afer his mother leaves to join his Blue Mountains. father in the city, Shaozhen is lef Afer seeing the name Hooper’s with Nainai (his paternal Bend Gallery on a beautiful mug grandmother) and Yangyang who with her name on it at the local they took in from another village markets, Quil is surprised when her afer her grandmother died. SO train stops at Hooper’s Bend and TITLE feels a gentle urge to get of the With the region sufering its’ worst train. drought in more than 50 years, water is getting increasingly hard Prudence Bail (Bailey) has recently to find. The village wells have dried been made redundant. At a loss up and when a landslide cuts them The Shop at about what to do, she feels prompted of from their last hope—a small to return to the Blue Mountains and mountain spring—the situation Hooper's Bend sort out her Uncle Frank’s old shop. becomes even more dire. Author: Emily Rodda As a child, Bailey loved to go and Their only option is to walk the 90 ISBN: 978-1460753668 stay in the little rooms behind the minutes each way to Xifeng each Published: 01/08/2017 general store. Then her mother day, in order to fetch water from the Publisher: Harper Collins fought with Frank and—much to trucks organised by the Communist her sorrow—they didn’t go there Party. They are only allowed two » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION anymore. Frank lef it to her in his buckets per household per day. From one of Australia's most will as he always promised he would. That was 7 years ago and she has The journey is hard enough on the renowned children's authors, this been working in New Zealand all young ones, but for the older is a story about coming home that time. villagers it is almost impossible. It is when you didn't even know that only when the villagers join together was where you belonged. Eleven- When she arrives she finds a skinny that Shaozhen and others are able year-old Jonquil (known as Quil) girl with a chunky little dog with to find a way to ensure they all Medway is a girl with more than an black spots in the front yard, just survive … unusual name. Quil's parents died like it was all those years ago when in a car accident when she was a her friend Alice Twelvetrees would An interesting story that introduces baby and she now goes to boarding come to see her. the reader to a completely different school, but spends her holidays way of life in a time of great hardship. When Bailey has a fall getting out with an aunt - or at camp, which is It would make an excellent class of her car, Quil helps her inside and where Quil is heading when she novel on Asia. falls in love with the place. Afer

bookcurator.com.au | 23 some quick talking, Quil arranges Join 12-year-old Tash and her best This ultimately brings Tash’s parents to stay with Bailey for a few days, friend Sam in a story of adventure, and many others to safety. which soon turns into weeks. survival and hope, set in the vivid Tash is reconnected to her family As the little shop hosts a series of Himalayan landscape of Tibet and and hopes she will one day be able ‘one week’ tenants, it soon becomes India. There are two words that are to return home. clear there are some in the town banned in Tibet. Two words that This story moves at a great pace who aren’t happy to see Bailey can get you locked in prison and the relationships in the book return. With Quil’s help the truth without a second thought. I watch are dealt with honestly. Two comes out, and both Quil and Bailey the soldiers tramping away and call children placed in such difcult discover that home just might be the the words afer them. 'Dalai Lama.' circumstances were bound to have place you were always meant to be … Tash has to follow many rules to some issues. The death of one of survive in Tibet, a country occupied This lovely story marks a return to the yaks was also a touch of realism. by Chinese soldiers. But when a magical realism by much-loved Overall, this is a well-told, exciting man sets himself on fire in protest Australian author Emily Rodda. adventure. Expect to see it in the CBCA Awards and soldiers seize Tash's parents, Major themes: adventure, Tibet, in 2018. she and her best friend Sam must break the rules. They are determined Chinese occupation, war, self- Major themes: magical realism, to escape Tibet - and seek the help immolation, Buddhism, friendship, belonging, finding your place, home, of the Dalai Lama himself in India. love, courage, hope family, friendship, kindness, And so, with a backpack of Tash's Please be aware: Mild violence: restoration, righting wrongs, valuing father's mysterious papers and two snipers and the threat of menace. the past, protecting heritage. trusty yaks by their side, their Please be aware: There are no extraordinary journey across the concerns with this book. The ‘magic’ mountains begins. is a series of coincidences or urges Recommended age: 10 years + » OUR REVIEW Suitable class novel: NO that bring the people and the place Good read rating: %%%% together. Tash and Sam are travelling across Literary value rating: %%%% the Himalayas to India. The book begins in Tibet with the two children running home from school even Recommended age: 8 to 13 years though running was against the Suitable class novel: YES Good read rating: %%%%% many rules imposed by the Literary value rating: %%%%% occupying Chinese troops. While the story has a historical setting, the exact date and location are unclear. The growing unrest caused by the occupying troops, leads to Tash and Sam to flee their hometown when Tash’s parents are arrested, and so begins their Pudding in Peril: long journey over the mountains. The journey throws up many dangers Vet Cadets # 2 and challenges. There are the natural Author: Rebecca Johnson dangers of exposure, frostbite and ISBN: 978-0143782728 wild animals, plus the menace of Published: 01/05/2017 Running on the the Chinese military. Publisher: Penguin Roof of the World Tash and Sam are accompanied by two yaks, which provide them with » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Author: Jess Butterworth support in carrying their supplies, Willowvale is an Australian country ISBN: 978-1510102088 as well as some comfort. boarding school that runs a special Published: 13/06/2017 animal husbandry program for The children arrive in India and find Publisher: Orion talented students. In this second the Tibetan community where the adventure, Tabina's horse Pudding Dalai Lama lives in exile. They have » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION falls perilously ill during a major carried with them a coded message competition day. Abbey, Tabina which they are able to pass on.

24 | The Book Curator: August 2017 and Hannah's budding vet skills first book, the son of a well known are put to the test - can they solve scientist has to be covertly protected. the mystery of Pudding's illness With intelligence indicating a before it's too late? kidnapping attempt by the notorious Viper Gang, Tom and Zilla will need » OUR REVIEW to be on their toes. A visit to a theme This latest ofering in the enjoyable park makes for the perfect location, and informative Vet Cadet series but with two teen operatives for animal loving girls doesn't shadowing him, the Vipers don't disappoint. The girls are preparing stand a chance ... An easy to read for the upcoming country show, as Mission Alert: story with plenty of illustrations, ideal well as entering events in the show for reluctant readers. ring, baking and crafs. Viper Attack Major themes: school, secret At the show, the main on-field Author: Benjamin Hulme-Cross agents, missions, twins, gangs, competitors are from a local boys’ ISBN: 978-1472929600 kidnapping, good versus evil, college, Darrowby. Though their Published: 01/04/2017 courage. star rider does well, he's upstaged Publisher: Bloomsbury Please be aware: There are no by Abbey to the delight of the concerns with this book. Willowvale girls. » SERIES DESCRIPTION Riding home, Talika's pony Pudding Orphaned when their spy parents becomes gravely ill and the were killed during an operation, Tom Darrowby boys lend a hand. The and Zilla are normally cooped up Recommended age: 7 to 12 years race is on to find out what is wrong Suitable class novel: NO at boarding school. But when the Good read rating: %%%% with the gutsy pony as his condition only way to get at a target is by Literary value rating: %%%% deteriorates. An action packed using a child, MI5 bring them in to read with lots of horse related help. Mission Alert tells the story of action and information, so you learn some of their adventures; the more about horses while enjoying brother and sister spy duo must the story. dig deep to survive! Bloomsbury Major themes: school, horses, High Low books encourage and friendship, competition, country support reading practice by providing show, horse health, training, gripping, age-appropriate stories detective work. for struggling and reluctant readers, those with dyslexia, or those with Please be aware: There are no English as an additional language. concerns with this book. Printed on tinted paper and with a dyslexia friendly font, Mission Alert Mission Alert: is aimed at readers aged 8+ and Recommended age: 7 to 11 years has a manageable length (72 pages) Island X Suitable class novel: NO and reading age (7+). This collection Good read rating: %%%% Author: Benjamin Hulme-Cross Literary value rating: %%%% of stories can be read in any order. ISBN: 978-1472929563 Produced in association with reading Published: 01/04/2017 experts at CatchUp, a charity which Publisher: Bloomsbury aims to address underachievement caused by literacy and numeracy » OUR REVIEW difculties. Tom and Zilla are asked to befriend » OUR REVIEW a fellow school mate in order to spy on his billionaire father, and quickly Twins Tom and Zilla work for the gain his trust. Soon they're invited Secret Services. Their age allows to holiday on his secret island, where them to blend easily into situations a mysterious 'telescope' is disabling and locations without being noticed, passing satellites. Using their high particularly those where an adult tech watches they are able to record operative would stand out. In this incriminating evidence of what is happening and help bring down

bookcurator.com.au | 25 the billionaire's greedy plan. His Each key is hidden in a unique Please be aware: There are no son Jake is very obnoxious, but location around the U.S., protected concerns with this book. when they see how he is treated with puzzles, riddles, and traps. This by his father, they understand has kept the weapon safe ... until why ... now! Gideon Arnold, a dangerous descendant of the infamous Benedict Recommended age: 9 to 13 years Major themes: mission, spies, Suitable class novel: NO greed, secrets, technology, Arnold, is on the chase ... Good read rating: %%%%% %%%%% friendship, twins. In competition with Arnold and his Literary value rating: thugs to reach the artefacts first, Please be aware: There are no Sam, Martina, Theo, and readers concerns with this book. must use their wits to solve ingenious puzzles, escape death- by-booby-trap, and, by the end of Recommended age: 7 to 12 years the series, save America by Suitable class novel: NO uncovering many of its greatest %%%% Good read rating: secrets. Literary value rating: %%%%

» OUR REVIEW Though based around the Founding Fathers of America, this is a contemporary tale which Australian All Too Much: readers will also enjoy. It's all American history but it's also a Hopewell High rollicking good yarn. Afer winning Author: Jo Cotterill a country wide search for ISBN: 978-1472934079 exceptional puzzle solvers, Martina Published: 01/05/2017 and Sam are supposed to be of on Publisher: Bloomsbury the trip of a lifetime. The Eureka Key: However, it doesn't quite turn out » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION as expected. They've been duped Samira wants to do well, her parents Secrets of the by descendants of the Founding want her to do well, her teachers Fathers to help locate an incredible want her to do well, but the pressure Seven # 1 weapon, created by Benjamin is starting to tell. Can her friends Franklin, and protect it against the Author: Sarah L. Thomson rescue her when it all gets too much? evil descendants of the traitor, ISBN: 978-1681190617 Bloomsbury High Low books Benedict Arnold. Though unhappy Published: 01/05/2017 encourage and support reading at the deception, they agree to Publisher: Bloomsbury practice by providing gripping, help, especially afer the thrill of age-appropriate stories for struggling gaining the upper hand against » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION and reluctant readers, those with Arnold's men during a dangerous When middle school puzzle master dyslexia, or those with English as chase in Death Valley. Sam and history wiz Martina win a an additional language. contest for a summer trip across The Secrets of the Seven has the Printed on tinted paper and with a the US, they discover they've been makings of a fabulous series. The dyslexia friendly font, All Too Much drafted into something vastly more interplay between 12-year-olds is aimed at readers aged 12+ and extraordinary. Sam and Marty is epic and the other has a manageable length (80 pages) characters show great promise. The Joining another kid on the trip and reading age (9+). writing is excellent, resulting in a (Theo, a descendant of George fast paced, absorbing and thoroughly Washington), they must follow » OUR REVIEW enjoyable read. clues to find seven keys lef behind Fourteen-year-old Samira's Iranian by the Founding Fathers. Together Major themes: puzzle solving, family believes strongly in a good the keys unlock Benjamin problem solving, American history, education for their children. Franklin's greatest invention--a Founding Fathers, competition, Consequently she's sent to an secret weapon intended to defend quest, Death Valley, good versus English boarding school, where the the country. evil, deception, courage, friendship, pressure to excel consumers her. teamwork.

26 | The Book Curator: August 2017 Both Samira herself and her father owners will make readers these days place unrealistic pressure upon shake their heads in disbelief. her, but her drive to succeed and The couple's courage is surpass expectations results in her heartwarming and makes for a secretly self harming. When her terrific read. friends finally uncover the truth, they persuade her to talk to a teacher. At just over 100 pages, this book has been designed with dyslexia- As this is a book specifically for friendly features. It is a wonderful reluctant readers, the story is told story, highly recommended for in just 72 pages with large text, both reluctant and confident plenty of space and illustrations. Passing for White readers. Given the subject of self harm is touched on (albeit fairly briefly/non Author: Tanya Landman Major themes: slavery in America graphically), it would be helpful to ISBN: 978-1781126813 during the 1850s - 1860s, add Australian services to the Published: 24/05/2017 masquerade, love, hope, escape, suggested sources of help (which Publisher: Barrington Stoke courage, fear, bigotry, freedom. are UK specific) in the back of the Please be aware: There are no book. » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION concerns with this book. Major themes: boarding school, It's 1848 in the Deep South of self harm, pressure to succeed, America. Fair-skinned Rosa is a value of education, educational slave but can 'pass for white'. With the help of Moses, her husband, Recommended age: 10 to 15 years expectations, friendship, fear of Suitable class novel: YES failure, the importance of talking she disguises herself as a young Good read rating: %%%%% %%%%% about your problems. white man - and Moses's master. In Literary value rating: this guise, the two of them must Please be aware: 1. Daisy is very make their way out of the South, boy crazy and goes to town to explaining away their lack of literacy, meet them, chats online etc. She avoiding those they have makes one comment 'he's so encountered before and holding hot' (p19) but there is no sexual SO their nerve over a thousand miles TITLE content. 2. Samira self harms but to freedom. Inspired by the amazing references to it are very non true story of Ellen Craft who escaped descriptive. She uses self harm as a life of slavery through a daring a way of maintaining control and disguise and won freedom for comments that it makes her feel herself and her husband. better when she is stressed (p32). When her friends see the scars they » OUR REVIEW respond in a variety of ways (some This fictionalised retelling of a true helpful, some not so helpful) but The Ones That event from the Southern American ultimately the message is that she slave era, shows the power of the Disappeared needs to talk to an adult she can human spirit and our ability to trust which she eventually does Author: Zana Fraillon overcome seemingly insurmountable (p44-5). ISBN: 978-0734417152 obstacles. Published: 27/06/2017 The story it is based on is that of Publisher: Hachette married runaway slaves, William Recommended age: 12 years + and Ellen Craft, who outfoxed » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Suitable class novel: NO Around the world, millions of people Good read rating: %%%% everyone by posing as a Southern Literary value rating: %%%% white gentleman and his slave. - including many children - are victims of human trafcking. These Told from Ellen's (Rosa in the story) modern-day slaves often go unseen point of view, it offers a fascinating even in our own cities and towns, insight into the terror they felt and their voices silent and their stories the issues which arose during their untold. In this incredible book, Zana flight, such as their inability to read Fraillon imagines the story of three or write. Their background life in such children, Esra, Miran and Isa. Georgia and the attitude of the slave The result is powerful, heartbreaking

bookcurator.com.au | 27 and unforgettable. Esra, Miran and from what could have been a dark Isa work for the Snakeskin gang, story, as does the love and friendship tending to plants in the dark and between the children. Expect to airless basement of a house they see this in the CBCA Awards in 2018. are not allowed to leave. Favourite quote: They can take They've been told that they belong everything, but they can never take to the Snakeskins, but Esra knows our stories. (p210) SO that she belongs to no one - and TITLE Major themes: refugees, boat she is determined to find freedom. people, broken families, slavery, This is a SKELLIG for this generation; disadvantage, friendship, loss, beautiful, magical and with Zana separation, corruption, gangs, Fraillon's incredible talent for Paper Cranes drugs, exploitation, child labour. combining important global issues Don't Fly with extraordinary storytelling. Please be aware: 1. Language: bugger x 10, bloody x 20. 2. When Author: Peter Vu » OUR REVIEW a gang member goes crazy on ISBN: 978-1925272765 discovering the mess in the cellar, Eleven-year-old Esra, her friend Published: 01/08/2017 Esra stabs him to stop him hurting Miran and 7-year-old Isa are illegal Publisher: Ford Street the boys any more. Miran fights immigrants forced to work for a the police to give them a chance to » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION local gang known as the Snakeskins escape. 3. Esra remembers seeing in exchange for their survival. This story describes the life of a Orlando shoot a girl who tried to cancer patient in a way that no Everything ‘costs’ and is added to escape—he made them watch as a other young adult book does, the debt they have to work of. warning not to try and run (p68). focusing not just on living with Three months afer they arrive in She remembers her family escaping cancer, but going through it, with the basement, an electrical fire offers their war-torn home in boats. Her the help of patience, love, and the chance for escape, but the grandmother wouldn’t leave her friendship. Despite the ever-growing damage it causes to the gang’s home and was later shot by a soldier tumour in his head, Adam just plantation means Orlando, the who thought she had a bomb under wishes he was normal. This is until terrifying gang boss, will never stop her dress. It was a book of photos. his latest operation, when everything hunting them. Her brother’s boat wasn’t seaworthy seems like a lost hope, and he Esra and Isa get away, but Miran is (as so many weren’t) and he knows he isn’t normal. He doesn’t caught by the police and taken to drowned when his life jacket failed. know what to do, because there is hospital. Afer being befriended by She has since been forced to sew nothing he can do. All he feels he Skeet and his pet toad Croakus, those dodgy life jackets for the has lef are his friends. But that the children set out to find Miran. gangs, knowing it was vests like may be all he needs. Skeet sees himself as the hero in that that killed him (p79). 4. Miran the story, only there to help them. is intentionally poisoned in the » OUR REVIEW hospital to shut him up. He nearly But as they hunt for Miran, and the Seventeen-year-old Adam dies. 5. Silviu is killed for helping Snakeskins hunt them all, Skeet Auttenberg is no hero. He’s just a them. realises they are not the only ones teenage boy who has had more in need of a friend. And when the than his fair share of serious illness, opportunity for freedom comes, having been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour at the age of six. they will have to decide whether to Recommended age: 13 years + run towards the sunshine or give Suitable class novel: YES With the desire to be seen as a %%%%% voice to all those lef behind. Good read rating: Literary value rating: %%%%% person, rather than a cancer sufferer, This incredible book is beautifully he writes his story, starting the written, heart stirring and evocative. night before his brain surgery. Through the characters we see the Adam reminisces about how he, ways in which vulnerable children Tess and AJ became best friends in are trapped into lives of slavery. between talking about their present A touch of magical realism interactions, what it is like to be in embodied in the Riverman (an the hospital and his developing almost Frankenstein like creature) friendship with Rachael (a fellow who helps them find Miran lifs it patient).

28 | The Book Curator: August 2017 Adam’s platonic and incredibly » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION crowned as king, it’s a reign that loving friendship with Tess in A searing story of passion, betrayal, will not last. particular is quite beautiful, and it battles and love, this is When the ultimate moment comes, is Tess who finishes his story when Shakespeare's Macbeth stripped of the earl she was to marry is nowhere Adam no longer can. superstition, and its power and to be seen, and it’s the local smith This book is as much a celebration beauty refined into fewer words who has loved her all her life who of the beauty of lifelong friendships where good balances the evil and saves her. But at what cost? forged in childhood as it is an insight there is a happy ending - for some. A masterfully crafed, enjoyable into the life of a teen with a serious Following on from OPHELIA, QUEEN read that will also inspire a greater illness. It was inspired by the young OF DENMARK and I AM JULIET, this appreciation and understanding of author’s own experiences—he was is the third title in the series for Shakespeare’s original tale. diagnosed with a brain tumour at young people that focuses on the six-years-old. reinterpretation of Shakespeare's Major themes: greed, political classic and enduring plays. machinations, manipulation, A lovely book and an incredible friendship, family, survival, war, 'I didn't mean to do it'. Annie is not feat for an author who is presumably death, insanity, loyalty, love. either still in high school himself, or a witch, but when her mistress not long out of it. Lady Macbeth calls for a potion to Please be aware: Non graphic 'stifen Macbeth's sinews', Annie is violence. Favourite quote: Afer eleven caught up in plots that lead to years I was starting to question murder, kingship and betrayal. who was writing my story. My life Annie must also not only choose felt like an open book, still with so Recommended age: 12 years + between Rab the Blacksmith and many blank pages. I just hoped for Suitable class novel: YES Murdoch, Thane of Greymouth, but Good read rating: %%%%% a happy ending. (p30) discover where her loyalty lies. Literary value rating: %%%%% Major themes: friendship, family, hospital, terminal illness, treatment, » OUR REVIEW celebration, love, grief, letting go. The inimitable Jackie French Please be aware: 1. Language: transforms Shakespeare’s Macbeth shit x 8, bloody x 3, dickhead x 1. 2. into an engaging medieval tale of a Very mild joke about sex/losing girl naively caught up in her virginity (p278). mistress’s lust for power. Annie Grasseyes lives in the village with her mother and old Agnes, SO who took them in afer Annie’s TITLE Recommended age: 13 years + Suitable class novel: NO father failed to return from the war Good read rating: %%%%% six years before. Agnes kept them %%%% Literary value rating: from starving and also helped The Sandcastle Annie get a job as a maid at the castle when she was 12-years-old. Empire Lady Macbeth is determined to see Author: Kayla Olson SO her husband recognised and TITLE ISBN: 978-0062740717 honoured as he deserves. She asks Published: 01/08/2017 Annie for Agnes’ help to make that Publisher: Harper Collins happen, but it will take more than just a potion. The three women » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION agree to meet Macbeth on the Before the war, Eden's life was heath and ‘charm’ him to strengthen easy. There was air-conditioning, his purpose. In reality it is just words ice cream, and long days at the they’ll speak but the risk to their lives beach. Then the revolution if identified as witches is very real. Third Witch happened, and everything changed. Annie’s words on the heath have Now a powerful group called the Author: Jackie French greater consequences than she ever ISBN: 978-0732298531 Wolfpack controls the earth and it's dreamed. When Macbeth’s lust for resources. Eden has lost everything Published: 01/07/2017 power leads to murder, Annie shares Publisher: Harper Collins to them. They killed her family and his guilt. While he is ultimately her friends, destroyed her home,

bookcurator.com.au | 29 and imprisoned her. But Eden refuses mythical Sanctuary Island, » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION to die by their hands. She knows purportedly a neutral territory. But The dying wish of 16-year-old the coordinates to the only neutral the island—and her father—have far Lina's mother was for her daughter ground lef in the world, a place greater secrets than Eden ever to live in Tuscany and get to know called Sanctuary Island, and she is dreamed, and there are dangers at her father, whom Lina has never desperate to escape to its shores. every turn. met. "Howard is the best man I've Eden finally reaches the island and An engaging fast paced read that ever known," her mother says, meets others resistant to the Wolves. will be enjoyed by fans of the TV "he'll keep you safe." Why did her But their solace is short-lived when show Lost, or books such as Maze mother wait so long to tell her one of Eden's new friends goes Runner. It should translate very about him? Lina has a happy life in missing. Braving the jungle in search well to the big screen and has Seattle and doesn't want to leave. of their lost ally, they quickly discover already been optioned by Shortly afer she arrives at Sanctuary is filled with lethal traps Paramount Pictures, with Howard's home, Lina meets Sonya, and an enemy they never expected. Leonardo DiCaprio as producer. who gives Lina a diary that This island might be deadlier than Favourite quote: Fear mixed with belonged to Lina's mother, the one the world Eden lef behind, but bitterness never ends well, and she had kept while she was a surviving it is the only thing that fear mixed with power? Ends photography student in Florence. stands between her and freedom. worlds. (p25) While Lina is living her life and exploring Tuscany with her Major themes: social inequity, » OUR REVIEW handsome neighbour, Ren, she economic disparity, entitlement, follows in the footsteps of her When climate change brought privilege, corporate greed, war, mother and gets to know her as increasingly destructive natural totalitarian regime, slave labour, never before. She also finds out disasters the emergency response escape, climate change, natural the truth about her father. Mostly teams couldn’t keep up. When the disasters, resistance, science she finds out about herself. drinking water was contaminated, fiction, romance, science, the rich were able to aford what dystopian. they needed, while the poor » OUR REVIEW sufered. Then Envirotech ofered Please be aware: 1. Mild to Afer her mother’s death from their latest eco-saviour solution. moderate violence as you would cancer, 16-year-old Lina moves to The Atlas Project was a cutting expect from the war themes. 2. Tuscany to get to know the father edge habitat being developed by Mild kissing (e.g. p320). she has only just learned about. Eden’s father. When word got out Howard is the caretaker of a World that only the rich would be able to War II cemetery and an old friend live there, the Wolfpack rose up. Recommended age: 12 years + of her mother’s from her days back Instead of bringing equality, they Suitable class novel: YES in art school. Good read rating: %%%% turned the tables, moving into the Literary value rating: %%%% Lina can’t understand why her beautiful homes of families like mum never told her about Howard, Eden’s. The privileged first became but as she reads her mother’s their captives, and then little more journal she begins to uncover the than slaves. They were even SO truth of what happened all those tattooed for easier identification. TITLE years ago. Eden has been planning her escape Her experiences with new best for a very long time, but she didn’t friend Ren are paralleled with the expect to have the company of journal entries of her mother and strangers when she finally made it. her burgeoning relationship with Eden, Hope, Alex and Finnley will Lina’s father. have to learn to work together, but As family secrets are revealed Lina if the other girls ever discover her learns there was so much more to secret—that it was her father’s her mother than she realised, and work that led straight to the war— Love & Gelato that love and infatuation come in trust will be the last thing on their Author: Jenna Evans Welch very diferent forms. minds. ISBN: 978-1406372328 An enjoyable and ultimately Following notes secretly lef to her Published: 01/08/2017 romantic story set against the by her father, she encourages the Publisher: Walker Books beautiful background of Italy. others to head for the almost

30 | The Book Curator: August 2017 Favourite quote: I didn’t get to Ami and her mother promise to stop missing her. It was the thing write to each other but no letters my life had handed me, and no arrive. Then Mari finds the letters matter how heavy it was, I was in Mr Zamora's rooms. never going to be able to set it SO TITLE Mr Zamora is a lepidopterist. His down. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t butterfly collections travel with going to be OK. Or even happy. I him wherever he goes. He has an couldn’t imagine it yet exactly, but abhorrence of leprosy and an maybe a day would come when extreme approach to cleanliness the hole inside me wouldn’t ache and order. Mr Zamora pursues the quite so badly and I could think girls and sets fire to the letters, about her, and remember, and it The Island at the starting a bushfire. would be all right. (p286) End of Everything The compassionate nun, Sister Major themes: grief, loss, family Teresa is burnt rescuing him and is secrets, choices, love, romance, art, Author: Karen Millwood Hargrave sent away to hospital leaving Mr character, friendship, fatherhood. ISBN: 978-1910002766 Zamora in charge. Published: 01/07/2017 Please be aware: 1. Mild kissing Publisher: Chicken House In a letter she has rescued, Ami (p253, 331). 2. As a 21-year-old, learns her mother is dying and wants Lina’s mum was having a secret » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION to see her. She and Mari repair an relationship with one of the Ami lives on Culion, an island for old boat on the beach and sail across assistant teachers at her art people who have leprosy. Her mother to the leper colony with Kidlat. Mr college. When she told him she is among the infected. She loves Zamora follows them. Ami visits her was pregnant he rejected her. It her home with its blue seas and mother as butterflies swarm over turned out he was not a nice lush forests, Culion contains all she the island but Mari and Kidlat are person at all, and when Lina meets knows and loves. But the arrival of taken away. him it becomes clear nothing has malicious government ofcial Mr changed. Her mum realised that It's 30 years later when a young Zamora changes her world forever: she had turned her life inside out orphan girl, Sol, bringing special islanders untouched by sickness and lied to her friends for a oranges from a special orange grove are forced to leave. Banished across relationship that was never what for her mistress gets lost and finds the sea, she's desperate to return she thought it was. 3. Brief a hut in the forest surrounded by before her mother's death. She finds reference to an art assignment butterflies. Ami lives there. She now a strange and fragile hope in a where Lina’s mum was paired with studies butterflies and runs a colony of butterflies. Can they lead another student. They need an business setting up butterfly gardens her home before its too late? unusual subject if they are to get a and speaking on her research. Ami good mark, so the other girl has searched everywhere for Mari » OUR REVIEW arranges for them to photograph a and Kidlat. Culion Island in the Philippines is a psychic in her home. She tells She tells Sol her story and the next beautiful place but in 1906 it was a them ‘both of you will find love, morning returns the girl to the leper colony. Ami was born there one of you will find orphanage which she discovers is as her mother was sent there heartache’ (p158-159). run by Mari and Kidlat. She asks if pregnant so it is all she knows. she can apprentice Sol as a future Nuns care for them. Sister butterfly zoo keeper. Margaritte is kind, Sister Clara is One of the nicer touches in this end Recommended age: 13 years + frightened of catching the disease. Suitable class novel: NO section is that Ami has one of Mr %%%%% The government decides to isolate Good read rating: Zamora's books on butterflies on Literary value rating: %%%% the lepers so Mr Zamora who had her bookshelf and she speaks well family in high places is sent to of him for his interest and research implement this. Signs are put up - while recognising his compulsions "Sans" and "Leprosea" to segregate. as an illness. One of her own The children are taken to an eccentricities is that she dresses orphanage on a nearly island. A as a man when she goes into Manilla little boy, Kidlat, attaches himself to speak. This is an unusual little to Ami. The other orphans shun story made more interesting by its them except Mari who has a crippled foundation in fact. hand. The two girls become friends.

bookcurator.com.au | 31 Major themes: leper colonies, unmask a traitor causing havoc government policies on leprosy, within the palace. orphans, butterflies, OCD, hope, Recommended age: 12 years + Afer an assassination attempt on Suitable class novel: NO friendship, family separation. the founder of COG, Sin realises Good read rating: %%%% Literary value rating: %%%% Please be aware: 1. Ami's mum that someone closest to him could keeps her clay gods under her be the traitor. With no other option, pillow. She doesn't like the cross Sin is forced into an uneasy alliance on the wall above her bed. A form with the school bully, Velvet Von of religion is forced on the children. Darque. But can he trust her? And (p206) 2. Ami talks about the will COG try to bury him with the diawatas - the guardian spirits she secrets he discovers? Secrets, spies SO has been told live in the acacia and steampunk gadgets abound in TITLE trees. She doesn't break the this fantastic adventure story! branches because the diwatas do harm to those who harm their » OUR REVIEW home. (p188) Thieving from a fellow thief is always a last resort but street urchin Sin (named afer the box he was dumped in as a baby, which was Liana's Dance Recommended age: 13 years + Suitable class novel: YES labelled Sinclair’s Medicinal Spirits) Author: Rosanne Hawke Good read rating: %%%% has no other option if he is to pay ISBN: 978-1925139907 %%%% Literary value rating: of the Fixer. Published: 01/08/2017 When the thief and the original Publisher: Rhiza Press owner of the necklace he pilfered corner him, a needle in the neck is » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION the last thing he expects. He wakes Sixteen-year-old Liana Bedford to find himself in the comfort of a lives in constant fear. Political fancy hotel room and is even more tensions in Pakistan are rising and surprised when he is ofered the terrorist attacks are becoming an opportunity for a new life. The only everyday norm. As a Pakistani- SO catch: he must become a secret Australian, she could be the next TITLE agent for the Covert Operations target. When her school friends are Group (COG). taken hostage by terrorists, Liana’s world disappears overnight. The Empire is on the brink of war, The Traitor and COG’s aim is to stop it from Alongside her new teacher, Mr happening. Sin’s training will take Kimberley, she must journey through and the Thief five years, if he can last that long rural Pakistan in a bid to find them and bring them home. But Mr Author: Gareth Ward without breaking COG’s set of Kimberley has a secret, and to save ISBN: 978-1925381504 Cast-Iron Rules. him and her friends, Liana must Published: 01/08/2017 But there’s a traitor in COG’s ranks. overcome her fears. And dance for Publisher: Walker Books If Sin can’t find out who it is, her life. everything he—and so many others » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION —have worked so hard or will be lost. An unforgettable story about one Pakistani-Australian’s will to Discovered picking pockets at A fun, engaging story with a survive. Liana’s Dance is a stand Coxford’s Corn Market, 14-year-old generous splash of steampunk and alone novel from Rosanne Hawke, Sin is hunted across the city. some great technology. Caught by the enigmatic Eldritch inspired by a character from Major themes: orphan, street urchin, Moons, Sin is ofered a way out of Rosanne’s Beyond Borders series. Victorian era, friendship, espionage, his life of crime: join the Covert traitors, secret mission, alternate Operations Group (COG) and train » OUR REVIEW history, inventions, regret, to become a spy. At Lenheim Palace, Liana Bedford is beginning Year 11 steampunk, literacy. Sin learns spy craf while trying not in her international high school in to break the school’s Cast-Iron Rules. Please be aware: 1. Language: northern Pakistan with her friends Befriended by eccentric Zonda bloody x 5. 2. Infrequent non Evie and Ash. She is finding the war Chubb, together they endeavour to graphic violence. on terror stressful, especially as

32 | The Book Curator: August 2017 she was caught up in a suicide bazaar and Mikal plays a rabaab to bombing. Although her parents say beg for money and a gun to rescue the school is safe Liana has the hostages. A militant takes an nightmares, especially about a interest in Liana and gives her an SO AK-47. She is not sure of his brother being killed. Meanwhile, a TITLE young music teacher, Mikal motives, but she and Mikal leave Kimberley, arrives at the school from quickly to hire a fishing boat to try Australia. Mr Kimberley has a quest to rescue Liana’s friends. to find his half-sister who is living Liana goes across the Indus River in Pakistan with aid worker parents. in the boat, fingering a half-ring Soon after, Liana’s fears are realised Mikal just gave her. It fits one her and there is a death threat against father gave her. She realises she is Sanguine: The the students, and the school is the true sister of Mikal. She goes Sentinels of Eden subsequently attacked by terrorists. on to play a part in rescuing the An evacuation process is put in hostages from the caravanserai, # 2 motion and the students are saving Mikal’s life and rekindling a Author: Carolyn Denman transported to their various friendship with Ash. ISBN: 978-1922200884 embassies at night. Two of the Major themes: stress/depression Published: 01/05/2017 school vehicles are hijacked en route related to traumatic events like Publisher: Other with students taken hostage. Liana terrorism, Pakistani culture, and Mikal Kimberley, in a diferent relationships between students » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION vehicle, swerve and crash over the and teachers, friendship, Lainie Gracewood has turned her mountainside. They are found by transformation, love, courage, back on the world she used to call men of a remote mountain village loyalty, dance. home. But who can blame her? and kept safe. Please be aware: 1. Teenage Afer all, the sweet bliss of Liana joins in on village life, listens suicide bomber in the bazaar; Liana paradise is hard to resist. When a to folktales and becomes friends and her friends are injured. (p3) 2. native Edenite discovers the with an American girl, Jessica who Liana has a dream of two thugs, in boundary between Earth and Eden, is married to a young village man, which one points an AK-47 at her. Lainie promises herself a return Aziz. She and Jessica refer to Mikal (p5) 3. Death threat made to school: will be short and sweet. When a as Liana’s brother so that she will "All Americans Must Die". (p14) 4. Guardian is abducted, the urge to be able to spend time with him in Reference to "porn" (p34) 5. protect the sacred knowledge will an otherwise segregated society. Terrorists attack the school. A see her faced with the ultimate When it’s time for Aziz’s sister’s security guard, ofce worker and choice: life, death or paradise? wedding Aziz panics. The groom’s maintenance man are shot. (p54-5) family is from an area which 6. Student vehicles heading to the » OUR REVIEW supports jihadists, so Mikal and British High Commission are Sanguine continues the story of Liana need to be kept out of sight hijacked. The teachers are shot. Noah and Lainie, Cherubim and since prejudice against Westerners The kids are taken hostage. Mr sentinels of the Garden of Eden. is high. Aziz devises a plan where Stephens is found dead on the Lainie is in Eden, efectively hiding both Mikal and Liana will be bonnet. (p64-5) 7. Evie flashes back from guilt following challenges that wedding dancers: Mikal to dance for to their kidnapping. Guns were occurred at the end of the previous the men, and Liana to dance for the shoved in faces. (p75) 8. Students book, Songlines. She lives in Eden women which is culturally are hit by captors and held at for three years and makes a new acceptable. gunpoint for a video. (p146) 9. life with her mother, Annie, and a Liana dresses as a boy and Shooting battle between captors number of other friends, most accompanies Mikal, still in character and rescuers. Unknown people are notably Dallmin. as a male dancer, on a bus with killed. (p161-2) 12. Liana shoots a Dallmin is a native to Eden who is the wedding party returning to guard to protect Mikal. (p166) obsessed with flying and constantly Peshawar. partaking in reckless behaviour, which Mikal and Liana leave the bus at a rarely ofers any consequences as village Attock where there is an the fruit from the Tree of Life Recommended age: 14 years + ancient caravanserai. They take a Suitable class novel: YES resurrects him each time he dies. room in a small hotel as brothers. Good read rating: %%%%% Lainie is forced to go in search of %%%% Liana dances as a boy in the Literary value rating: Dallmin when he leaves Eden.

bookcurator.com.au | 33 Lainie’s transition between Eden Instead of delivering her baby in Recommended age: 14 years + Suitable class novel: NO and earth is profound as she has Melbourne, Tessa makes them Good read rating: %%%%% efectively forgotten most socially travel to the entrance of Eden, where Literary value rating: %%%% acceptable behaviours. When she the baby is born, dies and brought returns, she enlists the help of Noah, back to life. Dallmin texts Bane who is about to have a baby with that he has located Jake, but whilst Tessa (Noah’s wife and guardian), the two of them are scouting Jake’s SO and they eventually track down camp, Dallmin hits Bane over the TITLE Dallmin, who has gotten himself head to knock him out and it into a great deal of trouble. becomes apparent that Jake has Bane has been in Brisbane training convinced Dallmin that Lainie and with the Army Reserves, and in Noah are trying to keep him out of Lainie’s absence, has been Eden. depressed and nauseated by their While Bane is tied up, he senses separation. He is ecstatic that she Lainie die, to which Jake admits he’s has returned and journeys back to poisoned the apples. Noah and Tim her with the help of his best friend, try to revive Lainie, fail, and so take Girls Can't Hit Tim. It takes some time for her to Eden to heal her, and then Author: Tom Easton everyone to adjust to Lainie’s leave her there asleep. When Noah ISBN: 978-1471406102 return, especially seeing as Lainie and Tessa are attacked by Jake, Noah Published: 01/07/2017 doesn’t remember having her throat defends them with the flaming sword Publisher: Hot Key Books cut, dying or her part in causing before Dallmin incapacitates him Noah’s mum to be burnt to ashes with a knife in the back. Tessa heals » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION by the flaming sword guarding the him and Jake gets away with the A funny, feminist teen story about entrance to Eden. But emotional sword, which is when Dallmin knowing when to train... and when baggage is slowly mended. realises the meaning of betrayal (that to fight. Fleur Waters never takes Jake betrayed him and he betrayed Unfortunately, before everything can anything seriously - until she turns his friends). be resolved and Dallmin sent home up at her local boxing club one to Eden, Tessa is kidnapped. They Lainie wakes up in Eden with a letter day, just to prove a point. She's the get the police involved and Sergeant from Bane explaining that he wants only girl there, and the warm-up Mick Loxwood questions them, her to get on with her life in Eden alone is exhausting ... but the suspicious about events that and find someone else to love. The workout gives her an escape from transpired three years earlier. Noah, cave entrance to Eden has been home and school, and when she knowing that Tessa would be collapsed. She is angry with them lands her first uppercut on a dreadfully nauseous being away and decides to climb the clif to get punching bag she feels a rare glow from him, is forced to go to Eden out of Eden, which takes a long of satisfaction. So she goes back so that their connection is severed. time, including six deaths and the next week, determined to Bane, Dallmin and Lainie continue resurrections with fruit. Bane and improve. Noah sense her coming and wait their investigation, and with Lainie’s Fleur's overprotective mum can't for her at the top to welcome her ability to sense cherubim they track abide the idea of her entering a home ... Tessa down. When Sergeant boxing ring, why won't she join her Loxwood figures out there’s more Major themes: betrayal, reconciling pilates class instead? Her friends at stake than a pregnant young cultural diferences in behaviour don't get it either and even her woman, Dallmin is forced to inform and belief systems. boyfriend, 'Prince' George, seems Loxwood of the real situation. Please be aware: 1. Language: concerned by her growing muscles Though disbelieving at first, Loxwood shit x 3 and bullshit x 1. 2. Mild to and appetite - but it's Fleur's body, becomes their ally. moderate violence with blood Fleur's life, so she digs her heels in The team track down kidnapper Jake spilled on a number of occasions. and carries on with her training. Evans. After a violent encounter he is When Lainie regains her memories, When she finally makes it into the taken into custody but shortly let she dwells on her memories of her ring, her friends and family show out on bail. They come to the throat being slit and Noah’s mum their support and Fleur realises conclusion that Jake has a charming that sometimes in life it's better to ability similar to Noah, allowing him drop your guard and take a wild to sway people’s opinions. swing! burning to a crisp.

34 | The Book Curator: August 2017 » OUR REVIEW they attend his college dance they has received much, but it appears In this very witty book Fleur’s best go back to his hotel room where that he has much to ofer Adam friend Blossom is a staunch feminist Fleur thinks they are going to and his family too. who rails against the patriarchy consummate their relationship, but and ofen drags Fleur along on her instead he breaks up with her » OUR REVIEW campaigns. When they go to a (p154-6). 3. Fleur and the other In the absence of his own father, local boxing class to protest about girls who have joined the boxing 15-year-old Adam’s beloved women’s classes being held club are invited to a stag night (Fleur grandfather, Dadda, became even separately from the men’s, she is designated as the responsible more important to him. His death can’t believe it when Fleur decides one). The others are drinking and a leaves a huge hole in Adam’s life. couple of the girls end up in a fight. to give boxing a try. Adam draws as a way of processing As a result they are suspended Between her over-protective mum, his feelings. His drawings aren’t from the boxing club (p241-252). Blossom’s reluctance for her to technically excellent but there is actually pursue the ‘equal something special about them, a opportunity’ she campaigned for, rare ability to show emotion and and boyfriend George’s horror at Recommended age: 12 years + meaning, to bring something out in her increasing appetite and Suitable class novel: NO people’s faces. Good read rating: %%%%% independence, easygoing Fleur Literary value rating: %%%%% With Dadda gone, Adam must be develops the determination to the man of the family. His father, continue. an angry and violent man, no longer This is such an enjoyable read. Fleur lives with them. Little sister Farah SO and Blossom’s best friend Pip is has been selectively mute, ever since TITLE sweet, gangly and uncoordinated a tragic incident when she was just and the scene where he tries out 5-years-old. She may be quiet but boxing is really funny. There’s role she is very insightful and Adam playing and mock battles (the three adores her. friends work at the local Battle of When a strange man turns up at the Hastings tourist attraction), a door, Farah recognises something hysterically stinky dog, the bizarrely in him. Something familiar. That humorous circular arguments of man is William. He is the recipient Fleur’s parents and much much of Dadda’s donated heart. Initially more. Out of Heart Adam doesn’t want him around, Ultimately Fleur realises that she is Author: Irfan Master but Farah and his mother Yasmin the one who gets to choose what ISBN: 978-1471405075 draw comfort from his gentle kind of girl she will be, and she Published: 28/06/2017 presence so he spends more and doesn’t have to fit the stereotypes Publisher: Hot Key Books more time in their home. held by her parents, her classmates, Adam discovers that Dadda lived her boyfriend or even her feminist » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION with shame about a terrorist attack best friend. Highly recommended. Adam is a teenage boy who lives some years earlier, and the way it Favourite quote: ‘You take their with his mum and younger sister. made others look at them as biscuits and then they've got you.’ His dad has lef them although Muslims – despite the fact that he was one of those helping rescue It's not some gateway drug to the lives close by. His sister no longer the injured. Giving William his heart patriarchy,' I said. 'It's a custard speaks. His mum works two jobs. was his way of atoning for a sin he cream.' Adam feels the weight of the world upon his shoulders. never committed. In doing so he also Major themes: feminism, boxing, gave a man who had never been Then his grandfather dies and in friendship, family, grief, loss, mental allowed to love, the experience of doing so he donates a very precious illness, social disadvantage, being welcomed into a warm and gif - his heart. William is the discipline, determination, sport, loving family. choosing your path. recipient of Adam's grandfather's heart. But the community don’t understand Please be aware: 1. Language: that William is their family now or He has no family and feels rootless bastard x 2, cock x 2, bloody x 14. that there is nothing between him and alone. In fact, he feels no 2. Fleur finds her boyfriend George’s and Yasmin. They just love to talk – particular reason to live. And then conservative approach to their purportedly out of ‘care and concern’. he meets Adam's family. William relationship challenging (p26). After That so-called care and concern

bookcurator.com.au | 35 was sadly lacking when Adam’s long-lost uncle. But there will be the police. There is a very awkward mother was being knocked around some home truths along the way... meeting with Uncle Chad and Aunt by his dad or when she was lef to An emotional story about family, Jess who now try to buy their way raise two children on her own … surviving school and being true to out of trouble. Zoe's parents see This gentle, insightful story yourself for fans of The Art of Being Madi for who she is and realise what intertwines various relationships to Normal and Unbecoming. she's been doing to Zoe. They stand show the many challenges of Adam’s up for themselves and Zoe. life and the man he will one day » OUR REVIEW Zoe has a plan to keep Granny out become. This is a heart-warming story of a of the nursing home. This plan is adjusted and the family move in with Major themes: Muslim faith, family, family that finds its way to Granny. Aunt Teddi and her husband grief, loss, organ donation, friendship, wholeness through the care of an Wilf help out some week-ends. Zoe first love, grafti, art, shame, guilt, elderly woman. Zoe Bird loves her finds she has a real gif for looking dysfunctional families, gossip. granny who lives in the Bird House. Zoe lives with her Mum and Dad in afer her grandmother. The story Please be aware: 1. Language: a small place which doubles as her ends with the death and cremation shit x 2, f**k x 1 (p193), prick x 2, Mum's beauty salon and where her of the old woman. cock x 2 (p256, 257). 2. References Dad works in his basement ofce. to domestic violence, non graphic Despite the subject matter, this is description of the incident when Madi, her cousin, was Zoe's only not a sad story. There is a great Farah was injured. friend but now she and her friends cast of flawed characters who have tease and bully Zoe. Zoe also gets interesting and challenging histories the blame for things Madi does as and relationships. The author has a her parents attempt to impress Uncle talent for realistic dialogue and Recommended age: 13 to 16 years Chad and Aunt Jess who they hope understatement. An unexpectedly Suitable class novel: NO will lend them the money to move pleasant read. Good read rating: %%%% Literary value rating: %%%% the salon into town. Major themes: family relationships, Granny's dementia gets worse. She family secrets, caring for elderly, can no longer live alone so is put dementia, bullying, sex change, into a nursing home where she is love, forgiveness, healing. even more lost and bewildered. In Please be aware: 1. Language: ass the background of family history x 1, shit x 1, bitch x 1, bullshit x 2. 2. there is Zoe's Dad's brother, Uncle Eric is stoned. (p12) 3. 'I also make Teddy who may or may not have up Satanic spells, try them on died. Madi invites Zoe to a party but Suckhole...they don't work any there is no party. Madi and her better than prayers' (p86) 4. Granny's friends embarrass Zoe and threaten crude joke: 'Why is our church to throw her of a bridge. This is stuck with a piano? Because Pastor filmed. Again Zoe is blamed and Madi Nolan keeps the organ in his The Way Back comes up smelling like roses. pants.' (p129-30) 5. Meeting with Granny says she has a letter from pedophile (dirty old man). (p148) 6. Home Teddy. He's alive and living in Toronto. A homosexual prostitute ofers Zoe and granny run of to Toronto them a safe bed for the night. (p163). Author: Allan Stratton to find him as Granny is sure he 6. Uncle Teddy has had a sex ISBN: 978-1783445219 will help her. They have a few change and was cast out of the Published: 17/07/2017 adventures, narrowly escape being family as a result. Publisher: Random House robbed, meet some interesting » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION people and eventually find Uncle Teddy who is now Aunt Teddi Zoe Bird is going nowhere fast. Recommended age: 13 to 17 years having undergone a sex change She's angry and lonely, and her only Suitable class novel: NO which is what caused the rif in the %%%%% true friend is her granny, whose Good read rating: family. %%%%% Alzheimer's is worsening. When her Literary value rating: parents put Granny in a home, Zoe Teddi takes them home and stays decides now is the time to break with Granny at the Bird House free. She smuggles Granny out and healing past hurts. Ricky, a boy Zoe together they hit the tracks on a likes at school sees the film of Zoe's cross-country trip to find Zoe's attack on the bridge and takes it to

36 | The Book Curator: August 2017 faced dangers no trainee should quite a seamless in those first couple have to. This makes Dragon, the of chapters. Irrespective, Deadly new leader of Helix, determined to Magic is a story that will swifly never allow any of the young draw readers into Nomad’s world people in her care to be placed in as she and her friends face-of such a vulnerable position again. against new, cleverly deceptive foes. But that’s before New Zealand agent, Major themes: friendship, loyalty, Nephrite, arrives with news of a betrayal, self-sacrifice, trust. threat that could see every Helix Please be aware: 1. Mild infrequent agent wiped of the earth. Nomad language, e.g. damn, screw that, and her friends are asked to make Deadly Magic: wanker etc. a simple investigation at the murder Agent Nomad #2 site of Nephrite’s grandfather, in New Zealand, whilst attending the Author: Skye Melki-Wegner annual Cadet Wilderness Training Recommended age: 12 years + ISBN: 978-0143780403 Camp. They use an orienteering Suitable class novel: NO Published: 01/05/2017 activity as an opportunity to Good read rating: %%%%% Publisher: Random House survey the nearby area for clues Literary value rating: %%%%% and notify Nephrite. » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION Red sky at night, sailor's delight. When Nephrite doesn’t respond and Afer their mission in London, a dangerous and jealous peer starts Nomad, Rif, Phoenix and Orbit are tracking their moves, the young back at HELIX, training to master cadets use their budding magic their magic. (quintessence), a genetic mutation that enables them to access their But things have changed. Nomad's body’s electromagnetism, to locate secret is out. Her peers know she is a critical ingredient for a deadly a Witness; a sorcerer with the rare sorcerous concoction. ability to read others' magic. This Embarking on an impossible plan of causes ripples at HQ, especially intervention, they must try to when it means that Steel, the most secure the final ingredient before popular cadet in her class, is no The Dream Walker their Inductor enemies wipe out longer the centre of attention. But Author: Victoria Carless Helix forever. there are greater threats than new ISBN: 978-0734417473 rivals. The writing in Deadly Magic is Published: 27/06/2017 When the cadets are sent to New excellent, capably applying literary Publisher: Hachette Zealand to investigate a top-secret devices that include metaphors, case, they find themselves in more similes and strong verbs, with conflict » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION danger than they bargained for. With and foreshadowing adding tension Sixteen-year-old Lucy Hart has been no one to trust and time running to stakes that rise chapter-by- counting the days till she can get out, it's a race to stop the Inductors chapter. Dialogue translates as age- the hell out of Digger's Landing - a before they have enough power to appropriate and is consistent with small Queensland fishing hamlet destroy HELIX for good. the characters, with appropriate home to fifeen families, a posse of injections of humour and that nice mongrel dogs, and Parkers Corner Red sky at morning, sailor's warning... ‘Aussie feel’ Melki-Wegner brings Store (no apostrophe and nowhere to her work. near a corner). » OUR REVIEW As one would expect of this talented Skye Melki-Wegner writes masterful But just like the tides Lucy's luck is author, characters are consistent suspense in this action-packed on the turn, and as graduation and believably written, whilst setting second book in the Agent Nomad nears her escape plans begin to and description give a strong sense series. falter; her best friend, Polly, is of place for both the Australian and dropping out of school to help pay Helix spy cadet, Nomad has New Zealand locations. Backstory in the bills, and Tom has been shipped recently returned from a successful the earlier chapters did slow the pace of to boarding school, away from mission in London with her new a little, compared to the previous the flotsam of this place. found friends, Phoenix, Rif, and novel Eleventh Hour, and for this Orbit. The young cadets have reason reader immersion wasn’t

bookcurator.com.au | 37 And then there's Lucy's nightlife, Lucy doesn't know about Tom's which is filled with dreams that confusion about his sexuality. There just don't seem to belong to her at is also the conflict with Gavin, the all ... When the fish stop biting, like school bully who rules the town they did when her mum was still with his tribe of siblings. His family around, Lucy realises she isn't the scapegoat is the youngest, Sadie only one with a secret. who at 10 years, leaves home to SO live in Glen's kennel. Lucy attempts TITLE » OUR REVIEW to teach his alcoholic father, Syd to This tale is set in a very small read. Various other characters fishing town in North Queensland seem to have some strange during a dry year when there are connection to Lucy's mum. Sparrow no fish. The threat of government Gavin turns the town against Lucy Author: Scot Gardner officials with the power to cancel and her father, accusing Lucy of ISBN: 978-1760294472 fishing licences hangs over them. using magic to destroy the fishing. Published: 26/07/2017 It is 16 year old Lucy's last year at Mr Sherif and Mrs Parker protect Publisher: Allen & Unwin school and in that year, she Lucy when the town takes Lucy's experiences the first anniversary of father and Glen out to drown » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION her mother's death by drowning, them. Lucy and Sadie rescue him One, two, three, breath. When a possibly suicide, the death of Tom, as Lucy realises the drowning boy juvenile detention exercise of the the boy she loves in a car accident in her dreams is her father and her coast of the Kimberley goes wrong, and the death of her dog, Glen. She mother has been walking in her sixteen-year-old Sparrow must swim and her best friend, Polly have been dreams so she will know where he to shore. There are sharks and crocs saving to escape to the City but Polly is. around him but the monsters he is forced to leave school to join her The fish drought is explained as fears most live in the dark spaces father at the local meat works. Lucy's Mum being forced to "dream" in his mind. He's swimming away However, Lucy has a secret, She the location of fish which then from his prison life and towards a seems to have inherited her mother's resulted in the Creek being over desolate, rocky coastland and the ability to dream walk i.e. walk into fished. However, the ofcial hollow promise of freedom. He'll other people's dreams. She even explanation is the local croc who is eat or be eaten, kill or be killed. With visits her dog's dreams when he caught and blamed. The rains no voice, no family and the odds dreams of her mother. The most come and Gavin is arrested for stacked against him, Sparrow has frequent thing she sees in her illegal netting. nothing lef to lose. But to survive he'll need something more potent dreams is a drowning boy. She This is a strange tale of growing up than desperation, something more doesn't control this ability well but in a very small community in tough dangerous than a makeshif knife. it sets her apart and links her to times - a reasonable read that's Hope. some mystery surrounding her not as grim as it may sound. mother. Major themes: grief, dysfunctional » OUR REVIEW The story revolves around families, small town life, fishing, Two brothers with the same painful relationships and some rather odd dreams, buying, growing up. upbringing take to the streets. One characters. The community is a very Please be aware: 1. Polly takes up paint sniffing, gets involved closed one with little regard for experiments with magic. (p13, p222) with gangs and expresses change or education and, with the 2. Mild infrequent language: aggression. The other—Sparrow—no current stresses, it is like a pressure- arseholes x 1, shitty x 1. 3. ‘Thank you, longer speaks. That doesn’t stop cooker. Lucy helps her grieving and Jesus’ (p107), 'thank Christ' (p164), him from making friends wherever silent father with the fishing. She 'for Christ's sake' (p244). he goes. People like old Sharky shares her hopes and dreams with recognise his sweet nature and keep her friend Polly. She looks forward an eye out for him. to Tom coming home from his year After his friend Elsa is hurt, Sparrow away at a private school not fully Recommended age: 14 to 17 years understanding his need to "go up Suitable class novel: NO goes looking for his brother only to North" to learn new and better Good read rating: %%%% stumble on his dead body. %%%% ways. This brings him into conflict Literary value rating: Discovered with his brother’s blood with his family. on his hands and unable to speak up for himself, Sparrow is charged

38 | The Book Curator: August 2017 with his murder and sent away enrages her and she attacks him behind. Trying to fit in with her new with other juvenile ofenders. (p177-8). He is filled with shame. 8. friends means doing things she While en-route, one of the other Abby goes skinny dipping (p196). never dreamt she’d do. Just as she prisoners sets fire to their boat and She sees the burn scars on Sparrow’s thinks everything is starting to feel Sparrow is the only survivor (or so back and he tells her his mother normal, Sky stumbles on a case of he thinks). and brother did them with a cigarette animal cruelty that forces her to Life on the streets was hard but now lighter. She kisses them (nothing make some tough decisions. Will marooned in the Top End, Sparrow further). 9. Abby tells Sparrow she Sky risk everything to stand up for faces an even more dangerous fight ended up in juvenile detention after what she believes in? for survival. When he finds another bashing her foster sister with a » OUR REVIEW survivor, Abby, dangerously ill due hockey stick. The back story is that to a taipan bite, he determines to the girl was making her life hell. Afer Sky’s mother dies of cancer, care for her. Sparrow may not be When she was 12 she hid her she has no option but to live with able to make sure she lives but he mother’s vibrator under Abby’s her estranged aunt and uncle. For can make sure she’s not alone. mattress. They were going to send a vegan blogger from the city, fitting her back to the refuge for it. Then in at her new school in the country When it comes down to saving her she intentionally went afer Alex, isn’t exactly going to be easy. life or being captured, he chooses Abby’s very gentle boyfriend and The opportunity to be accepted by to save her and sets of a beacon. got pregnant to him, before telling the popular girls for the first time in She is rescued and he is the police and her parents that he her life is an appealing one. But what inadvertently lef behind. raped her. He was convicted. 10. if it means losing who she really is? Abby doesn’t forget Sparrow and Sparrow’s mother had AIDS and as soon as she can she returns to was very ill. His brother smothered When a school assignment lead Sky find him. With septicemia from an her with a pillow (p203). to discover the horrifying realities injured leg that must be urgently of a local chicken farm, she is treated if he is to survive, Sparrow determined to make sure the truth has to face the truth that it isn’t gets out. She has no idea that Recommended age: 14 years + Marissa, the chief mover and shaker dying he is afraid of, but living … Suitable class novel: NO %%%%% amongst the popular girls, is the While this book touches on some Good read rating: Literary value rating: %%%%% daughter of the wealthy owner. difcult topics and life has been Bringing the truth to light isn’t harrowing for both Sparrow and going to be easy … Abby, it is not a dark and grim story. Ultimately Sparrow’s light shines While not an earth shattering read, through, making this a wonderfully this book is diferent from the engaging story with great usual and will be enjoyed by those characterisation. students who resonate with its SO strong themes of animal advocacy. It is highly recommended and will TITLE probably appear on the CBCA Major themes: grief, loss, family Awards list in 2018. secrets, vegans, animal activism, chicken farming, friendship, romance. Major themes: street kids, broken families, poverty, kindness, choices, Please be aware: 1. Language: drugs, gangs, friendship, courage, f**k x 4 (p45, 108, 109, 157), frigging restoration, love. Sky x 1, shit x 7, bloody x 2, bastard x 1, dick x 1. 2. Sky’s mum was a hippy Please be aware: 1. Language: Author: Ondine Sherman who smoked marijuana (p5,132). Back shit x 7, bitch x 3, bastard x 1, prick ISBN: 978-1925399189 in their uni days she had a fling with x 1, f**k (p123, 124, 136, 178, 181, 182, Published: 01/07/2017 Sky’s father, who she has never met. 201, 203, 204). 2. Elsa goes missing Publisher: The Author People Her mum’s best friend also slept with and is found beaten and burnt with him behind her back (p142-3, 186-7). cigarettes (p92-3). 3. Sparrow’s » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION 3. Kissing (p45, 181). 4. Marissa was brother is killed in a fight (p133, Sometimes you have to lose expelled from her boarding school 136-7). 4. Dead body (p25). 5. Sparrow everything to find yourself. Afer after photos of her at a party wearing witnesses a drug deal (p164-5). 6. her mother’s death, Sky leaves her a sexy red bra and drinking shots He kills a baby pig to eat (p169) and city life to move in with her aunt with a boy in his bedroom go viral then is gored by its father (p171). 7. and uncle in a small Australian town. (p68-9). Sparrow watches Abby pee which But the city isn’t all that she leaves

bookcurator.com.au | 39 Her last story was about a note Christian's girlfriend and established she'd found in a bottle in the sea himself as the family's "golden boy". Recommended age: 14 years + which said, "I survived" and carried Suitable class novel: NO Eventually William persuades the Good read rating: %%%% the crest of the media mogul family retainer and accountant, %%%% Literary value rating: Chisel family. It may have been Carrington to fly them out to the from 18 year old Christian Chisel island where William and Tamara who'd been lost at sea five years find more bottles with notes. They before when the family yacht sank are attacked by Cameron who in a storm. works for Knox, and also blackmails Tamara goes home to find her house him. They escape and take the ransacked. The thief holds a gun to wounded Cameron back. her head and demands the note. The truth is revealed, Knox and Tamara escapes and locks herself Cameron go to prison and William in the bathroom. She hears two and Tamara have a little romance. All men fighting outside but as she ends well but there is a bit of a body attempts to flee, a doona is thrown count. A well-told, action-packed over her head and tied. Her captor story that moves along briskly. Wreck tries to tell her he is rescuing her. Tamara doesn't trust him. She is Major themes: wealth and power, Author: Fleur Ferris even more shocked when they go corruption, media control, fratricide, ISBN: 978-0143784319 back to the "Daily Mail" to find Simon truth without fear, grief, bullying. Published: 03/07/2017 and Darryl who run it both shot dead. Please be aware: 1. Language: Publisher: Penguin Random Zel, her rescuer, tells her they are bloody x 1, shit x 5, bitch x 1, f**k x 4 House caught in a conspiracy involving (p31, 32, 133, 170), prick x 1, Jesus x the powerful Chisel family. He 2. » PUBLISHER’S DESCRIPTION believes his half-brother Knox is Tamara Bennett is going to be the responsible for Christian's death first journalist to strictly report only and has been killing people who good news. Finished with high Recommended age: 15 years + find notes in bottles that Christian Suitable class novel: NO school, Tamara is ready to say sent. Good read rating: %%%%% goodbye to her sleepy little town Literary value rating: %%%%% and part-time job at the local paper. The other story line is told by William Chisel (aka Zel), a boy O-weeks awaits, which means bullied by Knox and his criminal parties, cute boys and settling into mate, Cameron. On the night the student res with her best friend boat sank, Knox was drunk so Relle. Things take an unexpected Christian gave him his life jacket. turn, however, when she arrives All other members of the family home to find her house ransacked made it into the life boat and and her life in danger. What is this washed up on the beach of a rocky mysterious note? And why does it island. Knox washed up on another mean so much to one of Australia's part of the island. William saw him most powerful media moguls? from a hill top but didn't realise Caught between a bitter rivalry and until much later that he could have dangerous family secret, who can hidden an unconscious Christian in Tamara trust? Or should she trust a cave. herself? The family is rescued but Christian's body is never found. Tamara turns » OUR REVIEW herself into the police when she This thriller is told from two points hears she and William are suspected of view which converge over a five of killing Darryl and Simon. Then year period. Tamara Bennett has she discovers, Knox has spread finished up her job as the good rumours that William has mental news reporter at the "Coastal Daily" problems and is leaving the notes and is off to university the next day. and killing people. Knox has taken over the family business, married

40 | The Book Curator: August 2017 USEFUL INFORMATION

Creative Festivals and Conferences and websites literary events seminars

Reading Australia Bendigo Writers Festival Making the Most of Data - School Library Association of Keep up-to-date with reading 11 - 13 August, 2017 Victoria (SLAV) guides and competitions for Bendigo, VIC students. bendigowritersfestival.com.au 10 - 11 August, 2017 readingaustralia.com.au Melbourne, VIC Mudgee Readers’ Festival tinyurl.com/y7dqpfct Andy Grifths 10 - 13 August, 2017 Inspire, Ignite, Innovate - Andy Grifths has been declared Mudgee, NSW Abbotsleigh TL Conference the best-selling Australian author mudgeereaders.com afer the huge success of his 11 August, 2017 Treehouse series. Corrugated Lines: Sydney, NSW andygrifths.com.au A festival of words tinyurl.com/ybxdhwpt 11 - 13 August, 2017 Andy Grifths Writing Leading a Digital School Broome, WA Competition 2016 Winner Conference 2017 tinyurl.com/z2fgv7q The Treehouse Hospital for Babies 17 - 19 August, 2017 was the 2016 competition winner. Sunshine Coast International Gold Coast, QLD Readers and Writers Festival tinyurl.com/y7xwfa2 tinyurl.com/zf6ysd2 12 August, 2017 The Bad Guys Trailer (60 Second Coolum Beach, QLD Inclusive Directions for Version) - YouTube Education: LSTAQ tinyurl.com/yaajzvsb This trailer provides an intriguing 15-16 September, 2017 introduction to the chapter book Salisbury Writer’s Festival Brisbane, QLD series by Aaron Blabey. 18 - 27 August, 2017 tinyurl.com/yacalpnq tinyurl.com/ydyocjrv Salisbury, SA Future-Proofing tinyurl.com/yb3wysum Using Venn Diagrams with STEM Industries Summit Books - Stories and Children The Sutherland Shire 19 – 21 September 2017 Venn Diagrams allow comparison Writers’ Festival Sydney, NSW and contrast in both factual and 19 August, 2017 tinyurl.com/ybrtmqko fiction areas of study. Gymea, NSW tinyurl.com/ycn4oh4b shirewritersfestival.weebly.com

Blog: On maps in children’s StoryArts Festival Ipswich Quote of the books (and how much we love 2 - 10 September, 2017 them) Month Ipswich, QLD Maps in books provide a new world tinyurl.com/pmvjvb6 Librarians are for the reader to walk into. tinyurl.com/y8lth3kt The Australian Reading Hour generals in the war on 14 September, 2017 ignorance. readinghour.org.au —Edna indulgy.com

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

bookcurator.com.au | 41 INDEX

This issues titles in alphabetical order

All Too Much: Hopewell High Patty Hits the Court: The Scrufy Sea Otter: Jo Cotterill ...... 26 Game Day! #1 Zoe’s Rescue Zoo Patty Mills and Jared Thomas ...... 19 Amelia Cobb ...... 19 Deadly Magic: Agent Nomad #2 Skye Melki-Wegner ...... 37 Pudding in Peril: The Shop at Hooper's Bend Vet Cadets #2 Emily Rodda ...... 23 Eric Finds a Way Rebecca Johnson ...... 24 Robert Vescio ...... 15 The Sleepy Snowy Owl: Running on the Roof of the World Zoe’s Rescue Zoo Feathers Jess Butterworth ...... 24 Amelia Cobb ...... 19 Phil Cummings ...... 14 Ruben The Traitor and the Thief Fenn Halflin and the Seaborn Bruce Whatley ...... 18 Gareth Ward ...... 32 Francesca Armour-Chelu ...... 22 Ruby Wishfingers: The Way Back Home Fox and Moonbeam King of the Castle Allan Stratton ...... 36 Aleesah Darlison ...... 14 Deborah Kelly ...... 18 Third Witch Girls Can't Hit Sanguine: Jackie French ...... 29 Tom Easton ...... 34 The Sentinels of Eden #2 Tug of War How Lunchbox Jones Carolyn Denman ...... 33 Naomi Haworth ...... 19 Saved Me From Robots Sarah and the Steep Slope Jennifer Brown ...... 21 Two Rainbows Danny Parker ...... 16 Sophie Masson ...... 17 I Just Ate My Friend Shaozhen: Through My Eyes - Heidi McKinnon ...... 14 Wreck Natural Disaster Zones Fleur Ferris ...... 40 Kid Normal Wai Chim ...... 22 Greg James and Chris Smith ...... 20 Sky Liana's Dance Ondine Sherman ...... 39 Rosanne Hawke ...... 32 Sparrow Look Out, Pink Piglet Scot Gardner ...... 38 Phil Cummings ...... 17 The Brown Dog Love & Gelato Gina Inverarity ...... 15 Jenna Evans Welch ...... 30 The Dream Walker Mission Alert: Island X Victoria Carless ...... 37 Benjamin Hulme-Cross ...... 25 The Eureka Key: Mission Alert: Viper Attack Secrets of the Seven #1 Benjamin Hulme-Cross ...... 25 Sarah L. Thomson ...... 26

My Evil Twin is a Supervillain The Island at the David Solomons ...... 21 End of Everything Karen Millwood Hargrave ...... 31 My Name is Not Refugee Kate Milner ...... 17 The Night Box Louise Greig ...... 15 Out of Heart Irfan Master ...... 35 The Ones That Disappeared Zana Fraillon ...... 27 Paper Cranes Don't Fly Peter Vu ...... 28 The Rabbit-Hole Golf Course Ella Mulvey ...... 16 Passing for White Tanya Landman ...... 27 The Sandcastle Empire Kayla Olson ...... 29

42 | The Book Curator: August 2017 What’s on the horizon

bookcurator.com.au | 43 -Cover 07 2017.qxp_Layout 1 2/8/17 5:29 pm Page 2

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