Title: Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop

Author: Alba Donati

Translated by Elena Pala

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

"That's how the idea to open a bookshop in a village in Northern Tuscany, on top of a hill, overlooking the Apuan Alps.  I got the idea so a mother from Salerno could gift her daughter two boxes full of Emily Dickson" (P8)

Alba left her fulfilling, hectic life as a book publicist in Florence and went home to Lucignana, a little village of 180 souls, in the hills of Tuscany, Italy. Alba had always dreamed of opening a bookshop and so she did. Alba's new venture survived fire and COVID restrictions but, surprisingly became well-known and has become a beacon and shrine for readers all over the world.

A warm, quirky and delightful book, containing a celebration of words, people, determination and resilience. Recommended for readers who would like a taste of another world. 

Title: 2024 Australasian Sky Guide

Author: Dr Nick Lomb

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: Stags 4 & 5

"The stars for Euahlayi in this Universe inform us of a great number of stories that our people connect with in life and in death" (P8) Uncle Ghillar Michael Anderson 

Recommended for viewers of the night sky, whether using backyard telescopes or on camping trips, this guide to the nigh sky has been updated annually since 1991. It contains updated information on the rising and setting times for the Sun and Moon, Tide Tables for Sydney and Highlights of the Night Sky for 2024, including when meteor showers will occur. 

Uncle Ghillar Michael Anderson provides an overview of "The Stars and Euahlayi Law".

*relevant to the Year 7-10 English Syllabus Wide Reading Program

Title: Ships in the Field

Author: Susanne Gervay

Illustrator: Anna Pignataro

Reviewer: Emily Basham

“Ma used to be a teacher before she came here. Now she makes dresses all day long. Pa used to be a farmer before he came here. Now he works at the car factory all day long”. (p. 5-6.)

Ships in the Field details one family’s experience of migration as seen through the eyes of a child, addressing the struggles and hardships that accompany living in a new and foreign country. Despite the trepidatious past and the unknown future ahead, this family is a happy one-though a new family addition would make our child narrator even more joyous.

Inspired by both the author and illustrator’s family immigration journey, this heartfelt picture book captures the realities of war in a real and genuine way. Whilst it includes more mature themes of war, immigrants, and other social justice issues, the subtle use of humour and delicate artwork sparks a feeling of hope for both the characters, and the reader.

This book has the simplicity to cater to Years K-2, whilst having the depth and underlying themes to address a more mature age group. Similar books include ‘My Two Blankets’, ‘The Day War Came’

Title: Burnt Eucalyptus Wood: On Origins, Language and Identity

Author: Ennatu Domingo

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: Stage 5

"When I move through the world, it doesn't bother me that before anything else they look at my 'packaging'. I am European, I am African. But I don't want to have to worry anywhere about my physical safety on account of the colour of my skin, and even less so at home, in Catalonia"(p 128)

Ennatu Domingo's stunning autobiography is a combination of the story of her nomadic childhood in Ethiopia, her adoption and life in Catalonia, interspersed with short reports on the politics and unrest in Ethiopia and Africa.  She tells her story in a stratightforward manner but with a love and understanding of her families and cultures. Ennuta describes what it is like to be adopted by people from another culture and the accidental and unexpected effects of being decultured, including the forgetting of one's own original language. She discusses belonging and identity in the outstanding authentic debut work.

An autobiography of journey and experiences, both incredibly truthful and poignant but full of hope and promise. 

*covers additional reading for Stage 5 English Core Representation of Life Experiences; and, Stage 6 Text and the Human Experience and Language, Identity and Culture

Title: Our Dark Duet

Author: V.E. Schwab

Reviewer: Natalie Lincoln

Audience:  12+

Kate, the pragmatic monster killer, listens to music as she hunts. Her friend (or enemy), August, plays music to reap the souls of sinners. When a new monster appears in the city of Verity, Kate must return from a new life in neighbouring Prosperity to defeat the shapeless beast that turns human against human. If they can unite, they might just win.

V.E Schwab’s Our Dark Duet is about the battle between good and evil, and is another tale questioning who is actually the bigger threat, the humans or the monsters. It is also so much more. Being a sequel, I’d advise reading That Savage Song first as I had to work to figure out the backstory of the cities of Verity and Prosperity and the complicated relationship between Kate, who fights both internal and external monsters, and August, a monster trying not to be one. Regardless, I was swept away with the increasingly fast paced action and read faster and faster, and with increasing nervousness, as the shadowy new monster rose.

Protagonist, Kate, cooly dispenses with monsters, and together, she and ‘frenemy’ August, are juxtaposed in a duel between human and monster, distrust and lust, and one is never quite sure, like themselves, which side they will land on. Almost more intriguing are the monsters -  the shadowy Corsai, spawned by violence and surviving on flesh; the corpse like Malchai, made by murder; and the most beautiful monsters, the Sunai, formed by major catastrophes and who play instruments to feed on the souls of sinners. From the striking Prelude, I was captivated by this world and the uniqueness of the characters, both human and monster.

There is an abundance of death in this novel. It is dark, and young adult readers will like it. In my school library this would however, be having an ‘older readers’ flag attached despite the recommended reading for 12 years+. For a story about monsters, the writing is mature, with a descriptiveness and detail that lifts it to the literary. The verse sections provide another refreshing element, reinforcing for me, that this novel is more than just a story about good versus evil. Stylistically the story is elevated beyond your ordinary fantasy genre of humans and monsters, resulting in a nuanced vision of the light and dark that exists in all of our souls.

Title: “Banjo, the Woylie with Bounce”

Author: Aleesah Darlison 

Illustrator: Mel Matthews 

Reviewer: Donna Dobson

Audience: 6 - 8 year olds

“Woylies are known as ‘farting rats’ because of the noise they make when frightened.”

"Endangered Animal Tales: The Woylie's Fight for Survival" beautifully combines fiction with facts to engage young readers in the plight of the brush-tailed bettong, also known as the woylie, an endangered species in Australia.

Through captivating storytelling, readers are transported into the world of this small marsupial, learning about its struggles for survival amidst habitat loss and threats from introduced predators. The vibrant illustrations complement the narrative, appealing to children's imaginations while also conveying the importance of conservation efforts. 

Despite the challenges faced by the woylie, the book ends on a hopeful note, highlighting the establishment of a sanctuary for these precious creatures, instilling a sense of optimism and empowerment in young conservationists. "Endangered Animal Tales: The Woylie's Fight for Survival" is both educational and inspiring, making it a must-read for children interested in wildlife conservation.

KLA: Science/ English

Title:  The Sun and Other Planets. A 3-D Solar System with Pop-Ups!

Author: Patricia Geis

Reviewer: Donna Dobson

Audience: 6-10 year olds

“The Sun, Earth, and Moon have been doing their dance in the universe for millions of years. But, they are not alone!”

‘The Sun and Other Planets’ is an exhilarating journey for young space enthusiasts, aged 6 to 10. Bursting with interactive features like pop-ups, sliders, and lift-the-flaps, this book transforms learning into an adventure. Each page invites exploration, making it impossible for curious minds to resist. The illustrations are set out on black pages and will captivate the reader while also delivering essential space facts.

However, parents should note that distances are measured in miles, which might require additional explanation for young readers accustomed to the metric system. Overall, “The Sun and Other Planets” is a stellar choice for igniting a passion for astronomy while providing hours of interactive fun.

KLA: Space

Title:

Author: Anne Keen

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: Stage 6

Karamea House tells the story of 17-year-old Sara Johnson, who faces many challenges in her life after her parents are killed in a car accident. Having lived in a very religious community all her life, Sara is sent to Karamea House where she begins to experience a different lifestyle and learns to make decisions about her own life and her future.

A story about self-discovery, coming-of-age, and being resilient.

*covers Stage 6 Text and the Human Experience

Title:  The Truth about Max

Author: Alice & Martin Provensen

Reviewer: Donna Dobson

Audience: K-2

The Truth about Max isa delightful tale that follows the adventures of Max, a cunning feline with a penchant for mischief. Through vivid illustrations, particularly on the double-page spread showcasing Max’s growth, readers witness his transformation from a small cat to a larger-than-life figure, mirroring his mischievous nature. The simplicity yet descriptive language adds charm to the story, with phrases like ‘big yellow eyes’ and ‘important tail’ painting a vivid picture of Max’s character. As Max navigates the barnyard, displaying his hunting prowess and teasing antics, young readers are sure to be captivated by his antics. However, Max’s journey extends beyond the farm, revealing a tiger-like demeanor as he ventures across the fields, adding an element of excitement and adventure. Children will undoubtedly adore Max for his blend of naughtiness and endearing qualities, making this book a delightful addition to any young reader’s collection.

Overall, The Truth about Maxis a charming story that combines engaging illustrations with simple yet descriptive language to bring Max’s escapades to life. With its lovable protagonist and relatable adventures, this book is sure to entertain and captivate young readers, making it a perfect choice for Storytime.

Title: The Upwelling

Author: Lystra Rose

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: Secondary 

"Tarni's hands are two stop signs in the air. I copy. She screeches and the same words over and over, which I don't understand. The tallest hunter bellows. I scowl at him, then at Tarni. Her eight words stop my questions. N'gian followers. The penalty is death" (p117)

Kirra, a descendant of a truth-dreamer and foreteller of the future, has an end-of-the- world nightmare which threatens her world's existence. As a keen surfer, Kirra enters a surfing competition which is being held where her brother was killed, and is tossed by a huge tunnel wave and ends up in the past in traditional lands. Kirra is befriended by Narn, a dolphin-caller, and the girl he loves, Tarni, who has a gift for understanding and speaking very language and dialect. Together these three face the evil Malung in order to save their past, present and future.

Strongly recommended to readers who love Fantasy and First Nations stories. Shortlisted for the 2023 Prime Minister's Literary Award for young fiction. Winner of the Black&Write! Writing Fellowship. 

*This novel dives deeply into the traditional culture of the Yugembah people. Highly relevant to the Year 7-10 English Syllabus Wide Reading Program and covers Cultural Diversity