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

Title:

Author: Gabriel Bergmoser

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: 14+ 

I stared at her and tried to remember the script. But the script was based on asking her how she felt about me, which now seemed obvious. I couldn't remember what I'd written down to say if she said yes" (P177)

Nelson is an awkward, fourteen-year-old nerd who makes a disastrous attempt to ask the girl that he likes out on a date - by email. Embarrassed by her refusal, Nelson is thrilled when his parents accept a job at the local ski lodge for the season. Left mostly to himself, Nelson inadvertently ends up in a love triangle, enters The Whitt - a classic skiing race for seriously good skiers, (which he is not) and tells a few little white lies along the way. Nelson can't outski the repercussion of his actions but he does learn that we all have flaws and that life has a lot of jumps along the way.

* covers additional reading for a range of texts by Australian authors and texts chosen by students for personal interest and enjoyment. Stage 5 English Core representation of Life Experiences; and, Stage 6 Text and the Human Experience

Title: Birdy

Author: Sharon Kernot

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: 14+ (contains references to trauma)

"I have not yet spoken one word to anyone here, outside my family, but maybe today that will change. Maybe today my words will uncork themselves and flow like something liquid" (Pg 46)

Maddy has selective mutism - she is choosing not to speak after "The Incident". Alice is waiting for her daughter, Birdy, to come home. It's been 45 years since Birdy left. When Maddy and her family move to a farmhouse near Alice's town, these two unlikely people connect until Maddy takes something precious.

Title: The Weaver and the Witch Queen 

Author: Genevieve Gornichec

Reviewer: Natalie Lincoln

Audience: Middle High School

“… a woman need not be defined by her men…she can stand for herself and make her own way” (p490)

Genevieve Gornichec’s historical fantasy, The Weaver and the Witch Queen, begins in the adolescence of protagonist, Gunnhild, and sisters, Signy and Oddny. Here we are introduced to the backstory of these Viking women – each with their own courageous story to tell. Gunnhild suffers an unpleasant mother, while her friends are victim to their farm being raided, leaving them tragically separated. Their bonds are strong, though it remains to be seen if they are deep enough to overcome the challenges before them – from those that wish them harm, and from those they fall in love with.

This novel is about women. Like many speculative fiction works, it delves into diversity and we are presented with an array of characters who enable a reader to explore the many guises people come in. What is enjoyable is the matter of fact nature of the characters and their exploits – Gunnhild’s wrestle with her conscience and marriage, Oddny’s monthly trials with her periods, and Signy’s silence about her traumatic ‘lost’ years when sold into slavery. Life, alongside the magic and mythology, happens in a very human way.

Beside the female characters are a host of male counterparts – they too trying to navigate power structures and relationships in a Viking world. An unquestioned respect for the women in their lives and their importance to community is prevalent. Though steeped in hierarchy, Viking society doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the role of women in all aspects of life.

Thematically, the novel seeks women’s truth. That being, as Oddny declares, “… a woman need not be defined by her men…she can stand for herself and make her own way” (p490). Alongside this, the story touches upon queerness and provides an interpretation of how a transgender person may have lived – providing, as is Gornichec’s style, a ‘real life’ representatiion of that diversity which has for so long been omitted from narratives. The novel is also about friendship, loyalty and the notion that family is what we make it.

While the novel may involve witches, seers and magical animals, it primarily deals with real life. Life for women and the many paths they may follow. It is an authentic life, and for that it can be harsh. With true friends, and a sprinkling of magic, there is the possibility and hope that one can find the joy of both independence and connection with others. Highly engaging and readable, The Weaver and the Witch Queen would be best suited to middle high school aged students.

Title: Twin Stars

Author: Charlotte Clutterbuck

Reviewer: Gabrielle Mace

Audience: Stage 3 - 4 readers

As the twins passed Athru, Sulaire felt the force of his hatred like the bear's stinking breath, and suddenly her head swam, and she saw, almost as if it was still happening, the Night of the Totems - the dark of the woods, the dim shape of the owl flitting over their heads, the ranks smell of the bear, the flash of moonlight on the salmon in its mouth.  Then her head cleared and she followed Bhoid down the track'. (p.98)

'Twin Stars' is the opening book in The Gannet Quartert series, set in Scotland in the late Mesolithic Age.  The novel follows the journey of twins, Sulaire and Bhoid, who each believe their destiny is pre-determined in their tiered society. Sulaire is a talented healer and Bhoid is a natural hunter, but both are unable to hone their skills in public as these roles are reserved for the most senior members of society. The twins battle normal sibling rivalry and jealousy, whilst also protecting and caring for one another. As the twins become separated the intensity of the story increases. Twin Stars is set on an island in Scotland and the vivid descriptions of the landscape are amazing and highly detailed, with the author having grown up on the island.

The story is a fast-paced, page-turner and sure to entice Stage 3 - 4 readers. Looking forward to reading the next instalment!

Title: The 169-Storey Treehouse

Author: Andy Griffiths

Illustrator: Terry Denton

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: 11+

Don't forget to read the second sign telling you not to forget to read the first sign telling you not to forget to shut the door before your start the the Weather up! (This definitely absolutely positively means YOU, Terry!)" By Order of Andy (P39)

Andy and Terry have done it again. they have added another 13 storeys to their Treehouse. The problem is, what do they put on the 169th floor? As Andy and Terry cope with Terry letting a cyclone and their doppelgangers loose, they are also discovered by the Truancy Officer who insists on taking them to school along with Jill, where they are sent to the Timeout Room on their first day. What happens next? Read it to find out.

Links to the English Curriculum

Title: The Art of Destiny (Book 2 in the Arts of War Saga) 

Author: Wesley Chu 

Reviewer: Kellie Nash

Audience: Mature 

 Jian looked aghast. 'But you can't change history.' 

'Of course, you can,' boy, said the whipfinger master, 'It's one of the biggest perks of winning wars.' (Page 97) 

This is a coming-of-age story where the child prophesied to defeat the Eternal Khan is not the chosen one. This is a coming-of-age story of chosen one, Jian, prophesied to defeat the Eternal Khan. This prophecy is wrong, and Jian is no different to the other students under the tutelage of grandmasters . We follow three protagonists, Jian, Qisami and Sali, each fighting for a different faction in this war. Chu writes them with complexity, guiding the reader to recognise each has flaws as well as admirable qualities and all sides of a war can justify their reasons to battle to the end. This is a saga celebrating magic, martial arts, and different types of heroes.  

Audience: Goodreads classifies this novel as adult. Few instances of language-use would require readers to self-censor.

Title:

Author: Anita Heiss

Reviewer: Donna Dobson

Audience: Stage 2

“With no thought for his own safety, Yarri paddled his bark canoe, leading the way with purpose, and heading out to save as many of the townsfolk as he could”.

A glossary is provided to aid the understanding of the Wiradyuri words, and there is a QR code which will help the reader learn how to pronounce the Wiradyuri words correctly.

This is an historical text with full page illustrations, and tells the story of the 1852 Great Flood of Gundagai, and the heroic actions of two Aboriginal men ( Yarri and Jacky Jacky).

The reader will gain insight into the Wiradyuri culture, local knowledge and language through the eyes of Yarri’s daughter, Wagadhanny.

KLAs: History; Geography

Title: Eleanor Jones is NOT a Murderer

Author: Amy Doak

Reviewer: Rhonda Bruce

Audience: Older Readers (contains drug references)

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry I thought you were a drug-dealing, knife-wielding psychopathic killer."

This time he does laugh. " Well, thank you Eleanor Jones for saying that." (Page 94)

An immensely readable Australian novel by author, Amy Doak.  Set in a small country town, it takes the new girl, Eleanor Jones, and has her involved in an attempted murder on her first day at a new school.  This is Eleanor's ninth school in five years. As she and her mum move so often, Eleanor has a technique for moving into new schools - stay on the outer and observe.  Unfortunately, another student that she meets on her first day and offers to help with his chemistry homework is stabbed that night and Eleanor has left the last text message on his mobile. Eleanor decides to investigate the stabbing with the help of an eclectic group of friends.  A real page-turner.