November 25

‘Last Chance’ by Sarah Dessen

Last chanceShe is the girl who didn’t fit in and has to spend a summer in a town in the middle of nowhere with a weird aunty she has only met once. Struggling with body image Colie is thrown into the deep end of growing up with a distant, famous mother. Can she make her life her own?

The story is set in the town of Colby, a small town where everyone knows everyone and at the centre is the Last Chance Diner.

Nicole, or Colie as everyone knows her, is a 14-year-old fitness fanatic because her mum is the famous Kiki Sparks, aerobics extraordinaire. Colie has to spend the summer in Colby with her Aunt Mira, an eclectic card writer who lives by herself with her cat Norman. Mira also lives with a renter called Norman, an artist with dad problems. While in Colby, Colie befriends the waitresses of the Last Chance, Isabel and Morgan. Isabel is an opinionated free spirit and Morgan is engaged to baseball player Mark and always does everything right.

The story starts by Colie taking the train to Colby and saying goodbye to her mum at the train station. During the summer Colie gets a job at the Last Chance and experiences things she never had in regard to growing up, meeting guys and becoming comfortable in her own skin. She helps her friends go through some very rough times bringing them closer together and creating a summer they will never forget.

I liked this book because it has a relatable story line to many girls that would read the book in becoming self aware, making friends and dealing with bullies. It expresses that when you are feeling down you should talk to someone who is close to you because they may have had to deal with the same problem before and together you can get through it.

I would recommend this book to girls from the age of 10 as many at this age will be coming into contact with the struggles described in the book at this age.

Charlotte TH, Year 9

……..

This story is about an attitude-filled teenage girl named Colie, whose mum becomes famous after releasing a fitness programme. She and Colie lose a lot of weight from what they call the ‘fat years’ where they travelled from place to place trying to survive with little money. Colie is not excited when she finds out she has to move to a new town for the summer and stay with her strange Aunt, whilst her mum is having fun on her world tour. Colie makes friends for the first time in her life and transforms as a person, with some complicated romance and mean girls along the way.

I liked this book as it was interesting and got you hooked to find out what exciting things Colie will do next. I would recommend this book to teenage girls around the age of about 13-16.

Claire year 9

November 25

‘Go Ask Alice’ by Anonymous

Go ask AliceGo Ask Alice is a 1971 novel about the life of a troubled teenage girl. It is written by Beatrice Sparks in the form of the diary of an anonymous teenage girl who becomes addicted to drugs. (Wikipedia)

Alice is 15 years old and she is sadly suffering from depression. She records her thoughts and concerns about issues like crushes, weight loss, sexuality, social status and the troubles she is having with her parents.

This book is an amazing book for beginners to read and it is also a really good choice for teenagers as it can impact on the problems that are going on around them. This book truly has made me more aware of the people that I shouldn’t be around. I give this book a rating of 10/10.

Holly R., Year 9

………

Parties. Drugs. Sex. Secrets. Boys. A troubled teenage girl. Interested? Then the novel ‘Go Ask Alice’ is for you.

In ‘Go ask Alice’ you get a glance at the spine-chilling life and struggles of this 15 year old drug user. This novel is about an anonymous girl who moves to a new town and writes in a secret diary about her troubled life and her struggles. One single decision at a party changes her whole life dramatically. Throughout these diary entries, this innocent girl’s life turns upside after that party. ‘Alice’ drops out of school, becomes homeless, hitchhikes with a friend to San Francisco, delves into prostitution, parties regularly, uses drugs frequently, sells drugs to children and is sent to a mental hospital.

‘Alice’ cannot live without drugs now. Her mood alters depending on drugs. Her attitude depends on drugs and her actions also depend on drugs. Her new life revolves around drugs and there’s no going back to reality. I personally found this diary very remarkable and emotive that a girl my age went through all of this pain and the end result of her struggle was very clear, together with what was going to happen. This captivating realistic diary has edgy yet thrilling plot twists and decisions that make every page exciting, I would recommend this novel to teenagers, students my age and adults. I rate this inspiring eye-opening book 4 out of five stars because it’s a real wake up call to what happens when drugs take over your life.

By Lilli, Year 9

November 24

‘No Safe Place’ by Deborah Ellis

No safe placeThe novel titled “No Safe Place” is about a teenager named Abdul. He grew up in a country filled with war. At a young age Abdul lost both of his parents in war in his home country of Iraq. As Abdul attempts to travel to a new country he meets new friends along the way. He also meets people that are not so good. His goal is to get to England. As he travels to England he goes through a lot of difficult situations, such as trying to keep an ill child alive as his uncle attempted to kill him.

This story has messages that are relatable to the real world, such as the struggle of leaving war torn countries to be able to start a new life in a country that doesn’t have such issues. The story is also relatable to people that are in their teen years, because it shows people with characteristics such as having bravery and also having the courage to lead others to a safer place. These characteristics are important and appealing to people in their teenage years because as they grow older they might be called upon to be a school leader.

I would recommend this book to people who are teenagers or people who are in their early twenties because this book contains helpful insights to life and teaches these people about important characteristics that might come into play later in their lives. I would rate this book a 3/5. It was not a book that I personally enjoyed, however you may enjoy the book yourself so try it out for yourself.

Harrison H, Year 9

…….

No Safe Place is a book written by Deborah Ellis. A 15-year-old boy Abdul goes on a long and dangerous journey to England in hope of a new place where he hopes to find a job and live. However he must take many risks in the process.

Does this sound like the kind of book you love to read? If you like action and adventure then this is the book for you.

Abdul is from a small war-torn town near Baghdad. If he can get to England things will change for him. He sets out on a smuggler’s boat in hope of reaching a nice new city of Liverpool where he can then restart his life.

On his way to England Abdul meets new people at first who he does not trust or like. However gets stuck at sea with them so he has to work and trust them in order to succeed.

Abdul is a 15-year-old boy who is confident and has a lot of hope. Abdul has very little trust in people and takes a lot of risks. Cheslav is a 16-year-old Russian boy and is the more heroic leader kind of guy. He too is in hope of reaching England to restart over. Rosalia is a 16-year-old girl. She is the wisest one out of them all. She does not trust or care about any of the others. Jonah is an 8-year-old boy. He is the youngest. He is the smuggler’s nephew, who is afraid and uncertain about things.

I liked this book so much because it ticks all the boxes. I loved the plot of the story and how interesting it all was and how it never bored me. I recommend this book for both teenager and adults and anyone who enjoys an adventurous story.

Michael. B   Year 9

……

Have you ever felt stranded and isolated? How would you cope? This is the story of Abdul, a young man given a task: to survive. Deborah Ellis perfectly describes each detail of this captivating novel. She emphases on the small but intense question… “What is it like to be a refugee?”

The events that occur within this novel are certainly shape your outlook towards the character and it certainly creates a unique bond between you and the numerous main characters that are fighting for a chance for survival.

The situations he is placed in by the author immerse you in the action and make you feel as if you are within the same situation as the main characters. Near the beginning of the narrative the story starts to give a moral to the story. Through controversy comes friendship.

The book in itself is a very easy read, aimed at ages 12-16 plus. It uses basic and easily understandable vocabulary, and describes scenes in a very complex but easy manner by the addition of some bigger words. In addition to the creative narrative writing the way the story is interpreted through the reader was clearly a key focus to the author so that a sense of immersion could be established.

Overall the story is definitely worth a read. It has a great story that will instantly draw you into the narrative and it is also a relatable read for most ages. In my opinion the book does drag on a bit but right towards the end of the novel the story is resolved and it turns out that through all of the hardship and work by the main characters, and all the stress, the characters finally pull through all the controversy and all of their work finally pays off.

Hunter S: Year 9

……..

Have you ever wanted to know what type of hardship and struggle a refugee goes through to get to a foreign country? Have you ever wondered how much one person can lose in a lifetime? No Safe Place, a short novel by Deborah Ellis published in 2011, illustrated this superbly. This novel has taken me on an emotional rollercoaster causing me to never want to put it down.

This is the life story of the true events of Abdul, Rosalia, Cheslav and Jonah, all originating from completely different backgrounds who converge together as refugees on a boat bound for England. ­­­­But in the end it becomes a lot more than just that. The characters go on a journey of a lifetime together.

This book has all of the intense challenges that life can throw at it. These events entice the reader to create a bond with these real people, in real life situations. Ellis has such a simple and easy vocabulary, her books are appealing to teenage readers, but this ability doesn’t lessen the story or the mental images that she can create in the environment of an immigrant. An example of this is how she describes a brutal storm.

This is a survival story with adventure and struggle, following the life of four teenagers who have gone through it all to get to their ‘promised land’.

I would recommend this book to lovers of The Hunger Games series as it has many similarities and there isn’t too much genre difference. The link between these two books is through the survival aspect of the story and how they have to overcome insurmountable odds to survive.

In a supposedly harmonious world that we know, this book demonstrates that not everyone is living such a peaceful life and that elsewhere people experience extreme hardships and struggle to survive on a daily basis. The way that Deborah Ellis has described and designed the story line, in my opinion she has made this a written masterpiece.

I can assure you that I will miss these characters.

Jaiden, Year 9

November 24

‘The Wrong Boy’ by Suzy Zail

wrong boy“Being kissed by Karl Jager was devastating. And beautiful. War makes you do crazy things.”

Set amid the gruesome horror of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, World War II, The Wrong Boy tells the story of a forbidden and secret love between a young Jewish girl, Hanna, and the German son of a Nazi commander, Karl.

Hanna Mendel is a very talented teenage pianist from Budapest, Hungary who dreamed of becoming a famous concert pianist. Being a Jew, she had been living in a ghetto until her family was rounded up and sent to the concentration camp. Her father was separated from them upon arrival, which caused her mother to become mentally ill. Her mother was later also taken away. Hanna’s sister became sick, refusing to eat the food. An opportunity arises for Hanna when she has the chance to play the piano for the camp commander. She jumps at the opportunity.

Whilst Hanna is playing for the commander, she meets his son, Karl. Initially she doesn’t like Karl however over time she realises he is not the person she initially thought he was. They develop feelings for each other against all odds.

I really enjoyed this book because it felt real. This story could have really happened and I felt sympathetic to the characters’ situations. The book was accurate in its historical accounts of World War II and living conditions in the concentration camps. Young adults of my age haven’t really read many books that are set in this era so it was educational as well as an entertaining read.

I would recommend this book to anybody young or old who enjoys a love story or story of times of war. It was an easy read and moved along at an easy pace.

Tasmin C., Year 9

……..

The Wrong Boy by Suzy Zail is a story about a teenage girl named Hanna who lived in a poor town with her older sister Erika and their parents. During World War II the Nazis decided to displace all Budapest Jews from their homes and send them to another place called Auschwitz.

When Hanna, Erika and their mother were collected from their home, their father is also separated from them. A short while after, Hanna’s mother begins to go mentally insane and is taken away from Hannah and Erika, leaving both the girls to slowly starve to death, until Hanna receives an opportunity to become the commander’s pianist, which then helps to keep Hanna and Erika alive, as food is given to Hanna. As Erika is becoming more ill everyday, Hanna becomes more and more desperate to achieve her goal. When Hanna gets chosen to become the commander’s pianist she begins to gain extra food for her sister and herself until she begins to notice the commander’s son Karl.

Karl is a handsome boy who is completely unaware of anything around him including Hanna’s existence. Hanna is disgusted at Karl as she begins to think to herself that Karl is a lazy, good for nothing young boy who doesn’t care about the Jews his father is killing. Karl starts to notice Hanna as he sits and draws while Hannah plays the piano. As Hanna spends more time in the commander’s house she begins to notice more things, not only about the house but about Karl too. Before Hanna realises, she has fallen in love with the wrong boy.

I would recommend this book to young teenagers as it is a love story with historical events in it and would it relates to a younger audience.

I would rate this book a 4/5 stars as it is filled with detail and depth which is shown through the characters, story line and setting of the novel. This novel will leave you wanting to know more and more as you keep on reading, making it an exciting story.

Tahlia, Year 9

……

“Being kissed by Karl Jager was devastating. And beautiful. War makes you do crazy things.”

Hanna, a 15 year old talented pianist, lived in a small middle class ghetto with her mother, father and older sister, Erika. All of the Budapest Jews are collected and sent away to Auschwitz, separating Hanna, Erika and their mother from their father. The Nazis begin to strip the Jews of everything, causing their mother to go mentally ill to the state where they had to take her away from her daughters. With Hanna’s older sister, Erika, slowly starving to death, Hanna gets given the opportunity to audition to become the commander’s pianist to score some extra food to keep her sister alive. Hanna is more than desperate to be chosen, with her sister becoming more and more sick every day and the loss of both of her parents.

When she finally gets picked to play piano for the commander, Hannah is ordered to arrive at his headquarters to sit and wait quietly until he feels like listening to music. It was more than she expected, not in a good way either. She began to get extra food for herself and her sister secretly, and all seemed to finally become slightly bearable until Hanna begins to notice the commander’s son, Karl, living with his father. Karl is a handsome young boy who seems to be completely disinterested in Hanna’s existence and all of his surroundings. Hanna then develops a burning hatred for the boy who just sits there and does nothing. He does nothing to help, nothing to help the people that his father is killing. Karl just sketches on his expensive note pad with an expensive pen as he listens to Hanna cautiously playing on the piano.

The more time that Hanna spends in that house, the more things she notices. More secret things. Is Karl just more than just a pretty face? Is he more than what she thinks he is? Before Hanna knows it, she had fallen in love. Fallen in love with the wrong boy.

I recommend this book to teenagers aged 12+ since the moral and the wording of this story would be hard to understand and to relate to with a younger audience.

I’d rate the book a 4 out of 5 stars. It is a brilliantly worded piece. It has a lot of detail in the characters and the theme/setting of the book. It’s definitely one to draw you in and make you come back for more.

By Isabella N. Year 9

November 24

‘Six Impossible Things’ by Fiona Wood

Six impossible thingsHave you ever liked a girl so much that you thought it was impossible to ever talk to her and even be in a relationship with her? Dan Cereill has to deal with moving houses, new school hell, a mother with a wedding cake business that is failing, a dad that is gay, and a crush on the girl next door. At the moment his life is a mess, but he forgets about all his problems, and just narrows it down to just six impossible things.

I really liked this book because of the main character Dan Cereill. He dealt with his problems well, and wasn’t too dramatic about it all. I like how he thought it was impossible to do the Six Impossible Things but he was determined to do them and make things right.

I recommend this book to teens and young adults between the age of 12-20 who are interested in love stories. This book is a great example of love and is truly enjoyable for everyone. I would rate the book ‘Six Impossible Things’ 4 out of 5 stars.

Julius D, Year 9.

……..

Meet fourteen year old nerd boy, Dan Cereill. He seems like he is not quite coping as his mother has a failing wedding cake business, a straight out gay dad and did I mention his impossible crush on the hot girl next door, Estelle. Does this excellent novel sound like a read to you? I’d say that if you’re a teenager and into comedy and romance this is just perfect read for you!

The novel is set in Adelaide, Australia where Dan must adjust to moving houses and new school hell. As you can see, Dan has a lot of stress on his hands so he decides to make a list of six impossible things to do:

  1. Kiss Estelle
  2. Get a job
  3. Cheer my mother up
  4. I don’t want to be a complete loser at my new school
  5. Should talk to my father when he calls
  6. Figure out how to be cool

For most people, doing these things would be quite simple but not for Dan Cereill. The main characters in this novel are Estelle, Dan and Dan’s mother. Estelle is a funky and smart girl that Dan can’t get over. Dan is lovable and funny and is crushing hard on the girl next door. Dan’s mum is a charming and loving parent who is struggling at the moment.

I was really engaged with this novel as it was action packed, amusing, crazy and romantic. I couldn’t put it down. Overall I would rate this book “Six Impossible Things” an 8/10, as it truly is one of my favourite reads. To any young readers out there I would strongly suggest this novel.

Kai, Year 9

November 20

‘Back on Track’ by Margaret Clark

BACK on trackThis is a true story about a girl living a tougher life than most of you reading this now. Her name is Simone. She lives in a violent home and she is only 15 years old. Simone met a boy who promised her a new life, a good life. He wants to take her with him to the city to get away from her sister and her sister’s violent boyfriend, both of whom are drug addicts.

Simone is a very tough young girl who won’t let anyone treat her wrongly and is determined to turn her life around with the help of a boy that she has met and had ‘love at first sight’ with.

This is a beautiful story full of many emotions such as surprise, happiness, sadness and it even involves fear with unexpected events within her personal life and friends that she comes across throughout her journey.

Back on track will really make you think about what you have that makes your life easier and what you may take for granted that many people like Simone and her family might actually need more than you.

Be warned – if you pick this book up you will not be able to put it back down until you’ve finished because it is so interesting and I found this true story about a girl and her life more intriguing than any fiction book about wizards or secret agents.

This story had an effective use of realism to really put the reader in Simone’s shoes. It may not be as relatable as possible, but it still makes you feel sympathy and empathy. When Simone talked about her life with her family it makes you feel more grateful for the family that you have.

Arjun, Year 9

November 20

‘You Against Me’ by Jenny Downham

You against meWould you seek revenge if another guy hurt your sister? Right? You wouldn’t just sit back and let him get away with it, would you? Would you come to your brother’s defense for committing the assault?

This captivating book is set in a small town two hours out from London, Norfolk in England. Mikey McKenzie is an 18-year-old boy who tries desperately to keep his family intact. He is crazy about the protection of his younger siblings, Holly, 8, and Karyn, 15. He cooks, cleans, and takes care of his sisters as well as having another life outside of the house. Their mother spends most of the time in her bedroom recovering from a hangover. So, when Ellie comes home claiming that Tom Parker raped her, he’s not a happy man. Instantly, he seeks revenge.

Mikey’s mission is to bring down Tom Parker. Just when he thought nothing would stop him, love got in the way…

This book really appealed to me as the author, Jenny Downham, wrote it with such passion. She described the characters, settings and what was happening in the scenes so clearly that I could visually paint a picture of what was happening in my head. You could say the storyline grabs you like a hook and pulls you deep into the story, keeping you wondering what’s going to happen next. The progression of the story was perfect, with new twists and problems making sure I had my full attention on the book. I was crazily engaged and glued to this novel. Just how the author wrote the story switching between the two perspectives of Mikey’s and Ellie’s life made the story captivating. If you liked reading the book, ‘Before I Die’ by Jenny Downham, you will most probably enjoy this book.

I would have to recommend this book to people of various ages who are interested in reading heart-filled and romantic novels. This would be a great read for anyone aged fourteen and upwards. I’d rate this book ‘ You Against Me’ 4 out of 5 stars.

‘JIORDANA P. YEAR 9’

……..

“Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge.”

This is true for Mike, who was dreaming of revenge because Tom assaulted his sister. The mission of Mike McKenzie is to bring down Tom Parker for ruining his sister’s childhood. But he didn’t know that something would get in the way of his plan and change his vengeful mission.

The main characters in the book are Mike McKenzie, Tom Parker, Ellie Parker. Tom is a teenager who loves parties, drinking and smoking. Mike McKenzie is an overprotective brother to his sister and family, trying to fix his family problems. Tom’s sister, Ellie, believes that she knows a lot about her brother but doesn’t know he is keeping secrets.

There are many reasons why I liked You Against Me, including the fact that it was dramatic and always kept me on the edge wanting to read more.

I would recommend this book You Against Me to young adult female readers who enjoy confronting issues about family and teenagers falling in love.

Zara, Year 9

……

Would you seek revenge if another guy assaulted your sister? Would you come to your brother’s defense if he were convicted of an assault he said he didn’t make? This is the dilemma Mickey Mackenzie and Ellie Parker face in their attempt to seek justice for their siblings.

Mikey Mackenzie is an 18-year-old guy desperately trying to keep his family together. With his father nowhere to be seen and his 15 year old sister Karyn claiming she has been raped, he has to step up, provide the family with an income, keep his mother sane, take care of his younger sisters, and be the man of the family.

Ellie Parker is a 15-year-old girl desperately trying to live a normal life even after her brother was accused of sexual assault. Coming from a well-known wealthy family, her brother Tom’s accusation is the talk of the town. Ellie is trying her best to stick by her family and make sure her brother doesn’t go to jail, but after she finds out Karyn is no longer attending school Ellie becomes uncertain. Does she know Tom as well as she thought?

When Ellie and Tom meet, an undeniable and completely unexpected chemistry forms between the two. Mickey and Ellie are complete opposites but seem to find many similarities in each other, the main being that both of their families are falling apart because of the others, and that they are both falling for one another. But what will happen if anyone finds out? Will their love be strong enough to keep them together throughout the toughest times? Or will it all be too much?

The book ‘You Against Me’ is very well written and captivates the reader from the very start. Set in Britain, the book focuses on many issues relevant to teenagers today. It keeps you wondering from start to finish about the common but unrecognised crime of rape, endless drama, and the constant surprises. ‘You Against Me’ captures your attention and is the kind of book you could sit down and read for hours on end. I enjoyed how the book told the story from two different points of view and I loved the mystery the book created. I would recommend this book to any teenager or young adult, as it is very relevant and appealing to this age category.

If this sounds like the kind of book you would enjoy reading, I would definitely recommend it. I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

Mikayla S, Year 9

November 19

‘Chained’ by Lynne Kelly

CHAINEDIn the thick canopy of the North Indian jungle, we meet a young boy of 10 years old named Hastin. Hastin is from a little village. As his sister gets very sick, Hastin’s family borrows some money to pay the hospital. To pay off the debt, Hastin becomes an elephant keeper for a circus owner with a cruel heart. The elephant named Nandita is not just any ordinary elephant as she can balance milk bottles on its trunk and play soccer. Hastin quickly becomes attached to the elephant as he spends a lot of his time with the great animal and they soon become friends. But when the elephant under-performs, the cruel owner has the elephant chained up and hurt with a great, big hook until she finds it in her to learn the new trick. Hastin tries to protect Nandita, which creates conflict between him and the cruel circus owner and they both have to try and escape. Hastin is a hard working young kid who only wants the best for his family so he works for his sister’s hospital bill. The elephant Nandita is described through the book as a sweet little elephant and finds a way to get into the reader’s heart and makes the reader feel nice.

I enjoyed the book ‘Chained’ because the book I think is designed from ages 12 and up and the author paints a brilliant picture of the landscape and the feelings and shows the pain of Hastin when Nandita is chained and hurt with the hook. The story moves along throughout the novel so well that anyone of close to any reading capability can understand it and it perfectly conveys the stress of Hastin, although in my personal opinion I would have liked to have known more of the background of each character being introduced into the story and I have liked to have known a bit more about the North Indian village.

I recommend this book to most teens and most adults between the ages of 12 and 60 who likes a book based on a true story with sad moments which gives a heart warming aspect to the book. It’s also great for readers who are interested in Indian culture and history of the circus. I would rate ‘Chained’ by Lynne Kelly 4 and a half stars out of five.

Daniele, Year 9

……..

“A young elephant that is chained will try hard to free itself but once it gives up, it gives up forever. Even when it is strong enough to break its chains, it will not. So it is that the smallest chain can hold the largest elephant.”

Chained by Lynne Kelly is set in villages and camps situated in a forested area such as Cambodia. The main character is a young boy named Hastin, whose young sister Chanda has fallen so ill she has been rushed to hospital. However there’s one problem: Hastin’s family doesn’t have the money to pay for the hospital bills. Because of this Hastin sets out to find a job and eventually ends up working as a caretaker for an elephant named Nandita for a circus owned by a horrible man by the name of Timir. There are also two other men that work for Timir: Ne Min the cook and Sharad the trainer. Timir treats everyone badly including Nandita. Nandita was meant to be trained by Sharad, but Sharad was lazy and never did any work. He orders everyone around and takes credit for their work. When Hastin sees the opportunity to free Nandita, does he succeed or does the story go in another direction?

I enjoyed reading this book, as it was filled with emotions that kept me reading more. It was filled with mystery, it had many twists and unexpected turns. It showed realistic scenarios that occur today, families not having enough money to pay for medical help, child labour and animal cruelty. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages that enjoy an emotional mysterious story. Overall this was a good read that I would recommend to most people.

Liam, Year 9

……..

“A foolish man believes he can trick an elephant.”

The story is based in the villages of North India where Hastin lives. After the home setting it quickly moves into a circus set where a lot more of the story is based.

The main character Hastin has an extreme drive to help his sister with her medical bills and to set his elephant, Nadita, free. This makes Hastin a very likeable character because of his determination. He is only 10 years old and is younger than his sister and pretty sneaky to be able to try and help Nadita who is getting very messed treated as an elephant.

Chained by Lynne Kelly, is set in villages in North India. The main character is a boy named Hastin whose older sister Chanda has fallen so ill she has been sent to hospital. However, Hastin’s family is extremely poor and cannot afford to pay for the hospital bills. Because of this Hastin sets out to find a job and eventually ends up working as a caretaker for an elephant named Nandita for a circus owned by a horrible man by the name of Timir. There are also two other men that work for Timir, Ne Min the cook and Sharad the trainer. Timir treats everyone badly including Nandita. Nandita was originally meant to be tamed by Sharad, but Sharad was lazy and never did any work. He orders everyone around and takes credit for his or her work. When Hastin sees the opportunity to free Nandita, does he succeed or not?

The reason I liked the book is because it goes through multiple emotions and makes you think about how much poverty people are living in and the conditions they are under.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read emotional books and like a good story line. It also has a touch of adventure from Hastin trying to escape with the elephant Nadita from the circus they both are in.

Eric B., Year 9.7

November 19

‘Loyal Creatures’ By Morris Gleitzman

loyal creaturesHave you ever wanted to hear a story about a boy who went to WW1 with the Light horse? Me too! Time to hop right into the report.

Frank Ballantyne is keen to join the Light Horse and do his bit in the war effort. So Frank fakes his age and volunteers with his horse Daisy … and his dad. In the deserts of Egypt and Palestine he experiences all the adventure he ever wanted to know about the exciting war, and a few things he wasn’t expecting. Sad moments, love and the chance to make the most important choice of his life. From being at Gallipoli to the famous charge at Beersheba, through to the end of the war and its unforgettable aftermath, Frank’s story tells a lot about WW1 and grows out of some key moments in Australia’s history.

The main character is called Frank who is a fifteen-year-old boy who had his mum pass away and has a crush on the girl who works at the pharmacy.

The other main character is named “Dad” and he is mostly known for not wanting for his son to go to war, and later on meeting up with his son in war.

He also has a horse named Daisy who goes to war with him. As the story develops, so does their friendship and their bond as a boy and his horse.

I enjoyed reading this book because of the emotional roller coaster that it takes you on while reading this book; they can make you feel a range of different emotions, which is why I found this book very enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to an age demographic of 12 and above because of its disturbing scenes when going to war. It is also a good read for anyone who fancies a book about true friendship and bonding.

-Robbie W, Year 9

 

November 16

‘The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne

Boyinthestripedpyjamas“…Despite the mayhem that followed, Bruno found that he was still holding Shmuel’s hand in his own and nothing in the world would have persuaded him to let go.”

The Boy In Striped Pyjamas will have you on the edge of your seat with its thrilling content and interesting characters. Bruno and his family have just moved to Auschwitz, but Bruno knows that something weird is going on in his father’s office. When Bruno and his sister were looking through the window one day they saw something unusual. To them it just looked like a farm with some people wandering around, but little did they know it was more that… much more than that. Later, after listening to his father’s lecture on not going near the “farm”, Bruno decides to take an adventure. As he gets closer to the so what “farm” he sees a large fence that goes the whole way round the farm. He realizes that the people there are men and boys wearing striped pajamas. One day he came across a little boy about his age. Shmuel and Bruno became friends separated by the fence. Bruno had no idea what was going on on the other side of the fence but neither did Shmuel. They both thought it was some sort of family camp but they did not realize what was coming their way.

I really enjoyed The Boy In The Striped Pajamas. I found myself glued to the book, as the plot got so thrilling. I loved how the author left me on the edge of my seat, wanting me to keep reading.

I would recommend this book to 14-20 year olds who are interested in plots based on real life stories. I would rate this book 4 ½ out of 5 stars.

Macy G, Year 9

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Think about your life at the moment; think about your friends and family. Now imagine if you and your family had to leave all your relatives and close friends to live in a secluded area that you had never even heard of! For ten-year-old Bruno this was exactly the case!      Bruno was only young and his father was a very high up figure in the German army during WW2. Bruno didn’t like his new life, but eventually he came to terms with it. Due to the young boy’s innocence, he knew nothing of the terrible things that went on in the death camps that lay only a few meters away from his new home.

Bruno couldn’t stand his boredom, so one day he decided to go exploring, and discovered a boy named Shmuel who was on the opposite side of a big fence. He could never understand why, but one thing he did know was that everyone on the other side of the fence wore ‘striped pyjamas’. The two boys became best friends and their friendship grew stronger. The boys would talk almost every day and both enjoyed discovering new things. Their curiosity and need for adventure ended up with heart-breaking consequences.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas written by John Boyne is thrilling, emotional and full of adventure. The characters, storyline and themes associated with this book will keep you on the edge of your seat! The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas relates to many different readers. I was instantly captivated with the way the author wrote about such an important time in our history. This story was one of the best that I have ever read, as the author plays on so many emotions.

I recommend this book to people 13 years and over of any gender because the concepts are more relevant to this age group. I would give this book a 5 star rating, as I loved everything about.

Alannah A., Year 9

November 16

‘Ruby Red’ by Linzi Glass

ruby redDo you enjoy reading romantic romance novels? Novels filled life and suspense? Then Ruby Red is a fantastic option for you.

Ruby Red is about a 17-year-old, girl named Ruby whose parents treat everyone of all races equally. Ruby becomes close to a character called Julian. She falls deeply in love with this character. He is a blue-eyed African. This is not acceptable and people disapprove of her love for Julian. This caused many problems in the story such as her mum helping ‘black’ people show their love and passion for art and her dad helping the Africans break out of jail.

I enjoyed and loved that I could relate to other teenagers in a different society as well as the heart-warming storyline and the themes in this book. This I feel is an easy read except for some scenes, which made it a bit more difficult to picture the image in my head.

I recommend this book to teenage girls between the ages of 12-18, because I feel anyone younger would not understand the meaning of this book and anyone older would not connect with the characters and storyline as much. This book is for people who like exciting stories with a bit of romance. Personally, as a teenage girl, I can relate to some of the topics mentioned and overall the whole idea of this book interested me.

You have to read this book, especially if you love romance with suspense. It’s a great book as teens can relate to scenarios mentioned in this book. I rate it 4/5 stars.

By Grace, Year 9

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If you enjoy reading romantic novels filled with heartache and suspense that make you feel like you can relate to the story, then I suggest you read Ruby Red.

Ruby, the main character, is a 17-year-old girl whose family treats everyone with equality and respect. Julian, a dark-skinned blue-eyed African sends Ruby head over heels for him. Many people disapprove of this love, which causes many problems throughout this story. Ruby’s mum helps dark people express their love for art and her dad ends up helping the Africans out of jail.

I loved how relatable this book was for teenagers, especially in our society. It also included a very influential message. You don’t have to be the best reader to read this book. I found it was an easy read and very easy to understand. There were a couple of scenes in this book that were very busy and had a lot going on which made it a bit harder to comprehend.

I’d recommend this book to teenage girls between 12-19, as younger girls would not be able to understand the storyline or message as well but any older I believe would not be able to connect as much to this book or the characters’ personalities. This book is overall very exciting and makes you want to read more. I also really like this book personally as I feel I can connect easily to the storyline and there’s always something happening, which keeps it interesting. I would rate this book a 4/5, as it includes, heartache, suspense, romance and is relatable.

Chloe, Year 9

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If you love a forbidden love story with adventure in it I suggest you read Ruby Red by Linzi Glass.

Ruby is a white girl who lives with her family in Johannesburg in the town of Seweto where there is hate and anger by ungrateful people. Ruby is a popular girl who is trying to fit in. But behind that, Ruby isn’t who everyone thinks.

Ruby suddenly falls in love with Johann who is African. It is forbidden that black and whites have a connection.

The main characters in the book are Ruby, Johann and the mother Annabelle. Ruby is kind, loving and stands up for what she thinks is right. Her mother Annabelle owns the art gallery and treats the black and white with the same respect. She doesn’t judge. Johann is charming, kind and handsome. That plays a major role in the book.

I enjoyed this book because it teaches you to have respect for others and not judge them. This is a different book from any other book as it talks about the life of blacks and whites and how it’s not respectful to treat people differently. As for Ruby’s family, her family treats both of them with the same respect and don’t judge anyone.

I recommend this book to teenage girls of ages 12-17, as it is based on romance and adventure. Under the age of 12 might not understand the meaning of the story.

In conclusion, Ruby Red is a great book to read and it talks about the history, love and adventure between the blacks and the whites.

Charlie, Year 9

November 13

‘Brotherband: The Outcasts’ by John Flanagan

BrotherbandImagine you and your friends are on a splintered ship sailing through the treacherous, rough and unforgiving seas. Well that is what Hal, a young Viking in training has to face in order to get his victorious title.

This amazing novel is only one of many of John Flanagan fictional quests and is certainly a thrill to the reader. It is filled with challenges, raids and extraordinary adventures that leave you in cliff hanging suspense. John Flanagan has started an extremely enjoyable series and his endless thought and amazing plot lines make this book impossible to overlook.

Life for Hal has never been great. He has had to grow up without a father figure to look up to, which is difficult when you live in a town best known for its warriors. He is also known as an outcast due to his heritage, a slur that will stay with him for the rest of his life. But Thorn, Hal’s best friend, slowly shakes him out of that thought and helps him become the leader and warrior he always wanted to be and, in the future, needed to be.

The cruel and harsh trial of the Brotherband training is the only way anyone in the town can become a fierce warrior. Teams are put head to head and try to survive the fierce environment that the Brotherband’s training has to offer. When the rules change and a third team is allowed to participate, Hal finds himself with the role of captain of the ship Heron and a crew of outcasts like himself who have barely even seen each other. It is up to Hal to show his team what the Brotherband training is really about and train them harder than they have ever trained before so as they can have even the slightest chance of winning.

This is an unbelievable novel and I have read nothing like it. In every corner you are given close calls and kept in cliff hanging suspense. John Flanagan’s amazing skills of writing thrilling adventure, action and fantasy novels have really excelled in this book especially. He sets the scene perfectly and with such attention to detail, so much so that it actually feels like you are in the action.

I highly recommend this book, especially to teenage boys looking for an amazing adventure. This is definitely one of John Flanagan’s best and he keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very end. I give this book a 5/5 as it kept me in the thrill and action of a real medieval Viking journey from beginning to end and is a fantastic start to a series that I am now looking forward to reading.

Caillin, Year 9

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Are you a person who loves adventure books filled with challenges and fighting? Well Brotherband: the Outcasts is the book for you with many adventurous challenges involving navigation and battling. The story is set in the times of the Vikings on an island called Skandian where groups of boys are placed into bands where they must complete challenges for points.

Hal is the main character in the story who unwillingly finds himself the leader of the Herons whose guardian is his friend Thorn who was requested to protect Hal by Hal’s father when he died.

I liked the book because the book has interesting challenges and makes you not want to put the book down. This is also a good book because it had heaps of action to keep the book exciting and the book is easy to read and people can easily relate to some characters.

I would recommend this book to males aged between 12 and 17 who are interested in action-adventure books because teenagers can relate to some characters.

I would rate Outcasts a 4 out of 5 stars because it is an enjoyable book to read.

I personally don’t know why you haven’t read this book yet if you haven’t read it. You won’t regret it. It’s a ‘must read’ book.

Jack, Year 9

November 13

‘The Fault in Our Stars’ by John Green

The fault in our stars“You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world…but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices.”

John Green has written some of the best books that have been published. As well as this book he has also written books such as Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns. This particular book is mainly based around two main characters called Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. Hazel Grace has been diagnosed with lung cancer. When she starts going to a support group she meets a guy named Augustus Waters. At first they don’t see eye to eye on everything but as the book progresses, they begin to feel very fond of each other and begin to realise that they have similar interests and life goals.

‘“I’m on a roller coaster that only goes up,” he said. 
“And it is my privilege and my responsibility to ride all the way up with you,” I said.’

I found this a very intriguing book because when you start reading it, it’s incredibly difficult to put it down. Some of the scenes in this book very much relate to younger people and issues that they are faced with, which is a good way to get people’s attention. In my opinion, John Green is one of the best authors that you will come across because his books remind people that not everyone is as they first appear to be, and that if you look deeper and get to know them better, you may find yourself meeting a whole new person. I would highly recommend this book to young women from the ages of 12-20 and especially if you enjoy a good heart-filled, edgy novel. Even if you’re not a reader you should give this book a try. I rate this book five out of five stars and guarantee you will love it as much as I do.

~Emma H, Year 9

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“I fell in love the way you fall asleep; slowly then all at once.”

Meet Hazel Grace Lancaster. She is 16 and affected by one of the worst diseases on the planet: cancer. Diagnosed with an untreatable form of thyroid cancer at the age of thirteen, which had since spread to her lungs causing them to occasionally flood with fluid, the condition has made breathing a problem without the assistance of her oxygen tank, which she called Phillip. Hazel described her condition as, “My lungs suck at being lungs.”

Hazel doesn’t attend school and is diagnosed with depression by her doctor, due to the fact that she barely leaves the house, eats little and reads the same books over and over. Her doctor also insists that she visits a cancer support group to make friends. This is where she meets Gus, who is also a 17-year-old cancer survivor with humour and a lot of love to give. After they meet, they fall hopelessly in love with one another and from then on is a mystery for you to discover.

This book is a fictional book full of romance and adventure of two love-struck cancer survivors living their lives to the fullest. I find this book a great read due to the fact it teaches you how precious life and love are. Also it shows that life is unfair in many ways and we need to push through even if you have no hope. I found it an incredibly hard book to put down and I am in love with John Green’s other books, including Looking for Alaska. I recommend it to mostly teenage girls, due to the fact that it is more of a romance novel. I rate The Fault in Our Stars 4 out of 5 stars.

Jess.R, Year 9

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“ Some infinites are bigger than others”.

Cancer is such a dreadful disease and an emotionally draining experience. The fault in our stars is set in a small town in Indiana. This novel is about teens suffering from illnesses that meet at a support group each week. One week a new member joins the group and this is the start of when the two main characters fall in deep unconditional love.

This book is very well structured with realistic aspects, which create an engaging story line to follow. The Fault In Our Stars is about a Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old girl suffering from lung cancer, who has a love for a certain book named ‘Imperial affliction’. Hazel meets a cancer survivor named Augustus Walters at a local support group called ‘The Literal Heart of Jesus’. This support group is for teens suffering from an illness which prevents them from having a normal life. This book is about Hazel and August’s emotionally insightful journey together. John Green creates a story filled with romance, bravery, friendship, quirkiness, excitement and emotional conflict, bringing laughter and tears to the reader. The author uses a great range of dialogue as well as descriptive and poetic language. This makes the book full of depth and intensity, which comes as an easy read.

In conclusion I believe The Fault In Our Stars is perfect easy read for female teenagers who love a good romantic, heart-filled book with a pinch of adventure. This book is about the story of two cancer patients who go on a wonderful journey. This book will bring laughter and tears to the reader.

Tiana, Year 9

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‘The Fault in Our Stars’ is a novel by author John Green. The story follows the main character, sixteen-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster, who battles with thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer develops when the cells of the thyroid gland grow and divide in a disorderly way. Not only is Hazel trying to live a normal life, but she is also struggling with the fact that her parents will have to live and learn to be without her after she passes away. While attending a church support group for cancer survivors, as her parents believe she is depressed because she has cancer, she meets a boy who is one year older than her, Augustus Waters. Augustus has a type of cancer that causes him to lose his leg and wear a prosthetic, called Osteosarcoma.

From the first day that Hazel meets Augustus the two are practically inseparable. Being diagnosed with cancer is the basis of their friendship and their love for books. Hazel shares her favourite book, ‘An Imperial Affliction’ with Augustus, and they bond over this book and have a burning desire to find out how the story ends because the author stops the book before providing the conclusion about what happens to each of the characters. Augustus joins Hazel’s pursuit of the book’s author, Peter Van Houten, to provide the answers that they need. Augustus uses a wish foundation to fly him and Hazel to Amsterdam, where the author lives, to talk with him in person to find out the end of the story. While experiencing each other’s hobbies and interests on the way, the two find a love for each other.

This novel is relatable to teenagers as teen issues are addressed in this book. I recommend this book to teenagers, young adults between the age of 12 and 25 who are interested in a heart-filled, romantic and exciting novel containing life lessons. I find this book an amazing read. I’d rate this novel ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ 4 out of 5 stars. Mia R, Year 9

November 12

‘Butterflies’ by Susanne Gervay

butterflies‘Butterflies’ written by Susanne Gervay is a book of beauty and hope. Katharine, the girl with burns, dreams of being a normal girl, not having scars on her face. She is 17, has a caring family and friends but missing something in her heart. Even with all the regrets and self-pity passing through her brain she still looks for the one.

The story is based around a girl called Katharine. When she was 3 she accidentally fell in a pit of fire and suffered severe third degree burns all around her body. Now, at almost 18 the burns are still there and troubling her. She hates being the girl with the scars and wants to be a normal girl:

‘I know there are miracles. The professor said there are miracles. I’ll have soft skin and pretty hair one day, I’ll wear my hair up. I’ll be like everyone else. One day.’

This book is enjoyable because the author described Katharine’s emotion very evocatively making the reader relate to her. Every chapter constructs and develops her emotions more deeply, and at times takes a very depressing tone. Due to the dark atmosphere and themes throughout the novel it leads it to being a difficult and confronting read, suited for a more mature audience of ages between 14 and 18. I rate this book 3 out of 5 because it’s a very touching story but could have been described from another character’s point of view, as it made the protagonist seem very self-centered and self-indulged.

– Paulette I Year 9

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Like butterflies, those who survive burns defy their fragility to migrate large distances and find warm climates. Butterflies was written for all those heroes who survive burns for all those special people who help them on their great journey.”

Everything was kind of average for Katherine in her daily life. Katherine was severely burnt at the age of three, but once she started to believe in miracles, she started to become more comfortable with her appearance and what people would say. “I know there are miracles. The professor said there are miracles. I’ll have soft skin and pretty hair one day. One day, I’ll wear my hair up. I’ll be like everyone else. One day.”

The book “butterflies” was written with her inner-monologues italicized, contrasting with the present tense and third-person narration, gradually changing from self-pitying and anger towards a more mature self-acceptance. Through this book, Katherine has many humorous, fun and anxious events alongside her friends facing first dates, exams and arguments with parents.

Whilst everything is still occurring, Katherine refuses to let herself, along with other people, see her as a victim as she struggles with her identity and independence.

Challenges that are faced during ‘Butterflies” can be fiction to some and a reality to others. It can also be a realisation of some people’s difficulties in life and show what Katherine’s and many others’ reality can be like.

This story has shown the ups and the downs, dramas, anxious yet exciting events and many more occasions of Katherine’s day-to-day life as a senior in high school. A suggested audience for the book “Butterflies” would be for teenagers, as most people around these ages can easily comprehend the relevancy, language level and dialogue. This book can be relevant to teenagers as the events that occur throughout the storyline can also be realistic and what other people may go though as well.

I would recommend reading this book for an individual who likes reading about other’s daily lives and the realistic events they encounter. I would rate “Butterflies” a 3 out of 5 stars. Gen P, Year 9.

July 17

‘Wonder’ by R. J. Palaccio

wonder“Never judge a book by its cover and never judge a boy by his face.”

In an ordinary suburb lives an ordinary family and an ordinary boy named August. August does normal everyday things that any 10 year old boy would do. He rides his bike and eats ice cream and plays in the playground. But, unlike other 10 year old boys, August was born with a terrible deformity on his face that makes him stand out in the crowd.

August has been home schooled all his life but now it is time for him to face the fears of school. After meeting his funny new principal, Mr Tushman, August is not reassured as he knows what he will encounter at school will not be pleasant. He faces many difficulties fitting in and others find it difficult to accept him as a normal boy.

On the other hand, his older sister Olivia struggles with her own challenges. It’s tough when everyone knows you’re the girl with the strange little brother, but now Olivia gets to start fresh in High School.

I really liked the book Wonder because it gave a detailed insight on everyone’s point of view. There are even chapters from the eyes of August’s new classmates! I also enjoyed the way the author captured just what it would be like to be August with all of his difficulties and challenges. I would recommend the book Wonder to people who like soft and heart felt stories that make you cry and laugh all at the same time. The book suits kids and teens, boy or girl, from the age of 11-14. I have rated this book 4 out of 5 stars because the story line was magnificent, funny and sad with a hint of adventure in it too.

Leila A T, Year 8

June 23

‘My Life as an Alphabet’ by Barry Jonsberg

mylifeasanalphabet‘This isn’t just about me.’

Candice Phee is an hilariously honest and a bit weird twelve year old girl. After the death of her newborn baby sister, Sky, her mother becomes depressed and stays locked in her room for hours non-stop. Her father and Uncle aren’t on speaking terms anymore. Mainly Candice lives a tough life. Can she get her family back together again? Can her Uncle and father talk to each other again? Can Candice make her mum happy again?

At school Candice is given an English assignment. She has to write about something that has happened in her life. The assignment involves writing one paragraph for each letter of the alphabet. But one paragraph isn’t enough to tell her teacher about her life, therefore she decides to write multiple paragraphs for each letter, e.g. ‘A is for Assignment’.

Follow the crazy life of Candice Phee in the novel ‘My life as an Alphabet’ by Barry Jonsberg, a true, heart-filled story. I enjoyed this novel in many ways, like what would the characters do next and whether Candice’s parents could be happy again. It was very interesting how Candice made her parents happy again. The story reminded me that people do go though things like this; everyone doesn’t have a perfect life and family, also people do suffer from depression.

I would recommend this novel for the ages between 11 and 15, who like to read true and humorous stories. When reading this novel young adults would get a full insight into real life problems that other teenagers would be experiencing. This novel keeps you hooked throughout the story with its humour and mysteries that some characters find (you eventually find them out). ‘My Life as an Alphabet’ is truly a great read; therefore I give this novel a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Erin S, Year 8  

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You could be around a person your entire life, but that doesn’t mean you know them. My Life As An Alphabet is a novel that reflects a teenage girl’s life through school and relates to the dreams and doubts that happen while growing up, discovering who she is as well as who she wants to be. The novel by Barry Jonsberg reflects all these qualities in the home and suburb of an out of the ordinary girl named Candice Phee and her life explained ‘as an alphabet’.

Candice is not really an ‘alphabet’ but she uses the alphabet as a prop to explain what has happened to her for an English assignment. During her time writing the assignment, Candice goes through her past and the tragedy that happened to her sister as well as the family tension that was created without her. At every letter of the alphabet she goes through her life and explains her feelings and weird ways she understands everything she does while writing her essay.

The character’s personality was portrayed really well in this book and the small funny things that happen once in a while throughout this novel were my favourite parts of reading this book. It had good jokes and new comedic challenges that await Candice, her family and Douglas Benson from another dimension, which in the end bring them closer, with Candice learning from her mistakes as well as others.

I rate this book four stars. It made me laugh, cry and just smile when I was reading small paragraphs in my small space of spare time. This novel made me want to read it every chance I got and once reading I couldn’t stop because of how addictive it was. The book was true to teenagers and heartfelt as well as funny in the most part.

If you thought this book was a good book to read then I would think ‘The Fault in our Stars’ or ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ would be another excellent choice to read.

By Angelique, Year 8

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‘This isn’t just about me. It’s also about the other people in my life – my mother, my father, my dead sister Sky, my penpal Denille, Rich Uncle Brian, Earth-Pig Fish and Douglas Benson From Another Dimension. These are people [with the exception of Earth-Pig Fish, who is a fish] who have shaped me, made me what I am. I cannot recount my life without recounting elements of theirs. This is a big task, but I am confident I am up to it.’

Candice Phee is a twelve year old girl from the sunny town of Albright. Her life might seem like a piece of cake on the outside but really it’s not. Her baby sister Sky died years ago, her mum is depressed, her dad is angry at his brother and won’t talk to him and her best and only friend believes he’s from another dimension.

One day at school Candice is given an assignment by her English teacher. It has to be 26 paragraphs long and each paragraph has to start with the next letter of the alphabet. She then decides to write multiple paragraphs instead of one for each letter so that she can recount her whole life during this assignment.

I loved ‘My Life As An Alphabet’ because it shows a girl’s experiences as she tries to cope with guilt, depression and family issues while trying to fix everyone else’s problems at the same time. While this book could be sad at times it also was quite touching and humorous. It reminded me that nobody’s life is perfect and that everyone has their own problems. I would recommend this book to both boys and girls of ages 12 and up because this book is based on a 12 year old girl’s everyday life.

Georgia O, Year 8.

June 23

‘Starfish sisters’ by J.C.Burke

Starfish sisters“I liked the pain, it got the bad thoughts away.”

Do you like true, heart-filled, drama stories? Well, this is the book for you because it is full of drama and heart-filled moments and there is a lot in this book that happens in real life.

Starfish Sisters is a book by J.C.Burke based on four girls: Georgie (15), Kia (15), Micki (12) and Ace (17) who are at a surf camp and are struggling to get along with each other. Their dreams are to be the greatest surfer ever and get into the the surf boot camp. Georgie is a really good surfer who is trying to decide if she wants to be a surfer or a soccer player because she is starting to think that surfing is getting way too competitive. Kia is best friends with Georgie but she is starting to feel like she is a misfit to everyone, including Georgie and decides to self harm and struggles to stop herself. Micki is the youngest at the camp and is the first to find Kia self-harming. She lost her mom when she was little and doesn’t want anyone to know how her death happened.

I really liked this book because it is based on things that happen in real life. Kia goes through a really tough time with self-harming because she thinks that no one wants to believe in her and give her credit for anything. It is also a book about friendship because although not everyone is going to be friends, you need to find a way to get along because otherwise it just makes things even more difficult. I also like this book because it is very heartwarming and brings a lot of emotion.

Charlotte F, Year 8

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“How could she have done that? She knew nothing about me and my life. I hated her. Perhaps now I hated her more than she hated me.”

Do you like books filled with drama, complications and you can relate to? Then this book is the one for you. It will keep you up past your bedtime just to finish the next chapter or two.

There are four main characters: Micki, Ace, Kia and Georgie. Micki is 12, turning 13 at the camp. She’s the youngest at the surf camp. She is shy and has many family troubles but still manages to focus on her surfing. Ace is 17. She is sponsored by one of the major surf stores in Australia, Ocean Pearl. She enters the camp in a relationship with Tim Parker, a world famous surfer. Kia is 15 and struggles with her self esteem. She wants to impress her dad and doesn’t want to be compared to her best friend, Georgie, or family friend Micki. Georgie is 15 and her best friend is Kia. Together they created a surf wear brand, Bikinia. They go to the camp hoping to make some sales. Georgie isn’t very confident but always sees the best in people. She’s not sure if she still wants to continue her surfing career. But she still goes to the surf camp anyway.

The book starts with all four girls on their own journey each with different reasons to enter the surf camp. Every girl at this camp is fighting for one of the four spots to go to the next level. It’s going to be tough, as each girl has been specifically picked to go to this camp. With fierce competition it’s not going to be easy. Will friendships last, or will they go down in flames? Not everyone is going to be good enough to make it to the next level.

I could relate to this book on many ways, and levels, which just made it so much more enjoyable. Even though this book was published in 2007 it is still very relatable, even more so today than it would’ve been eight years ago. This book falls under three genres: true, edgy and heart-filled, which are three genres that make a fantastic teenage girl book.

Olivia H. Year 8.

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“How could she have done that? She knew nothing about me and my life. I hated her. Perhaps now I hated her more than she hated me.”

Are books with friendship, a story you can relate to and filled with drama your kind of books? Then this is the book for you.

In Starfish are four main characters: Micki, Ace, Kia and Georgie. Micki is 12 and the youngest at surf camp. She is shy and not very wealthy, she has many family troubles but manages to focus on her surfing career. Ace is 17 years old. She is sponsored by one of the major surf stores in Australia, Ocean Pearl. She enters the camp in a relationship with the world’s most famous surfer, Tim Parker. Kia is 15 and struggles with her self esteem. She wants to impress her dad and doesn’t want to be compared to her best friend, Georgie. Georgie is 15 and her best friend is Kia. Together they created a surf wear brand. Georgie isn’t very confident but always sees the best in people. She is not sure if she wants to continue her surfing career.

The book starts as all the characters enter their dream surf camp very nervously. They get introduced to their roommates not having a clue that they would soon become best friends. It was time to have their first surf. Most of the girls were the most nervous they have ever been besides Ace. Ace has always known that she was the best surfer but participating in this camp may test her skills. Georgie has always struggled with her confidence so coming to the camp was a hard decision for her to make but knowing that only the best surfers in Australia get invited, gave her faith. Kia and Micki are having some troubles becoming friends but throughout the book they have a breakthrough.

Starfish Sisters is a great novel that is very easy to relate to for teenage girls. It has a fantastic storyline that has many complications to overcome which also creates drama. They were all thrown in together, and not being friends yet, there was jealousy, lies, secrets and insecurity to deal with. They then realise that they need to stick together as their friendship bring out the best in all of them.

Olivia L., Year 8

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“For the first time, three people knew who I was. The real me. And the best bit about it was that they still wanted to be my friend.” This is the reality for Kia, Georgie, Micki and Ace who are thrown together for a whirlwind of a summer and a once in a lifetime experience.

Four girls are chosen to take part in the Australian Elite Young Surfers’ Camp and by chance are put into the same bungalow, the Starfish Bungalow. Ace, also known as Courtney McFarlane, is the star of the camp and is always the centre of attention, after all her boyfriend is the one and only famous surfer Tim Parker. Carefree and confident, she never worries about putting in any effort. Although she’s Ace’s biggest fan, Kia lacks in all these traits. She never feels good enough for her dad and can’t stop comparing herself to others. Self-doubt is something that is also common with her best friend, Georgie. Georgie struggles to cope with the piling amounts of pressure and can’t seem to grasp the enthusiasm she once had. Whenever faced with competition she fails to reach her full potential. Micki is the youngest but far from the least mature. She’s been exposed to more than you’d think for her age, and hides many secrets about her past. Winning a place at the camp gives her chance to finally get away from her terrible home life and to be able to focus on surfing.

Throughout the book, the girls have to compete with eight others for just four spots on the junior training team. Expecting a summer of competition and hard work, they end up learning more about themselves and each other than they ever could’ve imagined. Discovering that there is more to each other than they thought, the girls leave with a bond of sisterhood and lifelong lessons.

I really enjoyed the book, ‘Starfish Sisters’ because it shows four girls coming together and putting aside their differences to help one another. There are many unexpected twists and turns in the plot that make it hard to put down. J.C. Burke does a great job of showing there are more layers to people than what meets the eye. The story also moves along at a great pace and never fails to catch your attention.

I recommend this book to teenage girls who love heart-filled stories that are slightly edgy and packed with adventure. This book addresses serious issues with youth today and sheds light on normally unspoken topics. It truly is a captivating book and I rate it four out of five stars.

Charli B, Year 8

June 19

‘Indigo Girls’ by Penny Russon

indigo girls“Three girls, one summer and a whole lot to learn from each other.

Two weeks every summer Zara, Tilly and Meike went to Point Indigo with their families, but this summer isn’t going to be the same because Meike wasn’t able to come for the first week so all that’s was left were Zara and Tilly. They both feel like Meike glues them together and when Meike is there they are called the Indigo Girls. These three girls are best friends but they all live different social lives. They say that if they all went to the same school they don’t think they would be such good friends.

Zara’s an ‘alpha’, the first letter of the Greek alphabet. She’s the popular girl.  Tilly is more of the nerdy kind of girl. She’s a very smart girl but also very quiet.  Then there is Meike. Meike is the kind of girl who is in the middle. She’s popular but she is also a nerdy kind of girl but she doesn’t really know what place she is at.

The Indigo Girls is a book about three girls who go to different schools and live in different social worlds. They’re best friends outside of school but they’re not the best of friends when Meike isn’t there to glue them together. This book was good. It told me that everyone can be friends no matter what, and nobody is perfect. I would recommend this story for girls under the age of 14 to 11, maybe even girls aged from 15 to 16.

Sara, Year 8

June 18

‘In the Sea There are Crocodiles’ by Fabio Geda

In the sea there are crocodilesThe thing is, I really wasn’t expecting her to go.

If that sounds like the start of a book you would enjoy, then In The Sea There Are Crocodiles is the book for you.

I don’t want to spoil too much about this book. It starts with an 11-year-old boy who has to leave his home village with his mother to go to a whole different place. When he arrives he is thinking that this new place is going to be his new home. Then one night he goes to sleep and when he wakes up his mother has gone, only leaving a message saying that they won’t see each other again. He is left in a alien place where, in order to survive, he has to find a place to stay and a job, but challenges keep coming at him as he tries to find a place that truly feels safe and at home.

He isn’t the only young child looking for a home. Throughout his whole journey he encounters young boys just like him. He travels all over the Middle East and in the different places he goes his story shows how different races are rivals and how others believe that they are better off than the other just because of where they came from.

Once I started to read this book I just wanted to read more and know more about the story. Sometimes I would forget what time it was and found I had been reading for hours. It is a well-written book with descriptive language that gives you a clear picture of what is going on. It was translated well throughout most of the book but sometimes with words that couldn’t be translated I had a bit of trouble. The story was gripping and I found myself thinking that there is no way I would have been able to achieve what he did.

If you hold a wish up high, any wish, just in front of your forehead, than life will be worth living.”

His bravery and his optimism really inspired me.

I would recommend this book to the ages 13-40 as this book is very interesting and the story would capture teen and adults. I would also recommend this to anyone looking for an autobiography with suspense, action, adventure and some parts that reach your heart. I rate this book 9 out of 10.

Xavier Year 8

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One night before putting Enaiatollah to bed, his mother tells him three things: don’t use drugs, don’t use weapons, and don’t steal. The next morning he wakes up to discover his mother has fled, which puts a bit of a twist on the book. When his mother leaves he really doesn’t know what to say. He is a little bit angry at first but does not know what to do. As he decides to go and skip countries and finds a place to live, Enaiatollah dangerously crosses the borders of Iran, Turkey, and Greece before he seeks political asylum in Italy at the age of fifteen and tries to find a place to live.

In Enaiatollah’s story there is Emaiatollah and his mother. His journey starts in Afghanistan and ends in Italy. Enaiatollah’s mother was in fear of the Taliban, so she leads him across borders and countries to start a new life. It took him five years to cross all the way to get to Italy.

Here is a quote from the book: “If you hold a wish up high, any wish, just in front of your forehead, then life will always be worth living.”

I would rate this book 7 out of 10. It was a good book and I would recommend it to people between the ages of 10-13. If you love adventures and good novels I would suggest this book to you. It has lots of surprises, whether he gets found out or not, but there are also has a lot of adventures in this story. I think it was a great book.

Jack H., Year:8

 

June 12

‘Spilled Water’ by Sally Grindley

Spilled water‘I loved my baby brother, until Uncle took me to the market and sold me.’

Is this the book for you? It’s an emotional roller coaster that will keep you up reading all night. The story is set on an early summer morning in a small kitchen of a small house in a small town of China. The main character is a little girl that lives with her family. She’s very grateful and blessed with what little she has in life. She’s committed and won’t give up without a fight. Her uncle has never had children and is quite awkward around them. Even though he doesn’t show it, often it’s obvious that he loves his niece and nephew and wants the best for them in life. He tries to help in his own way.

When the little girl was younger she was very happy and then her brother was born and not long after that her father died. Her family tried to take over his jobs and it just became too overwhelming so the uncle offered to the mum to sell his oldest daughter for money so they can survive. He took her to the market and sold her to a man with a wife and a son. She was to work for the wife and then when she’s old enough she would marry the son. To find out the ending of the story you will have to read the book!

Personally the book was not my cup of tea but it’s a very well written book. It made me feel blessed to be who I am and I felt so many different emotions whilst reading it.

I would recommend this book to adults of the age 20 – 40 and people interested in mystery, also to people that have experienced situations like this will able to relate to this book.

Jasmine MB, Year 8.

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Spilled Water by Sally Grindley is a story about a Chinese girl who beats all odds in her life to finding her way home to her family. This book was very emotional and life changing and made me look at my life differently.

This story is about an eleven year-old girl named Lu-Si Yan who lived with her mother, father, and brother and uncle named Bo. One day her father is killed in a tragic accident that leaves Lu-Si and her family estranged. Since the father was the ruler of the family, the mother didn’t know how to take care of the brother and Lu-Si and the farm. So to make ends meet it was decided that Lu-Si and her brother were to be sold so that the mother could make enough money to buy them back.

Little did they know, the person who bought Lu-Si lived very far and soon it was too late to turn back. Now Lu-Si must go through obstacles and difficulties to try to find her way back home to her family. This book deals with family and the sacrifices people have to make to ensure another person’s safety. Overall it was a fantastic book that is based on true stories that happened in China during this time period. As a child personally, I didn’t know that kids had to go through so much and I didn’t know that they had to provide for their family.

Karin, Year 8

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Imagine that you’re a little young girl that loved your father, mother and brother. But all this was about to change. You didn’t realise what was going to happen or why. Your uncle gripped you by the arm and pulled you away from your mother and brother, your mum looked at you, but didn’t say a word. How would you feel? I wouldn’t know what to do.

This little girl’s name was Lu Si-Yan. Her journey was just beginning. From her idyllic country home to the smog-wrapped tower blocks and factories of the big city, Lu Si-Yan is taken to a lot of work ahead. But she refuses to spend her life in servitude, for she’s determined to be reunited with her beloved mother and brother. She was only 9 years old when her father died. It was very sudden. One day he was there, the next he wasn’t. Her mother did not tell her very much, but he was hit by a taxi that swerved to miss a child.

Her uncle is looking after her, but he didn’t do anything for her. She had to do everything for herself: make her food, go out and earn money, wash her clothes; she even worked on a farm in a local village. In their country the boys are more important. Because the mother can’t afford to keep Lu Si-Yan, she kept her baby brother (Li-hu) instead.

All the money she earned would now go to her mother’s debts. Eventually she was back with her mother and everything was going great and she was earning money for their family and working really hard. They gave Li-hu the job of feeding the hens and ducks and collecting their eggs, he loved it.

The uncle kept coming back once and a while and would expect them to look after him, feed him, wash all of his clothes and provide all the food and clean up all of his things, and he did not help once and he never offered. He started acting very strange but she wasn’t sure why.

Then the heart breaking words came out. “Your mother can no longer afford to keep you, you have to go.”

She was at an orphanage and had to hold up a sign saying my name is Lu Si-Yan, I am young but I can wash, cook, clean and sew. I will be a good servant. She was horrified when her uncle gave that to her. Then he just disappeared and never came back. People came in to look at her to see if they could buy her and keep her. Some guy called Mr Chen bought her. He said that she will have to work for his wife then marry his son. Her whole life was about to change.

Eventually after approximately 4 months with them she felt too much of a prisoner so this nice lady called. Mrs Hong helped her escape to her life back with her mother and brother. She also made heaps of friends travelling back to find her family and far far away from her uncle.

This book is inspiring because it is taking you on a journey of this little girl and going through all her tough times and it’s just great to hear a happy end to her journey.

Jasmine H., Year 8

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I loved my baby brother, until Uncle took me to market and sold me.

From the beginning the book Spilled Water is very straight forward. The first sentence definitely tells us a lot about the story. This book is based on real life and it is very heart filling, heart racing and realistic because Lu Si-Yan’s uncle sold her at a market at the age of nine. This happens in real life: people sell kids for money. It is very interesting to see why they do it and how hard it must be on the kids to work from such a young age. It is incredible to see how Lu Si-Yan pushed through it.

Lu Si-Yan is a girl of nine years who lives in a small village with her mum, dad and brother. She also has an Uncle who is very mean to Lu Si-Yan’s father because her mum gave birth to a girl. Lu Si-Yan’s father tragically dies and her family is struggling to pay for food. One day the Uncle turns up at the house and takes Lu Si-Yan to a market to sell her to a rich family where she works as a servant and when she is old enough she would marry their son.

From this book I’ve learned how people actually live and how hard it must be to go through months without seeing their family and working non-stop. In this book we see how one person who you thought was your family suddenly takes you away from everyone you loved.

I rate this book a 3 out of 5 because it went into so much detail about the father and hardly any detail about the mother. I recommend this book for young teenagers from the ages 13 – 16. This book is definitely one to read.

Emily, Year 8