November 20

‘Ruby Red’ by Linzi Glass

ruby redIn Ruby Winter’s life, she finds “the colour of passion and the colour of danger”. She’s a seventeen year old white girl who lives in a wealthy South African community, in Johannesburg. She’s very unlike the “black” Soweto community who have hatred towards the whites because of their discrimination to other races. Ruby takes after her loving and kind parents by being a truthful and wondering girl that treats everybody with equality.

Some of the main characters are Ruby, who has a magnificent way of thinking and the way she decides to make choices with what happens in her life. She’s a girl with a loving and tender heart, who stands up for what she believes is right. Annabel, the mother of Ruby and an art gallery owner, lets people of all races and colours have the same opportunities as a “white” person would. She treats everyone as equals, not just as a black race and a white race. She is a very good role model to Ruby. One of Annabel’s very talented artists, Julian Mambasa contributes in a major part through the whole novel.

This is the story of a white girl named Ruby, whose parents treat “dark skin” races equally to everyone else, in a place where that’s not accepted. She follows in her parents’ footsteps, by looking and talking to everyone, as if they are the same. Ruby falls in love with her first love, an African. This is definitely not tolerated by the unfriendly people of the everyday community who disapprove of their love, and believe that it is very wrong to love another person with a different skin colour to you. This causes many problems for the family as well as her father helping African people out of jail and her mum helping “black” people show off their passion for art.

Everyone has a statement of belief that the white colour and race should be above the other races and colours. But Ruby Winter’s family is the complete opposite.  Discrimination towards the way people look, how people aren’t being treated as equals and if you don’t do what everyone else would normally do, you wouldn’t be classified as ”cool” or “popular” anymore. These are all relevant issues with today’s younger society, which are also related to the book ‘Ruby Red’.

I enjoyed this novel a lot because it keeps you interested throughout the whole story. The characters make you want to know more about them and when you have to put the book down all you want to do is pick it back up! It’s a story with just enough romance,to give the readers more interest than they already have.

I would recommend this terrific book to readers of the ages 12-16, that would love to go on an entertaining journey of what should be wrong and right in life, because that shows you that people should do good things for others, no matter what they look like.

Elena, Year 9

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This intriguing story is filled with many emotions and many examples to which the audience can relate. The story sets an example of how racist the world actually is and how tragic it was to be involved with black people, as it was hated and considered shameful if you were involved with black people. The story conveys many examples of racism and heaps of examples of true love and how it is affected by the colour of some people’s skin colour.

The book is about a true love story between an Africaans boy and a south African girl. Even though he was just African and not black, it still wasn’t completely ideal to be doing what the couple were doing. His rights were not as restricted as those who have black skin; those who were completely hated and shamed. She has to make choices and some of them are really easy choices but other choices are so intense that they could actually ruin her reputation as well as that of her family.

Ruby falls in love with the blue-eyed Afrikaans. He was her first love and although she loved him other people were not supportive of their relationship. He is always being quietly whispered about. Ruby does not notice that he is Afrikaans and that she is forbidden to be near him, but other people seem to notice the fact a lot more than she would ever realise herself. All Ruby could think about was her first true love, this young Afrikaans boy with blue-eyes and a heart that would fill hers any day.

Elli, Year 9

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Do you enjoy reading romance novels? Novels filled with drama and suspense? Well then Ruby Red is definitely the book for you.

Ruby Winters, a young, wealthy, white high school senior, lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, far away from the streets of Soweto and the black population. Ruby’s father is a lawyer who defends both the rich whites and poor black activists and her mother owns an art gallery, which features the art of both black and white artists. This poses a problem because, to the whites and Afrikaans, blacks are thought of as lesser humans who are unworthy of respect. Ruby and her family, though, obviously hold a different perspective on this matter; one which if openly expressed will put the Winters and their reputation in great danger from the authorities.

Ruby’s world is soon to be turned upside when a black artist is secretly and illegally brought to live in their home and Ruby embarks on a whirlwind romance with this young, handsome, blue eyed Afrikaans boy, whose presence brings disapproval from both her family and close friends.

I enjoyed the book Ruby Red as it is very well written and has an interesting storyline. It is a novel about acceptance and first love and although it has a bit of a slow beginning, it manages to keep you guessing about what will happen. I particularly liked the way Linzi Glass wrote Ruby’s thoughts and the way she described the characters, which made you feel as if you knew them. One of my major problems with the novel is that at the end it does not completely explain what has happened to all the characters. I would recommend the novel to girls aged 12-18, because although it does not contain any inappropriate themes, it has some which younger children may not fully understand.

Chelsea W, Year 9

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Her luxurious neighbourhood with its fancy mansions and trimmed lawns are a world away from the streets of Soweto where fury and hate stew under the surface.

Ruby Winters can’t get the blue-eyed Afrikaans boy out of her head. He brings her the thrilling flow of first love but his presence causes reproachful looks and quiet murmurs. She doesn’t care about race, colour or religion but everybody else does.

Her dad is a lawyer who supports equality for blacks. Her mum owns an art gallery in which she allows blacks to display their artwork. Due to Ruby’s politically involved parents, she is prohibited to take anyone home.

Ruby is running out of time. As the anger boils to the surface, she must make a choice before it’s too late.

I really enjoyed reading the book ‘Ruby Red’ because it had me hooked from the start, right from the first sentence. It was very different from any other book I’ve ever read and was great to read. Some of the scenes did get a bit confusing but apart from that, the author paid great attention to detail so it made it easy to imagine the scenes in my head. An alternative title for the book could be ‘Black vs. White’. I would recommend this book for teenagers aged 14-21 who like thrilling novels with a bit of romance.

Morgan W. Year 9

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 18

‘Delirium’ by Lauren Oliver

DeliriumWhat if love were a disease, killing you from the inside out, taking every breath, hoping, praying it wouldn’t be your last?

Delirium, a book written by Lauren Oliver, is set in the small town of Portland, Maine. This novel consists of very few characters, one of which is Lena Haloway driven towards the thought of falling in love, but persistent to not end up like her mother.

Delirium is a difficult novel based upon the belief that ‘love is a disease’.

“There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it.” 

You would wait until your 18th birthday before you could receive the procedure, to be cured from love forever. Until then you would have to avoid any contact with an uncured male. But Lena, unknowingly meets a guy called Alex, who she thought was cured, only to find out weeks later that he indeed wasn’t cured at all and in fact was falling in love with her. Shocked and afraid ,she tries to avoid all contact with him, to find out that she herself may be falling for him also.

I enjoyed this book because I have never thought love to be a disease and this statement honestly intrigued me enough to continue reading. As I continued reading, it didn’t fail to disappoint, with constant drama and delusion throughout. I recommend this book to a female aged between 14-30 with sound reading ability, who is interested in fantasy/sci-fi. This is because the themes displayed in this book I believe only a female would enjoy or be interested in. Eve. B Year 9

Category: Dystopian fiction, Love stories, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 17

‘A Walk to Remember’ by Nicholas Sparks

A walk to rememberThey say ‘change is good’ but will it go Landon’s way when he realizes he can’t get the girl of his dreams by the way he is acting? Landon usually is the boy to go for the popular girls but will that all change when he falls for Jamie Sullivan, the daughter of the town’s Baptist minister?

‘A Walk to Remember’ is set in Beaufort, North Carolina. Landon is trying to live his last year at Beaufort High to the fullest. Landon Carter likes to be known as the troublemaker and likes to live life on the edge, unlike Jamie who is someone kind hearted, very religious and has many morals. Landon doesn’t have a very good relationship with his dad unlike Jamie who has a very good relationship with her dad. But Jamie’s mum passed away at childbirth. Therefore, she is very close with her dad, the town’s Baptist minister.

Landon has gone to school with Jaime since primary school but he would never picture himself with her, as they are complete two different people. Landon the troublemaker gets into trouble and faces the consequences. Landon is made to play the main part in the annual drama play along side Jaime. Jaime and Landon get to know each other but will popularity get in Landon’s way?

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘A Walk to Remember’ as it keeps your attention throughout the whole book instead of it being a boring book. ‘A Walk to Remember’ is a book that you will have trouble putting down as you want to know what happens. I also like this book, as it is a romantic book so therefore it has a lot of drama and the book has events in it that you would not expect.

I would highly recommend this book to teenage girls aged around 14-18 as it has a lot of drama and romance that girls would be drawn to. Another reason I would recommend this to teenage girls, is the characters in the book are relatable to them. Also, the problems in the book would relate to teens as the characters have to deal with popularity, bullying and relationship troubles.

Taylah D, Year 9.

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“Halfway down, Jamie suddenly seemed to tire, and they stopped while she caught her breath…it was, I remembered thinking the most difficult walk anyone has had to make in every away, a walk to remember.”

This story is set in the 1950s with two completely opposite, equally loveable characters, Jamie and Landon. They have lived in the same boring town for their whole lives but couldn’t be more different. Jamie is friends with the popular kids that excel at school. Landon? Well, Landon doesn’t excel at anything. He’s average at sport and he gets average grades. There’s nothing special about him. But what Landon doesn’t know yet is that he’s going to be the co-star at this year’s school Christmas play with the help of an acquaintance Jamie. Jamie is a lonely sort of girl who carries a Bible everywhere she goes, even to school. Jamie excels at school. She cares about orphans, the homeless and also loves church. Jamie is also the preachers’ daughter, so of course all the adults love her in a town where everyone is ridiculously religious. You could say these two are complete opposites of each other and you would be right. Jamie’s sweetness could one day get her in trouble, and that’s exactly what happens when Landon asks her for a favour. Jamie accepts Landon’s favour, but in return asks for her own. When Landon has to pay back his favour, he almost wished he didn’t ask Jamie in the first place.

I love this book because there are many different plot twists. It’s unique and I haven’t read a book like this. I found this book enjoyable because the two characters pushed each other around and bicker at every step until the very end. This book also shows the pressures of modern high school life, such as peer pressure and intimidation of people that are different. I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars, simply because sometimes the storyline could get a little confusing.

I would recommend this book for teenagers and young adults from the ages of 14-25 who loves romance and suspense.

Serenity, Year 9

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 14

‘Ship Breaker’ by Paolo Bacigalupi

Ship breakerWhat will Nailor choose? The wealth that he dreamed about throughout his whole life and live with guilt that will haunt him for the rest of his life or save this mysterious person and reunite her with her family and risk his own life?

The plot behind this thrilling book is based in a post apocalyptic world where polar ice caps have melted causing flooding in multiple cities. This story is about a fifteen-year-old boy named Nailor, who lost his mother when he was young and was left to live with his drug addicted and alcoholic father (Richard Lopez) who constantly beats him. These characters live in a post- apocalyptic world where “Oil is Scarce, but friendships more scarce” causing everyone to live in poverty, which left Nailor and his father to work as ship breakers and live on the beach in huts. But one day Nailor’s luck changes when he and Pima, his best friend and co-worker, stumble across a beached clipper. What they find on that ship could change his life emotionally, physically and financially. Nailor has to make a life changing decision by either killing a girl named Nita and stealing her gold or helping her on her journey. Nita grew up in a wealthy family; she is introduced into the story when Nalior and Pima stumble across her beached Clipper.

I personally enjoyed this book, because it has an addictive and thrilling plot that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. It used its themes perfectly by combining post apocalyptic with adventure, love and action; and because of its relatable characters. The character that I was personally able to relate to was Pima. Pima was loved by both of her parents until her father passed away. She was a passionate believer in preferring loyalty to wealth. The characters that have been selected for this book are perfectly used to fit into the plot of this novel.

I would recommend this to both males and females, because it has many themes suited for both genders, such as love, adventure, action and sci-fi. This book is also directed at teenagers due to its themes and its plot that will keep the reader occupied. It is a short novel, which may help keep teenagers interested. I think this book is amazing due to its use of characters, themes and its plot. This is why I think everyone should read it. Even if you never read, you should read this book at least once this year or in your lifetime.

Mason F, Year 9

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Nailer is in a crew that breaks up wrecked ships. Because he is small he is able to access tighter places in the ship. As he works with his crew member Sloth, he falls into a silo of oil. Sloth decides to leave him to die and Nailer ultimately finds his way out and falls into the ocean. He doesn’t get away unharmed because has some metal fragment stuck in his shoulder.

When he reunites with his crew Sloth has to face the penalties of her betrayal and she is thrown off the light crew. That night Nailer and the rest of the crew celebrate his luck and chat about the options they have and the penalties of what Sloth has done. When Nailer returns to his shack to a father high on drugs threatens him so Nailer gives him the rest of the alcohol he had been sharing with his crew on the beach. Eventually they both fall asleep.

In the morning Nailer is woken up by a major storm that has started. Nailer considers leaving his abusive father behind as he escapes to seek higher ground but his conscience gets the better of him.

The book “Ship Breaker” is based in a surreal realm where kids strip down old oil ships taking copper wire and sheets of metal to make money. The main character is Nailer. Nailer finds a sailboat after a enormous storm hits where he lives but what he finds in the boat changes his life forever.

“Ship Breaker” is an electrifying Sci-Fi novel for teenagers aged about 13 – 18. Teenagers can read this novel but the boys would find it more interesting. Paolo Bacigalupi labels these characters and the plot in a way that makes it feel like you are witnessing the plot happen with your own eyes. This novel was immensely different to other novels I have read and this makes it an “out there” book which makes it interesting. I would rate it 9/10 stars because it was a remarkable read and I haven’t read a story like it.

Jack, Year 9

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(Welcome to a World Where Oil is Scarce, but Loyalty is Scarcer.)

 Nailer is running out of time. He is getting too big for his work, and once he is sent off the crew he will be on his own, left with his drug driven, violent father in a beach shack with no food or supplies. One day a deadly hurricane hits the coast killing three of Nailer’s crew, but did this hurricane also wash up the ‘lucky strike’ he was wishing for?

Are you the kind of reader who takes interest in action-packed, fantasy sagas with a bit of romance? Does this teaser make your reading senses tingle? If so… you must read this compelling story!

The novel is set in a dystopian future (on the Gulf Coast of New Orleans), where oil is a scarce saleable commodity, and stripping grounded oil tankers is the common form of work. 15 year old, Nailer Lopez and his ‘Ship Breaking’ crew work endless, hard hours to make quota, all in the hope of living another day. Long tiring work and little pay mean Nailer and his friends struggle to survive. Due to Nailer’s size, he is tasked with the dangerous job of stripping copper wire from the wrecked ship’s vents. Nailer knows he will soon be too big for his job and his only hope of survival is hitting a lucky strike. When a devastating hurricane leads him to discover an exquisite clipper ship, and its only survivor a young and wealthy girl, Nailer finds himself at a crossroads. Should he continue stripping ships (yet for how much longer?) or save the mysterious girl, Nita, at a great personal risk, yet with the opportunity to live a life of adventure and wealth.

I really enjoyed the story ‘Ship Breaker’, because of its engaging and bizarre plot, mysterious characters, and Paolo’s brilliant way of describing and expressing the character’s deepest thoughts. After a confusing and intense beginning, the story and its characters started to evolve. This thrilling fantasy novel quickly became impossible to put down. With suspense carried from page to page, each answer brought two new questions. This book also effectively tackles themes that teenagers struggle with each day, such as loyalty, family, violence and greed, which makes it easy for readers my age to relate to.

I would recommend this book to capable readers from the ages of 12 to 20 who are interested in action-packed Sci-Fi, romantic, and mysterious novels. I truly enjoyed reading this story and it’s easy to see why it was a 2010 National Book Award Finalist. I rate ‘Ship Breaker’ by Paolo Bacigalupi – five out of five stars.

Thomas, Year 9

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Where will you be when the world draws to a close? Living in a luxury mansion with five-star housing, famous, rich? Or will you be like Nailer, who spends his life crawling through passages and gaps in old ships and tankers to try and feed his team so they can survive another day? Why does he do this, and who is exactly is Nailer? Find out all your answers to this book here.

Meet your main character Nailer Lopez. Nailer’s job is to climb and crawl around and through old, dead tankers and ships. He does this to find old copper wire, and they use this copper wire to fill up their allowance so they can get the money to eat and survive another day on this world. Nailer has had to collect copper wire since he was twelve years old. Nailer and his team are set in south-eastern United States. The wire Nailer and his team collect go toward a large company that controls commerce around the world. Nailer lives a very hard life; his father Richard Lopez is a dangerous drug abuser. He hasn’t been the greatest father to Nailer. Even though his father viciously beats him, Nailer still respects him and loves him.

Nailer’s biggest dream is to work on a large clipper ship which sails the ocean, and coincidentally, a huge storm hits their area and one of these large clipper ships ends up beached. Nailer takes advantage of this and gets his crew member Pima to go and scavenge the boat before someone else beats them to it. But not only do they find what they are looking for, there is something, far far bigger on that boat, and it could cost them life or death. This something changes your perspective on this book. What could this something be?

I really enjoyed reading Ship Breaker. This is because of the genre of the book. This book is an action packed, gory, violent kind of book, but it also holds quite a deep background to it as well, which is why I enjoy it, and it is quite a popular book from this because a back-story to a book makes it more interesting.

I would recommend this book to girls and boys that are into quite a deep, and dark book, one that has interesting perks but is also quite violent. Boys and girls, ages 12-16, I highly recommend this book to.

Oskar W, Year 9.

Category: Adventure stories, Love stories, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 13

‘When Dogs Cry’ by Markus Zusak

When dogs cry“You’re quite of a lonely bastard aren’t you Cameron,” Rube said.

The name of this book is ‘When Dogs Cry’ and it is written by Markus Zusak.

Are you tired of people not acknowledging you? If you are, then you should read ‘When Dogs Cry’. It is about how a boy, Cameron Wolfe, doesn’t get noticed by anyone and his older brother Rube Wolfe gets all the girls but he doesn’t treat them with the respect that they should have. But then Cameron meets a girl named Octavia. His brother Rube goes out with her, but of course he discards her like the rest of his girlfriends. When Cameron finds out that Octavia likes him, he doesn’t believe it. He couldn’t put the pieces together why Octavia would like him.

This book isn’t like every love story. It has a twist in it, which is that the girl falls for the boy not the boy falls for the girl. I would recommend this novel for people who like a romantic read.

Kamii.M., Year 9

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 10

‘BEFORE I DIE’ by Jenny Downham

Before_I_dieWhat would it be like to be sixteen and living with cancer?

Tessa Scott knows as she has been living with cancer for four years, going through chemotherapy and fighting back against hospital visits but she has now decided to stop the chemo and the doctors don’t give her long to live. Tessa and her best friend Zoe come up with a list of things Tessa wants to do before she dies. Some are very risky and some are ‘have to do’ things but Tessa will go through anything to get this list done. On the list there are the things that most teenagers are curious about doing. Zoe, Tessa’s best friend, is alongside her, doing the list with her. Number one is sex.

Tessa’s relationship with her father, brother, mother, her best friend and new boyfriend are all becoming precious as the weeks start closing in on her as time slowly runs out.

As always there will be struggles, meltdowns, tantrums and of course love is going find its way. I really enjoyed reading this book although it was a bit slow in some parts of the book because it kept you wanting to read more. I would recommend this story for (13-17) year old girls.

Aimee, Year 9

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 10

‘If I Stay’ by Gayle Forman

ifistay_GayleForman“I realize now that dying is easy. Living is hard.” ― Gayle Forman, If I Stay

What would you do if you had to make the hardest decision of your life? Seventeen-year-old Mia Hall from Gayle Forman’s book If I Stay, had to make that decision. It all began with Mia living a great life with her friends, family and boyfriend Adam. Mia would never have thought that her life would have come this choice.

Mia narrates the story. Throughout the entire book, she explains how she and her family live. Her father had once played in a band but is now a teacher and her mother was a groupie but was now a travel agent.

When Kat and Denny (her parents) first fell pregnant with Mia they were expecting her to be like them, to share their passion for music: punk rock. But as Mia grew older she grew to love the cello. So her parents hired a teacher to teach her how to play, seeing how passionate she was.

As she grew up her love for the cello did as well. Her family were happy, her friends were happy, she and her boyfriend were happy, until one day it all came crashing down in a freak accident.

Everything Mia had once loved and cared for had just disappeared. Not only was Mia left an orphan but also was induced into a dreadful coma. This is where she experienced flash backs of all the wonderful moments she and her family had together. Mia was able to view everything that was happening around her, but was unable to participate. Mia could not feel anything, not even the pain her own body was going through. She knew if she were to continue living her life, she would awaken without her parents and brother; but if she were to leave, she would be with them. On the other hand, if Mia were to stay, she would still have her Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and friends around her.

If YOU had the choice, would YOU stay?

This book was a beautiful story to read and the category, I believe, would fall under ‘heart filled’. I recommend this book to girls between the ages of 13-25 who also enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars by John Green and or The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

I would rate this book If I Stay 4 out of 5 stars because the ending could have been a little more exciting.

Alexia, Year 9

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“What if you got the choice to stay or to go?”

Gayle Forman’s ‘If I Stay’ explores the life of Mia, a 17-year-old talented cello player, the daughter of a travel agent and a schoolteacher. As a result of a tragic event, Mia is left without her parents and is placed into an induced coma. With nobody to help her, Mia has to make the biggest decision of her life – will she stay or will she go. While in this coma, Mia’s out-of-body experiences enable her to see everything that is happening around her. Essentially, she is a spirit walking on Earth. In addition to this, Mia has flashbacks of memories and events that happened in her childhood. Eventually, coming close to death, she is triggered to either pass on to the afterlife or awaken from her coma.

‘If I Stay’ draws on many themes that are relevant to young people, including love, loss and the importance of relationships and offers useful insight into human responses to tragedy.

I enjoyed this book because it was heart-filled with emotions, love and romance. A great variety of descriptive language was used throughout the novel and the flashbacks Mia had really made the story come together.

I would rate this book a 9/10 because of the relevance of the themes and language used throughout the text. Teenagers would be the best age group to read this book as it is about love, romance, and making one choice over another. It shows that choices are difficult to make in life and that you have to make your life count because it could be over sooner than you think.

By Taylah, Year 9  

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Could you imagine having to choose whether to stay and live in a world without your beloved family or to leave altogether and leave your grandparents, boyfriend and your best friend behind?

In the novel ‘If I Stay’ by Gayle Forman there are adventures of love, heartache and loss.

The novel contains the main character, Mia, narrating on her life. She fell in love with her soul mate Adam. Their relationship was full of ups and downs as Mia was a kind-hearted cello player and Adam was a wilder band member. Mia was close with her grandpa and grandma and was always spending time with them. Her grandparents were a big part of her life and were always there for her. Mia’s parents and brother were all the punk rock type of people with her dad who was in a band, Mum who was always around concerts and music and her brother Teddy who played the drums. They all respected her with the choice of playing the cello instead of a guitar.

One-day Mia’s life was put on edge; the accident affected everyone who had known her family. This is where Mia faced the hard choice: whether to stay or to go. The story of the novel was enjoyable but the end of the book was a bit of a let down.

It is a love story that captures your attention and makes you not want to put it down. This novel shows us how precious family and friends are to everyone because you never know what could happen. I would recommend this novel to teenage girls between the ages of 13 to 18 and/or anyone who enjoys reading heart-filled novels. Overall, this novel was enjoyable to read as it captured your interest throughout the whole novel. I would rate this novel a 4 out of 5 stars.

By Abbie D, Year 9

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What would you do if you had to choose? To live or to die. To stay or to go. How would it affect you? How would it affect your friends and family? For seventeen-year old Mia, these are the questions she has to face. Now she must make the heart aching decision to stay or to go.

For Mia, surrounded by family, friends and a gorgeous boyfriend, decisions seem tough. Her family all share a love and passion for music. She was working towards her acceptance to the prestigious Julliard school. Her future was full of hope. But life can change in an instant. One cold February morning on a snowy road, Mia’s future changes for the worst. With her mother and father killed at the scene of the car accident and little brother injured, she now must make the decision of a lifetime, to stay with what’s left of her family and with her friends, or leave the world forever, making everything easier for herself.

I loved this book because the story is emotional and every page leaves you wanting to read more. I would recommend this book to thirteen to eighteen-year-old girls, or to anyone who like heart filled novels. I rate this book 4/5 with very high recommendation.

“Everyone has to make choices. Some might break you.”  Hannah C, Year 9   

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  Imagine if on one ordinary day, nothing different from any other day, your life was turned upside down and it would change everything. But instead of destiny doing its job, imagine if you had a choice to decide your fate. What if you could choose if you wanted to stay or go? This book, “If I Stay” by Gayle Forman is a story about a girl named Mia, who had everything: a happy family, friends who cared for her and a beautiful boyfriend. Her life was perfect until one day her life took a horrific turn and it was changed forever. However, instead of having fate do its work she had a choice on how her ending was going to be. So the question is, will she stay? Or will she go? Will she make the right decision? And will it be a good one or a bad one?

In my opinion I really enjoyed this book since it was filled with drama and action, something perfect for teenage girls. It really showed me that we all have to make our own choices sometime in our lives and making that choice may or may not be easy. From this book I did not only get a good read but I also learned things about how life works. I recommend this story for teenage girls who enjoy dramatic and heart-filled books such as “The Fault In Our Stars” because this book is just the sort that will make you cry and take your breath away.

Tara B. Year 9

 

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 10

‘Six impossible things’ by Fiona Wood

Six impossible things“’Guys, please, one life-changing shock at a time,’ I felt like saying.”

Six Impossible Things is about a fourteen year old dorky boy, Dan Cereill. With his parents recently divorced, his mother’s failing cake business, his school of torture and dealing with his dad coming out of the closet, Dan is not handling things so well. But what’s driving him mad is the gorgeous girl next door, Estelle, with whom Dan has absolutely no chance. Estelle is a popular girl who is always surrounded by friends. Dan, on the other hand, is the ‘new want-to-be-cool-kid’ who doesn’t know anyone. Dan and Estelle come to know each other but when Estelle has to rely on Dan in a challenging situation can he make the right decisions?

This story has situations that are somewhat realistic but how things turn out is not always how things happen in real life. I did like how the characters overcame obstacles but the ending of this story was predictable.

I would recommend this novel to both genders between the ages of 11-14 within the genre preferences of self-help and romance fiction.  The author hasn’t directed this book at a specific gender because the main characters are a boy and girl, therefore both genders can equally enjoy it. The vocabulary difficulty is suited for readers aged 11-14. 11-14 year olds would enjoy this book for that reason.

Reviewed by Jade, Year 9

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 Meet Dan Cerill, a young fourteen-year-old nerd boy who is the main character of the novel, ‘Six Impossible Things’. Dan lives a tough life, with his parents being recently divorced, his dad being gay and his mum running a wedding cake business that is quickly falling apart. But on top of all this, Dan just recently moved houses and schools. In his new school, Dan gets bullied by the “cool” group but the only way he gets through it is by seeing the girl of his dreams, the girl next door, Estelle. She’s a popular girl, completely opposite to Dan. He thinks he has no chance at even talking to her, but when he does, he does it right and when Estelle trusts him, can he make the right decisions then? Can he be trusted? Can he get the girl of his dreams and fit into a new school? Well pick up this book and get into reading it.

This novel is one that can relate to real life situations. It can show how any ordinary person can overcome obstacles in life and if they put in enough hard work and effort they can achieve anything in life.

I enjoyed this book because it can relate to everyday life and can relate to the age group that I am in. I would recommend this book to either gender (male or female). Even though the book is based around a male, it also contains scenes that can relate to females. In my opinion, this novel would suit the ages of 12-16 year olds.

Review by Max, Year 9

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Making the impossible possible, nerd boy Dan Cereill is struggling to make friends in his new school, he finds out that his own father is gay, and he’s developing a massive crush on his next door neighbour. Nothing is going his way!

But although his life has been turned upside down, he manages to narrow all his struggles down to only Six Impossible Things, which he has to soon overcome.

I strongly recommend this book more for girls as opposed to boys, around the age of 10 to 14.

Nevertheless I did enjoy this book because of the anticlimactic storyline and never knowing what is going to happen next, really making you feel deep into the book as if you are a part of it.

Will D, YR 9

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 29

‘The Fault in our Stars’ by John Green

‘Joy and heartbreak skillfully interwoven’ could sum up this beautiful book from John Green. I’m a huge fan of Green’s writing: “Looking for Alaska”, “Paper Towns” and now “The Fault in our stars”, the latter being my favourite.

Superficially, this is a story of two teenagers (Hazel and Augustus or Gus), both cancer sufferers, who fall in love. But to tell that story is to sell the novel short, because it tells us so much more about our lives, why we live and how we should live.

Dedicated to Esther Earl, a teenage cancer sufferer who Green met as a chaplain in a children’s hospital, Green says: “She was an otherwise normal girl who was funny and smart and I wanted to capture those qualities in Hazel Lancaster.”

I GET these kids, painted so poignantly by Green, ordinary teenagers stuck in their pain of dying, and their even more excruciating pain of living! “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, old man, but you do have some say in who hurts you,” Gus pens (p.313).

This novel almost feels to me like a still life – as though Hazel and Augustus are teenagers caught glaring into the spotlight as we examine their lives, their humane and vulnerable beauty exposed, questioning the platitudes thrown at them by adults, catching the nuances of meaning in each moment, the blackest humour in everyday existence, all beautifully rendered in Green’s prose like a piece of art.

It’s love that triumphs in the end – ‘better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all’. Even though we know from the beginning that due to ‘the fault in their stars’, their love will not last, that the painful reality is that ‘some infinities are bigger than other infinities’, we are caught up in their fight to make meaning of their lives. Esther herself reminds us: “…don’t forget to be awesome — love, Esther.” And they are truly awesome, as is Green’s writing! Highly recommended. Mrs O.

BORROW ALL OF JOHN GREEN’S NOVELS FROM OUR LIBRARY – F GRE

Student Reviews

When you have cancer, everything causes depression. This is what Hazel Grace Lancaster believed before she met the future love of her life, Augustus Waters.

Hazel has been diagnosed with lung cancer and was expected to make an appearance at a support group, however she is unsure whether to attend. She soon realises that it was a good idea to attend as she meets an inspiring young man. The teenagers, both being cancer sufferers, begin to spend a lot of time together. They travel to Amsterdam in order to meet a famous author, Peter Van Houten. Hazel and Augustus’ relationship begins to flourish and their emotions are running high.

Hazel and Augustus share a close bond together due to their similarities in life. They both face many challenges throughout the story, which will affect them both physically and emotionally.

This captivating story, written by the famous John Green, became outstandingly popular when it was published in early January 2012. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the novel as it was a very moving yet beautiful story. Whilst reading ‘The Fault In Our Stars‘, it was very difficult to put the book down because there were constantly twists and turns included.

As a teenager, I found the story to be very relatable and interesting. John Green has educated readers about diseases and created awareness. He has included descriptive language to engage the readers and keep them entertained.

I would positively recommend The Fault In Our stars to readers of all ages who are looking a novel in the romance category. This book was an emotional story and definitely brought a tear to the eye. I would undoubtedly rate The Fault In Our Stars 5 out of 5 stars.

Lindsay F, Year 9

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For Hazel, every day was a countdown to that moment when she won’t have to suffer the pain of cancer and just let go. However when the teenage romance starts, she begins to know the enjoyment of life. Augustus, another sufferer from cancer, meets the girl of his life, which somehow reflects the images of his ex.

It all began at the support group, when they caught each other’s eye and then progressed through to giving each other their beloved books. ‘An Imperial Affliction’ was given to Augustus and this book led them to commence an unforgettable journey. During their journey to Amsterdam they find the author of ‘An Imperial Affliction’, and face unbelievable truths and heartbreaking realities. Soon, more unreal difficulties are faced in Hazel’s life. How will these two teenagers go through these problems?

Another creation by John Green, this book has enthralled readers throughout the world. ‘ The Fault In Our Stars’ has been placed on the New York Times’ Bestseller list and has turned into a spectacular movie. This book definitely shows the style of the author’s writing and humour; also the plot of the story truly engaged me and I never let the book out of my hand.

I would definitely recommend this book to teenage girls, who are ready to know the reality of romance and who are expecting to laugh and cry.

Grace P, Year 9

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Teacher Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 29

‘Before I Die’ by Jenny Downham

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, and drugs with excruciating side effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. Released from the constraints of “normal” life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, are all painfully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time runs out.

BORROW THIS NOVEL FROM OUR LIBRARY – F DOW

The movie based on this novel is titled ‘Now is Good’.

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 26

‘The Raging Quiet’ by Sherryl Jordan

Raging quiet      Is it that we judge people too much on their looks and not what’s inside? We make assumptions about people based on what they look like without getting to know who they really are. Raver has had to deal with this his whole life.

      The Raging Quiet is a novel by Sherryl Jordan, which takes place in medieval times. It tells the story of a 15 year old girl, Marnie, who is forced to marry a 50 year old man in order to let her family keep their house and farm. Traveling to their new home in a seaside village near the town of Torcurra, she encounters a boy her age whohad been whipped. The young boy Raver is known as the madman of the village; a boy possessed by demons. Pretty soon Marnie and Raver become close friends. The story then follows the difficulty of this friendship, the villagers accusing Marnie of being a witch because she can communicate with Raver.

       I rate this book a four out of five because the characters are loveable, it has a nice setting and the plot is very interesting. What I’ve enjoyed about the book is the plot and the characters. I like how in the first few pages you can tell what the plot includes and the characters’ personalities. This book is suited to readers who like medieval dramas and friendship or romance stories. It is suited to both boys and girls thirteen and over. I like how Marnie is a stubborn but kindhearted, generous girl, who doesn’t judge people by their looks and Raver is a boy who deep down is a sweet gentle soul who just wants to be accepted.

       Eden, Year 9

Category: Historical fiction, Love stories | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 13

‘You Against Me’ by Jenny Downham

You against me      ‘Love’… it’s weird. You wouldn’t think that you could find that word associated with ‘rape’, would you? Neither did Mikey Mackenzie. He went looking for trouble, but instead… he found love.
‘You against Me’ by Jenny Downham is set in Britain. It is a very well written book with lots of issues that relate to teens and young adults. This book would appeal to the age group of 14-17 years; readers who like a bit of romance and mystery.
Mikey Mackenzie is a teenage boy who works at a pub, has a dream of becoming a chef and plays around with girls when he feels like it. When he meets Ellie, it all changes. She is in charge and Mikey likes it. Mikey falls head over heals for Ellie, a simple girl going to school who has never done any wrong … until now. Karyn sits up in her room, covered in doonas 24/7, why? Because Tom has been accused of sexually assaulting her. To make matters worse, Karyn and Mikey are brother and sister, just as Ellie and Tom are. It makes it harder for Mikey and Ellie to find time to be together, if they don’t get caught out first. Ellie’s mum is on both sides but her Dad is determined to keep Tom out of jail even if that means disowning his own daughter. What if their families find out? What will they do? Do they love each other enough to find a way? All hell breaks loose when things get too much for Mikey and Ellie.

I really liked ‘You against me’ as the writing style is very captivating. It draws you in from the start and makes a love story in your head. It keeps you wondering what will happen from start to finish. ‘You against me’ is a book full of mystery, surprises, loyalty and decisions but most of all it is a book about love.
Tayla C, Year 9

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      Rape. How would you feel if your sister came and told you she had been raped? What would you do to try and protect her? The thing you would want to do is find the person who molested her, right?

     How would you feel if your brother was accused for that rape? If he had to be on watch 24/7, not being able to live like a free man?

      This is the story told in ‘You Against Me’ by Jenny Downham. This book is set in Britain and was very well written with a lot of relevance to the teenage world. This novel would appeal to 13-18 year olds mostly because of the maturity in the book. This is a story full of love, mystery and confusion.  Kayrn McKenzie, Mikey McKenzie, Tom Parker and Ellie Parker are all a part of a love rollercoaster. Kayrn locks herself in her room and covers herself in blankets 24/7 because of the rape that Tom Parker was accused for. Ellie is an innocent teenage schoolgirl and Mikey is a normal teenage boy who works in a pub but when Mikey meets Ellie he instantly falls for her, creating chaos. Ellie and Tom are siblings and so are Mikey and Kayrn, making it harder for Ellie and Mickey’s love to become more real. Being in love with the sister of the person who molested your sister wouldn’t be easy. Will their families find out about this love? What will happen if they do? What would happen if Tom or even Karyn figure out the chemistry between Mikey and Ellie? Will they be able to keep their love a forbidden secret?  Will it all go downhill when someone finds out? Or will it all be too much for them to handle?

      I thoroughly enjoyed ‘You Against Me’ as it fully captures the writing style of heart and mind. The story’s plot captures your full attention, keeping it throughout the whole book and keeps your mind open to any new surprises. It is the type of story that you could read for hours. It makes you want the book to never end. It will intrigue you and make you forget about the real world. It makes you wonder whether it will finish as well as it started? If this sounds like something you would want to read, ‘You Against Me’ is the book for you.

      Ruby F, Year 9

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What would you do if your sister was sexually assaulted? Would you get revenge? What if you were the victim? Would you leave your house? What if your brother was accused of rape? Would you, along with the rest of your family, stand by him?

Mikey McKenzie is an 18-year-old who is desperately trying to keep his family together. With his father being out of the picture and his mother a drunk, it is up to him to bring in the money, step up and be the man of the house. When his younger sister, Karyn, claims that Tom Parker raped her, he wants to seek revenge.

Ellie Parker is a 15-year-old girl, and when her older brother is accused of the crime, she tries her best to make sure that he doesn’t go to jail and that her family stays intact. Mickey and Ellie should despise each other, after all they are the reason both their families are falling apart. However, this turns out to be the story of how Mikey and Ellie eventually fall in love.

In the novel ‘You Against Me’, Jenny Downham highlights some of the crimes prevalent in modern society. Downham shows that the crime not only affects the victim and the person that is accused, but it also affects the families and friends involved.

In this book, I enjoyed the two different stories that were told and their different points of view on this situation. For Mikey, it was trying to keep his family together, and having to accept that he could not do anything but wait for the court to make their decision. For Ellie, she is trying to wrap her head around the idea that her brother could be a rapist, and she must decide whether to go with what she believes is the truth, or what her family is pushing her to do, so that her family will stay together.

I believe that this novel is very well written, and if you are a female between the ages of 13 – 17 you will enjoy this book. The novel relates to issues in today’s society, whether the issues are falling in love with somebody you’re denied the chance to be with or being sexually assaulted. If you have read and enjoyed ‘Just Listen’ by Sarah Dessen, then you will enjoy this novel. 

Sarah, Year 9

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      You Against Me is a story that would be interesting for teens. It is about a girl named Karyn who decided to go to a party, where she becomes a victim of rape. Her brother Mikey has to be responsible and get Tom back for raping his sister Karyn. But on the way to help his sister Karyn, Mikey starts to fall in love with Tom’s sister Ellie, who is the only one who knows what really happened to Karyn…

      Jenny Downham wrote a great novel, but this is one story that is both a mystery and romantic; a crime novel with love added into it. All the families in this story are affected because they can’t believe everything that happened with the rape. Imagine that you are trying to find the person who raped your sister, but then in the middle of this crime scene you find love yourself.    

       You would think because “You Against Me” is a crime novel that you would never think of love or romance, wouldn’t you? Mikey and Ellie are very much alike because they both have their own difficulties and yet they both still find love in the weirdest way, through a crime. When Mikey and Ellie are together it’s as though Jenny Downham has brought real love to every person. This is one of the things that made Jenny’s writing great: it sounds like a real life relationship that will never end. In Mikey and Ellie’s lives there are many dramas but, no matter what happens between them, nothing will stop them being together. Jenny Downham made the couple seem alive and vibrant so that the story comes to life and that is what I think makes a great novel. This book is a good book. This is why I would have to rate it a 4 out of 5 stars.

      Melly Year 9.

 

Category: Love stories, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 8

‘Linger’ by Maggie Stiefvater

linger

“Aren’t you afraid?”

“Of what?”

“Of losing yourself.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for.”

 

      In Maggie Stiefvater’s second novel to the Shiver trilogy, ‘Linger’, everything is as perfect as ever. Sam Roth and Grace Brisbane have found each other, but a problem has arisen and now they must fight to stay together. For Sam, it means battling with his werewolf past, and for Grace, it means facing a future that is less and less definite as the clock ticks by. Just as everything settles, a new addition joins the pack of wolves of Mercy Falls. Bad boy, former rock star and once lead singer of a famous rock band NARKOTIKA, Cole St. Clair finds his way into the pack. He’s struggling with his own demons, and his past is full of hurt and danger. Isabel, a well-known character from the previous novel, who has dealt with losing her brother twice, believes she is falling hard and fast for Cole. She tries to not get caught in the commotion with the wolves and with Cole’s troubled life, but she may be the only one who could save him.

 

     The four teenagers come together as their adulthood is arriving fast and battle out which path to take. ‘Linger’ holds two additional point of views: Cole St. Clair’s and Isabel Culpeper’s. Their POVs are very different from Sam and Grace’s but it brings such balance to the story and adds more excitement.

 

     ‘Linger’ caught my attention right away. As I recently finished Shiver, the previous book to the series, I was quite eager to start reading. I was instantly captivated by the novel at the beginning of the story. The characters are brilliant and the plot works well. As ‘Linger’ deals with drug and alcohol use as well as teenage relationships, it would greatly interest teenage girls from ages thirteen to sixteen who love a fantasy, romantic, novel. I recommend Shiver to be read before this novel. With no hesitation I would instantly rate ‘Linger’ 4.5/5. It’s full of wonder and leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat with the book waiting for its next anxious pages to be read. And so, the final words must be said; as their world is falling apart, love is what lingers. But will it be enough?

 

Hollie G. Year 9

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“I had this feeling that he and I, in this moment, were a car crash, and instead of putting on the brakes, I was hitting the accelerator.”

 

Maggie Stiefvater’s second book ‘Linger’, is an amazing book. Sam and Grace, the two main characters in this book, are perfect but there is one problem: they have to fight to be together. For Grace it means facing her future as the clock ticks and for Sam it means beating his werewolf past. As everything finally calms down, a new member to the wolf pack has entered Mercy Falls. This character known as Cole St. Clair is a lead singer in his band NARKITIKA. Coles’ past has been frightful and dangerous.  Isabel is a character known from the first book ‘Shiver’. Her past has been terrible. She has watched her brother die twice. But she soon discovers that there is a connection between her and Cole and sherealizes she has feelings for him. She tries not to get caught up in his complicated life but.… she might be the only person who can save him.

 

All the characters have problems in their personal lives. But being teenagers they have to face their adulthood soon. They need to fix their problems and work together. With Sam not trusting his cure and Grace not fitting into her skin she feels quite insecure.

 

Whilst reading this novel when I came across the character Cole St. Clair. I saw myself in him. He is a strong person and he pushes people away. I felt like I could connect to him.

 

This novel has a fair amount of drug use and alcohol as well as teenage drama.

 

‘Linger’ caught my attention about eight pages into the book because I didn’t click with it to start with, but about eight pages into it I found it amazing. The way that Maggie Stiefvater writes and how she set the scenes and how she described it makes you feel like you can imagine being in that position. The characters really match this book and I’m glad she created them like this. This book is a fantasy/sci–fi novel. I would rate this novel 4/5. It hasn’t quitegot my full vote yet but it is close. With all the drama going on with love and despair you have to really get into the moment.

 

Brittany L,  Yr 9

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November 7

‘A Walk to Remember’ by Nicholas Sparks

 A walk to remember“An extraordinary book…touching at times riveting…a book you won’t soon forget.”– Sunday New York Post.

      This book is set in Beaufort, North Carolina. The novel follows the life of two 17 year olds, Landon Carter and Jamie Sullivan, in their last year of school at Beaufort High. Landon is a young boy who lives his life on the edge; he likes to be known as a rebel. Then there’s Jamie, a sweet, smart, innocent girl who strongly believes in the Christian faith. She carries her Bible around with her everywhere that she goes. Christianity is a big part of life in Beaufort, but Landon doesn’t take it as seriously as Jamie and the other Christians in the community. Every year Jamie’s father, who is the Minister at the local church, puts together a production for everyone in Beaufort. While Landon is a part of this production, he discovers things about himself that he never would have, if it weren’t for Jamie. Landon and Jamie’s final year at Beaufort High isn’t how they expected it to be.

      As Jamie and Landon start to become closer, Jamie teaches Landon some special things about the Bible, the Christian faith and about the things that she volunteers for to help other people. As the year progresses, Landon finds out something heart breaking that could shatter everything that they have and change how he sees the world.

I really enjoyed this book because it’s heart warming, and the way the author describes everything makes you feel as if you were there with them. As you read you learn about the things that people that young can achieve and accomplish.

     I would recommend this book to teenagers over the age of 13 as they can enjoy and understand the heart-warming experiences that Landon and Jamie encounter.

      Briahna B, Year 9.    

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     In his last year at Beaufort High in North Carolina, Landon Carter can remember the girl who changed his ways and his life… Serious and responsible, Jamie is the daughter of the town’s minister, and she’s not afraid of boasting to others about her faith, and how important God is in her life. In his last year at school, Landon selects drama as his elective so he doesn’t have to sit through chemistry, which he finds too difficult, and too boring. In drama he meets the person who is nothing like him. In over his head, Landon is forced to ask her for help, as he has no idea how to act. Landon soon finds himself falling in love with this innocent girl who is nothing like the popular, school rebel that Landon is.

     Though the introduction to the life of Landon in the book of ‘A Walk to Remember’ may be a bit lengthy and a little lifeless, you may soon find yourself engaged in the plot of the story, and the two completely opposite characters that both at first look the other way. Landon is the school’s rebel, and Jamie a brain and the town minister’s daughter. Both are completely different and in the story change from neglecting each other, to being hopelessly in love with each other.

      The heartfelt story of these two characters in love seems perfect for a while, but soon a secret Jamie has kept for some time reveals the tragedy that will take Jamie out of Landon’s life. In the end Landon reminds himself that his love for Jamie is like the wind, “he can’t see it, but he can feel it.”       – Nicholas Sparks, A Walk To Remember.

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November 4

‘The Wrong Boy’ by Suzy Zail

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

The Wrong Boy by Suzy Zail was set in 1944 in a concentration camp in Poland. The main character, Hanna Mendel, is a 16 year old pianist  sent to concentration camp and is forced to leave everything she loves behind, including her piano and home. She is a naïve girl and doesn’t quite understand what is going on at the camp, but she cannot pass up an opportunity of becoming the commander’s pianist. When she wins the auditions she is over the moon. She uses her privileges to help her sister Erica stay alive but at times it just wasn’t enough. When Hanna realizes that she has feelings for the Commander’s son Karl, she is left in awe as he reciprocates his feelings but they are star-crossed lovers destined not to be together.


I enjoyed this book as the descriptive language makes the scenes easily play out in my head. Suzy related the book to modern issues of young people with love and heartbreak, as they are not able to be together. This book was a tearjerker at times and I found myself in awe in the end.

 

I’d recommend this story to girls 12-16 who enjoy a romance and drama story, I found myself really stuck into this book after reading the first few chapters.

 

I give The Wrong Boy by Suzy Zail 4 out of 5 stars as the storyline was good but the ending was a little weak.

 

Gemma T, Year 9

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Meet Hannah Mendel. a 15 year old Jewish pianist. Little did she know in just eight days she would be swept off across the country and be playing for the Camp Commander and his son Karl. If you are interested in thrilling World War II and young love books, this is the book for you!

 

This story starts in Hungary, in the street where Hanna, her mother, father and sister all live now turned into a ghetto. The action then moves to a camp in Poland – Auschwitz.

The main character is Hanna. The book follows her life throughout a terrible three months. The secondary characters are Hanna’s family, the Camp Commander Captain Jager and his son Karl.

 

I believe that I enjoyed the book so much because it is unpredictable and quite a different book to what I would read. It is a great book, however I wish to know more about what happens after the ending.

 

I recommend this book to teens and young adults between the ages of 13-20 who are interested in World War II, music and young love/romance. This novel is an easy and great book to read.

 

Kira N. Year 9

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‘Being kissed by Karl Jagger was devastating. And beautiful. War makes you do dangerous things.’

 

Fifteen-year-old Hanna Mendel planned on being a concert pianist like her idol Clara Wieck. She planned on her life being normal. But no life for a Jewish girl in World War II can be normal. Leaving behind her life, her piano, her school and her dreams, Hanna is forced to face the reality of World War II. When she spends her sixteenth birthday in Auschwitz, her street is turned into a ghetto, she’s thrown into wooden barracks with two hundred other prisoners and forced into cattle trucks, where she is taken away.

 

Now she is just like any other Jew, forced into camps, shaven and given a number. Hanna is sure she’slost everything.

That’s until she meets Karl Jagger, the commandant’s son and fell in love with the wrong boy.

 

I found this book fascinating and an adorable read, perfect for teenage girls who enjoy the thrill of World War II novels and sweet romance stories. The World War II theme gave the novel, the worn boy, as sense of fear for the characters and fascination towards the reality of their situation. In the romance side of the story, it dealt with forbidden love and left readers wondering what would happen to the characters next. It was all of this that made me fall in love with the novel, therefore I rate ‘The Wrong Boy’ 4 stars out of 5.

 

Kyoko Y, Year 9.

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‘Being kissed by Karl Jager was devastating and beautiful. War makes you do dangerous things.’

      For Hanna Mendel, life was hard, being thrown into a Jewish prison and forced to do things that she doesn’t want to do. In the end, maybe being put here was a good thing as she would find true love but did it turn out the way she imagined?

      The book ‘The Wrong Boy’ is about a young girl, Hanna Mendel. Hanna is a very talented player of the piano. Hanna and her family live in a place called ‘The Ghetto’ along with many other Jews. Towards the end of World War ll the Jews in The Ghetto were forced to leave the Ghetto and go to one of the most notorious 

German concentration camps in history, Auschwitz. When they got there all the Jews are put through a selection process. Hanna lies about her age so that she can stay with her mother and sister but her father is taken away along with all the other men. Hanna’s mother quickly becomes very mentally ill due to the separation from her husband and being in the camp. She is later taken away and killed. Hanna and her sister are now left to fend for themselves. Erika usually refuses the terrible food that they get and slowly starts to starve to death.

       Now the only one left is Hanna, a 15 year old girl, but when an audtion to play piano for the commander pops up, she goes for it as she doesn’t really have anything left to lose. The commander sees the talent that Hanna has and chooses her for the role. Everyday Hanna is escorted by guards to the commanders house, and must stand outside waiting all day incase he wishes to have some music played for him.  

       Also living in the house is the commander’s son, Karl. Karl is a very good looking young man, about the same age as Hanna but he seems to be blind to what is going on outside his house and in his country. At first Hanna hates Karl just because of who his father is, but the more she goes to the house the more she realizes that Karl is different and not who she first thought he was. She soon falls in love with Karl but is he the wrong boy?

       I liked the story so much because it kept me curious and I found myself wanting to read more. The storyline was very interesting and intriguing. I would recommend this book to teens around 15 to 20 as the storyline at times requires maturity to understand what is being told. People who like love stories would also really like this book.

      Jack B-M, year 9.

Category: Love stories, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 4

‘When Dogs Cry’ by Markus Zusak

When dogs cryHave you ever felt alone? Is your only company your annoying brothers and father who don’t really acknowledge you much at all, but one day when that perfect girl comes around the corner, it changes your world? This is what Cameron Wolfe fells like in the book ‘When Dogs Cry’ written by Markus Zusak.   

           Cameron Wolfe lives with his mum, dad, sister and brother. His Mum and Dad don’t really care about Cameron that much. He has a love and hate relationship with his brother Rube, who is always paying him out and giving him a hard time. Cameron’s sister is one of the nicest people that Cameron has in his life. Steve is Cameron’s brother also but he doesn’t live with them; he has his own apartment down the road. Cameron hasn’t had a girlfriend yet but his brother Rube is the guy who has a different girlfriend every month and Cameron gets really jealous sometimes. Cameron was always interested in Rube’s ex-girlfriend Octavia. Then Cameron started seeing Octavia more often after Rube broke up with her. When he started seeing her it changed his life ….. How? The main characters in this novel are Octavia, Cameron Wolfe and Rube Wolfe.

            I thought that the book, ‘When Dogs Cry’ was an average book because it doesn’t get straight into the main scene, which happens at the very end of the book. On the other hand, it is a great book because it was easy to imagine what was exactly happening in my head. It had interesting characters with all different personalities. One main thing that makes you glued to the book is because it is about a real teenage boy’s life with young love and annoying brothers. I recommend this to teens between the ages of 10-15 years old. I rate the book ‘When Dogs Cry’ 3 stars out of 5.

Jazmin L, Year 9

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Have you ever felt all alone like a bit of a loner at school with not many friends? Well, this is what Cameron Wolfe feels like in the book “When dogs cry”. Cameron Wolfe is a boy who lives with his family and he is pretty much best friends with his older brother Ruben Wolfe. Cameron is a boy who has always been scared to talk to girls, unlike his big brother who gets along really well with girls, so Cameron has to learn to stand up and prove that he deserves a girlfriend and friends.

      Cam also enjoys watching his older brother Steve playing footy at the local footy club and then kicking round the ball with Steve afterwards. During the book Cam finally stands up to realise that he is more then he thinks he is. He forgets about what people thought about him and finds himself a lovely girlfriend that he is happy with. But through all of the happiness, Cam’s brother Rube gets into some trouble with one of his girlfriends, so Cam has to stick to his brother’s side and help him through the trouble because that’s what their family does.

      I would recommend this to people that are about in Grades 8-11 because a lot of people this age are going through things like this in their life and this book is not only going to entertain them but also teach them that in life you have to stand up for yourself even if people don’t think that much of you just like Cam did in the book “When dogs cry”.  

      Taine, Grade 9.

Category: Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 1

‘A Pocketful of Eyes’ by Lili Wilkinson

 

A pocketful of eyes     ‘Just because the world was simple, it didn’t mean there wasn’t any room for the occasional mystery.’ (p.311)

     These are teenagers with a mystery to solve and they won’t give up until they get to the bottom of it, even if they have to stay back at the taxidermy lab until midnight looking for clues. Does this sound like the type of book you love to read, the type of book that you can’t put down and you have to keep reading? Then ‘A Pocketful Of Eyes’ by Lili Wilkinson is the book for you!

 

      It all starts when a teenage girl named Bee is working at a taxidermy laboratory in the Melbourne Natural Museum’s Department, ‘but her summer job turns out to be full of surprises’ (back cover), especially on the day her mentor suddenly dies and a mysterious handsome boy named Toby begins to work at the taxidermy lab with Bee. Everyone thought that Bee’s mentor Gus died because he committed suicide but Bee and Toby are on a quest to find out if Gus really committed suicide, or did someone murder him?

 

     I really liked the book, ‘A Pocketful Of Eyes’ because it is a story about a girl and boy who begin to have feelings for each other and they are on a quest to find out who murdered their mentor, Gus, and during the process of getting clues and investigating they have some fights but the story concludes with them making up.

     Bee is very quirky yet mysterious in a way. When Bee was young she always liked reading detective books and always liked to be a detective. Bee’s co-worker Toby was a good-looking boy who is in university. He knew a lot about animal history and was always trying to charm Bee with quirky and strange facts.

 

      I particularly enjoyed this book because each page you found out something new, either about the characters or the investigation. I was glued to the book. When I was reading ‘A Pocketful Of Eyes’, each page felt like you were getting closer and closer to finding out how Gus died. I strongly recommend this book to teenagers and young adults from the ages of 13- 18 who are preferably girls who are interested in a good mystery and romance. I rate this book 4 stars out of 5.

 

 ~ Kate, Year 9

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Bee is part time working in a taxidermy department at her local museum. School starts up again in a few weeks and she is preparing for her last year of school. Her mother is a complete geek and her so-called boyfriend is nowhere to be seen or heard of.

     It was a normal day for Bee when she entered the taxidermy department, until she saw police officers and investigators around the place. The head of the Taxidermy Department, Gus, died that night. The investigators say that he killed himself but Bee thinks differently. Will Bee find out who really killed Gus or is she just imagining her childhood fantasy of becoming a detective?

The main characters are interesting: Bee is a girl working in the Taxidermy Department as a part time job before school; Toby is a boy who randomly appeared one day without a word. He said that he needed extra credit as he failed an exam in university, but the problem was that he is very mysterious but knows many animal mating habits. Gus seemed like a very peaceful man that knew what he was doing, but Bee knew something was different the day he died.

This book is exciting, unique and it puts you on the edge. The story line was interesting as there are many detective books where you can guess the ending but this book was different. As soon as I picked up ‘A Pocketful of Eyes’ I couldn’t put I down, and when I did put it down I could not stop thinking about the book. I would recommend the book to girls between the ages of thirteen and fifteen. This is truly a wonderful book that puts you on edge. 4 out of 5 stars.

     Morgan B, Year 9

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‘Just because the world was simple, it didn’t mean there wasn’t any room for the occasional mystery.’ (p. 311)

It was a normal day for Bee; well that’s what she thought, anyway. Bee is a senior high school student working at the Museum of Natural History in the Taxidermy Department for a summer job. This normal day suddenly was filled of surprises, including Bee’s mentor being found dead and a handsome boy showing up. Bee had many questions but was too shocked to say, after working with Gus, her mentor at the Museum, since the beginning of the summer break. Bee found it odd that the police would say that he had committed suicide and from that moment forward, Bee was convinced that he was murdered. Bee has some help from what she calls her sidekick Toby, the handsome boy. Together they try and solve what they believed was murder.

I truly enjoyed the book, “A Pocketful of Eyes” because it is a story about a girl who has grown up enjoying mystery books and thought she would never be involved in one herself, but during her summer her small dream comes true.

The way Lili Wilkinson described the scenes and characters was wonderful; I didn’t want to put the book down. Her descriptive language really made it easier to imagine actually being there. The story had many twists to keep me on my feet and it had my full attention, as I just wanted to keep reading to find out what was going happen next. The ending of the book was very pleasing because all of the small clues had suddenly came together like a jigsaw to revealed the amazing ending to the mystery. After reading “A Pocketful of Eyes” I truly hope that Lili Wilkinson will be writing a second book.

I would recommend this book to teenagers between the age of 13 and 17 who enjoy reading about mystery and romance. This book is a delightful read. I’d rate the book “A Pocketful of Eyes” by Lili Wilkinson 4 out of 5 stars.  

Caitlin, Year 9.

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“The world is full of obvious things which nobody by any chance ever observes.”

(Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles)

     Bee thought it was just an average day at her summer job in the Taxidermy Department at the Museum of Natural History, but she soon finds out that it wasn’t. Her mentor Gus was found dead in the Red Rotunda. Bee also had made a new friend called Toby, who quite frankly turned out to be very handsome but much older then her.

     Bee didn’t believe that Gus committed suicide; she thought that he had been murdered. Bee and Toby go on a quest to try and figure out what happened the night Gus was found dead. They decide to make a list of suspects and start questioning each of them. Not everything goes to plan, whilst questioning the suspects. They then discover more clues that could answer the main question as to whether Gus was murdered or if he committed suicide?

     I really enjoyed the book ‘A Pocketful of Eyes’ because it is a story about a girl and a boy who solve a mystery together to come to the conclusion as to whether their mentor was murdered or committed suicide.

     I was totally engaged in the book and could not put it down, as I was curious as to what would happen next. The descriptive and captivating language made it simple for me to picture the characters, scenes and also what they might have been thinking. The book was full of surprises and always kept my full attention. I recommend this book to teenagers of the ages of 13-16, who are interested in mystery novels and also a bit of romance. I rate this book 4 stars out of 5.

 

Georgia S, Year 9

Category: Adventure stories, Crime fiction, Love stories, Mystery, Realistic fiction, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
November 1

‘The Wave Rider’ by Graeme Lay

Wave rider      Out of all the girls, Justine had to be the one . . .Why did Carl have to do such a horrible thing?

     The Wave Rider is an epic love story with twists and turn you will not expect. Reading each page, each sentence, you will be fixated!

      The day Carl arrived in Kaimara everything changed; well, for Justine it did. Carl turned Justine’s world upside down. Each day that went by they became closer and closer. They saw each other every day without fail until Carl did something you couldn’t see coming. Why would he leave? Did he just lead Justine on? All the answers are found within the book and it will leave you astonished!

     Personally I don’t like reading. I don’t read much but as soon as I read the first page of this novel, I was hooked. I didn’t want to put it down! Just by looking at the book you would believe it is a surfing book, but it’s not. It is a story about love and how to work through various situations and issues. I would definitely recommend this book to all teenage girls, not so much boys as it is a book for romantics.

  – Madison, Year 9

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     ‘The Wave Rider’ by Graeme Lay is an easy-going and enjoyable read. The Wave Rider is an exciting love story that is full of many twists and will leave you startled! Why did Carl do this? How could he do such a thing to Justine after everything they had been through?

     From the moment Carl had stepped foot into the Kaimara chemist, Justine’s life had changed for her. She was startled at his beauty and went home that night thinking about ‘the Yankee’. Day by day both Justine and Carl had built a strong bond with each other that led them to a serious relationship once Justine had enough trust in him. They spent every day they could together visiting beaches to show Carl and introduce him to the local sites in Kaimara, all up until the day when Carl vanished out of sight, no note, no explanation. Why would he just leave like that? After his talk with Justine? How could he do this to her? All answers that are told throughout this novel will leave you gob smacked!

     This book starts off a little slow but within the first couple of chapters it really brings you in and starts to make you think and ask yourself who is the Yankee kid and what will be the relationship between him and Justine? Will there even be one at all? For me personally I’m not one who reads but as this book continues you really get attached and just want to keep going with the novel. I would most recommend this book to young teenage girls, not so much boys, as this book is a romance. 

     From the look of this book you would think it is a real surfing boy’s book but I’ll tell you, it’s not just that. It’s full of romance and young kids working through a various amount of their problems, issues and family relationships. I would rate this book with an 8/10.

     Briana, Year 9

Category: Love stories, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 30

‘Delirium’ by Lauren Oliver

Delirium      Imagine growing up in a world where love was considered a disease, not being able to experience what true love actually feels like, the purity and the dedication that goes into making a relationship worthwhile.

      Well, in a futuristic America, this is what Lena, a 17 year old girl is forced to grow up with, unless she undergoes a life-changing procedure that will simply stop her from loving. This procedure provoked Lena’s mum to take her own life. ‘Delrium’ is set in a small American town known as Portland, fenced off from the outer world. It is the only town to declare love a disease.

      Lena is almost certain that she will never love someone but herself, that is until she meets Alex, a 20 year old young man who is living in Portland with a false identity. As Lena falls in love with Alex, she finds herself in a lot of trouble. Breaking laws, lying and secrets have never been attributes that Lena believes in, but now, she has no idea what she’s getting herself into.

      ‘Delirium’ is a unique forbidden love story that is very easy to relate to, however I would recommend it to teenage girls as some of the situations in the book require a literate understanding of teen love and desire. This novel was full of plot twists, suspense, passion, rebellion and of course love. I would rate it 7/10, as sometimes the story drags on; some scenes are most certainly not needed.

      Zoe, Year 9

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“The only thing we ever need is to love and be loved in return.”

 

 – Eden Ahbez

    Delirium is set in Portland, America in a post-apocalyptic time where love is a dangerous, fatal and uncontrollable disease. Seventeen-year-old Lena Haloway has only ever wanted to be cured, and in ninety-five days she will be safe from the disease. The people of Portland have always thought the uncureds to be animals— diseased and dangerous. With the uncureds shut out from behind a wall, they thought they could live in peace, without love or the disease – Amor Deliria Nervosa.

      Lena’s world turns upside down when she meets twenty-year-old Alex, an uncured boy living a secret double life. However wrong their relationship is, Lena can’t help but fall hopelessly in love with him. As Lena struggles through dystopia, she discovers a daunting family secret that changes her whole perspective on the cure and those she loves. Together, Lena and Alex slip under the radar and find happiness with each other but how long will their secret love survive?

      The author, Lauren Oliver, marvelously incorporated many admirable features in the writing of Delirium. The twists and turns in the story help make the book a fantastic read, but it’s the great detailed descriptions of both characters and scenes that truly captivates and give the book a sense of reality and intimacy whilst reading.

      I would not have normally chosen a book like this, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I’d recommend this book to girls of mid to late high school age (14 +) who enjoy romance and sci-fi novels.

      With a fabulous plot, marvelous writing and killer ending, you won’t be able to stop yourself falling in love with Delirium.

      – Shelby, Year 9

 

 

 

Category: Dystopian fiction, Love stories, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT
October 28

‘Shiver’ by Maggie Stiefvater

  ShiverThis novel will send shivers down your spine.

Meet Sam. During the summer he is a normal boy, but in the winter he is a werewolf.  Next, meet Grace —  just a normal girl with a traumatizing memory of wolves. These two people are from different worlds yet they are in love and they believe nothing will break them apart. Grace meets Sam when she is lying on Grace’s porch bleeding out. If you like love stories with a bit of thrill then this is the book for you!

       The book ‘Shiver’ by Maggie Stiefvater is a very detailed book so in your head you can picture it really well. Sam and Grace look after each other even when they are having trouble looking after themselves. So will Grace and Sam stay together or be broken apart by the hunters and Sam’s pack?

       I like this book quite a lot because it had a lot of detail and good characters. I recommend this book to girls of any age especially if you are into love stories and werewolves. So do you want to read this?

     Sammy, Year 9

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Those eyes. Terrifying and scary yet beautiful and yellow. It’s not every day that you fall in love with a wolf, is it? Six years it has been, six years of thinking about my wolf every day and night and still he won’t come near me, is there something wrong? Have I done something? I don’t understand…

In the summer, I’m human and in winter I’m a wolf. It has been that way for as long as I can remember. I haven’t ever felt like this before about a human. I want her, more than anybody could ever imagine but I’m scared. I am scared she will run away and I’ll never see her again.

 

Are you up for adventure, love and a book that will leave you coming back for more? Well, if so, Shiver is the book for you. Join Grace and her wolf ‘Sam’ as they continue their love with a fight. Try to understand what they have to go through to pursue their dream of being together. This well-written novel by Maggie Stiefvater has captured the hearts and minds of teenagers and adults for quite some time and will continue to do so for generations to come. Don’t let Shelby take you under her fur as she tries to destroy the love that Sam and Grace share. 

 

The novel ‘Shiver,’ is an excellent novel for all ages. I really enjoyed the romance, the dark magic of wolves and the adventure that comes along with it. I say this because the love in this book is what every girl dreams of, loving a guy that loves you back, promising an adventure but doing it with a smile. The ending of this book does leave you on a bit of a cliff hanger but that will make you want to read the rest of the trilogy. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, because the ending could have been a little bit more precise but other than that the book was truly amazing and will be amazing for generations to come.

 

Nienke, Year 9

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In Summer, a few precious months of being human.

In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack and the silent company of a fearless girl.

In winter I watch the wolves in the woods behind my house. One yellow eyed wolf-my wolf- has a presence I can’t live without.

 

Grace lives in the small, dull town of Mercy Falls where nothing ever happens. But after the mysterious death of a high school student and a wolf hunt, the town is anything but ordinary. After meeting Sam, a boy with eyes just like her wolf, Grace’s world changes drastically. While trying to keep the boy she loves human and trying to find out what a newly turned werewolf wants, she must embark on a journey of self discovery and show her parents just how much she needs them. This book is about falling in love and the force that tries to drag them apart.

 

If you like books with romance and drama that leaves you wanting more, Shiver is the book for you. Maggie Stiefvater has created a book full of dark magic, mystery, passion and loss.

 

This book is probably more suited to an adolescent female audience.

 

The issues surrounding the book relate to young love and the reality of growing up. I enjoyed reading Shiver because it isn’t your typical werewolf romance. It doesn’t follow the werewolf stereotype and the romance isn’t clichéd. It is more mysterious, dark and subtle.

I rate this book 4/5

Greta, Year 9

Category: Love stories, Student Reviews | LEAVE A COMMENT