November 24

‘Hades’ by Alexandra Adornetto

Hades

Will she make a deal with the devil?

And what will happen to an Angel in hell?

Hades is a captivating book about love, deception and what you would do to keep the people you love safe. It is the sequel to the enchanting book Halo by Alexandra Adornetto. Every page will have you wanting to read more. You will not want to put the book down. The book begins at school when the bell sounds to go home for the weekend. It is Halloween and they are planning a Halloween party. Little did they know, this party would release Jake Thorn and his demons. Xavier and Bethany settle down to try and resume a normal life (well as normal a life as you can have when one of you is an angel) when a childish prank goes wrong and Bethany finds herself dragged down to Hell. When Jake plays dirty, Bethany must make the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep Xavier alive.

What would you do to save the people you love?

Chloe, Year 9

October 26

‘Wolf Brother’ by Michelle Paver

“Torak heard a twig snap behind him just as a large hand grabbed him by the jerkin and yanked him off his feet.”

This exhilarating and exiting book by Michelle Paver is set in a different time to society and starts off with the father of the main character, Torak, being killed by a magical murderous bear. In his father’s final moments, he tells Torak that he is to go to the Mountain of the World Spirit to defeat the bear before it becomes too strong. Torak chooses to fulfill his father’s wish and travels off into the forest in search of a mysterious mountain never seen by anybody ever. I like this book because it introduces different clans within the forest and everybody is in some sort of clan and each clan has its own individuality. Having these tiny details in a story line really defines a book from average to really good. I would recommend this story to someone who enjoys magical stories and books set around medieval times because parts of the book relate to things they may have had in medieval times.                              George, from grade 9.

I have been analysing the book Wolf Brother. Already I have found this book surprisingly good with its unique introduction of his father dying and it being in past future tense. This book is about a young boy named Torak whose father gets viciously attacked by a rouge bear. Torak is told to go to the mountain of the world spirit, which no man had ever found or seen before. With this in mind, Torak’s father tells him to go down by the river and fetch him some water for the Passover. Suddenly he hears the vicious roar of a bear in the distance then hears his father scream RUN!!!!!!!!!!.  Throughout the story, Torak is faced with life threatening decisions that could change his life forever.    Angus, Year 9

Wolf Brother is the story of a young boy who loses his father and sets out to find a mountain so he can kill a bear possessed by a demon before it gets too strong at which point no one could kill it. As the boy tries to get to the mountain, he gets captured by another clan, gets washed into a river which has a waterfall further down from where the boy and his friends were crossing and gets caught in many more different ways that stopped him from getting to the mountain. Without those distractions the book would just be boring and not many people would want to read it and put it down after reading the first page. Jackson, Year 9

October 25

‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’ by John Marsden

This book is truly an Australian classic. The author, John Marsden, uses brilliant descriptive scenes of the Australian outback. But back to the book! Ellie is a typical country girl living in an outback town when she and her friends decide to plan a weekend out bush. While they’re out there it is beautiful and peaceful with no problems, but one night they see a fleet of planes fly over near their hometown. Their innocence is about to take a big turn for the worse as they head back home. This book is a great book for teens or adults and is action packed. The book has been turned into a blockbuster film as well. So overall this book is one for all and an instant classic!  By Brodie, Year 9  

‘It’s only half an hour since someone – Robyn I think – said we should write everything down.’

This story is set in an old country town. The characters decide to go on a camping trip to an old ground in a jungle, where they spend their time talking and having fun.

Ellie – she is a person who likes to take charge and likes to decide what to do and not be pushed aside but can be a very kind and generous person.

Homer – a trouble maker, loud and always getting into trouble and being arrested by the police.

A bunch of ordinary kids decide to go on a camping trip which will change their lives forever. Whilst they are at the camping ground there are planes that fly over their spot with no lights and they have no idea why. So when they go back home they first stop at Ellie’s house and they get the shock of their lives.

It was an interesting title and the movie is just as good. The way they describe the camping ground sounds like a utopia. I recommend this book to any gender and to any age from about 13 up because it is a good and interesting story.

 Reilly, Year 9

Tomorrow when the war began is an action packed book that is set in a fictional country town in Australia.   Ellie is a country girl that is adventurous and is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

Ellie and her friends go on a camping trip into the bush for the holidays and find themselves in serious danger.  Tomorrow when the war began starts off pretty slow and is hard to get into but after a while begins to get very interesting.  I would recommend this book to teenagers of both genders who like action or war books.

Luke Year 9

This book is about a group of people that live in a country town and they go on camping trips every year. It’s that time of the year when they usually go camping so they pack and leave. This book has plenty of action if you are one of those people that like thrillers and it has some scenes that make you think and flick back to get it all sorted out.

This book kept me reading; it is one of the most interesting books that I have ever read! This is one of those edge of your seat type of books with plenty of almost each genre, there is a lot of action, a little romance and plenty more. I recommend this book for all ages and genders.

Jack, Year 9

October 24

‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen

The book I am reading for Literature Circles is called ‘Hatchet’, written by Gary Paulsen. In the novel a 13 year old boy named Brian is flying to visit his dad when the pilot has a heart attack. Brian then has to survive on a stranded island by himself. I would recommend this book for mainly boy readers aged at about 13 or 14. In the book you are always wondering what is going to happen next. The thing that I most liked about the book was that once you pick it up it is hard to put it back down. The one down side that I found in the book was the font. It is hard to read and is very bold. Altogether I would rate this book an 8 out of 10. Jarrod, Year 9

 

The book I have just read was ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen. ‘Hatchet’ is a short book that is jammed with a great story and always has you on the edge of your seat. The book is about when Brian goes to visit his father when the pilot has a surprise heart attack and Brian is forced to fly the plane on an island and survive in the Canadian wilderness with only a small hatchet his mother gave him. What I like about the book is that there is always something happening. On the down side some of the good moments of the book fade away and you forget about them. Another thing about Hatchet is the chapters are very small. Throughout the book you feel very lonely because there is only one character throughout most of the book. I think this book is for people who have better things to do than read a long book.  My Rating : 4½ out of 5 STARS  By Nick in Year 9

‘Hatchet’ is a classic story of survival against all the odds. The main character of the book is called Brian Robinson. Brian was born in the city living with his mum. His parents are divorced so he mostly lives with his mother. He doesn’t see much of his father, so he has to travel into the wilderness where his father works. To visit his father he has to travel in a bush plane with a pilot named Jim. Brian is not used to being alone and far away from his mother.  As they were flying, the pilot was unconscious and Brian didn’t know if he was dead or alive. That’s not the only thing that was wrong; inside the plane was a ripping sound of metal crushing against each other. The plane was crashing and flying into trees. He lost all control of the bush plane and it came crushing into the lake.   By Simba, Year 9

This book is action packed throughout, starting with a spectacular plane crash in the harsh wilderness. Brian is a young teenager who lives in a city and for the summer he is going to see his dad. Half way through the trip his plane crashes into the Canadian Rockies and he has to survive by himself with nothing but the clothes on his back and a simple metal hatchet. This is a great read for ages between 10-13 years old.

Ben, Year 9

The main character in this book is Brian, who is 13 years old. Brian was flying to his father’s house in Canada when the pilot had a heart attack and the plane crashed into a lake but Brian escaped with several injuries. All Brian had was a hatchet that his mother gave him before he left and his clothes and a couple of notes of money. So now Brian had to find how to survive in the wilderness with only a hatchet.

Mark, Year 9

September 4

‘Incarceron’ by Catherine Fisher

Dystopian fiction takes us on a journey into another world, and I found the world of ‘Incarceron’ to be totally engrossing. Catherine Fisher has created richly detailed settings, multi-faceted characters we can identify with and a highly suspenseful plot. From the very beginning of the book, the setting is so well drawn that it’s easy to picture this story as a movie.

The story takes place in two worlds, one a prison and the other a palace. Both Finn and Claudia, the two main characters of the dual narratives, are imprisoned in their own ways, yet they are bound together by their past lives. As their stories slowly unravel, we learn more about who they are, and we watch them grow as they are tested by adversity and circumstance.

This is a highly imaginative and inventive story, suitable for readers aged 10 – 12 and above. Highly recommended. P.S. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out: ‘Sapphique’. Mrs O.

August 16

‘Alone’ by James Phelan (Chasers #1)

If you found John Marsden’s ‘Tomorrow, when the war began’ series scary, then this book is definitely NOT for you.
Jesse and his three friends’ school trip is interrupted by a massive explosion. They find themselves stranded in New York, a city in chaos, abandoned except for zombie-like ‘chasers’ infected with a virus which turns them into predators, thirsting for any liquid including human blood.
The four teenagers have a desperate struggle to survive, using every skill they’ve developed and finding more strength than they knew they had.
This book is highly accessible to teens and would be most suitable for middle teen boys who are reluctant readers. While not MY favourite read, I can think of a few boys who’d just love it. It’s a cut above some other horror stories presently available, with a nice twist at the end which leads into the rest of the series. 3 1/2 stars. Mrs O.

“You sound like you think this is it, Dave said. Like you think we’re the only survivors who aren’t infected and it’s up to us to start things over again.
Like a new earth, Anna said.
I looked at her. A new earth?
It’s like the planet has reset, she explained, to create a new earth full of hope. Those of us who are left will become the adults of a world that’s changed, a world where things like wars and greed are just a memory…It’s like a torch has been passed to a new generation.” (p.156)

Reserve ‘Alone’ by clicking HERE.

August 12

‘In the sea there are Crocodiles’ by Fabio Geda

One night before putting him to bed, Enaiatollah’s mother tells him three things: don’t use drugs, don’t use weapons, don’t steal. The next day he wakes up to find she isn’t there. They have fled their village in Afghanistan but his mother has decided to return home to her younger children, leaving ten-year-old Enaiatollah alone in Pakistan to fend for himself. In a book that takes a true story and shapes it into a beautiful piece of fiction, Italian novelist Fabio Geda describes Enaiatollah’s remarkable five-year journey from Afghanistan to Italy where he finally managed to claim political asylum aged fifteen.

It’s amazing to think that while I was working, socialising, carrying on with my everyday life, a teenager on the other side of the world was fighting desperately for survival, living through dislocation and fear. For teenagers, this is a life changing story which could shake any complacency or self-interest and change their views of refugees forever.Although translations can sound a bit ‘clunky’, the boy’s voice shines through. Highly recommended for middle teens. Mrs O.
Reserve “In the Sea there are Crocodiles’ here.

May 13

‘Crocodile Attack’ by Justin D’Ath

Crocodile attack“Bang! Bang! You’re DEAD!”

‘Crocodile Attack’ is a very action packed book. It has many great ‘on the edge’ sentences about the characters and events. The story takes place in a small town having a large cyclone. The main character, Sam, was riding through the cyclone trying to get home. He decides to stop and finds himself in a lot of trouble. His cousin Nissa is kidnapped and he finds himself in trouble with a man. The story is mainly about a boy named Sam being kidnapped with his cousin. After a little bit of the journey the car crashes into flood water. They find themselves drowning till they find the way out. The main characters Sam and Nissa get out but find themselves floating in the water with the kidnapper, with a gun. I believe this book is a very good book for people that enjoy thrill and action. It would be a good book for people of the ages 11 to 14. In conclusion, I believe that this book draws you in from the start. Jai, Year 8

‘Crocodile Attack’ by Justin d’Ath is an adventure book. When Sam and Nissa go to their auntie’s shop, a robber breaks through the front door with a shotgun and takes money and Nissa to his car waiting around the corner. But Sam was following him. There was a cyclone coming in from the ocean. Sam got to his car when the robber was throwing Nissa in the car and he decided to get in the car to help his cousin. They were speeding out of town and then they drove across a road and got swept away. They were swept into crocodile infested river with a robber and his cousin. When they were floating they were stopped by a tree. Then his cousin fell out of the car and was swept into a tree down the river and then they decided to jump out of the car with the robber and float down to Nissa. When they got there they went into the middle where no currents could sweep them away. In the story there are four characters: the Robber, Sam, Nissa, and their aunty. Sam is the most courageous because he got in a car with a robber. The illustrations are really good. They look realistic and all of this could happen to a kid or anyone in a community. This book is really interesting and I will give this book a 4 out of 5. I would suggest this book to younger readers. By Jordan ,Year 8.

Our book is ‘Crocodile Attack’ by Justin D’Ath. It’s an adventure book where Sam and Nissa go to their auntie’s and then a robber comes into the shop and takes the money and Nissa back to the car. Waiting around the corner the robber was there and kidnapped both of them and there was a cyclone and they crashed off a bridge into water and they were trapped. It’s in a town where a cyclone is about to hit. It’s very adventurous and exciting because Sam chases after the robber who kidnaps both of them and while they’re driving off they get swiped by a wave while going across a bridge.   The author uses very descriptive words and makes the book really exciting so you want to read on. By Dylan, Year 8

‘Crocodile Attack’ by Justin D’Ath it is a thrilling book which has a lot of action packed dramatic events and will keep you thinking what’s going to happen and can it get worse; will they live or not? The book is set in a small town in Australia, Northern Queensland in the tropics. It is a time of desperation because a cyclone is on their doorstep. When you actually read the book you feel like disaster is going to strike at any moment. Sam, who is the main character, really interests me because he is brave and you can tell he has a lot of heart and spirit. The story is mainly one disaster going on to another disaster. Things just seem impossible, but Sam always finds a way to get out and still be breathing. The situation he gets into is life and death and you don’t know if he is going to make it or not. The writer makes it even more believable and dramatic, which makes the story even better. Personally, I really like the book and like that things get worse and when things seem bad they always seem to find a way out of these situations. I recommend this book to people who are 10 and above because it is pretty easy to read and is exiting and I recommend reading it. James Year 8

November 2

‘If I Stay’ by Gayle Forman

If I stay‘Am I dead?’ is the question that seventeen-year-old Mia has to painfully ask herself after an horrific accident. Waking up and looking back at herself in the hospital, Mia is trapped between life and death, walking the hospital corridors without a soul to comfort her after witnessing the death of her parents. She can see her grandparents, she can see her best friend Kim and she can see her waiting boyfriend Adam, but they cannot see her. Now Mia has one choice to make, the toughest choice of all. ‘If I Stay’ is a story about tragedy, patience and above all, hope. This story is one of the most dramatic I have ever read, and is probably not one for the boys, but I recommend it to anyone who enjoys tearjerkers. It’s slow to start, but it has something that the reader will enjoy somewhere in the book. I haven’t finished reading it just yet, so I’m hoping the ending will cleverly sum up the events so far. Jack, Year 9

Mia has a literally life changing choice to make. Should she stay to live or die? Most of us would automatically answer yes, but Mia has already been through a life changing unforeseeable event that has changed her life forever. This book teaches us that life is short and we should make the most of every day because life can change in an instant and have drastic endings. We should also greatlyappreciate what we have, because life in itself is a gift that can be taken for granted. It’s a very sad book as you the reader go through Mia’s emotions about all that happens. – Ally, Year 9

Seventeen year old Mia and her family are involved in a violent car crash in which her whole family is killed except for Mia and possibly her younger brother, Teddy. As Mia walks around the crash scene, she is shocked to find herself gazing down at her own bloodied body. Mia watches as she is rushed to hospital, where doctors and nurses rush around attaching her to machines and plugs. She cannot figure out what she is, whether she is alive or dead; whether there are others like her and whether she can gain back her own body. Later on in the book Mia is faced with a decision – does she stay alive or chose to die? Life should always be appreciated because it can change or be taken away in an instant. Maddison, Year 9

This book will emotionally tear you apart. It throws the troubles of death and sorrow into the first few pages, which for me was an awesome idea of the author as it makes an interesting book for reading. I felt compelled to read this book as it was very well written and I think it is the perfect book for teenagers around the age of 14-18. This book could have many themes but the main themes are sorrow and despair as Mia, the main character in this book, tries to overcome the loss of her parents and her brother in a car crash after going on a drive to try to keep the family entertained after their school day has been snowed out. This book will catch you from the beginning and you won’t put it down. Jamie , Year 9

November 1

‘Witch Child’ by Celia Rees

Witch child1‘Witch Child’ by Celia Rees is about a young girl called Mary who is thought to be a witch. She has never known her parents, only her grandmother. Then some men who torture and threaten Mary, take her grandmother away and set out to prove that she is a witch. They end up killing her and Mary has set out with some allies to the new world for a new life.  The book witch child is a bit slow at the start, but after a while the book turns out to be very interesting. It’s quite the read I enjoyed, but really it depends on what kind of novels you’re into. If you like a bit of wonder and mystery, then “Witch Child’ is the book for you. I haven’t finished the book but I read it whenever I can. It’s a great novel. Mary inspires you, as she is basically an outcast being a witch, and she learns to fend for herself. Even without any family left, she accompanies a few people on her journey.  I won’t say any more, you will have to read for yourself. I like ‘Witch Child’ so far and I recommend the book to other teens. by Emerson, Year 9

This book starts off by pulling you straight into the story of Mary, a witch child. Her grandmother is dead, hung against her will. People said she was a witch, but Mary knew better. Now Mary has to be careful of what she does and what she says because if she does anything out of the ordinary she will share the same fate as her grandmother. Mary has to run to get away and with the help of a veiled woman, she does just that. You think Mary’s life has come to an end but it has just begun, because in a time when superstition ruled the world and things go wrong, the first person they point to is the one who is mysterious, different. People around Mary believe she is just that – different. This book is set in the 1600s. I found the book interesting at the start, but it tended to drag in the middle until a very exciting end. Despite this, for a true story I found this book compelling overall. By Melissa Yr 9

‘Witch child’ written by Celia Rees is a book about a young girl, Mary, a suspected witch who has never known her parents and lives with her grandmother.

From what I have read so far I would rate the book 3 and a half stars out of 5, but that may change as I read more of the book.  To be able to read this book, you need to be patient. It opens with a little bit of action but then dies down and I have not run into anymore action yet. Also the author of this book uses old fashioned language which I cannot relate to. On a positive note, this book goes into great detail when explaining certain events, such as the thunderstorm while they’re on the ship, which I enjoyed reading. Daniel, Year 9

‘Witch Child’ is an interesting book that captures the audience. It makes the reader feel as if he/she is travelling along the journey of the book with the main character Mary. Mary is a young girl who was cared for by her grandmother during her childhood. When suspicions arise about Mary’s grandmother Eliza Nutall becoming a witch she is killed, and Mary is taken away to sail on a ship to America. The main plot of the book is about Mary’s journey on the ship and the turnout of her life once reaching America. So far this book has swept my mind into the story of Mary’s journey. I believe this is because the author goes into great detail about the events that happen throughout the story. ‘Witch child’ is an inviting book to read and I am eager to read more. Jasmine, Year 9

‘Witch Child’ is not an ordinary book. The start of the book is about Mary, a witch child whose grandmother is being accused of witchery and is sentenced to death by the people in their community. At the execution of Mary’s grandmother, she is taken away by a strange woman whom she has never met. With the woman’s intentions to keep Mary safe, she sends Mary away to America to start a new life and reveals to her that she is her mother. This book explains Mary’s journey to America and her experiences once she has reached her destination. Meeting many people on the way, Mary builds relationships which will help her through many ordeals. I recommend ‘Witch Child’ to anyone who enjoys something out of the ordinary. Great effort is placed into the description of this book which makes it appear more real. I really enjoyed ‘Witch Child’ and I would be happy to read other books written by Celia Rees. Emily, Year 9

October 28

‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins

‘The Hunger Games’ is a fantastic book and I didn’t want to put it down. The suspense, sensations and thrills send shivers down your spine. What the children are put through, in order to be crowned the winner of the hunger games is horrendous. This book is an amazing book that I highly recommend reading. Hannah Year 9

Suzanne Collins has created a very good book. The United States is gone, North America has become Panem, a TV-dominated dictatorship run from a city called the Capitol. The rest of Panem is divided into 12 Districts. The thirteenth had tried to revolt and was destroyed. The yearly highlight in this unpredictable world is the Hunger Games, a violent reality TV show in which 24 teenagers chosen by lottery, two from each District, fight each other in an isolated environment called “the ‘arena.” The winner gets a life of ease; the losers get death. When Katniss Everdeen’s little sister is chosen for the hunger games, despite the very slim chances that she would be chosen, Katniss steps up and takes her place as the contestant alongside her district’s other contestant, Peeta Mellark. Aleks, Year 9

‘The Hunger Games’ is set in an unspecified future time when things have gone pretty spectacularly badly for humanity. The world, or the bit of it we can see, is dominated by a ruling caste that live in luxury in a city called the Capitol. The rest of us live like peasants in 12 districts that are strictly cordoned off from the Capitol and one another. Life in the districts sucks: it’s mostly hard labour–mining coal and farming and working in factories–in dismal conditions.  To make things even harder, once a year each district is required to give up two of its children, chosen by lottery, and enter them in the Hunger Games. The kids are dropped into an enormous arena strewn with traps and hazards, with a heap of weapons and supplies in the middle. The last child alive wins a lifetime of luxury and celebrity. The action is filmed and broadcast to the entire world. Michael, Year 9

Katiniss, “the girl on fire”, portrays a strong poised personality who fights for what she believes is right.  With her wise words people hold a certain admiration for her, which the Capitol does not appreciate. With Cinna as their stylist designing the flamed costume, Peeta and Katiniss instantly become the crowd’s favourite as they make their entrance at the parade. Before the games even begin each contestant is sent into the practice room where he or she can get a feeling of what weapons they will be using in the arena area. To not grab the other opponent’s attention as a target they both hang low practicing tying ropes and camouflaging. Every single move Katiniss or Peeta take is being televised for every district to assess and judge so with the help of their drunk mentor Haymitch (previous winner from District 12) Katiniss and Peeta learn to play their cards right. Throughout ‘The Hunger Games’ Katiniss and Peeta are left fighting for survival and every day, hour, minute someone in the arena is dead or a target. Amber, Year 9

The book I am reading at the moment is ‘The Hunger Games’. At first I didn’t exactly get what they were trying to say, but after reading over it I understood it. I’m really enjoying the book. It’s different and I love how they explain in great detail how the characters are feeling at certain times, for example how Prim and Katniss were feeling about the morning of the reaping. The book is set in the nation of Panem. The main character in the book is Katniss. Ever since her father died she has provided for her family, which consists of her mother and her sister Prim. She would do anything for them. She even went out of their district where she mustn’t go, but she is determined and stubborn and that’s what she has to do for her family to live. But when Katness at 16 years of age she steps forward for her sister in the reaping. She comes close to death, but this wouldn’t be the first time. She either has to kill or be killed.  I likes this story because it’s different, and I enjoy action movies and books. I would highly recommend this book to teenagers and young adults that enjoy action. Kalani, Year 9.

October 25

‘Hunter’ by Joy Cowley

‘Hunter’, by Joy Cowley, is a good book in which two stories are set two hundred years apart in time. The first story is set in 1805, which is about a boy named Hunter, who is about 15 years old. He is a slave to a tribe that he lives in and he dreams of running away to a white settlement, not too far from his tribe. Hunter frequently has visions about things that he can’t understand.  When he has a vision about a Moa Bird in a valley not far from the village, he is told to track the bird with the help of three hunters and then kill it. The second story is set in 2005 where a young girl named Jordan and her two younger brothers, Robert and Baxter are trying to fly back home on a light air craft when they almost entirely run out of fuel. The pilot, Harold, makes an emergency landing on a small peninsula of land. Harold is able to land the plane but the plane’s exterior is badly damaged by branches and undergrowth that pierce through the cockpit and cabin on impact. The book is enjoyable to read for anyone between the ages of 11 – 16 years old. In all, I think the book was very interesting, suspenseful and enjoyable to read.  Jacob, Year 9

‘Hunter’ is set in the south island of New Zealand. It is based on Hunter communicating with a young girl named Jordan along with her brothers Baxter and Robbie. Hunter has the unique gift of sight, which plays a big part later in the story. Jordan and her brothers had the best time of their lives on their holiday but then in a twist they land in the uninhabited part of southern New Zealand.  Hunter is kept captive by a group of Maori warriors who hunt moa. During the story the Maori Warriors hunt him in the hope to get him back. He helps Jordan and her brothers get to safety, using his gift of sight while under constant pressure of being one step ahead of the Maori Warriors. Brad Year 9

The book ‘Hunter’ is a very complex and mysterious novel, just like the main character in the story. His journey through life is very confusing. He is at one moment being treated like a dog, a slave to a human tribe. Then he is stranded with a bunch of children struggling for survival. Throughout this novel it explains and tells the story about how he lived off the bare land and looked after his fellow friends. I would recommended this book for children ages 16-18 years of age. This book teaches and shows us how lucky we are to have what we have today. Chloe, Year 9

 

The book ‘Hunter’ is a mysterious yet exciting novel just like the main character ‘Hunter’. His adventure throughout his life is very perplexing, I mean at one moment, he is being treated like an overpopulated unimportant animal which deserves to die, but then he is thrown into a group with a bunch of stranded children struggling to survive. Throughout the novel, it tells the story about how he lived off the wild animals and the dry humid land, and how he looked after his amazing friends. I would most definitely recommend this book to many ages but the preferable age would probably be 14-18. This book shows that you are the most luckiest person that could live, because out there, they are not as privileged as you, so count yourself lucky. – Christian, Year 9

October 25

‘White Fox’ by Gary Paulsen

White Fox’ is an action packed thriller and gets you in right from the very start of the book. Cody is a young boy who has been imprisoned in a Military camp by a group called the Confederation of Consolidated Republics or the CCR. Cody got the nickname White Fox because of his blonde hair tied up with a headband. White Fox is a master of locks and he can pick a lock with almost anything. He is trying to win the respect of the CCR so he can plan an escape with a friend. I recommend this book for ages 12-16. Will White Fox be able to escape the prison or will he be caught?  Thomas Year 9

 I have been reading the book ‘White Fox’ and can I tell you that it is one of the most action-packed, engaging books that I have ever read. I think that this book would be suitable for teenage boys who like books all about the army and shooting guns. I have had fun reading the book ‘White Fox’ and I hope that you can read it some day too. Josh Year 9

“White Fox” is about a young teenager named Cody Pierce who has been captured from CCR – The Confederation of Consolidated Republics. His parents have both died a tragic death, and he is now a prisoner at the camp. As he meets new people he is very interested in a pilot named Major Toni McLaughlin whose plane got shot down by the army. They have captured her and have brought her to a prisoner’s cell. I rate this book a 4 out of 5 because it’s an interesting book, although there are a lot of characters in the book, which makes it difficult. I think that at the end Cody will try to save Toni and he will die, because the soldiers will catch him. John, Year 9

‘White Fox’ is a good book. It is full of action and it can be a bit gruesome in some areas of the book, so that is why I would recommend this book to 11 years old and upwards. Cody was a young kid captured by the CCR – Confederation of Consolidated Republics. He was in camp trying to escape, planning to get to the rebel base. Will he make it to the rebel base before the CCR recapture him? Blake, Year 9

May 9

‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen

HatchetEven though I’m not very far into ‘Hatchet’, I think that it is a very interesting book that has you on the edge of your seat. It is a very good book for anyone from the age of ten and over. I recommend ‘Hatchet’ for anyone who enjoys a book with adventure and determination. From Aimie, Year 8
I am currently reading ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen and even though I’m not all the way through the book, I already know by the first couple of pages that it is an adventure book full of nail biting scenes. The main character is Brian, who lives with his mother in the city, but in the holidays he lives with his dad. Something went terribly wrong on the plane to his dad’s house though. The pilot has a freak heart attack and dies suddenly, so Brian was the only person on the plane besides the driver. He had to fly the plane all by himself now and survive all by himself. What will happen to Brian? I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a bit of a thrill and a laugh andadventure with nail biting events happening on every page. I would personally rate this book 8 stars out of 10. Bridget, Year 8

Recently I began reading ‘Hatchet’ by Gary Paulsen. I found the beginning of the story a bit of a drag as it seemed to take a long time to get into the actual basis of the storyline. However, once it got to that point, it was very captivating. It was so engrossing that I just wanted to keep reading it! The main character in the story is a 13 year old boy called Brian. He finds himself in a big blur (as many children are all around the world) after his parents get a divorce. On the way to visit his father in Canada, the pilot has a heart attack and with no one else on board Brian is left all alone in full control of the plane. This is a very edgy story that keeps you wanting more. I believe this story will appeal to people who like reading a book that makes you want to get to the resolution as soon as possible. Jordan, Year 8

I am enjoying this book even though I have only read half of it. This is an easy book to read that really puts you on the edge of your seat. This story is about  a boy `Brian’ who has had a pretty depressing life so far. His parents have recently split and are soon to be divorced. He finds himself on a plane flying to his dad’s house when the pilot has a heart attack. He has to fly the plane, Does he know how? Will he and the pilot survive? `Hatchet’ is a book you just want to keep reading and I am sure you will too.  Jemma, Year 8

The lead character of this book is Brian. He is confused 13 year old boy deserted in a Canadian forest after his pilot had a heart attack and Brian had to crash land the plane. This happened when Brian was on his way to visit his dad in Canada after his parents just slit up. On his journey to survive he remembers all the good and bad memories in his life. This helps him with problems along the road, but the real question is, will he survive ? Alanah, Year 8 http://www.randomhouse.com/features/garypaulsen/about.html

 

 

May 9

‘Hunter’ by Joy Cowley

hunterI recently read the book ‘Hunter’, set in the South Island of New Zealand. It shares the story of a young boy, Hunter, from the year 1805 and a young girl, Jordan and her brothers from the year 2005.  The book explores Hunter’s ability and gift of sight that enables Hunter to help Jordan and her brothers to safety after their rickety plane ride home for the holidays turns to disaster when it crashes on a wild and deserted peninsula in New Zealand. Meantime Hunter is faced with his own dangerous situation, being held captive as a slave to the Maori warriors who hunt moa. With his gift of sight, Hunter sees a strange silvery bird crash into the sea and a girl with blonde hair. He himself needs to escape the Maori warriors but is driven to help the girl and her brothers. Jordan and her brothers are terrified and alone, but Jordan keeps hearing a voice that is telling her what to do and guiding her to safety.  Hunter, fighting to keep one step ahead of the Maori hunters searching for him, ready to kill him, sends messages to the young girl and directs her and her brothers to safety. The book was gripping and full of adventure and had a good ending for both Jordan and Hunter. Jordan and her brothers were rescued and Hunter managed to escape the Maori warriors. I enjoyed the book, it was easy to read and at times I couldn’t put it down. Kaide, Year 8

I have recently finished reading the book ‘Hunter’, set on the South Island of New Zealand. It tells a story about young girl named Jordan and her brothers Baxter and Robbie and a guy they meet named Hunter.  This book has enabled us to read and unfold Hunter’s ability of sight to help Jordan and her brothers to safety after their terrible ride  home for their holidays. They had the times of their lives but after this accident their trip  turns into a disaster when their plane crashes on a wild and deserted part of New Zealand. Meanwhile Hunter is faced with his own problems, being held captive as a slave to the Maori warriors who hunt moa. With his gift of sight, Hunter sees a strange silvery bird (the plane) crash into the sea and a girl with blonde hair. He himself needs to get away from the warriors but is driven to help the girl and the brothers. Jordan and her brothers are terrified and alone, but Jordan keeps listening to a voice that is guiding her to safety.  Hunter is fighting to keep one step ahead of the Maori hunters searching for him, ready to attack and destroy him. He sends messages to the young girl and directs her and her brothers to safety. The book was exciting and full of adventure and had a thrilling ending for both Jordan and Hunter. Jordan and her brothers were rescued and Hunter managed to escape the Maori warriors.  This book was a easy but enjoyable book to read.  Jayden, Year 8

Although I have not read the whole book I found this book great. I liked Jordan the most out of all the characters, not just because my name is Jordan, but because he is very grown up for his age. The two brothers are troublemakers, which makes the book funny and exciting. This book would be good for all ages I think but younger people might like it better. I give this book a 6/10 because it is not the type of book I would normally read but it was good and that I didn’t expect.  Jordan, Year 8  

I found that the book ‘Hunter’ was enjoyable and so thrilling I could only put it down when I was falling asleep or Mum had to nag me. I was thoroughly into ‘Hunter’. It was exciting how a slave hunter wanted to run off to the huhu and Jordan a 14 year old girl whose plane crashes and was being haunted by the Maori warriors. I just had to know what the end was like. It’s honestly one of the greatest books I have read and I’m inspired to find more books as exciting as Hunter. Naythen, Year 8

http://www.joycowley.com/

May 5

Letter from John Marsden about ‘Tomorrow, when the war began’

John MarsdenHi to all the Aquinas readers!

Ms Kirkland has asked me to say a few words about ‘Tomorrow, When the War Began’. So here are my few words. When I was growing up I read a lot of stuff about World War II, and kept wondering what would have happened if Japan had invaded Australia. For one thing, I probably would never have been born, but I did wonder how I would cope if someone invaded us. In real life, probably not very well, but my fantasies were a different story. That’s the whole point of having fantasies of course!

I was also interested in writing a story set in the bush and on farms, as those settings seemed to have disappeared from books in recent years. And I was interested in writing a book that showed teenagers as (I think) they really are, instead of the unpleasant ways they are usually depicted in tabloids and on those boring current affairs television shows.

Once I started really caught up in the action, but also in the development of the characters. I never knew what was going to happen next, and it was fun trying to find solutions for the problems and traps I had created for Ellie and her friends. I realised more and more as I wrote the books that the essence of all novels is that they pose problems and then attempt to solve them. And of course neat slick solutions are never satisfactory, because in real life there are no neat slick solutions…

Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading the book, and even some of its sequels perhaps.

All the very best,

John Marsden

May 4

‘Mission: Survival’ by Chris Ryan

Mission survivalAlex, Li, Paulo, Hex and Amber are five teenagers on a ship called Phoenix. It is a beautiful ship until it crashes. ‘Survival’ is a great read. It’s a thriller and you don’t know what’s going to happen next. I don’t usually like reading but this book had me hooked. I’d give ‘Survival’ 4 out of 5. Kurt, Year 8
 
This book has five main characters, all teenagers on a sailing ship. For many of them, their punishment is to go on this ship and be slaves. When their instructor tells them to stay out of the way and become a team, they decide to steal the ship’s food and to have a little party. They tie an escape boat to the side of the ship and after they have a feast they wake up stranded. They end up battling for life and death, seconds from disaster. Nate, Year 8
http://www.chrisryanadventures.co.uk/
July 20

‘The Hunger Games’ by Suzanne Collins

hunger-games“The Hunger Games” is the best book I have ever read. It makes you keep guessing what is about to happen and how Katniss is going to survive. I could not believe what happens in the end. There is a twist no one could have thought it would happen. Once you pick the book up and start to read you can’t put it down. But I have to admit the first couple of chapters are boring but at chapter 4 it starts to get exciting. If you want to read this book you better be ready for some violence and blood. This is a descriptive book and is very creative. When this book becomes a movie I will be the first to see it.

The back cover of the book says: ‘Winning will make you famous but losing means certain death. In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the hunger games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister’s place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before.    For her, survival is second nature. Alana, Year 8

This is a book filled with constant twists and turns that will leave you wondering what will happen next. ‘The Hunger Games’ will not disappoint as you follow the story of a girl thrown from a life of starvation to the glamour of the Capitol. How will she survive in a world she knows so little about? Follow Katniss as she struggles to overcome a force that has ruled for as long as anyone can remember. With surprises being thrown at the reader with every new page, ‘The Hunger Games’ is a force to be reckoned with. Suzanne Collins has done a fantastic job with this frightening view of the future where a game show can make or break you. The future is a scary place and Katniss is lost in her own world, but she is a girl on fire! http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/ Chelsea, Year 10

Suzanne Collins paints a gripping portrait of a not so far fetched future. With simple words she creates a master peice of work that entralls and enchants the reader as they are plummeted through the winding road full of absorbing characters and gripping adventures that is the Hunger Games. T.J., Year 11

This is a book about a teenage girl who is forced to compete in the Hunger Games which is a fight for your life, literally. Two dozen contestants called ‘tributes’ are forced into a landscape that changes every year to fight to the death over a period of seven weeks. Ryan, Year 8
At first, this book wasn’t very interesting at all. It was a struggle to get a hold of the plot, but as soon as the main story kicked in, I WAS HOOKED. The story starts with a girl named Katniss. She hunts for food for her family, when an unfortunate turn of events start and she ends up fighting for her life. The plot to the story had many twists and turns, and it kept you on edge, waiting to see what happens next. There is a second book in the series, and I can’t wait to start reading it. 5/5 By Max Year 8