Small Change For Stuart
By Lissa Evans
Stuart is a ten year old boy who is incredibly small for his age, and is often picked on because of this. When he moves house to dull and dreary Beeton, his life gets worse and worse, especially when he meets the triplets next door. But the boredom doesn't last long; when Stuart discovers a message from his missing Great Uncle, he sets out on a quest to find the magician's workshop that was left behind by following a series of clues. However, he has very limited time and there are others searching too...
I thought this book was stunning and I was really caught up in the plot despite probably being considered too old to read it! I know I would have loved to read a book like this when I was younger, yet I still really enjoyed.
The series of clues is a really good idea, and although not unique, I thought Evans used the context around it to make it as unusual as possible. I loved how everything fitted together at the end, and whilst there were a couple of lose threads left, most my questions were answered and I felt extremely satisfied. I can see a sequel being written for this book, but it works just as well as a stand alone novel.
I really liked how Stuart was characterised, and how he reminded me of a ten year old - his thoughts and feelings were spot on. I also enjoyed the development of April as a character as I felt she helped to compliment many aspects of Stuart's character, as well as making both characters very relevant to ten year olds today.
There were continuous twists and turns, but nothing too complicated to follow, yet nothing was predictable and I was constantly turning the pages. I thought that the way magic and comedy were woven into the story were pretty much seamless. Nothing seemed tacky or silly - everything was completely believable and had that lovely old fashioned feel about it, but was also very modern. The comic moments were well executed and were not over the top or trying to be funny and failing.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to children and young adults of all ages - no one is 'too old' for this book!
Rachel, Yr 12
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Friday, 27 April 2012
Everybody Jam
Everybody Jam
Ali Lewis
Living on a cattle station out in the Australian Outback, Danny Dawson is a thirteen year old boy struggling through a difficult time. His fourteen year old sister is pregnant, his older brother has recently died in an accident that no one ever mentions, and the drought is putting an increasing strain on the family. To add to things, the annual muster has almost arrived and this will be Danny's last one before boarding school, so he needs to prove himself and prove he is as good as Jonny, his deceased older brother. To add to his problems though, he has Buzz the camel to train against his fathers wishes, and the new house girl, Liz, to contend with, who seems to make mistake after mistake. As the tension builds, unlikely friendships are formed to build up to a dramatic and exciting finale.
I loved the insight into another culture with this book! The Australian Outback became a very real and very special place, whilst I enjoyed learning about the cattle stations and the way of life out there. It contrasts so vastly to the UK and the way of life is so unique to how we live and what we take for granted.
I thought the plot was excellent - there were plenty of twists and turns throughout that kept it entertaining and exciting, as well as making me really care about the characters. I particularly liked the characterisation of Buzz and how he got to play a large part in Danny's life - a camel is an unimaginable pet in my life! I also liked the character of Liz (The Pommie) and Danny's scathing remarks about her, whilst all along the reader is likely to share similar views to Liz.
I'm not so sure about Danny's narration as I felt it was a little immature for a thirteen year old and made him seem a lot younger than he really was. However, that was the only flaw that I could really spot - I thought everything else was absolutely excellent! The title is also incredibly fitting, as I think this a novel for everyone, like how everyone likes the 'everybody jam' in the book.
This book was incredible and definitely one of my favourite so far!
Rachel, Yr 12
Ali Lewis
Living on a cattle station out in the Australian Outback, Danny Dawson is a thirteen year old boy struggling through a difficult time. His fourteen year old sister is pregnant, his older brother has recently died in an accident that no one ever mentions, and the drought is putting an increasing strain on the family. To add to things, the annual muster has almost arrived and this will be Danny's last one before boarding school, so he needs to prove himself and prove he is as good as Jonny, his deceased older brother. To add to his problems though, he has Buzz the camel to train against his fathers wishes, and the new house girl, Liz, to contend with, who seems to make mistake after mistake. As the tension builds, unlikely friendships are formed to build up to a dramatic and exciting finale.
I loved the insight into another culture with this book! The Australian Outback became a very real and very special place, whilst I enjoyed learning about the cattle stations and the way of life out there. It contrasts so vastly to the UK and the way of life is so unique to how we live and what we take for granted.
I thought the plot was excellent - there were plenty of twists and turns throughout that kept it entertaining and exciting, as well as making me really care about the characters. I particularly liked the characterisation of Buzz and how he got to play a large part in Danny's life - a camel is an unimaginable pet in my life! I also liked the character of Liz (The Pommie) and Danny's scathing remarks about her, whilst all along the reader is likely to share similar views to Liz.
I'm not so sure about Danny's narration as I felt it was a little immature for a thirteen year old and made him seem a lot younger than he really was. However, that was the only flaw that I could really spot - I thought everything else was absolutely excellent! The title is also incredibly fitting, as I think this a novel for everyone, like how everyone likes the 'everybody jam' in the book.
This book was incredible and definitely one of my favourite so far!
Rachel, Yr 12
My Name is Mina
My Name Is Mina
David Almond
'My Name Is Mina' is very difficult to describe what it is about, and that's perhaps one of the best things about it. In summary, it is a diary that Mina, an incredibly imaginative girl, keeps and records all her daydreams, hopes, wishes, fears, and discoveries, and has been written as a prequel to 'Skellig' which is definitely now on my very long 'to read' list!
I loved Mina as a character, as I thought every aspect of her was thoroughly explored in the novel in a creative and imaginative way. Almond has captured the thoughts and feelings of many young and frustrated people who have a love of literature and managed to pack them into one person - the result is a very powerful a strong character, and although slightly mad we can all connect to her in some way or another.
The postmodern element of the novel was both a positive and negative for me. I loved how the book ignored pretty much every single rule of the conventional novel - even the way the writing laid out on the page was different, with massive words on some pages, some pages black with white writing etc, pretty much exploring every possible way of having an impact upon the reader. I also liked the playing around with 1st and 3rd person narrators and how Almond has manipulated the story to try his ideas out.
However, the downside of the postmodern element of the novel was that I finished without the character really getting anywhere - I didn't feel any particularly strong or overwhelming emotions at the end of the story, and I didn't feel satisfied either. There was no real drive to read 'Skellig' based on the end of the book - instead I am simply curious as to what happens next.
That being said, I did enjoy the refreshing break of reading Mina's diary and her wild and unrestrained thoughts that simply spilled out over the page and came straight from the heart - definitely a worthwhile read as long as you don't expect too much from the ending.
Rachel, Yr 12
David Almond
'My Name Is Mina' is very difficult to describe what it is about, and that's perhaps one of the best things about it. In summary, it is a diary that Mina, an incredibly imaginative girl, keeps and records all her daydreams, hopes, wishes, fears, and discoveries, and has been written as a prequel to 'Skellig' which is definitely now on my very long 'to read' list!
I loved Mina as a character, as I thought every aspect of her was thoroughly explored in the novel in a creative and imaginative way. Almond has captured the thoughts and feelings of many young and frustrated people who have a love of literature and managed to pack them into one person - the result is a very powerful a strong character, and although slightly mad we can all connect to her in some way or another.
The postmodern element of the novel was both a positive and negative for me. I loved how the book ignored pretty much every single rule of the conventional novel - even the way the writing laid out on the page was different, with massive words on some pages, some pages black with white writing etc, pretty much exploring every possible way of having an impact upon the reader. I also liked the playing around with 1st and 3rd person narrators and how Almond has manipulated the story to try his ideas out.
However, the downside of the postmodern element of the novel was that I finished without the character really getting anywhere - I didn't feel any particularly strong or overwhelming emotions at the end of the story, and I didn't feel satisfied either. There was no real drive to read 'Skellig' based on the end of the book - instead I am simply curious as to what happens next.
That being said, I did enjoy the refreshing break of reading Mina's diary and her wild and unrestrained thoughts that simply spilled out over the page and came straight from the heart - definitely a worthwhile read as long as you don't expect too much from the ending.
Rachel, Yr 12
Between the Shades of Gray
Between the Shades of Gray
Ruth Sepetys
This book is about the story of a Lithuanian girl, Lina, during the second world war. She is deported to Russia with her mother and her brother to work in the labour camps run by Stalin. Clinging to the hope her father is still alive, she creates pictures in the hope that he will see them and know where to find her. Lina undergoes some of the most horrifying conditions that humanity has had to face, but amongst the terror she develops closer bonds with her family and those with the same fate of her, learning to survive on hope and a will to live.
Firstly, I really enjoyed how this book explored a piece of history that has been largely overshadowed by the World War Two and Hitler. I knew absolutely nothing about what the people of the Baltic States had to endure in this period, and this novel is a perfect way of educating young people about the horrifying events that took place. Lina's lack of knowledge about what was happening was a perfect way to draw the reader into the story and to learn about what is happening as she learns, taking them on a journey similar to hers.
The narrative was easy to read and I loved the flashbacks that were scattered throughout the novel and how they eventually fit together to create a powerful ending. Despite the monotony of her life in the work camps, there is always some spark of hope in her voice to encourage the reader forwards, and at other times I was so scared about what would happen that I couldn't put it down.
I particularly liked the character of Andrius as he was so cheeky and so defiantly resisted the rule of the Russians. His relationship with Lina was also very touching and poignant, yet also incredibly challenging due to the immense pressure that both characters were put under.
The writing of this novel was incredibly solid and I found it very easy to connect to Lina as she is presented as such an ordinary person, despite the hardship she is suffering. I felt everything flowed very naturally, even the flashbacks, which can often be very jerky in many stories. I loved how just a few words in the present narrative linked to the flashback that made it sound like an echo of a forgotten life, which was exactly what it was.
Perhaps the most shocking point of this book is not the story itself but the Afterword, in which Sepetys explains how the Lithuanians were unable to speak of their ordeal freely until very recently - which makes it all the more important that this book is read.
Rachel, Yr 12
Ruth Sepetys
This book is about the story of a Lithuanian girl, Lina, during the second world war. She is deported to Russia with her mother and her brother to work in the labour camps run by Stalin. Clinging to the hope her father is still alive, she creates pictures in the hope that he will see them and know where to find her. Lina undergoes some of the most horrifying conditions that humanity has had to face, but amongst the terror she develops closer bonds with her family and those with the same fate of her, learning to survive on hope and a will to live.
Firstly, I really enjoyed how this book explored a piece of history that has been largely overshadowed by the World War Two and Hitler. I knew absolutely nothing about what the people of the Baltic States had to endure in this period, and this novel is a perfect way of educating young people about the horrifying events that took place. Lina's lack of knowledge about what was happening was a perfect way to draw the reader into the story and to learn about what is happening as she learns, taking them on a journey similar to hers.
The narrative was easy to read and I loved the flashbacks that were scattered throughout the novel and how they eventually fit together to create a powerful ending. Despite the monotony of her life in the work camps, there is always some spark of hope in her voice to encourage the reader forwards, and at other times I was so scared about what would happen that I couldn't put it down.
I particularly liked the character of Andrius as he was so cheeky and so defiantly resisted the rule of the Russians. His relationship with Lina was also very touching and poignant, yet also incredibly challenging due to the immense pressure that both characters were put under.
The writing of this novel was incredibly solid and I found it very easy to connect to Lina as she is presented as such an ordinary person, despite the hardship she is suffering. I felt everything flowed very naturally, even the flashbacks, which can often be very jerky in many stories. I loved how just a few words in the present narrative linked to the flashback that made it sound like an echo of a forgotten life, which was exactly what it was.
Perhaps the most shocking point of this book is not the story itself but the Afterword, in which Sepetys explains how the Lithuanians were unable to speak of their ordeal freely until very recently - which makes it all the more important that this book is read.
Rachel, Yr 12
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
Annabel Pitcher
Five years ago, Jamie's sister Rose was killed. Now aged ten and barely able to remember her, his family has been torn apart because of the tragedy. His mother has left, whilst his father is an alcoholic and hates all Muslims. His other sister Jasmine (Rose's twin) who is 15 is the only one who can understand him. But when Jamie makes friends with Sunya, a muslim girl at school, his life is turned upside down.
I thought this book was absolutely brilliant! I was drawn in from the very first page, and to use the cliché 'I couldn't put it down' is the most accurate way of describing how I read it, despite the fact I should have been doing homework for the next day. I loved all the twists and turns in the plot - everything was very unpredictable and I never knew where the story was going to go next.
The characters are all very well written, and each of them seemed very real to me. The development of Jas in particular was excellent, and I loved the little twist at the end involving her. The relationship between Jamie and Sunya was also very strong and worked well with the storyline - it was absolutely perfect for two 10 year olds and wasn't ridiculously fast paced or inappropriate. The characterisation of Roger is something to look out for too - it is very rarely that an animal sparks so many emotions that are so genuine and not silly.
The narrative voice of Jamie is well suited to that of a ten year old - I felt it really captured his innocence of that age. Many writers do not quite truly capture the age of their characters, most often making them sound too old for their age. However, Pitcher has developed Jamie's voice into something very believable and also includes the silly humour of that age, along with the honesty - something which is unusual when dealing with the subject of grief.
I particularly liked how so many relevant issues were explored too - there is something that many children and teenagers can connect to in the story. Each issue was given an appropriate amount of depth and time - nothing felt like it was rushed or lagging. The fact that Jamie cannot really comprehend what happened to his sister or have many memories of her definitely made the narrative much more compelling and put a different spin on this kind of story. As part of the generation who were alive when 9/11 took place but did not really understand it until many years later, I found this easy to connect, and I'm sure this is similar with many other readers having the same experience of knowing about an event but not really understanding it, such as the 2005 London bombings.
This book is excellent and definitely deserves to be on the shortlist
Rachel, Yr 12
Annabel Pitcher
Five years ago, Jamie's sister Rose was killed. Now aged ten and barely able to remember her, his family has been torn apart because of the tragedy. His mother has left, whilst his father is an alcoholic and hates all Muslims. His other sister Jasmine (Rose's twin) who is 15 is the only one who can understand him. But when Jamie makes friends with Sunya, a muslim girl at school, his life is turned upside down.
I thought this book was absolutely brilliant! I was drawn in from the very first page, and to use the cliché 'I couldn't put it down' is the most accurate way of describing how I read it, despite the fact I should have been doing homework for the next day. I loved all the twists and turns in the plot - everything was very unpredictable and I never knew where the story was going to go next.
The characters are all very well written, and each of them seemed very real to me. The development of Jas in particular was excellent, and I loved the little twist at the end involving her. The relationship between Jamie and Sunya was also very strong and worked well with the storyline - it was absolutely perfect for two 10 year olds and wasn't ridiculously fast paced or inappropriate. The characterisation of Roger is something to look out for too - it is very rarely that an animal sparks so many emotions that are so genuine and not silly.
The narrative voice of Jamie is well suited to that of a ten year old - I felt it really captured his innocence of that age. Many writers do not quite truly capture the age of their characters, most often making them sound too old for their age. However, Pitcher has developed Jamie's voice into something very believable and also includes the silly humour of that age, along with the honesty - something which is unusual when dealing with the subject of grief.
I particularly liked how so many relevant issues were explored too - there is something that many children and teenagers can connect to in the story. Each issue was given an appropriate amount of depth and time - nothing felt like it was rushed or lagging. The fact that Jamie cannot really comprehend what happened to his sister or have many memories of her definitely made the narrative much more compelling and put a different spin on this kind of story. As part of the generation who were alive when 9/11 took place but did not really understand it until many years later, I found this easy to connect, and I'm sure this is similar with many other readers having the same experience of knowing about an event but not really understanding it, such as the 2005 London bombings.
This book is excellent and definitely deserves to be on the shortlist
Rachel, Yr 12
A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls
Patrick Ness
Conor is a boy who has a close relationship with his mother who is battling cancer. He has a strained relationship with his father and grandmother, so he uses stories and dreams to help him deal with the more difficult aspects of his life.
I absolutely loved the imagination that went into this book and how the monster featured throughout the stories, perfectly capturing all of Conor's emotions in so few words. I also thought the book was visually very beautiful - the pictures simply helped to enrich the images I had in my mind and made me realise how much I miss picture books! I also love how unique, detailed, yet shadowy they are - as if they are designed to work to everyone's imagination
I was also impressed how the character of Connor was so different from that of the characters in the Chaos Walking Trilogy - so many writers create very similar voices for their characters in different books until they are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Conor retained a unique personality which makes him stand out.
By far the best part of this book was the power of the emotions in the incredibly short space of time and words. With very little description I could feel Conor's rage, anger, sadness and guilt throughout the story, eventually making me cry at the end due to the sheer power of the conflicting emotions.
Overall, I thought this book was excellent!
Rachel, Yr 12
Patrick Ness
Conor is a boy who has a close relationship with his mother who is battling cancer. He has a strained relationship with his father and grandmother, so he uses stories and dreams to help him deal with the more difficult aspects of his life.
I absolutely loved the imagination that went into this book and how the monster featured throughout the stories, perfectly capturing all of Conor's emotions in so few words. I also thought the book was visually very beautiful - the pictures simply helped to enrich the images I had in my mind and made me realise how much I miss picture books! I also love how unique, detailed, yet shadowy they are - as if they are designed to work to everyone's imagination
I was also impressed how the character of Connor was so different from that of the characters in the Chaos Walking Trilogy - so many writers create very similar voices for their characters in different books until they are virtually indistinguishable from one another. Conor retained a unique personality which makes him stand out.
By far the best part of this book was the power of the emotions in the incredibly short space of time and words. With very little description I could feel Conor's rage, anger, sadness and guilt throughout the story, eventually making me cry at the end due to the sheer power of the conflicting emotions.
Overall, I thought this book was excellent!
Rachel, Yr 12
Trash By Andy Mulligan
Trash:
Trash was a roller-coaster of a heart-felt story narrated by a group of friends who lived on a giant landfill, they find a wallet of a moderately rich man in the trash with some money in it but end up taking more than they bargained for, as the man was a thief that stole a corrupt (is there any other kind) politician's stash of millions of dollars for revenge. The corrupt police and the narration leave you rooting for the - late - thief and the trash boys.
A nice story to follow along to, well written and although there isn't much room for a sequel I'm sure Mulligan will write another award nominee (and possibly winner) again. I like how it was written like a document of the events (I won't give much away) and how Gardo and Raphael explain themselves before carrying on with the story. But I'll will stop boring you with my words read the book it's definitely worth a read.
By Louis Yr 9
Trash was a roller-coaster of a heart-felt story narrated by a group of friends who lived on a giant landfill, they find a wallet of a moderately rich man in the trash with some money in it but end up taking more than they bargained for, as the man was a thief that stole a corrupt (is there any other kind) politician's stash of millions of dollars for revenge. The corrupt police and the narration leave you rooting for the - late - thief and the trash boys.
A nice story to follow along to, well written and although there isn't much room for a sequel I'm sure Mulligan will write another award nominee (and possibly winner) again. I like how it was written like a document of the events (I won't give much away) and how Gardo and Raphael explain themselves before carrying on with the story. But I'll will stop boring you with my words read the book it's definitely worth a read.
By Louis Yr 9
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Fantastic reviews!
Some really amazing work being done on the books this year everyone, well done! And congratulations to Molly and Emily B who are in the lead for most books read.
BETWEEN SHADES OF GREYBy Ruta Septys
This entire book is based around one girl and her family, how they were taken from their home by guards and shipped away with no explanation. Unknown to them and all the people they are sharing a cattle car with they are being shipped away to
All in all I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
By IsobelYear 9
Wednesday, 25 April 2012
My Name Is Mina
My name is Mina is an amazing book written from the point of view Mina. She is a home-schooled girl who has a wide imagination. She lost her dad and owns a house that used to belong to her grandfather. She explains how she because home-schooled and the trip to Corinthian Avenue Pupil Referral Unit.and about her trip to the underworld where she meets 'Cerberus'. She talks about S.A.T.'s day and dust being peoples skin so they never really leave this earth. Also she see a new family moving into a empty house. But will she have the courage to talk to there son?
I found this book amazing and would give it to anyone. The only thing I would change would be then ending. This is because I would like to find out what happens to her. Maybe she goes back to school or moves into her granddads house. I would give this *****.
By Laura Bayne
Small Change for Stuart
By Lissa Evans
When Stuart moves to Beeton, the home town of his Father, he thinks that he is going to be bored out of his brain, but he soon finds out things about his family he has never heard of before. Like that he has a Great Uncle, Tony, who was a magcian, but suddenly disappeared years ago. Soon Stuart finds himself wrapped up in an adventure to find his Great Uncle's secret magic workshop!
I really enjoyed this book, and I thought it was really cleverly written. This was the second time I had read it, and I enjoyed it more the second time, as I saw a lot of stuff I didn't notice the first time. The way things were linked was really good, and it made you think about how every action made something else happen or showed the direction of something else. There were some very serious bits and some funny bits (I really liked how Stuart reacted to the way his Dad kept using really long words that he didn't understand!). I thought the story line was really interesting as were the characters.
My favourite part in the story was when Staurt realised what his 'task' was and what dramatic consequences could come as part of his actions. My favourite character was April, because she was almost a bit of a mystery to begin with, and Stuart really judged her, but she turned out to be a really nice and helpful character, an important bit in the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this bok, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good, easy read.
By Emily B, Year 8
When Stuart moves to Beeton, the home town of his Father, he thinks that he is going to be bored out of his brain, but he soon finds out things about his family he has never heard of before. Like that he has a Great Uncle, Tony, who was a magcian, but suddenly disappeared years ago. Soon Stuart finds himself wrapped up in an adventure to find his Great Uncle's secret magic workshop!
I really enjoyed this book, and I thought it was really cleverly written. This was the second time I had read it, and I enjoyed it more the second time, as I saw a lot of stuff I didn't notice the first time. The way things were linked was really good, and it made you think about how every action made something else happen or showed the direction of something else. There were some very serious bits and some funny bits (I really liked how Stuart reacted to the way his Dad kept using really long words that he didn't understand!). I thought the story line was really interesting as were the characters.
My favourite part in the story was when Staurt realised what his 'task' was and what dramatic consequences could come as part of his actions. My favourite character was April, because she was almost a bit of a mystery to begin with, and Stuart really judged her, but she turned out to be a really nice and helpful character, an important bit in the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this bok, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a good, easy read.
By Emily B, Year 8
My sister lives on the mantelpiece
By Annabel Pitcher
Jamie
was five years old when it happened and he hasn’t cried since. Things seemed to
have only got worse despite others promises that things could ‘only get
better’, First Mum ran off and Dad has started drinking. Will things ever get
better for Jamie? But then he finds Sunya who is Muslim. Should he play with
her even though it was Muslims that blew up his sister?
I
really like the characters in this book as they are realistic and you can picture
them clearly in your head and they are believable as well as some of them being
a bit crazy. My favourite character is Jamie because the book describes in a likable
way yet you can’t help but feel sorry for him.
Iloved
this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a sad but interesting book
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