So, on a day when we're playing catch-up with everything to do with the blog, I've just realised that June's posts didn't go out, so I've combined them with July. This could end up being quite the mammoth read so i hope you're sitting comfortably!!
Here's the round-up:
Hal is back and this time he and his uncle have headed to California to journey on the comet from Chicago to San Francisco. The trip begins smoothly but quickly picks up pace when a billionaire's daughter goes missing. Along with his new-found friends, Hal is soon on the case. Like the fist book, this is a gripping read, and very much an Agatha Christie-style mystery for children. The illustrations, as in the first book, are wonderful and really help to enhance what is already a great plot. A must read ... and it's great to hear that the 3rd book in the series, Murder on the Safari Star, will be out in February next year.
One of the girls in my class had been nagging me for a while to read one of the Twisted Tales and I'm so pleased I did!. Tale As Old As Time is a reworking of Beauty and The Beast in which Belle realises that the enchantress who cursed the Beast was in fact her mother. I thoroughly enjoyed this twist on the tale and would definitely recommend it, especially if you're a fan of Disney.
Where The River Runs Gold - Sita Brahmachari
This is a dystopian novel set in a time where there is much inequality between the groups in society In exchange for health care, food and education, parents have to pledge to give their children up for four years to work on labour farms pollinating the crops. The plot centres around Shifa and Themba who quickly discover that the leaflets about the Freedom Family Farm and the reality are two very different things so Shifa determines to escape and get them home again. The bond between Shifa and Themba is close and it's their love for each other that shines through. Shifa's determination to protect her brother as well as to expose the reality of the farms is inspiring. With messages about protecting the environment as well as friendship and freedom resonating throughout the book, this is an absorbing story about family, hope and never giving up.
Indian RAF pilot, Mohinder Singh crash lands in occupied France during WWII and is discovered by 13year old Joelle who takes him home where her parents, members of the Resistance, hide him from the Nazis. However, when they are betrayed, Joelle and Mnhinder need to rely on each other and undertake a perilous journey that could lead them to freedom.
I've read many MG WWII books, but very much enjoyed the different perspective of the novel; exploring, not only the Indian involvement in the war as well as the father/daughter relationship that develops between Joelle and Mohinder. The book is very much a heart-warming story of friendship and bravery that allows children to understand life during occupied France during the war.
A Kind of Spark - Elle McNicoll
Addie is 11 and she is autistic - she loves sharks and spending lunch-times in the library where it's quiet. Her days are difficult as she is bullied, not only by her former friend, but also by her teacher, which is why it is so good that the school's librarian is there to offer support. When Audrey joins the school, the pair become friends, sharing an interest in the witch trials that happened in the small Scottish town of Juniper where they live. They are determined to have a monument erected in memory of the fact that these women were killed not for their crimes but for the fact that they were different - something Addie relates strongly to.
Addie is a wonderful character and so many young people will appreciate being able to see themselves represented in fiction. Not only that, but one of Addie's twin sisters, Keedie, is also autistic and their bond and relationship is wonderful to read. This is a simply wonderful book with so many lessons about friendship and doing what you believe is right; about being brave and understanding what it is like to be autistic.
I have to add that I also loved the Scottishness of this book and was thrilled when I found the word 'dreich' in there! It's a word my grandparents used frequently and it brought back many happy memories for me!
Cam is a 13 year old boy who longs to be able to do the things all normal 13 year olds do; however, after a viral infection, his heart is so weak that his only hope of survival is a transplant. In desperation, Cam's dad turns to a doctor who may be able to help; however, the procedure is experimental and could be risky as the heart will come from a pig called Trudy, bred specifically to use for transplants. The novel follows Cam and his family on their journey through the transplant and the inevitable media fallout.
This is a book I have meant to read for so long and I'm pleased that I finally got round to it. The story is an emotional one (is that because I'm the parent of a teenage boy? Possibly) and inevitably raises many moral issues as well as friendship issues. I would definitely recommend reading this and am keen to discuss many of the issues within the book with my class (using animals to transplant organs into humans; keeping secrets for friends, coping with the media...).
Ghost Boys - Jewell Parker Rhodes
Jerome is 12 years old and lives in one of the poorer areas of Chicago. He's a good boy but the novel begins as he dies after being shot by a police man who mistook the toy gun he was playing with for a real one. The story follows a duel narrative: Jerome alive, leading up to his death, and Jerome after his death trying to make sense of what happened (including meeting the daughter of the police officer who killed him).
Incredibly topical at the minute, this is a very powerful book that I read in one afternoon. I was gripped from the very first page which shows us Jerome as he discovers he is dead.
The power comes in the fact that this is happening in America and that there are hundreds of children like Jerome. Portrayed in a way that children will be able to understand, the book looks at the treatment of black children further back in history through Emmett Till, whose ghost appears to help Jerome.
I've typed and deleted this review so many times as I just don't feel that my words can do the book justice. Days after I've finished reading it, I am still haunted by the story - this is a book that you have to read - these children need us to understand their story and help to change what is happening in America.
O's opinion
This is a very interesting book that is very relevant in the current climate. I love how Jerome found more about why he was killed and the prejudices against non-white people in the novel. I found it very interesting how he became friends with the daughter of the man who killed him, and how he received help from Emmett. This is a very topical book and I found it very powerful.
April is an orphan who longs to find her mother. She has a key around her neck that her mother left with her when she was a baby and April has always been determined to discover what it opens. This is what leads her to the museum one night after closing where she is involved in the fire of the Winterborne collection. Following this, April finds herself whisked away to live with several other orphans at the Winterborne Home. It is here that she discovers that the heir to the estate, Gabriel Winterborne, who has been missing for years and is presumed dead is actually alive ... but doesn't want anybody to know. Now April just has to figure out why, as well as discover why they key her mum left her has the Winterborne crest on it.
This is a great mystery novel, full of action and adventure. The characters are relatable (well, the children are!) and you'll find yourself drawn to them and completely rooting for them. The setting is suitably mysterious (sprawling mansion with hidden rooms and draughty corners), although I very much pictured it being set in England and not America. The plot is pacy and will keep you wanting to read more - the ending, in particular, made me want to know what will happen next!.
Overall, a great book that will go down well with children.
The Boy Who Grew Dragons - Andy Shepherd
When Thomas brings home fruit from the tree in his grandad's back-garden, strange and unusual things start to happen, and from the fruit pops a dragon! A dragon whose poop will explode if it's not cleaned up quickly and the sparks from his mouth cause all sorts of problems! Thomas names his dragon Flicker and is determined to keep him but feels it best to keep him secret from the rest of his family. And so ensues a hilarious tale of dragontastic escapades. But what will happen when his friends find out about Flicker and when more dragon-fruit begins to appear on the tree?
What's not to love about this book? Mischievous dragons (I love that they're friendly), chaotic scenes as Thomas tries to keep things secret, exploding poop and wonderful illustrations all make for an engaging plot that everyone will love. This book will definitely make you want to hunt for dragon-fruit trees in the hope of discovering your very own dragon!
Tom Ginger is painfully shy and doesn't have any friends - she wears braces and is very conscious of that. However, when a new headteacher suddenly bursts into the school, making dramatic changes, Tom suddenly realizes that her braces are incredibly useful as they actually act as radio transmitters which enable Tom to hear everything the headteacher is up to - but can Tom and her new friends foil Ms Fortune's plans in time?
This is a hilarious book full of dastardly deeds on the part of Ms Fortune. With an unlikely hero in the form of Tom, this is a wonderfully interactive book with illustrations, plans and notes dotted around the page to enhance the story. A great read.
The Ship of Shadows - Maria Kuzniar
Aleja dreams of adventure whilst spending much of her time reading about it; however, when a mysterious ship turns up in the port of her home town of Seville, Aleja is drawn to it. When she is accused of stealing, it is the female crew of the ship who come to her rescue and suddenly her dreams become a reality.
This is an absolute delight of a book! Full of swashbuckling adventure, journeys to far-off lands and a strong team of female pirates. There's a warmth and richness to the writing that draws you in and allows you to imagine yourself alongside Aleja as she battles Kraken, travels by camel across deserts and gets tor grips with swords and pistols. This book is full of wonderful characters: Aleja is a bookish heroine who craves adventure and is somebody I think a lot of people will relate to. Whilst the all female pirate crew show a strength and independence as well as bringing out their various different personalities (Frances and her love of cake, and Milka and her fearsome pride in her scars to name but two).
This is a brilliant read and one that will make you want to head off on your own adventure across the high seas.
Ada Lovelace is known for her work in mathematics and early computer programming but what of her early years? This novel follows the true story of her early life and teenage years and her relationship with her strict mother, lady Byron.
Ada is clever and keen to learn; however, her mother, determined that she won't turn out like her infamous father, the poet lord Byron, insist on a constant stream of tutors in a variety of subjects, particularly in mathematics. But Ada is strong-willed, she longs to know more about her father and longs to live her life the way she wants to - she longs to be free.
Throughout the novel the complex relationship between Ada and her mother is explored and the book also touches upon Ada's battles with ill health through her teenage years. Written very much in a traditional style, there is a feel of Bronte or EM Forster to the novel and I enjoyed reading it.
O's books:
The Penguin Lessons - Tom Michell
This is an autobiographical novel, where Tom travels to Argentina to teach in a school. On holiday to Uruguay, he sees a beach that is covered in dead penguins from an oil leak in the sea. He does find, however, one penguin that survived, and takes him back to his holiday home to clean the penguin and release it back into the sea. When the time comes to let the penguin go, it does not leave, so Tom has to find a way to smuggle a him across the border to Argentina. How will he do it? Find out by reading.
This book is very interesting, and also hilarious. I loved how Juan Salvado (the penguin) was so hard to look after and clean, but also hard to leave behind. The comedy between man and penguin was very funny, especially as penguins don't talk. This is a good read for fans of comedy and penguins.
If you read my cricket book blog, you would have seen the 2019 edition of this book, and it's back! This time, it contains stats about the Ashes, England in West Indies and scorecards from the year, plus the yearly all-time records. Unfortunately, due to the current situation, the back end of the book will not count, as this consists of all matches that should have happened this year, including the Hundred, matches against Australia and the Vitality Blast.
War of the Worlds - H.G.Wells
An absolute classic. George and Amy live in Surrey, and when they see eruptions from Mars with their friend Ogilvy, they do not know anything more about it. But when a meteor crashes in the middle of the forest next to their house, they are very curious. All of a sudden, they are running from huge fighting machines from Mars that destroy anything in their path. George gets Amy out of the way, but comes back to discover more and to protect their home. Will they survive? Will they see each other again?
This book is a very interesting depiction of what could happen if Martians invaded. I found it quite exciting when George met the fighting machines, and I was always scared for him and reading on! This is a very good book, and very well written.
We are back in the Good Girl's Guide to Murder series, and there's been another disappearance! Pippa said before that she wouldn't get involved in another investigation, but when she is so close to the person disappearing, how can she just say no?
I love these books, especially Pippa's bravery and stubborn nature, not stopping until she finds the culprit. Ravi is also amazing, because he stays by her side no matter what, like a true friend. This is a very well-written book; I can't wait for more!
My A-Z of Cricket - Henry Blofeld
This is a collection of stories and memories from Henry Blofeld, recalling some of his favourite cricketing memories through the ages, whether it's him watching a county match at Lord's as a child, or his last Test commentating for England. This is the ultimate story time collection, from the master of cricketing commentary. A very memorable character, his stories are portrayed very beautifully through this book.
Yet another cricket book! This one is for everyone, whether you are new to the game, or a die-hard member of the Barmy Army! Talking through subjects from famous stadiums to the best players, this is a guide to everything cricket, from basics to the kit and the laws and etiquette. Amazing.
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