Lost in the Sun - Book Review

Lost in the Sun

Lisa Graff

Philomel Books 2015

American

Years 5-8

What’s it about?

12-year-old Trent Zimmerman has just started 6th grade but his life is blighted by a tragic accident the year before. In a freakish accident, he killed a fellow student and Trent can’t get over his guilt. He pushes away friends and family and believes everyone hates him and blames him for the accident. Trent is getting into trouble left, right and centre and he feels out of control. To make matters worse he can’t bring himself to play his beloved sports anymore. Estranged from former friends he reluctantly makes friends with Fallon, a girl whose scarred face hints at a traumatic past. It seems things may be going to change when his temper gets the better of him and life seems worse than ever. However with the help and support of sympathetic friends Trent finds the inner strength to redeem himself.

What’s good about it?

It’s beautifully written in a style that most young readers would warm to and read with ease. The twin themes of dealing with grief and redemption are beautifully handled. The author, Lisa Graff (a very well known American writer) does not dwell on the details of the tragic accident or on the reaction of the other kids. We see things only from Trent’s point of view and it is only as we come to the end of the book, do we see, that the anger Trent feels is self-directed and the only forgiveness he needs is self-forgiveness. Any child that has ever felt that they just needed a fresh start will appreciate the idea that this is entirely possible. I think the author has managed to capture the voice of a 12-year-boy and his inner most emotional reasoning (or lack) extremely well and the book is neither condescending nor too adult.

What’s not so good about it?

I don’t have any major criticisms of this book. It is longish but paced well so as to hold the reader's’ attention. Some have been critical of the bleakness of Trent’s anguish but I think the redemption aspect makes it necessary to have Trent suffer. I do wonder why Trent wasn’t given more counselling, it seems that he is left to deal with his issues without much help!

Who would like it?

Any child who likes an involving story with an emotional aspect

Undertow - Book Review

Undertow - Book Review

Undertow

Michael Buckley

HMH 2015

1st in Undertow series

American

Year 7-8+

What’s it about?

Set in the seaside amusement park neighbourhood of Coney Island, NY this novel starts out rather confusingly and it takes a while for the reader to work out what is actually happening. Coney Island has been cordoned off by the Military because it has become the place where the Alpha (an undersea five nation race of underwater warriors) have come to seek refuge because they are being hunted in the sea by the Rusalkas. The 30,000 strong Alpha population is causing problems amongst people who can’t accept their differences and feel they threaten the human race. However, the Government has decided to house and educate the Alpha and orders the local high school to accept young Alphas. When the book’s heroine Lyric Walker, is singled out by her Principal to help the young prince Fathom assimilate she begins to fall for him which causes trouble for both of them. However their relationship could turn out to be the key to saving both the Apha and human race

What’s good about it?

It is quite an original story albeit one that requires massive suspension of disbelief. The teenage side of the story is convincing and engaging and I found myself wanting to keep reading. Readers may see analogies in the Alpha’s need for refuge and the reception they face from many in the human populace with current world events.

What’s not so great?

I felt the story was quite confusing and it took me a while to really understand what was going on. I couldn’t visualise the sea creatures and the story was really far-fetched, However it is a fantasy and plenty of books have unrealistic plots so that doesn’t necessarily count against it. Now that I have digested the first book I think the next one will make a whole lot more sense. Whilst there isn’t much swearing, the novel is quite teenage in tone and would suit older readers.

Who would like it?

Lovers of action, adventure, fantasy, sci-fi

Book Review - Pax

Pax

Sara Pennypacker

Balzer & Bray 2016

American

Years 4-8

What’s it about?

Set in an intentionally vague time and place (although recognisably American), Pax is the story of a boy and his pet fox Pax. Peter is a sensitive boy who is grieving the unexpected death of his mother. Peter rescued Pax as a baby kit after his family had all died. With patience and love Peter tames the animal and the two soon form a bond, even though Peter’s father never seems very keen on having the animal in the house. War is coming and Peter’s father enlists and decides to send Peter off to live with his grandfather. On the way, Peter is forced to release Pax into the wild as he cannot bring him to live with his grandfather. After just one night at this grandfather’s house, Peter cannot bear the separation and decides to go back to where he left Pax and rescue him - a distance of some hundreds of miles. Not only does he miss his pet but he fears that having never lived in the wild, the animal will not be able to cope. Peter sets out but soon runs into calamity as he breaks his leg and despite his most valiant efforts he cannot go on. Luckily for him, he is rescued by Vola, a rather reclusive women, living in the woods who helps Peter heal in all ways. The story is told in alternate chapters through the eyes of Peter and the fox who has to accustom himself in a world that is foreign to him, although his natural instincts kick in to help him adjust.

What’s good about it?

This is a fantastic book. It’s one of those books that manages to be simultaneously simple and complex. The writing is effortless, the imagery beautiful and the plot moves along at sufficient pace to keep readers interested. Although there are many issues to consider in this books such as man’s disregard for nature and animals and the evil of war, the overarching theme is redemption. Peter is a deeply wounded yet quietly determined boy with enormous loyalty and courage. Both his father and grandfather are rather cold and unsympathetic and it is difficult to like them. Neither seems able to give Peter the love and affection he needs to recover from his mother’s death. That role is left to Vola, who, like Peter is sensitive and deeply affected by events in her past. She sees herself as unworthy of human company and hides away in the woods. However, it is her love for Peter that heals both of them.

The star of the book is, of course, the fox Pax, I found myself wanting to return to the foxes story more than the human one. The author does not overplay her hand in her depiction of fox life, and I believe she did quite a lot of research into their habits so I felt that it was realistic in details (in so far as we can know what an animal really thinks). I found myself interested and sympathetic to foxes who are rather misunderstood - think sly fox stereotypes!. Pax is just as brave as Peter as he tries to find his human friend but at the same time attracted to a life that he naturally should live.

What’s not so good about it?

Although it ends happily, this is quite a sad book and some readers may be distressed by the plight of the foxes and other animals.

Who would like it?

Animal lovers. Lovers of a good story. Readers who don't mind sad stories

Book Review - Because of Mr Terupt

Because of Mr. Terupt

Rob Buyea

Yearling 2011

1st of 3 books in the Mr. Terupt series

American

Years 4 - 6

What’s it about?

It’s the beginning of a new school year at Snow Hill School for a group of 5th graders. Although most of them have known each other for many years they are not necessarily friends.This year they are lucky enough to get newish teacher Mr. Terupt who is one of those teachers determined to empower kids to think for themselves. He really seems to understand the disparate personalities in the class and tries to bring out the best in them, although he is no pushover. The story is told chapter by chapter through the eyes of some of the students so we get to know their thoughts and problems. At first, not sure of Mr. Terupt’s somewhat unorthodox approach the children come to appreciate him. However, a prank that turns to tragedy threatens to derail the year for everybody.

What’s good about it?

This is an example of the relatively innocent school stories that American authors are so good at writing.  It is universally popular with children in the right age group to read this. It receives a 4-5 star review by 97% of readers on Amazon which is a significant endorsement. The chapters are short, well-spaced and written simply so this may appeal to readers who find it difficult to finish longer books. The technique of having each chapter voiced by a different character may be new to readers and it’s a good way to expose them to alternative narrative devices. Although the children face some difficulties and problems these are handled sensitively and there is nothing in this novel to worry parents.

What’s not so great?

This book is very American and although the school scenario would be broadly familiar to Australian kids they might be perplexed by some cultural references.

Who would like it?

A reader who likes a good story. Lovers of realistic school stories

Probably wouldn’t suit a reader who was looking for high action and adventure

Book Review - All Rise for the Honorable Perry. T. Cook

All Rise for the Honourable Perry. T. Cook

Leslie Connor

Katherine Tegen Books 2016

American

Years 5-8

What’s it about?

This is a book that has received a lot of attention in the US with some reviewers comparing it to Wonder. Both Kirkus Review and School Library Journal have given it a starred review which puts it in the running for the Newbery Medal in 2017.

Its main character, 11- year old Perry, is in most respects, an ordinary boy, except that he lives in the Blue River Co-Ed Correctional Facility in the small Nebraskan town of Surprise. He attends school outside the jail and apart from some low-level teasing from some classmates is largely happy with his living arrangements. Perry has lived with his mother in jail for his whole life. This arrangement has been sanctioned by the humane Warden Daugherty who believes in respecting the dignity of prisoners. Perry is a source of much love and attention from other inmates who mostly treat him with benevolent affection.

Perry’s mother is hoping for parole and she and Perry have been making plans for life after jail. These plans are threatened by the intervention of the supposedly well-meaning local District Attorney who is outraged that a child has been living in jail and believes that Perry’s mother has not been properly punished because she has been allowed to have her child in jail with her. He forces the authorities to release Perry into his care and starts proceedings to prevent Perry’s mother from being paroled. Living on the outside, Perry desperately misses his mother but with the help of some sympathetic adults and his best friend Zoey he manages to circumvent the attempts of the self-righteous DA.

What’s good about it?

This book deals with heavy issues but it does so in an age-appropriate way. Most children probably have never considered the condition or situation of people in jails. Blue River Co-Ed Correctional Facility is not a violent high-security jail and the inmates are depicted as human beings rather than just as offenders. There are issues of injustice relating to Perry’s situation and that of other inmates that may make children think twice about incarcerated people. More important is the positive way Perry approaches his problems and seeks to resolve them. The book whilst sad is never maudlin and all ends well.

What’s not so good?

My main criticism is that is that it is quite a long book and some students may struggle to finish it. The ending is quite abrupt and I disagreed with the author's attempt to suggest that Perry’s mother may have been innocent as I think it detracts from the message that not every offender is a monster.

Who would like it?

Suitable for boys and girls. Probably strong readers who like longer novels with a strong and engrossing realistic plot.

Reviews: Wilder Boys & Crenshaw

                                       Book Reviews: Crenshaw & The Wilder Boys

Crenshaw

Katherine Applegate

HarperCollins Children’s Book 2015

What’s it about?

10-year old Jackson lives with his mother, father and younger sister. Their lives are financially unstable with both parents out of work and father sick with MS. There is no money for rent and barely enough for food. Despite their best efforts to get back on track, the family is on the verge of homelessness. This happened once before when the family was forced to live in their van for 14 weeks, a time Jackson remembers all too clearly. Jackson deals with everything thrown his way with quiet dignity and the help of his imaginary friend Crenshaw. Crenshaw is a large, obnoxious cat with a tendency to interfere in Jackson’s life. This is a book about friendship and family. This is not a violent or disreputable family and the story of their decline may help younger readers understand that homelessness and poverty can sometimes be the result of bad luck rather than wrongdoing. The story does end with a positive outlook.

Who would like it:

Lower Middle Years 8-12yrs

Animal lovers, readers who enjoy a story with a slightly magical theme

Wilder Boys

Brandon Wallace

Aladdin Books 2015

What’s it about?

Brothers Jake and Taylor live a precarious life with a bed ridden mother and her bullying boyfriend Bull. The boy’s father took off years before and no one seems to know where he is. One night the boys witness a violent incident between Bull and some men and then the next day their mother ends up in hospital, probably at the hand of Bull so the boys decide it’s time to take matters into their own hands. They stuff their backpacks with the barest of necessities and a vague plan to head West to find their father.

At heart this is a survival story that would appeal to readers of Hatchet and My Side of the Mountain. Jake and Taylor are forced onto their resources and must deal with the obstacles and challenges they face on the road. The boys are able to solve some of their problems using their common sense and basic survival skills gleaned from books and their experience of looking after themselves. Along the way they encounter help from  decent and understanding adults but also face setbacks as well meaning authorities force them further from society. Their journey is complicated by their fears for their mother and the possibility that Bull might catch up with them.The dangers are real enough to appeal to young readers but not overly disturbing. The book does resolve leaving the door open for a sequel which will be released this year

Who would like it:

Lower Middle Year 8-12yrs

Probably more boy than girl oriented.

Lovers of survival, action and adventure.

Guest Authors - Mark Greenwood and Ursula Dubosarsky with Andrew Joyner

The Year 5 & 6 students were extremely lucky to have a talk by the author Mark Greenwood. Mark is the author of 14 children's picture books with  historical themes. Some are for younger readers whilst others are better suited to older children because of their length and theme. Mark spoke about the stories to be found in Australian history and described how he goes about researching the history behind his books. He held all of us (teachers and children alike) spellbound with his true tales of adventure and bravery, ghosts and ill-fated fortune seekers.  The boys were truly engaged and hopefully came away with a new sense that history is interesting.

You can read more about Mark Greenwood and his work here


Over in the EY, students from Foundation to Year 4 were entertained by the author-illustrator team of Ursula Dubosarsky and Andrew Joyner.  Andrew used several students as his model which the children really enjoyed.
According to Shalain in Year 2 "people went up and he drew them but he turned them into koalas!"
Archie in Year 2  said "It was really good to see all the pictures he drew"
The students got to draw along with Andrew and Felicity Renaudin is organising a montage of their work to be displayed outside the art room in the EY building.

Michael Palmer models for the French koala

The finished product