Book: Conspiracy 365: June

Conspiracy 365: June
Gabrielle Lord, 2010

*Spoiler warning: I'll be mentioning things that have happened before*

So, Cal was in a tight spot at the end of May, trapped in a burning plane. Well he manages to escape and makes his way back towards the city and back towards solving the mystery. This time we see him move from a scout camp to a caravan to a mansion. We also see him reunite with Griff (bad consequences) and Repro (good consequences) and he finally gets his hand on the lost Ormand jewel.

There was some development in this book, with the retrieval of the jewel and information about Cal's upcoming birthday. That was very welcome, because the books do tend to be a bit repatative - it's the problem with having such an orderly and well set out time line.

I'd connect this book with the 39 Clues books - probably the next step up in a reading ladder.

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Book: Firefly: Still Flying

Firefly: Still Flying
Various authors, 2010

This is another compasion book to the short television series, Firefly. It's kind of amazing that they still have more to say. Within the book they have pages on each of the actors, using quotes from interviews and panels. They also have interviews with a stand in and a designer, as well as some of the writers. The best part of this book is the short stories written by the writers from the show. A couple of these are particularly nice and a real addition to the Firefly 'verse.

This is pretty much aimed at an adult audience, but is most suited to those who are interested in the Firefly series and the subsequent movie.

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Book:Flygirl

Flygirl
Sherri L Smith, 2008

Ida Mae Jones was taught how to fly a plane by her father. Of course, in 1941 not too many people want to see a woman flying, let along one with coloured skin. But as World War Two progresses, Ida Mae discovers that they are looking for female pilots for the WASP. She's perfect for it, except for the fact that she'll have to pass as white to do so.

This was a really quiet book, which is funny considering how much action goes on within it. It was immensly powerful, with themes of identity and determination throughout. But there is also romance and passion and friendship and the rights of women and sacrifice. You really feel for the characters throughout the book, and you're left kind of devestated when it finishes because there's so much more you want to know. I absolutely adored this book, and would highly recommend it.

I would connect this book to other books about strong women including Almost Astronauts.


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Book: Serenity: Those Left Behind

Serenity: Those Left Behind
Joss Whedon, Brett Matthews, Will Conrad, 2006

This is the graphic novel that fills in the space between the Joss Whedon show, Firefly and its movie - Serenity. In it we see the crew taking on a job that puts them in danger from the mysterious men with blue hands, and an old enemy who has a massive grudge.

It's a well drawn comic which at times makes you desperately wish there was more show to watch. The story wasn't that ground breaking - but maybe that was because I've already seen the movie. Obviously this is a comic for older readers - not a children's comic. But a good read for those who have enjoyed the tv series and want to work out what happens next.

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Book: UFO in the USA

UFO in the USA
Dave Hackett, 2007

Our school had a visit from Dave Hackett, aka Cartoon Dave for Book Week this year. Although he mostly talked about comics, we also got the chance to buy signed copies of his books, which is really an offer I couldn't refuse.

This book is the sequel to UFO (Unavoidable Family Outing) and follows the same hapless family as they head off to the USA in the pursuit of BRAD's dream. (BRAD has to be capitalised. It's a thing. It's also a thing to work out what BRAD stands for. Like Bad Reviews Always Die.) In typical UFO style, nothing really goes right, and they end up interacting with pigeons (not The Pigeon though), spandex-wearing jugglers, Elvis, world's worst gifts for Sophie and a couple of real life stars.

This is a completely wacky book and you're really not reading it for the deep character analysis or for any kind of sensible plot. Instead you read it to find out what BRAD explanation will come up next and what on Earth Dad will get up to. It ends up being highly amusing, even if it isn't highly logical.

Connect it to the other UFO books (and btw, grab Dave Hackett's cartooning books if you get a chance - they're really great), and the Just . . . series by Andy Griffith.

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Book: Conspiracy 365: May

Conspiracy 365: May
Gabrielle Lord, 2010

*Spoiler Warning* Fifth book in a series that really does follow on . . .

Cal's stuck in an asylum with someone elses identity. As far as he can see, there really is no way out. No matter what he does, he can't get them to realise who he is. Then Boges and Winter come through with an utterly ingenious plan allowing Cal to finally make it to Mt Helicon and his great uncle's place. Turns out that Uncle Barty's a bit of a wild genius, and the visit will have long lasting effects.

This is a bit of a quieter book as far as the series goes, and a lot of it is occuring in Cal's head, especially as he begins to make connections. Barty is a delightful character, and very helpful, particularly when they work out how the bad guys keep tracking Cal down. The action rises again at the end ready for June.

I'm interested to see the working group of two boys and a girl dynamic is at play here. This seems to be a popular trio in children's fiction. Of course it's most prevelant in Harry Potter, but it was also in the recent Australian book Noah's Law, Sticks by Joan Bauer and the 4 Powers of Daren Saner. Any ideas on why that combination is so popular?

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Book: Conspiracy 365: April

Conspiracy 365: April
Gabrielle Lord, 2010

*Spoiler warning* - This is a series best read in order as each book will spoil the previous ones . . .

Cal has managed to escape from a high speed chase and crash, turning the care of Lachlan over to an unsuspecting police officer. But there's no way he's going to make it to his great-uncle's place. Instead he needs to head back into the city to stop his mother from turning off Gabbi's life support. Cal keeps escaping from both the crims and the police, and we have the welcome return of Repro. There's also a couple of new possible allies in Griff the runaway and Melba, the old lady.

This book brings the first third of the series to an end with a particularly neat twist - Cal is landed in an asylum with his identity removed. Some interesting relations occur between Cal and his family here, along with the reveal of the Ormond Riddle. I did feel, however, that this book was a bit of a place filler as we waited for the action to heat up again.

Want to connect with other books with riddles - you can't go past Gregor the Overlander and the other books in that series or The 4 Powers of Daren Saner.

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Book: Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art
Scott McCloud, 1993
Adult Book

My first adult book of the summer and it's a comic book. Actually it's a comic book about comics, which sounds a lot of fun. This book is a lot of fun, but there's also a tonne of theory in it which makes your head spin a little.

The comic takes you through the history of sequential art, before moving on to art theory (probably not interestin for most people) and then on to the much more interesting theory on comic gutters, frames, line, colour etc. After teaching comics at the end of this year, there was a lot more in here that I would have liked to have shared with the students and definitely will be sharing in the new year. I particularly loved the differences between European and Japanese comics.

This is quite a technical book and some of the art/language is a little older, so probably best from 12-14 years older. But if you have an avid comic reader around, or a comic drawer/writer - this would be a great book for them. And if you're planning on teaching comics, it really is an essential read.


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Book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth
Jeff Kinney, 2010

Greg heads back to school, except this time he's without his best friend Rowley after a serious falling out. Now he's dealing with the pressures of growing up, boy/girl parties, the strangeness of family and a housekeeper who refuses to work - and he's all on his own.

Despite their popularity this was the first Wimpy Kid book I've read. These books have usually been owned by students in my class and passed around that way, so I've never needed to buy them for the classroom. But with the main fans heading off to high school, I realise I'll need to fill that gap.

This was a highly enjoyable read - one I didn't want to put down. Greg is an engaging narrator, and you can easily understand his embarrassments and annoyances - even if you aren't a wimpy kid yourself. My only quibble is that this book was 'Australianised' - Greg is in High School, not middle school and some of the language has been changed. It does a real disservice to Australian kids who have been watching US shows and reading US books for years and understand that this is an American book (a movie kind of keys you in to that) - especially when a really Australian word (like lollies) pops up and throws you out of the text.

I'd connect this book with Totally Joe and The Misfits, Dork Diaries (which seems to be enjoyed by both girls and boys), Amelia Rules and Mail Order Ninja.


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Book: Pastures of the Blue Crane

Pastures of the Blue Crane
H. F. Brinsmead, 1964
(Reread)

I got this book from my aunt and uncle as a 9th birthday present, so there's no telling how many times I've reread it. And with so many books that you read first as a child and later as an adult, there are many layers that you keep peeling back everytime you read.

It tells the story of Ryl, the lonely but aloof 16 year old girl whose spent most of her life in boarding schools in Melbourne while her father worked in Papua New Guinea. After her father's death, she discovers that she has a grandfather she never knew about, as well as a property in northern New South Wales. Ryl doesn't take to her grandfather, Dusty, immediately, but when they discover that the property was where Dusty was born, they grudgingly decide to go and check it out.

This begins a strange set of relationships for Ryl - between herself and Dusty, the ramshackle house, the view, the neighbours, the local 'surfy' kids, the taxi driver descended from Australia's slave population and even the strange bird who visits the pink pastures. Soon Ryl is learning more about herself and the people around her than she ever thought possible.

This is, in many ways, a book of its time. Some of the language is cringe-worthy to us now, even though a book which place people of non-European background as 'just like us' was revolutionary for its time. It pays to remember that this was still a time of the White Australia Policy, and even non-English European immigrants were treated with derision and bigotry. The book also delves into the history of slavery in Australia. There was a time period when 'blackbirding' - taking slaves from the Pacific Islands to work on farms in Australia occured. It's a period of Australian history pretty much forgotten by all and sundry, but well described in this book.

The reason I keep coming back to this book is the layers in the characters. No one's all good or all bad. They interact with each other in very human ways. Ryl in in some ways a grown woman at 16, and in others still a little girl. It's a really lovely book and one that's well worth reading.

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Book: Shakespeare: His Work and His World

Shakespeare: His Work and His World
Michael Rosen, Robert Ingpen (Ills), 2001

This was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. It's an informational book about Shakespeare, the times that he lived in and the plays that he wrote. Throughout the book the author is very careful to mention that we don't have a lot of real information on Shakespeare, that a lot of what we 'know' comes from inferences from the sources we do have, and his plays. This would certainly lead to some interesting discussions on sources and history. There's also a brief look at four of the plays and the language, as well as quotes throughout the book.

On its own, the writing would be excellent. But then it is paired with Robert Ingpen's stunning artwork. Throughout the book his paintings are used to explain, illustrate and add to the writing. My favourite is at the beginning, when Shakespeare's work is being introduced and there's an illustration with so many Shakespearian moments that you feel like you're looking at an incredibly well constructed Where's Wally scene.

I bought this one to go with the Shakespeare we're going to learn next year, but I would highly, highly recommend it for any classroom or any one from around 10 up. It's a wonderful introduction to Shakespeare and you'll find yourself wanting to look at the pictures again and again and again.

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Book: T. Rex vs Robo Dog 3000

T Rex Vs Robo Dog 3000
Scott Nickel, 2009

Another poorly written graphic novel, obviously aimed as a 'high interest reader'. Something to do with robots and things that help you go back in time. The art work was substantially better than in Billions of Bats - much easier to follow the panels across the page - but the story was once again predictable and basically boring.

How can you use graphic novels as high interest readers? Well a well written graphic novel is something that students will persist with, even if it is nominally above their 'reading level'. I had one student from a neighbouring class borrow the brilliant Babymouse series from me. The books took her the best part of a week to read, but she was reading them so well that she could write an extensive recall of them. Babymouse, Lunch Lady and the brilliant Owly (no words, but lots of story) are all great for capturing interest, and I know there are plenty of others that I don't even know about. We don't need to dumb down graphic novels; students are bright enough to be interested in them for their own sake.

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Book: Billions of Bats

Billions of Bats
Scott Nickel, 2007

Ugh. I've been dreading this review. This book reminds me very much of a book that I had the misfortune to pick up this year. You see, I watched a collegue's class for half an hour and his class were finishing a class book. It was a 'science literature' book, which basically meant the author was shooting for Magic School Bus in a short novel. It was the most horrendous piece of writing I think I have ever read. This book reminds me of that.

I've made a big effort to include graphic novels in my classroom over the last year and there have been some beauties from Smile, to Kat and Mouse to Amulet. This will not be one of the good ones. To begin with, it's not sure if it's a reader (you know, those awful books they use to 'teach' children how to read) or a science book in disguise. As a science book there's almost no science in it, and you're scrambling to figure out what the science might be. As a reader it's demeaning and boring. Some students might pick it up; I'm doubtful any will remember it.

The art was also dubious. A good comic draws your eyes in the right direction across the page. Several times this comic drew my eyes to panels that were not next in the sequence. I noted that this series came with advisers. My advice would be to dump the advice and concentrate on telling a good story. I'd put this one aside in favour of Magic School Bus or Max Axiom books for interesting books on science.

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Book: Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late
Mo Willems, 2006

Have you met the pigeon yet? If not, get one of these books NOW! A friend of mine had been telling me about the pigeon for a couple of years now, but it was only this year that I finally got my hands on Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. It was honestly hilarious, my students loved it, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on another Pigeon book.

The idea of the book is simple. Right in the beginning, before the book 'properly' begins, we are asked not to let the Pigeon stay up late. Then the Pigeon appears and addressing us directly, he tries to convince us that he's not tired, really not tired and he should be able to stay up late. All accompanied with simple illustrations of the Pigeon.

The joy in this book is that it seems so simple up front, and it's very funny. Then you get your teacher hat on and you realise that you could use it to look at facial expressions, to look at persuasive speech (the Pigeon can be very presuasive) to look at direct speech and speech bubbles. I'd also connect it to the other Pigeon books and Neil Gaiman's The Day I Swapped My Dad for 2 Goldfish.


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Book: The 4 Powers of Daren Saner

The 4 Powers of Daren Saner
Michael Oehley , 2010

This book is a little sad for me because the author came to visit my school and talked to my students and I was unfortunately sick that day :( Nevertheless, our librarian was able to get me a signed copy which made it better.

Daren is a bit of an outcast on the starship Superia - he's the child of a high ranking mother and a clone father who wasn't supposed to be able to have children, so he doesn't really fit in. He's also got an eye for trouble, along with some of his closer friends. It all culminates one day when they manage to sneak into a highly secure area of the starship and Daren retrieves a stone. Soon after he wakes up, no longer aboard Superia and no longer himself, and no longer in his own time. Instead he finds that he is in the past, the forbidden child, with four magical powers. He must use those powers to save the world he's found himself in and his own world on Superia.

This is a really lovely first novel which dips into both fantasy and science fiction. Daren is a particularly strong character, both when he's himself and when he's 'someone else'. There are a number of other strong characters as well, but I particularly liked Kara who helped Daren in the other world and Hawk-Eye, the old sailor. It's a very strongly built world, though I would like to see more of it to really get into the details.

I would connect this book to the Gregor the Overlander books by Suzanne Collins, with the different worlds, the quests and the use of riddles. I'd also connect it to Philip Reeves' Larklight - although the ships are very different, both authors create very strong worlds.

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Book: Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters
Barack Obama, Loren Long (Ills), 2010

This is an absolutely lovely book that I know I'll probably read through again and again and again. It's a very simple premise - the President writes a letter to his daughters. Throughout it, Barack Obama weaves in an introduction to some of the great people and achievements of the United States - including academics, artists, sportspeople, explorers and leaders. But the absolute winner here is the art - the main pictures, the ones that accompany each persons' story are stunning to begin with. Then on the side we have an image of the two girls, which grows each time as a 'child version' of the important American joins them.

I know my students tend to be very interested in American presidents, but particularly interested in their children, so this book would immediately appeal to them. It would also be an excellent book to get students thinking about positive traits and achievement. I'd love students to think about what an Australian equivelant might be.

Connecting wise I would connect this with First Kids and Amelia to Zora.

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Book: Stargirl

Stargirl
Jerry Spinelli, 2000
(Reread)

Here's my first reread of the holidays. It's the story of Mica High, a normal school in a relatively normal town where everyone acts . . . appropriately. Then Stargirl turns up one day and no one knows what to make of her. They don't understand her long dresses or theme based clothing, they don't understand her singing at lunch time, they don't understand her pet rat. They're not even sure if they love her or hate her. And Leo doesn't know what part he plays in all of this.

This is a relatively easy book to read, and even though the characters are older (Leo's in 11th grade) it's appropriate to put in the hands of younger children. You almost feel washed along by the events of the book, sometimes you see what's going to happen, sometimes you don't, but there's nothing you can do to stop it so you just buckle up for the ride. But it is a book that stays with you afterwards, and one that I've come back to reread a couple of times. I particularly like the way it's narrated by Leo rather than Stargirl, I think we see the reactions of others and Stargirl's bewilderment better from there.

I would connect this book with Schooled by Gordon Korman, as well as other books about characters walking their own paths like The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z, Emma-Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree and A View from Saturday.

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Book: Getting Near To Baby

Getting Near to Baby
Audrey Couloumbis, 1999

Willa Jo and Little Sister are sitting on their aunt's roof, much to the dismay of their aunt and the amusement and shock of the neighbours. It's all been terribly confusing for the two girls, what with Aunt Patty coming to take them away and pushing them into a world of camp shorts and leather sandals. Willa Jo and her sister just can't seem to do anything right.

This is a really sweet and sad story about losing part of yourself and dealing with the reactions of people around you, while still trying to deal with your own feelings. There was a lovely mood throughout the book which would lead me to connect it with Love, Aubrey or Olive's Ocean.


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Book: The Schwa Was Here

The Schwa Was Here
Neal Shusterman, 2004

The Schwa isn't like other boys that Antsy Bonano knows. For one thing, he's barely there most of the time in the invisible sense. But after a series of tests - and dares - Antsy discovers that the Schwa might be a friend - even if he is easy to forget and hard to see.

While on a massive dare with the Schwa, Antsy meets Old Man Crawly, the cantankerous, rich, agoraphobic dog lover, who in turn introduces him to Lexie, his blind, persuasive grand daughter. Through his experiences with them and the Schwa, Antsy realises there's more to seeing and being seen.

This is a really fabulous book, that was kind of surprising. It was about perception, but it was also a mystery. It was about families and friendships. And I always adore books where young people are guided in the most unusual ways. I would connect it to books like Noah's Law and the Parfizz Pitch, just for its mystery elements and the way the kids get out and do things.

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Book: Mississippi Trial, 1955

Mississippi Trial, 1955
Chris Crowe, 2002

Hiram is a 16 year old boy who is constantly at odds with his father, who is in turn at odds with his own father, Hiram's grandfather. Hiram, who spent several years growing up with his grandparents in Mississippi, returns to spend part of the summer holidays. Without knowing it, he is returning to a world that is at the same time different and the same to how he remembers. And a world which is about to be embroiled in a horrific crime.

There's a really steamy feel to the book - which might be because where I live we're experiencing high humidity. But the warm, slightly damp feel that the writing provokes carries the book along - like under tha slow, never-changing pace of the town there is a real sense of menace.

This book connects beautifully to Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, along with other books I mentioned there.

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