Bob's Best

When an asteroid hits the moon pushing it closer to the Earth, life on Earth is severely threatened, Life as we know it by Susan Beth Pfeffer Pub. Harcourt Books 2006. Tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes destroy huge populated areas of the world and life for those left behind becomes a daily struggle for survival.



Written in diary form by teenager, Miranda, the book convincingly outlines the family’s struggle for survival in heartland America. Despite the anarchy Miranda’s family holds together under great stress, thanks to their mother’s strength of character. The book is structured by season starting in Spring and ending as winter ends. Readers will certainly question their life style and what truly matters in this unforgettable and ultimately hopeful story. Aimed at years 7 -10.

Circle of Life

Few writers can describe action while maintaining tension like John Marsden. Circle of Flight is his final book in the Ellie Chronicles, and a highly satisfactory conclusion to the acclaimed series that began so long ago with, Tomorrow when the War Began.

In this book Marsden weans Ellie off the adrenaline rush of the war, and subsequent border raids that featured in the first two books of the Ellie Chronicles. He also gives Ellie a domestic future (and ties up loose ends) with friends and the deaf boy Gavin whom she has nurtured since the last book of the War series. Marsden does this beautifully while also maintaining the "full on" action writing characterised by his previous books. Suitable for year 7/8 onwards.

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