Searching, Struggling, Choosing and Changing.

Here's the first of two parts, number five in our ongoing series of short lists of great contemporary fiction titles is titled; Searching, struggling, choosing and changing.

The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian. Sherman Alexie. New York: Little, Brown, 2007.
Budding cartoonist Junior wants to rise above the life everyone expects him to live. So he leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot. First person recount. Suggested level: secondary.
Ask me no questions. Marina Budhos. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2006.
Fourteen-year-old Nadira, her sister, and their parents leave Bangladesh for New York City, but the expiration of their visas and the events of September 11, 2001, bring frustration, sorrow, and terror for the whole family. Suggested level: secondary.

The astonishing life of Octavian Nothing, traitor to the nation. Volume 1 The pox party / taken from accounts by his own hand and other sundry sources. Collected by M.T. Anderson of Boston. Cambridge, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 2006.
Various diaries, letters, and other manuscripts chronicle the experiences of Octavian, a young African American, from birth to age sixteen, as he is brought up as part of a science experiment in the years leading up to and during the Revolutionary War. Suggested level: secondary.
Finding Violet Park. Jenny Valentine. London: HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2007.
Sixteen-year-old Lucas Swain becomes intrigued by a lost urn of ashes on a shelf in a cab office. Convinced that its occupant, Violet Park, is trying to communicate with him, Lucas gains possession of the urn. He little realises that his quest will take him on a voyage of discovery and identity, forcing him to confront what happened to his missing father. Suggested level: secondary.
Genesis. Bernard Beckett. Dunedin, N.Z.: Longacre Press, 2006.
In the new Republic, the people serve the state and the Philosophers who guide it. Until one man, Adam Forde, put himself at grave risk and changed everything. In a terrifying and stifling examination environment a young Academy candidate, Anaximander, is put through a gruelling exercise in interpreting the history and origins of her society. Her speciality: the life of Adam Forde. What secrets has she discovered and what is her suprising link to Adam Forde? Suggested level: secondary.

What I was. Meg Rosoff. Camberwell, Vic.: Penguin, 2007.
Hilary is in his fourth boarding school, having been thrown out of three before this, the school really doesn’t provide for him. When he comes across Finn, a youth who lives alone on a tidal island this changes his life. Finn doesn’t go to school but has learnt as much as is possible with the resources available. As time goes on the friendship deepens but can they keep their friendship a secret and what are the secrets that both are holding in their hearts? Suggested level: secondary.

Flickr Image by Lenny

Lets save Energy!

By Sara E, Nelson. Published by Capstone Press, 2006

This simple, and very topical book looks at what energy is, and beautifully illustrates ways children can conserve energy. Simple, clear descriptions, and illustrations make this an ideal book for the newest of readers. A glossary, further reading and instructions on how to use Facthound.com to find websites on the topic at the right level, complete this useful little book.

Other titles in the Caring for the Earth series, held by the National Library of New Zealand, Schools Collection are:

Let’s Recycle!
Let’s Reduce Garbage!
Let’s Reuse!
Let’s Save Water!

Reviewed by Joy

How to make a piupiu

By Leilani Rickard Published by Penguin, 2008

Experienced Rotorua weaver Leilani Rickard brings the traditional Maori flax skirt or piupiu, to life in this highly illustrated and detailed book. Every step of the process is described from selecting the flax, cutting, preparing and dyeing it, pattern making through to finishing the garment and tips for storage.

Coloured photographs accompany the descriptions, and also included is a gallery of finished garments in both traditional and modern styles.

An appendix further details the piupiu production process by way of a flow chart, and a useful glossary of terms is also included. An excellent title for anyone wanting to try this highly skilled craft.

View excerpts from the book here

Reviewed by Joy

H.I.V.E. The Overlord Protocol by Mark Walden

This is the second part in the H.I.V.E series which stands for Higher Institute of Villainous Education. In other words it is a school for villains playing good guys against even worse villains.

Complicated? You bet! There is action aplenty and enough convoluted technology and villains with sinister objectives to gladden the hearts of readers who love hi tech action.

Otto Malpense and his friend Wing are duped into leaving H.I.V.E headquarters with super warrior Raven, on a false pretext, and immediately comes into conflict with an even more super villain, Cypher, who wears a mask. Cypher has developed an army of robotic Ninja warriors with which to destroy Doctor Nero and the H.I.V.E organisation. But there is mystery behind the mask and just when all seems lost Otto and his fellow villainous students come to the rescue.

In the last pages Mark Walden introduces a new plot which means there is going to be another book.

An acquired taste this type of book but plenty to enthuse the Sci/fi hi-tech brigade who want a step up from Alex Ryder. Will appeal to Intermediate and Secondary school students.

Published by Bloomsbury

Reviewed by Bob

Exit Wounds by Rutu Modan

I had never heard of Rutu Modan before I read this graphic novel, but she is a legend in her home country Israel, and judging by this novel, she deserves the accolades that come her way.

Set in Tel Aviv after a suicide bomber has laid waste a bus station, it throws together a female soldier and a young man whose father is suspected of being killed in the bombing. But has he? The young man Koby and the the young woman who was Koby's father's girlfriend try to solve the mystery of his death but are given the runaround by the wealth of characters that inhabit the troubled country of Israel.

The graphics are superb and the written text real and unsentimental as you would expect. Some readers may be offended by a love making scene later in the book, but it didn't bother me. It is for senior secondary and young adults, but I am sure younger audience would be interested too.

I shall be looking out for other titles by Rutu Modan although some would say this is not her best book.

Published by Jonathan Cape

See an interview with Rutu Modan

Reviewed by Bob

Children's literature online

We often hear the complaint that kids no longer read books as they prefer to spend their free time on the computer. A new consumer trends study by Scholastic actually shows that most children still prefer to read printed books rather than online versions, but for those children who can't be extracated from the computer screen, there have been some ingenious online publishing projects of late.

Penguin have published a new novel by Ingrid Law called Savvy and have made it available as a free ebook for a short time from July 14th to July 20th. From the publisher's website -

"For generations, the Beaumont family has harbored a magical secret. They each possess a "savvy" — a special supernatural power that strikes when they turn thirteen. Grandpa Bomba moves mountains, her older brothers create hurricanes and spark electricity... and now it's the eve of Mibs's big day..."

Another digital book to absolutely amaze is "Inanimate Alice"


From the website --

"Inanimate Alice' tells the story of Alice, growing up in the early years of the 21st century. Written and directed by writer Kate Pullinger and digital artist Chris Joseph, this series of multimedia, interactive episodes uses a combination of text, sound, images, and games as Alice takes us on a journey through her life from the age of eight through to her twenties. Alice becomes a games animator; not just any animator, but a creator of characters for the most successful games company in the world."

Each chapter is set in a different country as Alice moves around the world with her Father's job. As Alice ages in each chapter, so too do the interactive games components of the story become more sophisticated.

For teachers, there is the iAlice link which will take you to a wealth of lesson plans and support material -- making this a valuable and unique resource for the classroom.

If you know of a suitable digital or ebook for children, please share it with us in the comments box.

Flickr image by christinapsych4's

Battle of Gate Pa ; the story of the Battle of gate Pa Tauranga, New Zealand by Jenny Jenkins

A simple retelling of the Battle of Gate Pa (Pukehinahina) which came under heavy bombardment by British soldiers in 1864

Despite having no cannon the Ngaiterangi defenders won the battle. The story focuses on Heni Te Kirikaramu and her brother who left the pa at night to give water to wounded British soldiers. Normally, wounded fighters were killed by the other side.

The battle site is now a suburb of Tauranga

Published by Penguin Books

Reviewed by Kathy

Blue skies and gunfire by K.M. Peyton

I wasn't going to read another K.M. Peyton book after Minna's Quest, but there was something about the title and cover of this book that lured me in. I have always liked romance but this time there is not a horse or a pair of jodhpurs in sight.

The setting is the English countryside after the fall of Dunkirk in World War 2, next to an airforce base, and the time period is the Battle of Britain.

Josie a 16 year old London girl is evacuated to the countryside to avoid the bombing and immediately meets 18 year Jumbo, an aristocratic lad who has lost a leg in a childhood accident involving his older brother Chris. There is "calf Love" between them until Chris, an ace fighter pilot, and drop-dead gorgeous to boot, crashes in on the scene. Josie is smitten and guilt ridden at the same time, but fate and wartime is to change their lives forever.

I really enjoyed this story, not just the romance but the action in the air, the effects of the constant air warfare of the Battle of Britain on the pilots, and the social change that resulted from war. K.M. Peyton is clearly writing about a subject she knows from personal experience. The battle scenes in the air are also a strength.

Suitable for secondary school and adult readers. An amazing book with a brilliant ending.

Reviewed by Bob

Published by David Fickling Books

Te Po Roa by Andrew Burdan

A Jonah Lomu look-alike (it’s the hair!) stars in this wordless book about a boy who dreams of himself in situations that many little boys would like: pilot, underwater explorer, mountaineer.

It’s simple, engaging and unmistakably from New Zealand – check out the butterfly on the weatherboard house on the first page, and the appearance of many native plants and animals.

Te Po Roa is a nominee for the Russell Clark Award (illustration) – one of the LIANZA Children’s Book Awards for 2008.

As well as being suitable for new entrants I can imagine this book could be useful for ESOL teachers.

Published by Huia Education

Reviewed by Beth

Welcome Bridges to Literacy Participants!

This week, the 2008 Reading Association Conference, Bridges to Literacy is in full swing.


National Library staff are taking part, with presentations on "Building bridges between the library and literacy", "Stopping the slide: Summer reading and student achievement" and "Creating readers using the web."

We welcome all participants to our sessions.

Please feel free to "build a bridge" to non-participants by adding a comment. What has been the most interesting session? What will you be taking back to school? Do you have a good quote to share with Create Readers readers?

Image: Old Stone Bridge at Hamilton Gardens, from http://www.flickr.com/photos/essjay/32221408/

Guardian children's fiction longlist

The longlist was released in late May, however there is still plenty of time if you wish to read the titles and make your own choices before the winner is announced in September. Jill Eccleshare of the Guardian newspaper says that the finalists represented "books (that) portray the journey from child to adult as a complicated, hazardous and unpredictable one. In doing so they encourage readers to wonder and to explore; above all, to think about the kinds of "selves" they may be or like to be."

Click here for full article and longlist.

Comments about the longlisted titles are welcome.

Humans and Animals Series - David and Penny Glover.

This four book series introduces young children to health topics including,
Staying Healthy; Growing; Moving and Senses. Each title uses simple, clear text with short concise sentences. Additional information is provided in colour coded boxes allowing for ease of interpretation, while each page has an activity designed to reinforce the message e.g. under the heading “what is health?” the activity asks the children, “When did you last have a cold or the flu? How did you get better? How long did it take before you were well again?”.

Each page compares humans with animals creating a clever way to relate information. Each individual animal has a bite-sized piece of information again in colour-coded boxes.

Each book includes Contents, Index and a Glossary page, in addition there is a great literacy tool with an Animal Index and quiz page which allow children to answer simple quiz questions using the index to locate the answers within the book.

If you are teaching or interested in health and want a series to introduce this topic to young children then the Humans and Animals Series is a great place to start!

Publisher: North Mankato, Minn. : Smart Apple Media, c2006.

reviewed by Tracy Dyett

flickr image by Ralph Hockens

Ballroom Dancing by Joan Freese

This series of titles on different styles of dance is suitable for a Year 3-4 class level. Since the advent of the Dancing with the Stars phenomenon on television in the last few years, books and AV material on dance have been waltzing off the shelf. Also with new changes to the Physical Wellbeing and Dance parts of the curriculum there is a new focus on dance as exercise, as well as a performance art for juniors in schools.

These books aim to encourage and enthuse rookie dancers rather than instruct – the books could have benefited from a few simple instructional diagrams. Otherwise, colourfully illustrated and well laid out they are an attractive buy for any school library. Other dance styles included in the series are on ballet, breakdancing, dance teams, hip-hop dancing, and tap dance. Each title in the series includes a glossary, fast facts, a list of other resources and a short list of websites.

ISBN 978 0 14296 0123 8

reviewed by Suzanne Hardy

flickr image by machaon-dance

Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson

This multiple award winner is set in 1918 during the time of World War I.

Hattie is a young orphan girl. For sixteen years she has been shunted between relatives until an inheritance makes her a proud owner of three hundred twenty acres of land in Montana. Armed with a pair of old work boots, a copy of Campbell’s 1907 Soil Culture Manual and four hundred dollars left to her by her parents, Hattie sets out to find her dream home.

She arrives in Montana in the blistering cold. Hattie soon learns that she has to fence and cultivate her land in order to put in a claim. She needs to accomplish all this in less than a year.

The highlights of her life on the homestead are her neighbours the Mullers, her cat Mr Whiskers and letters from her uncle and Charlie, her childhood sweetheart.

The book is simple in plot, character and structure. It’s refreshing and funny in spite of all that Hattie has to endure. In short Hattie stands for courage, fortitude and firm convictions.

I highly recommend this novel for intermediate and secondary classes.



reviewed by Janice Rodrigues

Magic, Mystery and Mayhem.

Here’s the fourth in our weekly series of short lists of great contemporary YA fiction titles created by our New Schools adviser. Take it away Magic, Mystery and Mayhem.

Beastly. Alex Flinn. New York: HarperTeen, 2007.
A modern retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" from the point of view of the Beast, a vain Manhattan private school student who is turned into a monster and must find true love before he can return to his human form. Suggested level: secondary.

Blart II: the boy who was wanted dead or alive, or both. Dominic Barker. London: Bloomsbury. 2007.
Blart is wanted, dead or alive. But it isn’t just Blart’s life that’s at stake. The greatest sorcerer alive has made a very big and rather embarrassing mistake, and now Blart must embark on a perilous mission to save his own life, his friends’ lives and potentially the world (again). Suggested level: primary, intermediate, junior secondary.
Darkside. Tom Becker. London: Scholastic, 2007.

City of bones. Cassandra Clare. London: Walker, 2007.
Suddenly able to see demons and the Shadowhunters who are dedicated to returning them to their own dimension, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray is drawn into this bizzare world when her mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a monster. Suggested level: secondary.

Into the woods. Lyn Gardner. Oxford; New York: David Fickling Books, 2006.
Pursued by the sinister Dr. DeWilde and his ravenous wolves, three sisters--Storm, the inheritor of a special musical pipe, the elder Aurora, and the baby Any--flee into the woods and begin a treacherous journey filled with many dangers as they try to find a way to defeat their pursuer and keep him from taking the pipe and control of the entire land. Suggested level: primary, intermediate, junior secondary.

Ironside: a modern faery's tale. Holly Black. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2007.
As the possessor of Roibin's true name, sixteen-year-old Kaye returns to Faeryland to try and complete a nearly impossible quest that will release him from the spell of the faery queen who holds him in thrall. Suggested level: secondary.

The Pinhoe egg. Diana Wynne Jones. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2006.
Two powerful young enchanters, Cat, the future Chrestomanci, and Marianne, who is being trained to be Gammer of the Pinhoes, work together as friends to try to end an illegal witches’ war and, in the process, right some old wrongs. Suggested level: primary, intermediate, junior secondary.

My swordhand is singing. Marcus Sedgwick. London: Orion Children’s Books, 2006.
Tomas and his son, Peter, arrive in Chust and settle there as woodcutters. Tomas digs a channel of fast flowing waters around their hut, so they have their own little island kingdom. Peter doesn’t understand why his father has done this, nor why his father carries a long battered box, whose mysterious contents he is forbidden to know. As surely as the snow falls softly in the forest Tomas and Peter face a soulless enemy of vampires and a terrifying destiny. Suggested level: secondary.

Troll Bridge: a rock ’n’ roll fairy tale. Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple. New York: Starscape, 2006.
Sixteen-year-old harpist prodigy Moira is transported to a strange and mystical wilderness, where she finds herself in the middle of a deadly struggle between a magical fox and a monstrous troll. Suggested level: secondary.


Flickr image by ragazzo bavarese

Earth matters

edited by David de Rothschild

This wonderful Dorling Kindersley publication provides a comprehensive overview of Earth’s ecology. It is a mine of information for young people interested in protecting our planet, amply illustrated with photographs from around the world. Each double page layout is like a mini-chapter, covering topics such as the beginning of life on Earth, and present day issues of global warming, waste and sustainability.
A large portion of the book is devoted to each of Earth’s biomes, examining their location, eco-systems, wildlife, and the impact mankind is having on them. Each chapter concludes with suggestions of how the reader might make a difference.
A selection of views from the inside of this book may be seen here.

Reviewed by Melva